Thursday, July 12, 2007

The Assassin's bamboo brush

Alright, here is an introduction to my new story thread, The Assassin's Bamboo Brush, as well as a brief explanation on how it can be read.

The story is basically from the viewpoint of an assassin who is still quite young (est. late twenties or so). He has been there, done that, and now wants to retire (read Death's Final Moments) and travel with his three good friends, something they were planning for al long time but never got round to doing.

He is something of a writer, and likes to pen mostly prose, but comes up with some poetry now in then during bursts of inspiration. His writing overall is rather sporadic and hence, not very high in quantity. I determined that inserting what he writes now and then in the story itself can be quite distracting, and breaks the rhythm, so i decided to place them all at the front few chapters (indicated with "inverted commas" around the title). You can read them when you feel like it, and in whatever order you like. It does not affect the storyline, but gives some insight into the assassin's character.

Shortening a long story, the chapters with "inverted commas" are not vital to the storyline. Effectively, the first chapter of The Assassin's Bamboo Brush is An End and a Beginning. The prelude is Death's Final Moments (you don't have to read it either).

Enjoy

*UPDATE*
Alright, the pieces are beginning to fall into place, and my thoughts are starting to crystallise. I've visualised a tie in with the two main long storylines I'm writing, "The Assasin's Bamboo Brush" and "Hooded". The two stories occur at about the same time, but their characters only meet about 1/3 way into their stories. Since they are chronologically overlapping, you can read either one first, or both at the same time. Hopefully, one will help you to have a greater understanding of the other. The integration at the 1/3 way mark should be smooth, given the time working on it, but either way, this work is highly experimental, and as usual, written to amuse myself (and bored office workers who happen to stumble upon this blog).

Much of the recent lack of writing can be attributed to lack of direction. I didn't know where I was going with my new and old characters with their apparently very different worlds. For a long time, merging the stories was debated, as it is a very risky move. I do believe now, however, that I've hit on something cool, and have filled in many of the plot gaps, managing to come up with a skeletal timeline.

Much of the focus, I guess, will be on character development. From my first story, (the one for the RPG), the characters were all papery and two dimensional (and perfect), which some may say, is inevitable for a piece that short. However, I'm exploring the possibilities now, looking way back in the past when the princess and Derrick first met. I have envisioned chips and imperfections in them, but because of the sentimental value of this couple, I'm being very careful to make sure I know what I want. How were they in the past? How did their relationship look like at first? How did it develop? How did it make them into the people they are "today"? Very complicated, many factors involved. On top of that, they're not the only main characters.

Just as Derrick symbolises immaturity at this point, I want Shiro to symbolise self-discovery and Thomas, perhaps, the final product. This makes Thomas very difficult to flesh out, since I'm not THAT old, and experienced in life. It's hard to say what the final product should be. Then again, it's pretty subjective, and so, Thomas is something like, a physical realisation of aspiration. In other words, he's a 'man of wax'. Of course, that doesn't make for a very realistic character, so I've toned him down abit. But he's nonetheless very difficult to grasp. Perhaps you could say his minimally being in the story (as compared to Shiro, or Derrick), is some form of escapism for me. I wouldn't blame you.

You could say that I'm being unrealistic, clinging to Ciralen and Derrick; characters I dreamt up years ago. Now that I'm supposed to have matured as a writer, I should move on to greater things. Yet, I'm highly sentimental, and IF I can make this story work, it will be very beautiful (at least to me). I'm taking my time on it, as you can see. Even after it's completed, I can still see myself editing it indefinitely.

As a final note, I hope this long story amuses, impresses and inspires you. I hope that you can see, feel and maybe even fall in love with the characters, without need for the usual abrasive, grindingly dramatic stuff. Most of all, I hope you find something meaningful within these blocks of prose.

Look forward to the next chapter that I render into words!




*Spoilers*
The latest episode of the Assasin's Bamboo brush occurs at the same time that Sir Derrick gets knighted. So, for people who want to get the order exactly right, this is the mental guideline I'm using. Note that some (many) of the chapters are in my mind, but not written down yet. So if you really hate spoilers, you might wanna try reading the storylines by yourself in your own order. I'll try my best to include as many chronological tie-ins as possible, but it's probably still gonna be confusing, and you've probably still gotta read it again.

(Relevant) Timeline:

Thomas sends a spy into the country in the west to determine the reason for its rapid military growth (not recorded)

Derrick selected to represent Rennon in the games. (not recorded) : Shiro investigates the runaway husband (not recorded)

Derrick trains with Thomas himself in preparation (not recorded), Thomas' spy completes mission, heads back to border as scheduled for extraction {hooded 1,2}: Shiro concludes the investigation and decides to retire with his friends {Death's Final Moments}

Derrick fights Rasheed {hooded 3,4} : Shiro works as a waiter with Nichirasu (not recorded)

Derrick knighted. {soon} : Shiro quits his job and concludes any business he might have left {An end and a beginning -to- Obasan}

Derrick on his first assignment, protect the emissary. Thomas sets out for the western border on a secret mission {soon} : Shiro starts his sight seeing with friends (may not be recorded)

Derrick travels south with the emissary, writes frequently to pen pal out of boredom. Thomas receives distressing news about his contact, changes meeting spot to somewhere in enemy territory, tries to enlist Shiro one last time. {soon} : Shiro receives sudden influx of letters from pen pal and Thomas, who had hired his services several times in the past. {soon}

Thomas manages to get Shiro's reluctant agreement for one last assignment. Meets contact. Derrick still on the road south, still bored (soon). : Shiro watches Thomas fail his mission and get captured, tracks him for the next week. (soon)

Emissary reaches first town, meets villagers, detects general unease. Derrick still bored, and oblivious. Thomas brought into new country, transported rapidly to the southern shore. Crosses water back to the southern peninsula.(soon) : Shiro tracks Thomas, suspicions grow.(soon)

Thomas arrives at a large port town south of Rennon, doesn't know where he is. Held and tortured. Emissary leaves village, heads toward port town to investigate and ease, if possible, reported unrest in the port town.(soon) : Shiro realises pen pal's mission is in jeopardy. Rushes to meet and discuss a plan with him/her.(soon)

Derrick learns that emissary is the princess, Ciralen. Thomas captured for one week and running. Tortured over the next two days.(soon) : Shiro meets Derrick. Plans made for rescue of Thomas and his contact. Port town's hidden military presence completely infiltrated by Nichirasu, Orophin, Akamaru within 3 days. Shiro discusses with his sworn brother (one of the lower profile warlords) about the elaborate escape plan. Count Von Mies (aforementioned sworn brother) agrees to provide support. (soon)

The rest is a little hazy, but looks exciting. When it's solidified, I'll add it to the timeline too.

*End of Spoilers*
As you can see, I've only written quite little of it, but it's mostly cos I only recently thought up how to merge the two storylines as seamlessly as possible. Criticise all you like. As I said, it's an experiment. Have fun.

(The Assasin's Bamboo Brush) Obasan

The young man walked through the bamboo forest, trying not to reminisce on the many lives he had taken in eerie settings like these. His mind however, tended to be very persistent; and very vivid. Irritated, he diverted its roving eye somewhere else.

He went through his little list of things to do. The mask had been burnt, the tools of his trade, smelted in the resident sword-smith’s furnace. His small blade collection had been returned to said sword smith.

Door locked, windows closed, no perishables, all candles and incense sticks put out. He swung his pack out front as he walked, to rummage through its contents. Tea leaves, herbs, distilled spirit, clothing, cooking equipment, chopsticks, rope, bandages, fishing equipment and 5 days’ worth of food. He pulled the rope running through its lip and tied it, then slung the bag back over his shoulder.

A partially open aired shack stood in the distance. He picked up the pace to get there faster. Pausing at the door, he let his right hand reach back and touch his sword, which was in its familiar position at the small of his back. The door slid open before he could knock, and framed a smiling old lady. His neutral face broke quickly into a smile, as she greeted him.

“Old man Shiro!”
He stroked his imaginary beard.
“Sit down. I’ll be with you shortly. Do you want tea?”
“Yes, thank you.”

He headed out to the open soba stand, which was empty, as always. The old lady appeared swiftly, carrying a pot and two cups. Setting them on the table, she filled both cups.

“Come, try this new leaf I got recently on my travels. Very fragrant, yes?” She lifted the lid off the pot and encouraged some of the invisible vapours to her nose.
“I can’t smell it yet.” Shiro picked up his cup. “Oh ok. It certainly is unique.”
Some talk on where to get good and exotic teas ensued, but the conversation inevitable steered itself to the purpose of his visit, which you might guess by now, doesn’t occur very often.

“So, Shiro. I hear that you’ve quit the business?”
“Yes. I’ve earned enough. It’s not something I want to keep doing till I’m old either.”
“Money wasn’t the reason you started. Do you remember?”
Yea, but I’m done exacting vengeance on the world. These past years have been very aimless. There’s no end to scum. Sooner or later, you just have to accept that this world is evil, and get on with getting some happiness for yourself.”
“I see. Well, that’s good too. What are you going to do with your time now? Surely you are not going to waste it all away on searching for a good time?”
Of course not. I’m going to travel with a few good friends of mine. It’s a little aimless now, and probably will be for some time. But maybe we’ll find some purpose. At worst, we’ll just have had some good, relaxing times together. I think the business might have been even more tiring for them than it was for me. But that’s just speculation, anyway. How about you?”
“Those three you’re always telling me about? I see. Well, I’m still running the school. Not the one you were in, under me. The other one. Not taking so many students now, though. I’ve got little time left in this world now, there’s nothing wrong with being selfish with it.”
“I guessed it some time ago. How are the students?”
“Terrible, these days. Playful, not determined, careless, foolish, slow learners. Very slow.”
“You can’t be serious. Still, I’m flattered that you think so well of my younger self, in comparison.”
“Well, it’s a different thing I’m teaching these days. I’m not complaining. I stopped passing on the art of killing since the day you got better at it than me, and there have been benefits. I don’t have to kill 70% of my students anymore, for example.”
“Well, students of the pen seldom have reason to go for their sensei. Seems like you’re doing a good work though, so you’re not the only one gaining from it.”
“They’re all peasants, so I’ve got to teach more or less for a payment of food. But they’re getting a decent enough an education for them to try their luck in applying to work as an official, or translator or whatever for some government or other. Work like that can be found in Rennon, mostly, since they’ve been more relaxed about the status of their applicants. You don’t have to be from a noble family. They don’t even ask where you come from. Could be something to do with Archibald’s coming to power five years ago. But most likely its because Rennon has a shortage of envoys and such, now that they’re allying themselves with Al’ Miramar. On top of that, they’re trying to assimilate the outlying autonomous villages.”
“Sounds big. Rennon seems desperate for something.”
“Yes, I only hint it to my students, since I’m not entirely sure, but it seems that we are on the brink of something. The local warlords are pretty much oblivious; too busy fighting the 10 other guys who are trying to increase their turf. Get up through the permanently warring peninsula though, to the unclaimed land near Rennon, and you’ll see that the people are agitated. They have no idea why the country is so intent on ‘welcoming’ them. The desert people in Al’ Miramar are getting closer to Rennon, though. They even have annual games together now.”
“Sounds sweet.”
“You know how the saying goes. If the lips perish, the teeth will suffer the cold. Rennon is practically protected by the huge blanket of desert to the north. They only have one exposed flank to the west where that one huge nameless nation growing in their side has been expanding just a little bit too fast. It’s vast, now, and has an un-naturally strong army. It’s not possible for such a young nation. But they’re probably just mercenaries.”
“Yeah well, it probably will amount to nothing, and I can’t be bothered anyway. I’m pretty good at taking care of myself. Anyway, the reason why I came today was to give you something.”
“Finally, a gift for me.”
He pulled his wakizashi out of his belt. It looked as new as the day it was bought, its lacquered black scabbard gleaming in the faint lantern light. His old teacher quickly took it off the table.
“You are too casual about such things, Shiro. The local upstart has enforced martial law against all who are found to carry swords. Surely you must know that.”
“I do, I just recently killed about 15 of his men. Anyhow, I’m returning it to you now. It’s been put to good use all this time, but I won’t be needing it anymore, I think. It’s a real bother to maintain, too.” He gave a boyish grin.
“I should have known. But I appreciate the sentiment. Out of all my students of old, you’re the only one that comes back.”
“Yeah, the rest are all dead.”
She slapped him playfully on the arm, laughing.
“Sharp tongue, as always.”
Disappearing into the shack, she came out again, having deposited the weapon. In return, she presented him a naginata.
“Ooh, a new addition to your collection?”
“My collection’s all but gone now. This is a leftover, which I kept for its beauty. Steel blade, cupped bronze guard, oak staff, a total of six feet exactly, all in.”
“Feels good too. Reasonably light, nice balance.”
“Glad you like it! It’s yours now.”
“A halberd! I’m going on a sight seeing journey, not a warrior pilgrimage!”
“Don’t be a fool, you’ll definitely need this. It has a leather sheath and a cloth cover on top of that, so it won’t pick you a fight.” She proceeded to demonstrate wrapping it up into a long, shapeless bundle. “Don’t fight. Kill. I’ve told you enough times that you’re probably sick of hearing it, even now, after all this time. You may not be looking to end anyone’s life, but it’s not realistic to take a vow never to kill again, either. You may live a different life now, but the same principles apply.”
“Fair enough, I give up. Thank you, it’s a beautiful gift, even if I never use it.”
“Stubborn as ever. It’s not good for sneaking around, obviously, but you won’t be doing much of that, anyway.”
“ANY of that.” He corrected her.
“Yes, yes. I think I see your friends approaching. Run along now. Just remember my words. In time you will find them to be true.”