Post by Kotone Ito on Jan 21, 2014 17:01:39 GMT -5
A lone messenger stood at the gates of the Order of Shadows...
They were a calm youth, at least outwardly so. But their mind was in all sorts of disarray, and with good reason. Trembling lightly in the knees before the towering home of this notorious clan, they clutched in their slightly sweating palms a letter of address meant for the Order's leader, Zed. It was kept in a neat and tidy envelope of gray, the Ionian symbol printed squarely into it's backing. It was written by the Elder that held governance over the Order's location.
Out of a simply show of humility, she had decided that since she was going to preside over this Province for however long life allowed, she would need to first establish knowledge on who -and what- exactly she was to speak for. Thus the letter did make it's way to Zed's stronghold, and hopefully would be replied to without much resistance.
With weary steps the messenger made their way forward, calling out to be received. "I am in possession of a letter meant for the Master of Shadows. It is from Madam Swallow, Elder Kotone Ito of Hanabi Province. I come baring this and nothing else, awaiting your decision."
As the messenger spoke his voice would wane only momentarily, patiently waiting with bated breath upon his fate.
Last Edit: Jan 21, 2014 17:08:19 GMT -5 by Kotone Ito
Post by Master of Shadows on Jan 21, 2014 17:51:06 GMT -5
The messenger had been watched the moment he stepped foot into the Order of Shadow's land. Unseen eyes watched from the trees and shadows themselves, blades at the ready should the boy be anything more than a messenger. Since the events with Riven had occurred, security had been top priority, the damages and wounds to the Temple and the people there were still fresh on the minds of the Order. This new face brought with it a sense of unease.
At the base of the gate a lone figure would appear, his features obscured by black garbs that gave the impression of a living moving shadow. He approached the messenger slowly, dark eyes locked upon him with suspicion, the elder hadn't acted before...
"Then the letter will be delivered to him through me, a response will be swift." The ninja now stood only a few feet away from the messenger, no weapons visible save for a simple tanto that was hooked within his belt.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Post by Kotone Ito on Jan 21, 2014 21:44:21 GMT -5
The messenger regarded the shady silhouette with a cautionary unease, stretching out his arm with the litter as though trying not to be burned by some illusion of flame.
"Very well...please pass this on to Master Zed," He muttered, tentatively sounding out the title of the Order's Leader with just a bit more strength than was necessary. "I shall take my leave...I trust this Order has their own ways of delivering messages that they are comfortable with..." And with that the messenger hurried away, a stride in his steps that spoke of no willingness to be in the shadows any longer.
The letter itself was left now, only the lingering scent of water lilies wafting from it's folds. Should it make it's way safe and sound to the Master of Shadows, its contents would read as such;
Master of Shadows, As it is no doubt strange for you to receive such a notice, I shall explain right away. I am Kotone Ito, Elder of Hanabi Province. You should be aware this is also your current Province of residence, specifically your 'Order of Shadows'. I shall make this brief . I wish to request a meeting with you. I am aware you do not hold the Elders in he highest of regards, however for the sake of equality and fairness I would like to at least met with you before ascertaining my beliefs.
Should you accept to do so, a simple meeting at your or my residence would be ample enough, as a sign of good faith. I shall leave the decision up to you, as I am certain you can make a swift one.
Post by Master of Shadows on Jan 21, 2014 23:21:46 GMT -5
The ninja took the letter carefully, simply bowing briefly as the messenger had finished speaking, "A reply will arrive before nightfall." He watched the young man hurry away, with amusement before turning his back and flitting into the temple grounds in order to deliver the message directly to Zed himself who happened to be instructing a group of students within the courtyard nearby.
The group seemed to be in deep meditation, their shadows looking to swirl and pulsate around them. Zed stood at the head of the group, facing them with arms folded, his crimson gaze studying them intently as they focused on the swarming shadows around them. The ninja with the letter arrived by his side, simply kneeling and offering the envelop to his master before turning and walking back to his post at the gate.
Ten minutes later a shadow ninja was already on his way toward the Elder's village, dashing through the forests as he caught up to the messenger as he returned. Branch to branch the shadow would move like a ghost, not a sound was heard from him as he landed, flexing his legs and springing off once more as he trailed the man back to the village.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
As the messenger reached the village, his facade of restrained compliance slipped. He allowed himself to murmur his discontent at being asked to deliver even an official letter to a 'den of murderers'. It was only a momentary slip, however, and he soon righted himself as he neared the residence of the Elder he'd delivered for.
For all the lavishness of her title, the Elder's actual abode was rather quaint. The stone stairs leading up to the warm and rustic silver gates, the soft hues of the sapphire ceramic tiles across the roof glinting in the evening sunlight. Her home spoke of grace, but temperance. The messenger would be all too familiar with its view and area, opening the gates and making his way straight into the place without missing a beat, unaware of his extra companion in the shadows.
The path to the Elder herself was a short one, but they sighed in relief as though back from a long and arduous journey, giving a respectful kneel as he addressed the woman seated quietly at the furthest end of the room. The only sign of her attention was a thoughtful gaze, half lidded jewels of smoldering ash observing them patiently over the rim of a near empty cup held ever so gently against her neutral lips.
"I have delivered your request of Zed's presence, Lady Ito. A reply should supposedly come before nightfall." As he finished his relay of information, his gaze lifted to attempt to meet hers, but her eyes would be closed before he could. With a flow of her thin fingers she placed down the cup, giving a nod of her head to dismiss the anxious man.
As the messenger exited and returned to his life, Kotone's hands laced together, resting daintily in her lap. She simply waited.
Post by Master of Shadows on Jan 22, 2014 4:43:46 GMT -5
The ninja stalked the messenger through the village, keeping to the shadows and using his training to hide himself from view. He slipped through the gates, unseen and unheard as soon as the messenger had done so, though soon hiding himself. He thought of this as a simple exercise, no doubt they would allow him full access, but he had to keep his mind sharp and what better way to do that then this? Upon entering the residence he would immediately take to the highest position he could find, which happened to be upon the wooden rafters of the building. Silently he moved from rafter to rafter, eyes locked upon the messenger yet observing the surroundings intently.
As the messenger knelt and spoke the ninja remained in the dark, using the shadow arts to shroud himself making it incredibly hard to see him. He waited without moving until the messenger exited, then dropped silently to the ground before the elder in a kneeling position, his fist clenched against the ground and his head bowed, "The Master of Shadows rends his reply, he will arrive when the last rays of sun disappear from the sky. He apologies, he would be here now if not for his students whom he is personally tutoring."
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Post by Kotone Ito on Jan 22, 2014 17:55:21 GMT -5
As the messenger left and the ninja took his place, Kotone's eyes opened ever so slightly. As she has surmised, a reply from the Master of Shadows was swift. She listened quietly as he gave his message to her, a thoughtful expression on her face. So he would be here just before night was to fall. It seemed fitting, given his title of sorts, however she could not help the small unease of anxiousness in her chest. She did well to mask it, of course. Her posture never faltering as she motioned towards the ninja a sign of understanding.
"Very well. I shall await his arrival as informed. You have my thanks for delivering his answer to me."
She didn't question him entering her home without permission, nor did she scornfully demand he disarm himself to satisfy her insecurities. This was her way of showing her open-mindedness towards them, to at least let them know they would be safe here so long as they remained docile this night.
Post by Master of Shadows on Jan 23, 2014 17:06:52 GMT -5
The ninja raised its eyes, surprised by her calm demeanor even though a shadow ninja had easily infiltrated her home. He wondered if she somehow knew he had been there and meant no harm before he even showed himself. The Ninja nodded, his form rising and turning his back to the elder as he walked out, slow and calm. Until he crossed the threshold, his body looking to simply vanish as the evening sun's rays touched him.
Nightfall.
On the edges of the villages a dark figure would be seen poaching, crimson eyes smouldered in the shadows. Each footstep he took was eerily silent as though he were a shade, it's gaze fixated upon the village. It didn't seem as though anyone was with him, though, in the darkness where the shadow ninjas reigned, it was impossible to tell. The Master of Shadows didn't appear to have any weaponry on him, though he wore his usual silver and black armor.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Post by Kotone Ito on Jan 23, 2014 17:35:13 GMT -5
As the sun slowly dropped itself into the dark embrace of the mountains, nightfall finally spread across the lands. The village lulled itself into a silent bustle of people heading home from a good days work, or drudging into their local haunts for a bit of merriment before turning in for the day. Kotone's home was not in the midst of their quaint little scene, so Zed had no need to ponder coming into contact with these villagers unless he strayed from the path to her abode.
Poised at the gates with her hands together before her, the Elder gazed outwards serenely through the night lights waiting for the other to arrive. Once within her sights she would step aside from her gates and give a polite bow of her head.
"Well met, Master of Shadows. I am grateful you could find time to humor this request. Please, I bid you enter. The dark is no place for light conversation." As she turned to make her way inside, she glanced behind once more, a thin eyebrow arching delicately. "...That is, for those not used to the dark, of course."
Post by Master of Shadows on Jan 26, 2014 4:00:15 GMT -5
Zed bowed to the elder in greeting before he straightened and cast a quick glance over the village, almost expecting there to be some sort of trap. His gaze fell back upon Kotone, "I thank you for the invitation." He stated simply. He studied the elder, his ninjas had watched the village closely when they had first taken control of the temple and had said that there was nothing of grave importance to Zed and the Clan related to her. He was curious as to why the sudden invitation had been given, yet decided against openly questioning her motives to asking him here for 'light conversation.' So far, they elders had been extremely cautious of him and so, he would be cautious of them.
"Indeed." he said simply, unsure as to what to expect.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Post by Kotone Ito on Jan 26, 2014 15:25:53 GMT -5
Kotone led the man through her home, passing a few helping hands scattered throughout the building, their eyes following them with both pensive and curious stares. The elderly woman seemed either to not notice or paid them no mind as she stepped towards a room with a simple tea table placed at the center. There were only the lightest of decorations, simple jewels of jade and sapphire sparkling in the details of the sparse treasures that lined the shelves and crafted ebony surfaces. Only the moonlight and a generous distribution of lanterns brought light to the room, giving a natural glow to the area that pleased the eyes.
Nearby three more aids stood patiently, giving a bow of greeting to them both. The Elder gave a gentle sweep of her hand, motioning to one seat placed to the left of the table. "If you may." She started simply, offering it to him should he choose.
As for herself, she drifted to the side of a female aid, requesting of her to bring tea for the two as the spoke. The girl had almost went on her way before Kotone stopped her, glancing considerately towards the Master of Shadows. "Forgive my ignorance...would you wish to drink? And is there any preference you hold? I should hope not to have you fall ill as a result of my inconsideration... "
Post by Master of Shadows on Jan 27, 2014 1:24:11 GMT -5
Zed followed in silence, his eyes shifting taking in the layout of the village as best he could as he walked, possible exits, choke points, dead-ends. It all came naturally to him and was almost unaware of the fact he was gauging every villager he saw to determine if they were capable of handling themselves. Suspicion plagued the mind of the 6'5" armored ninja, the invitation he received had been innocent enough and he had been given no real reason to believe otherwise. He knew the villagers did no trust him, they had no reason to, and to Zed, that was wise of them. He held no ill will toward the civilians, but if he were in their position he wouldn't be trusting the leader of a group that had decimated the previous owners of the temple were he now resided.
As they entered his gaze flickered around, taking in the jewels and other decor with mild amusement. Soon they would come to the room that held the table and seats along with the aids, "I must decline." he stated as he moved toward the seat he had been offered and seated himself, simply studying the elder before him.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
"Very well then." The woman responded, waving the aid off to tend to her orders as directed. Once seen off Kotone walked a linear path directly to the table, seating herself on the other side with a quick and graceful smoothing of her robes that came with practiced repetition through her duties. Her hands rested on the piece of furniture before them, intertwining neatly with each other as she regarded Zed with a smoldering passive gaze.
"I've no intention to keep you busy for terribly long, as I've heard you are overseeing...training, of some sorts. You must be intending to return before long..." Through her words her posture loosened only in the slightest bit, a very tiny fragment of relaxation seeping through her normally unyielding bearings. "If I may venture to being myself, I would simply wish to know more about you. As much as you would be willing to divulge to one such as myself, of course. As stated before I am the Elder of this area in our beloved Ionia. So to start, may I ask what your opinion is of us? Of the Elders? I have my ideas, but as I said, this is to better understand each other..."
Post by Master of Shadows on Feb 17, 2014 20:01:49 GMT -5
Zed remained silent for a moment, wondering if it would be wise to tell her his views on the elders and how they have run things. He met her smouldering gaze with his own, the crimson soft glow obscuring any sense of humanity from the ninja. His back was completely straight, his head tilted forward ever so slightly so he wasn't looking down at the elder as he spoke,
"I will not sugar coat what I believe. The elders believe in a balance that does not exist, they suppress the darker powers that are capable of surpassing their own out of fear. I blame the elders for Ionia's monstrous failures during the Noxian invasion, had we not been held back from progress, had we not been so bound by tradition and the beliefs of balance, Noxus would have been crushed."
He fell silent and studied her expression as he waited for her reply.
Shadow people follow him everywhere he goes. Looking over his shoulder, the paranoia flows.
Post by Kotone Ito on Mar 10, 2014 12:24:25 GMT -5
The woman's slender frame instantly stiffened, her back straightening ever so lightly as Zed bluntly stated his opinion. At the very least she was going to get straight answers from the dark clad ninja, she supposed. Her eyes leveled with his wispy embers of red and her lips pressed into a small line. She remained that way until he had fully spoken, and at his end a light breath escaped her.
"...I see." She sighed. As much as she wanted to rebuke his words, as much as every bit of her wanted to scream out in the Elder's defense, he had some semblance of a point. "I had expected as much. While I do not believe the blame lies solely with the Elders...I do agree there were many failings during that dreadful time." Her fingers pressed into the smooth tabletop as she continued, "There are many things that could have been done much more efficiently..."
Her mind quietly recalled the occupation, a light frown etching over her features. "Though it may sound implausible, I am of the opinion that the current ideals of balance we harbor are indeed outdated. Passively sitting around and doing nothing as others march across our soil and desecrate our lands quite obviously does not work. As you say, if we had the proper arrangements in place things may have worked out better...however that begs the question,"
Her eyes narrowed in an attentive way, but there was no malice in their dark depths as she regarded The Master of Shadows with a delicate wave of her hand, "Do you believe all balance should be eradicated completely, or that it needs to be reformed and revised? What do you believe 'balance', is?" Kotone questioned, paying close attention as she awaited his answer.
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