Cephiro, Elven Province

[Ebiris]

Rising, Fuu tells the others about the plan for assisting the Shugenja in detecting disguised Doji monks before they go rescue Sakura.

Then her expression becomes grim as she relates another piece of news. "Also, that magic ring I found in Otoshi's tent; we discovered its purpose. It was casting a continuous message spell, no doubt to Shigen. So now we know how he anticipated our movements."

[Corwin]

Umi curses, upon hearing that. Eventually, she relaxes, and shakes her head ruefully. "Well, there's nothing that we can do about it now. Do you think this should affect our rescue plan, Fuu?"

[Ebiris]

"At first I thought we should alter our plan, but then Okina-dono pointed out that Shigen would expect us to do that... rather than waste time second guessing ourselves, we agreed it would be best to continue the original plan - it is a sound one, after all," Fuu says.

[Corwin]

Umi nods in agreement. "I like the way you think, Fuu," she says with a smile. "I might as well rest here for a while, as you go and look for monks, so I can be fresh for the meeting with Shigen." She shrugs. "It's not like I could see the disguised monks, anyway."

[Ebiris]

"I should be able to manage things," Fuu says, nodding, "Even if I do encounter a Doji monk who proves troublesome, the city watch is never far. What about you, Hikaru? Up for a little monk-hunting?"

[Halbarad]

Hikaru smiles. "I suppose I can help with that. I do have a Detect Magic spell prepared, and I rarely use it as it is. How exactly do you plan to go about this, Fuu-chan?"

[Corwin]

"Take care, Fuu, Hikaru," Umi says, still smiling, though her grin turns mischievous. "Don't do anything I would!"

[Ebiris]

"I'll remember that, Umi," Fuu smiles at her friend before she leads Hikaru from the room. "Basically we have Shugenja patrolling the city and using Detect Magic, anyone who appears to be under an illusion or polymorphed is to be quietly taken for questioning to try and determine if they are a Doji infiltrator. This prevents us from causing a panic among the people. We should go speak to Okina-dono to ask what areas of the city we should check."

[Carthrat]

Upon reaching Okina, he says, "You should probably check out the barracks. The other Shugenja aren't as well equipped as you two to deal with someone if they decide to get.. hostile, and I'm not sure if they can survive before they can get help against a determined foe."[/i]

[Ebiris]

Fuu nods, "Very well, Okina-dono, that shall be our first stop."

[Halbarad]

Hikaru bows to the older elf. "We will do our best, Okina-dono."

[Carthrat]

Okina nods. "After that, you should check the docks.

Oh, shouldn't Umi be with you? In the event of resistance, she would be the most capable among you of putting down anyone who decides to play nasty.."

[Ebiris]

"Hmm..." Fuu looks thoughtful, "Umi said she was planning to rest before we rescue Sakura-sama, but I see your point. Perhaps it might be best to bring her along..."

[Halbarad]

"We can catch her on our way over to the barracks." Hikaru nods. "We'll be on our way now, Okina-dono, unless there's anything else you need."

[Carthrat]

"Just assurance that you'll be safe," he says, chuckling.

<->

Shortly after, the three of you are outside the barracks. Located away from the castle, it is a fairly large complex, built for holding a few hundred elven soldiers and samurai.

It is surrounded by a wall, and consists of four two-story buildings, each of which is much longer than it is wide. The guards at the front of the barracks allow you to enter, and you can see that some bushi are hard at training to the rear of the complex.