wondering if I really tried everything I could (OPEN)

[conceded]

WHO: Kondou Isami, possibly you!
WHAT: A lost Shinsengumi commander in a Resistance Army camp
WHERE: Resistance Army camp
WARNING(S): Probably just bucketloads of angst.

[The first confusing thing that Kondou had noticed was that, well- he had woken up at all. Not to mention that on top of it, he had no idea where he was. Whether those that resided in the camp were friend or foe was something that he needed to find out before going any further. The tent he’d woken up in didn’t seem to be guarded, so he cautiously made his way outside to try and see if he could figure out what was going on.

… Which just meant that there was now a very confused man standing in the middle of camp. At the first sight of someone who he could approach for questions, Kondou made his way over.]

Ahh, I’m sorry to bother you with something so trivial, but…

Comments

[conceded]

Haha, please forgive me. I'm just getting ahead of myself.

[Perhaps it would not be a good idea to fanboy too much over various historical figures.]

I have heard of the Takeda before. It's a pleasant surprise, I can say that much.

[dragonrises]

I take it, then, that you hail from the future as well, with the other Shinsengumi. You may run into other well-known warlords in this place. [fair warning, don't flip out and flail all over Nobunaga or something]

[conceded]

The future? Haha, you could definitely say something like that. Maybe I'd better not give too much away. [He chuckled.]

I see-- I'll be on my best behaviour, don't worry about that. Toshi will likely keep me in line.

[dragonrises]

Well, it would be the future from my point of view, but you understand my meaning.

[a smile, and a slight bow] As yet, the shinengumi I have met have been good men. I am sure your friends will be glad to see you.

[conceded]

Glad to see me... Ah, you think too highly of me, you know! But it's appreciated. I'll certainly do my best to be an asset here.

[dragonrises]

It is more than welcome. [thoughtful pause] I am not sure I caught your name.

[conceded]

Ah, forgive me! My name is Kondou Isami. [He bows.] It's a pleasure to meet you.

[dragonrises]

[have a nice traditional kowtow in return, fist in palm] Well met, Master Kondou. If there is anything around the camp I can help you find, please say so.

[conceded]

I wouldn't want to take up too much of your time, but I appreciate the offer. I'm sure you're a busy man.

[dragonrises]

Not as much as you might think. As long as I am not being called for, somewhere, I am free to assist whomever I like.

[conceded]

Then how about some tea sometime, perhaps? I have to admit I have a few questions I'd like to ask...

[dragonrises]

Questions? [a tilt of his head] You don't mean about the camp, I take it.

[conceded]

... not exactly.

[Have a sheepish smile.]

[dragonrises]

[HMMMMMMMMMMmmmm.]

I do enjoy having tea.

[conceded]

I promise I won't take up too much of your time.

[He can't help smiling, though.]

[dragonrises]

My time is mine to spend as I choose today. Allow me to show you where most of us are quartered, and where we take our meals. There may be someone we can send for tea.

[he gestures as he turns to lead the way across camp]

[conceded]

A guided tour? I'd be delighted. And if the tea isn't too much of a problem, I don't think I could protest about that either.

[And Kondou is going to go ahead and follow him like a little puppy.]

[dragonrises]

[Yukimura making fanooy eyes at him was never this bad, but Zhao Yun sucks it up and deals. Kondou's a decent guy. He just sort of indicates where important things are on their way through camp, and eventually they do stumble on a servant of the Takeda who can be sent to put together tea service. All the better to have a seat in the pavilion near the mess tent and have a drink]

...any questions?

[conceded]

I have to admit, it might take me a while to wrap my head around all of this. But it doesn't seem impossible.

[He grins sheepishly.] I appreciate the help. I think I might be something of a lost cause without Toshi helping me out.

[dragonrises]

It does take some getting used to. Even for those of us who have been in this realm for years. [a curious look] One of your comrades? Have you already run into him?

[conceded]

For... years, did you say? And you haven't been able to make your way home yet? That must be rather difficult for you.

[A pause, and then he nodded.] He was the first one I encountered here. Fitting, since I've known him for many years. But he was rather surprised to see me.

[dragonrises]

We have endured, difficult or not. [the servant returns and bows to indicate that tea has been set up for them in the pavilian. They can go kneel down beside the table and enjoy]

It is curious, that this realm is drawing people in from other times again. Usually when that happens, it indicates a period of unrest and battle. For you and your comrades to appear means we had best stay alert.

[conceded]

A period of unrest and battle, you say?

[Kondou sighs, and his smile turns a little wry.] The Shinsengumi are always prepared for such turns of events, so you needn't worry about us. My men are prepared to fight to the very end for their cause, so if they've decided to stay here, they must be determined to assist you.

[dragonrises]

We shall be glad to have them. And you, Master Kondou.

[he holds out a hand to invite him to sit at tea, before taking a spot on the other side of the table. He was serious about being available for questions...]

[conceded]

I'm sure they'll be of more use than me-- my old injury is probably going to slow me down a little bit.

[And yet he was still smiling all the while, as though it didn't really bother him terribly much. Deep down inside it did, but he hardly wanted to complain in front of Zhao Yun. He took a seat opposite Zhao Yun, and fell silent for a few moments before responding again.]

How can we best assist your army's efforts? I will do what I can to make sure that my men can be of the most use possible to you.