S2E5: Gone

Tomo, Buro, and Kenshi were brought in to see Kuni Chiyagi as they were preparing to depart Bright Spring Fort. The air in his study was thick and uncomfortable as the colossal man searched for the correct words to express his complicated emotions. It was clear he had many things to say to the party before they left.He started by apologizing for his earlier outburst, saying that his show of disrespect was not befitting of a samurai. He then begrudgingly promised Yoshi that he would undo the binding ritual after their mission was over— a display of courtesy to the monk who sacrificed his very soul for the protection of Rokugan.Next, he asked if Tomo could promise Clear Water Village’s support through the winter. Winters are harsh in Rokugan, and places like Bright Spring Fort struggle for resources even in the tamest of weather. Tomo pledged his honor on it, both men looking for a prosperous future between their families.Finally, Chiygagi confronted Buro about his Yogo heritage. Buro admitted that he has the blood of the Yogo within him, and is haunted by the curse of that family—a curse which dooms Buro to betray the person he most loves. This was the news Chiyagi most feared. Worrying for his daughter’s life—he forbade Akari from continuing her journey with the party.At that moment, one of the women from the fort interrupted the samurai’s meeting with the shugenja. She informed Chiyagi that the boy-courier, Tadashi, did not return home last night—and the letters he was carrying unaccounted for.Chiyagi turned his suspicion to the party, interrogating them, while the woman demanded they be imprisoned until Tadashi was found. Fed up with the baseless allegations and fearing potential imprisonment, Tomo pointed out that there was no evidence connecting them to the disappearance of the boy, and reminding Chiyagi that a boy of ten could have easily gotten lost in the wastes or delayed on his route without their interference. Coming to his senses and remembering the heroes he was speaking to, Chiyagi allowed the party to leave—but promised that if Tadashi was found injured, they would surely pay for it.Before departing, Buro sought out Akari, finding her locked away in her room with guards preventing him from seeing her.The party left Bright Spring Fort with no fanfare and no affection. Suspicious eyes and dirty looks were their only farewell. A couple miles down the road from the fort, the party heard hooves approaching them from behind. They turned to see Akari on a galloping steed, warning them that they needed to hurry.Credits:Album Art by Dylon MunozMusic"Rokugan Theme" by Brandon Spain"Dragon Theme" by Brandon Spain"Burezu's Theme" by Brandon Spain"In the Dojo" by Brandon Spain"Sultry Silence" by Podcast of the Five Rings"Battle Storm" by Podcast of the Five Rings"Conniving and Mysterious" by Podcast of the Five Rings"Kuni Waste Jam" by Podcast of the Five Rings Artwork by Dylon MunozMusic by Brandon Spain & Podcast of the Five Rings