Searching for the sky village

Zephyr had arrived...virtually depleted of chakra. He would take a breath as at least the boat ride over had been relaxing somewhat...if a little slower than he was normally. That done he would focus on regaining his chakra as he spent the next week locating the hidden village in the land of sky. So he could arrange for the Stag emporium to raise their empire further and the Stag with it.

The distant, forested shores of the Land of Sky came into view in the pre-dawn light.

Irui stirred from the cabin of the ship as a sailor called out the approaching land, and sat upright. The whole room moved, tilting and swaying under the rolling current beneath them. He leaned forward and cradled his head in his hands, rubbing his eyes and face. It didn't take long for his stomach to churn with seasickness.

He let out an exasperated sigh, bitterly recalling sailing to Land of Water for the Chuunin Exams in the Hidden Mist. This however would be different, he had to count on that. He was here to claim something far more valuable than a rank. The Land of Sky would belong to Emporium, and perhaps under his own control before long.  

As the ship drew into port, Irui appeared on deck, swathed in a dark robes with red trimming, with his armor concealed beneath. Fresh white wrappings encased his head, neck and upper body. He'd foregone any Jashinist symbols. Scrolls hung at his waist, attached to a belt with a pouch. Yes, he decided, this would do nicely. Eventually, irui stepped out onto the dock, surveying the Land of Sky.

He breathed in the sea air, and settled his gaze on Zephyr.

This was only the beginning.

"You must be Zephyr; I was sent by Lord Okane to oversee activity," He began, striding forward down the dock. "Has the Land of Sky been.... Agreeable?"

Zephyr would watch the ships dock as his gaze would settle on a bandaged man approaching him. Zephyr would wait until he was approached by name before the man would tell him his purpose there. With that Zephyr would bow his head and hold the position of respect before rising up after five seconds. A deep bow to the overseer was proper. Still he would only nod before silently handing over a small map of the country with Soragakure marked on it. Once it was taken if it was he would reply in a calm voice.

"Even during this time of year they keep immaculate gardens. You will find them there and I find them to be an agreeable people. When you are ready to call on me..I will be staying here at the docks. Construction and negotiations give me a head ache."

With that Zephyr would bow once more and back away while bowing. Letting Irui do with the information as he would. His position far outweighed zephyrs after all.

NPC Exit

Irui took the map in hand, palming it briefly before unrolling a portion of it. As always, Okane's topographers had done an exquisite job surveying the area. Irui eyed the valleys and and lowlands that lay ahead, taking note of the few vantage points. For a region called the "Land of Sky", the land was lush and thickly overgrown with tropical flora. Sinuous rivers cut through the land, with patches marked in red for "danger".

Danger from what? He wondered.

However it quickly became clear why the Village in The Sky was so well hidden. Dense vegetation had provided ample camoflage, and this map would have made it nearly impossible for any other village to make contact. Out there, hidden in the dark forest, waited.

"Excellent work, Zephyr." Irui said, tucking the map into his equipment pouch. As he neared the forest, he looked back to the man-- "I'll make sure Lord Okane hears of your work."-- and leapt into the trees.

He alighted on a mossy branch, and extended his senses to the wilderness. It was truly alien; filled with vines and vibrant flowers. Howling animals sounded far off. Birds and all manner of insects chattered and whirred. Even the air itself felt alive; it was thick with moisture, hot and oppressive, not unlike the forests of the Hidden Mist.

He inhaled, catching the scent of wood rot, the thick, pungent odor of the swamp.


[exit > Soragakure]