Cephiro, Elven Province

[Ebiris]

"So what is the plan? We wait until nightfall, before making an open approach while another group attempts to inflitrate the boat and secure the hostages? In that case, we had better provide a very effective distraction if we don't want to risk their lives," Fuu says worriedly, before firming her expression, "Nonetheless, it does seem like our best chance of getting everyone out of this alive."

[Corwin]

"It would also be best," Umi says, nodding to herself, "if the second group is tested after being chosen, to see that they are indeed who they are supposed to be, and be able to make a distinction between the real Sakura-san, and a decoy the Doji and Katsu might have onboard, if they anticipated a rescue attempt."

Finished, Umi turns towards the old elf. "Okina-san, with your permission, we would like to execute that plan."

[Carthrat]

"I fear we may be playing right into his hands.. if it is you three he wants, perhaps you should remain here," says Okina. "The plan is sound, but there is a possibility he already knows everything you are going to do."

His eyes sweep over the party of elves. "There is always the possibility that a traitor is in your midst."

[Halbarad]

"What else can we do, though? If they want us to come, they will likely kill Sakura-sama if we don't go. And if they're that determined to meet us, what will they do the next time?" Hikaru sighs.

"And I can't believe that any of us would be a traitor, Okina-san! I trust my friends with my life, and they put the same trust in me."

[Carthrat]

"That's what scares me, Hikaru-chan," replies Okina. "What if one of you has been killed and then replaced, perhaps by one that has studied you for a long time?"

[Corwin]

"I see no reason why this couldn't be checked right away," Umi says, moving to stand by the exit. "Okina-san, do you have any spell or device which could be used in this room to show us whether there is an impostor amongst us?"

[Carthrat]

Okina thinks for a moment.

"I believe the Shugenja have a pair of wands that dispel all magic from a person," he says. "If these people are using magic to transform, that may be best. If they are using more mundane means, well, a more direct approach would work just as well."

[Corwin]

"I'll make sure no one attempts to leave before getting tested, then," she says, bowing.

[Carthrat]

"Of coures. I'll have the Shugenja find it right away- and I'll put together a team of bushi to assist you," replies Okina. "That will take time, naturally, but we have to wait until dark as it is.."

[Ebiris]

"While we are here, Okina-dono," Fuu says, getting the older elf's attention, "Do you perhaps have anyone who could discern the purpose of this ring I found?" she agains shows him the ring she took from 'Usagi'. "It is obviously magical, but I do not know what it does.

"Also, if I can get access to a scrying dish or similar device, I could try and divine something about the situation aboard the ship. My skills may not be as good as Toshi-sama's, but I do have some ability."

[Carthrat]

"I'll see if the Shugenja can work anything out," Okina says. "If there is anyone to trust, it is them. As for a scrying bowl, yes, we do have one. If you'll excuse me, I'll see what I can do.."

Okina leaves. A short while later, he comes back, armed with a small pouch and a crystal ball.

"The shugenja want the ball back," he says. "And they will require time to work out the ring. I have some gold for you, and you are welcome to stay in the castle or go into the city, if you wish."

[Halbarad]

Hikaru nods. "I could stand to restock some of my spell components, actually. I'll go out to take care of that, then come back to see how you're doing, Fuu-chan."

[Corwin]

Umi accepts the money from Okina, and bows again. "I'll come with Hikaru and get something for Ami, I guess. We'll be back before you notice, Fuu."

[Ebiris]

Concentrating on the crystal ball, Fuu tries to divine the situation aboard the ship where both Shigen and Sakura are...

OOC: I have no clue how Scrying works, so sorry if my description sucks...

[Carthrat]

Fuu peers into the murky depths of the crystal ball, searching out her clan Champion and her captors..

She sees.. a boat. A fairly large boat, which isn't moving. She can see broken wood and dried blood across the deck.. there was a fight here. There is no wind, and the boat appears deserted. The sails are a tattered mess..

The colours of the ball shift, and change..

The ship brig is seen, several elves kept in it, huddling and naked. Some have long, vicious cuts drawn in intricate diagrams. They've clearly been through torture. They are in a wretched state, whimpering and crying. If they can be saved, it dosn't look like they'll amount to much.

Several humans are also kept in a seperate cell, but unlike the elves, they are fully clothed and look only beaten, not mutilated.

In a final, even more seperate cell lies Sakura herself, long black hair in a state of unkemptness. She is the only elf to be wearing anything, but she dosn't look much better than them. Bruises mark her face, but grim determination is her expression. Unlike the other elves, she has not broken yet...

<->

Meanwhile, Umi and Hikaru return to the marketplace. Apart from the usual odds and ends being sold, they also see a strange-looking merchant in a black tent, a bare table in front of him. He's wearing red robes and a red mask, but dosn't seem to be getting much business.

Elsewhere, trinkets and the like are being sold allover, along with more utility-based items.

OOC: You can basically get anything from the PHB for it's listed price; if you want something special, just look for it. >_>