Captured! Revelations of the Mysterious Tomb..

[Ebiris]

Fuu's eyes widen and she removes the arrow from her bow, replacing it on her back as she quickly casts detect magic.

[Carthrat]

When Fuu is in range, she discovers that the monks are indeed mostly nonmagical. The leader is wearing some kind of magic monk outfit, however.

"We have ways of hearing things," he says. "We thought it prudent to make sure the elves were aware we were not responsible for these attacks."

[Ebiris]

"We have already discovered it is the work of Fey'Ri," Fuu replies to the leader, even as she hurries towards the monk she injured and spontaneously casts Cure Light Wounds, sacrificing her Magic Weapon spell.

[Carthrat]

"Nonetheless, we wonder why they choose to impersonate us," replies the monk, shrugging. "Where are you headed?"

[Ebiris]

"They have also been impersonating humans of the Katsu," Fuu tells him, "I believe it is simply their goal to obfuscate the real enemy and leave us paranoid - which sadly worked as I attacked you without a moments hesitation," Fuu says, her voice filled with self recrimination.

"I am scouting ahead for a small party of our army which is harassing the Matsu as they are seemingly in retreat. Although we have lost a few of our other scouts, we have yet to engage the enemy. What of yourselves? If you are headed to the capital to reassure us that the Doji are not involved, I'd think carrying a banner of truce might be advisable to prevent further misunderstandings."

[Carthrat]

The monk nods. "We were planning to, but did not expect to encounter anyone out here," he explains. "I can tell you a little of what lies ahead, if you like."

[Ebiris]

"Any information you might have could prove valuable," Fuu replies, nodding.

[Carthrat]

The monk nods. "About three kilometres away, there are roving groups of human guards patrolling the area," he says. "We slipped past them, for we feared detection.

There are numerous gaijin among their number; we cannot imagine why they have joined. However, we believe they are guarding some kind of camp. We didn't get a good look.

The camp itself is very big; and appears to be very active, even at this time of night. It's some kind of excavation, we believe. We're not sure, entirely.

We do know there is a river between here and the camp, guarded by many soldiers. They patrol the area thoroughly; if you wanted to cross the river, you'd either have to fight your way across the bridge, or try swimming across upstream, which runs the risk of detection anyway."

Fuu realises he must be talking about the River Haruko, which is known to be rather deep, rather cold, and home to a few odd predatory creatures.

While talking, she notices that the formerly-clear sky is now being filled up with clouds, which will soon blot out what little moonlight remained.

[Ebiris]

"Thank you for this information, Doji-san," Fuu nods gratefully, "I will have to confer with the rest of my detachment to decide what to do next - attacking a large fortified camp was not in our mission description.

"If you would accompany me, once we have met up with my unit you should have a mostly clear path to the capital - though once again I remind you to travel under a banner of truce to avoid misunderstandings. My people are not inclined to be particularly hospitable under current circumstances."

With that, Fuu heads back the way she came towards her group, making sure to keep her Daikyu visible so it will be clear she is not a prisoner.

[Carthrat]

It's not without a few odd looks that Fuu makes it back to her troop, obviously not expecting a group of Doji to be travelling with her so calmly. They await an explanation (as does Umi..)

[Ebiris]

"Everyone, these monks have travelled from Doji lands, seeking to reassure us that their people have no part in the attack on Cephiro - a fact we have already discovered, fortunately.

"They have also provided information about a Matsu encampment several kilometres that way," Fuu points, describing the place as it was described to her.

[Corwin]

"Instead of traveling further," Umi tells the Doji monks, "you could stay with us until we contact the capital. It should be about time for that, anyway." She glances at the Shugenja. "Could you include this new information in our message to Okina-san and Hikaru?"

[Carthrat]

"Certainly," replies the Shugenja, but the Doji monks look a little tense.

"I understand you are going into combat?" he says, fidgeting a little.

[Carthrat]

"Kaisho? What's that?" asks Ukyo, curious.

[Halbarad]

Hikaru goes into a short history of the ancient elven province and its fall.

"Why the Fey'ri we discovered among the bushi here would claim to be from there makes no sense, though. Kaisho has been dead for thousands upon thousands of years now." The pink-haired elf shakes her head.