Ameiko turns over her weapons as requested and wonders why Hida-sama requested an audience for this group and what exactly "sudden when angered" means. I could certainly understand if they wished to have an audience with me alone to ensure that I was not here to cause any disruptions of the wedding preparations and proceedings, but I fail to comprehend why I am included in this motley group.
After the two guards slide the iron shoji aside to reveal the Crab Clan Champion, Hida Kisada, Ameiko tries hard to not let herself feel intimidated by his presence. He is certainly a fearsome looking warrior. I would not be surprised if his enemies just laid down their weapons at the very sight of him.
When asked to sit for tea ceremony, Ameiko tries to forget about her precarious surroundings and to fall back on her many years of training and tried to keep all her movements as graceful as possible. I must at least try to set a good example in public since I am the only representative of my Clan here.
Kuni Daigo seems a bit uncomfortable about surrendering his weapons, but does so anyway. For any paying attention, the fact that he is a wanderer and not used to such formal ceremonies or having audiences with such important people is rather apparent.
Katsuko bowed deeply as she entered the room, and took her place next to Takaji. He seemed uneasy about being stripped of his weapons, but she wasn't so sure a katana would fare any better against Hida Kisada than would a bare fist. An anxious tension hung in the room, but she ignored it.
The silence doesn't bother me. It's what follows that concerns me.
She waited.
Despite the intimidating atmosphere, most of you maintain the etiquette of the ceremony. Only Kuni Daigo, a monk without genteel education, disrupted the silence with clattering porcelin. Hida Kisada shoots a disapproving glance at witch hunter before continuing.
"Your lords have sent me a letter offering your services during this court. I have need of you now."
"You of course know the lord Isawa Hikaru. He has proven his worth as a shugenja and as a man, and we respect him above many. You also know of my general, Hiruma Kage, daimyo of the family who has lost the most to our ancient enemy. Kage's loyalty to their memory burns in every assault he makes, and he is of an age now to ensure that such valor continues in the next generation. I have been pleased to arrange for him to wed Hikaru-san's daughter." Despite his words, the Great Bear looks the furthest thing from pleased.
"Tomorrow, during the hour of the Dog I meet with the Emerald Magistrate who bears the chop of the Emperor's approval while the old man sleeps in Otosan Uchi. The magistrate's word will formalize all the marriages I approve this winter." He glowers. "If I commit my most loyal daimyo to marry this woman, I expect that there will be NO FURTHER DIFFICULTIES. Investigate quietly and make this so. Now."
The yojimbo step forward to escort you from the room. After the shoji is shut, you find Kaiu Takakana waiting, his face accommodating.
"I recognize that look, friends. Many people get it when meeting Kisada-sama for the first time. He is often..." The karo takes a moment to weigh his words. "Brief. Allow me to clarify."
"Between you and me, Kyuden Hida isn't a place for ikebana. But gentility and politeness can be weapons that pose needless dangers for those with better claims on their time." He looks at each of you in turn. "Kage-sama will marry a woman pure of virtue and station or no woman at all. We ask you to go into the court and make certain this Isawa meets those requirements. Discover if she harbors any secret that might harm us, now, or in twenty years when their child is grown and commands his own army in defense of the Empire. Make certain there aren't any treacherous sc," He gives Ayumi a look. "Vipers...hiding in the court who would fabricate such secrets."
"Find all you can, but do not arouse suspicions. If it is known there are doubts about her, rumors will breed. Let Kage-sama learn nothing of your investigations. He's...fond...of the girl, and would not take kindly to those who do not believe in her. You will report before the evening banquet tomorrow, when Kisada-sama shall announce the betrothal. Do you have any questions?"
Well, I believe the Crane has been given her wish. Permission to investigate the court...and this pheonix girl.
Hida Yuo stands silent as always. He, of course, has no questions. He simply waits as the others speak, listening to their questions, heeding the responses.
I wonder if Kisada-sama is actually displeased at the arrangement or if he is simply always this...dour.
Takaji had many questions, foremost of which was why he was to be included in this matter: he was no courtier. He was skilled in the art of the blade, not the tongue. Although on further consideration, he figured that it was probably more that his ward's skills were desired, and as her yojimbo it had been mere courtesy that he had been invited along.
Which then lead to his second question: why these people? He had no idea why the Crane was here, but surely she would do everything in her power to sully Kage-sama's betrothed's name out of spite. But perhaps that's why his charge had been included; she would be more sympathetic towards not only a clanmate but a member of her own family.
That still didn't really explain the Scorpion's presence here. If there were secrets, a Scorpion would be the last one you want to know about them. Sure, she may be good and discovering them, but how could you ever trust her to tell you what she had discovered unless it were in her own best interests? But perhaps Kisada-sama had some way of ensuring their interests were aligned...
The other members were somewhat less baffling but still made little sense. The big Crab was most likely the Crane's yojimbo, so his presence was likely due to the same reason as his own. The Witch-Hunter might be there to help protect his clan's best interest, although this hardly seemed like the best task for him. And Nagasawa-san...perhaps an unbiased 3rd party? He had said that he knew his way around the area, so maybe he impressed someone? I'll have to ask him about that later.
So yes, Takaji had many questions. None of which would be appropriate to ask; he would not question the decisions of his superiors. He just hoped the non-bushi of the group were skillful enough to get the job done in the day and a half they had been given. And that they wouldn't be forced to rely too much on the word of a Crane and Scorpion. I'll have to keep an eye on them to keep them honest.
Shinjo Nagasawa looks around at the silent (and possibly still-confused) samurai he accompanies, and figures someone has to speak up first.
Takakana-sama, the honey-tongued among us will discretely broach this topic to those with receptive ears. However, speaking as one who is not so refined, perhaps we might take advantage of this opportunity to speak plainly and directly with someone about the sensitive topic without betraying Hida Kisada-sama's trust. That "someone" I refer to is, of course, you, Karo-sama.
Can you think of anyone in the Castle who may have history with Isawa Hiraku-sama's line? We would surely approach such individuals with more tact than I am displaying, in accordance with Hida-sama's wishes.
Ameiko listens intently to what Kisada says. Oh now this is most interesting and already makes my trip here worth any scolding I may get later for coming here on my own. I can't believe the fortune I have stumbled upon to be given orders to do exactly what I came here to do. I wouldn't be surprised if this woman is capable of some sort of dark sorcery? After all, there must be some reasonable explanation for him throwing over Rumiko.
Later, at Takakana's asking if there are any questions: "Are you familiar with any other investigations done upon the young woman in question? Also, her father was mentioned, but is anything known of her mother and siblings if there are any? Are any such close family members here and will they be present at the banquet?"
"Also, if we do find something troublesome, to whom do we report the information to? And is there a person we can contact if we need any assistance?"
Kuni Daigo listens patiently as the large man speaks, doing his best not to disturb the meeting a second time. Once the group is lead out and meets with Kaiu Takakana, he listens again, speaking when the man asks for questions.
"It also sounds as though we were specifically requested. May I ask what difficulties you have foreseen that would merit the services of so many bushi and a monk? As Nagasawa-san noted, there are those among us not...refined...in courtly matters and I want to ensure that I focus my efforts where they will be most beneficial."
Katsuko remained silent while the others questioned Karo Takakana. She had her own questions, but they weren't for him.
Why are we here? Kisada surely had members of his own clan vet Mutsuye already. Whatever he expects from this motley group of samurai, I doubt it has anything to do with proving the worth of Kage-sama's betrothed.
Katsuko bit her lip. This turn of events was far flung from how she envisioned spending her time at the Kaiu Wall, and she felt unprepared. She hated that feeling.
Ayumi listened to the questions being asked by the others, still a little miffed about the narrowly missed insult to her clan. It was certainly an odd group to ask for such a task, especially since so few knew of one another personally. However, perhaps that was also part of it. Those who were unknown to one another could also watch one another... She could practically see the Crane salivating at the hopes of tearing down a family rival, but would she be willing to risk the consequences of it if her lord considered her actions a failure? That was something to see...
The Scorpion actually had a fair idea as to why the shugenja were present too, but that could be discussed later, for now she had other inquiries as to what would occur. A mental scroll appeared in her mind with a list of what methods could be employed, as well as those whom she may have to watch out for. Feeling that her instincts would guide her properly in this, Fates willing, she made a half-step over towards the Kuni shugenja before speaking. "If it is not too bold, might one inquire as to the state of the Magistrate's security? I doubt that anyone would be foolish enough to stop someone traveling through Crab lands, but fools tend to crop up where they are least welcome. If the Magistrate's guard is taken care of, then that would free us to investigate elsewhere, no?"
He and his wife seem close. They sometimes touch in public.
His two oldest daughters, Yoko and Reihime, attended the Doji courtier school, and her father still owes the Crane favors.
Takakana gives Nagasawa a lop-sided grin. "That should be a question for your 'honey-tongued' companions, surely? I'm just a simple warrior with a warrior's sincerity." He looks pensive for a moment. "I don't know anything about Mutsuye-san or her family, sorry. I'm here to ensure that they don't end up inside an oni, not recite their ancestors."
He looks at Ameiko. "If you find something that troubles you, Doji-san, seek me out. Nobody else."
Finally, he turns to Kuni Daigo. "Yuo-san and Akodo-san are here as yojimbo. Nagasawa-san comes highly recommended. And you are a Witch Hunter. Who better than you to seek the truth?"
Nagasawa takes in Takakana's clarification with an acknowledging nod accompanied by a slight scowl. Lost in thought as the Karo replies to the Courtiers' questions, he finally turns to Takaji.
Takaji-san, you're the closest thing we have to an Ikoma.. do you, by any chance, have an Ikoma great grandfather? Perhaps if we were to visit what geneological records the Crab maintain here in the palace, his spirit could guide you towards any records of bloodlines that have had close contact with the Phoenix over the past few generations? If there are any grievances the heirs of Isawa Hikaru-sama could have with the Crab Clan, surely indications of them could be found there.
He looks next to Isawa Katsuko, addressing both samurai now.
It could very well be that the fates have matched you two, as who here could know matters of the Isawa better than you? Surely you could be of assitance to Takaji-san immesurably in this quest to ensure there are no unforseen future political ramifications of the union?
A simple warrior. Amusing.
A thought occurs to the large bushi, but he keeps it to himself. The group has been given one day to learn what they can about this woman in a court of the Crab. It is a good thing they have been provided Yojimbo, for in such haste, even the most calm of courts can be a dangerous place.
How subtle can we afford to be with this time constraint? This could get interesting after all.
Hmmm, given that Kage's indiscretion has caused such conflict within the Crab court, perhaps it would best if we did indeed find something that would give cause to end the proposed union. And of course it would also make my own clan quite happy.
Ameiko appears to be deep in thought as she ponders their mission. Clearly she is taking it seriously.
Takakana waves his hands in front of himself. "The Kaiu and Kuni have already investigated any Crab connections to Hikaru-sama's line. We were more thinking of a personal sort of investigation."
He looks at Ayumi. "I do not understand."
Shinjo Nagasawa flexes his jaw and lips as he tries to think of an option besides swimming with the sharks in the Courtly gatherings.
Someone should obviously talk to Mutsuye-san's yojimbo. That big Crab there is tethered to the Crane, and Takaji-kun is spoken for by Katsuko. Maybe that Kuni and I...
By the Fortunes what's wrong with his eye!?!
Yeah, no, just me, I'll try and talk to the yojimbo. Bushi to bushi, we'll swap war stories and such... our own sharks can deal with the bigger sharks in Court. I better call dibs before I have to come up with another plan..
Nagasawa clears his throat. He offers, "I'll seek out and talk to Isawa Mutsuye's yojimbo."
Takaji is inwardly pleased; it looked like his guesses were correct. Although that still didn't explain why they would pick a Crane and a Scorpion courtier...
His interest begins to get peaked at Nagasawa's suggestion, only to be tossed aside by Takakana's response. I guess it's too be expected that the Crab have already looked in to that. They've probably done everything to investigate except had their courtiers nose about. Which is probably why they've outsourced.
Takaji gives his friend a sympathetic look. While Nagasawa had apparently managed to charm some girl into agreeing to marry him, that was a far cry from dealing with people specifically trained to make your life a living hell all the while making you think you were their friend.
"Maybe you could ask him if he's been in any interesting battles recently?" Takaji had noticed that a lot of people enjoyed talking about themselves. It was often a good ice-breaker. And if those battles involved the Shadowlands at all, I wouldn't mind hearing them myself. Probably over sake. This day certainly calls for some. When I'm off duty of course.
Kuni Daigo does not seem to notice Shosuro Ayumi's subtle hint, but doesn't seem to be in a rush to go anywhere. Having finished his question and being satisfied with the answer he simply waits and listens to the other questions that are asked.
Obviously my first course of action should be to make contact with Yoko or Reihime, I am sure that they would have made the journey here. Perhaps I can get one to let something incriminating slip....
"I understand personal investigations well enough I think. I have no further questions at this time."
Ameiko will remain where she is until their group is dismissed, but she seems to have already settled on a course of action.
"Maybe you could ask him if he's been in any interesting battles recently?"
Nagasawa grins to Takaji, then shares the expression with Isawa Katsuko.
"Well, as it is, I owe Katsuko-san company at tea. Perhaps I can talk this Phoenix yojimbo into joining us?"
Good. Let's get on with this.
Hida Yuo does not move, nor make a sound. He looks ready to wait forever.
"Pay it no mind then... It was a foolish question I suppose," Ayumi replied, going silent after that. She was already thinking of other ways to find out anything that was going on. She had no doubt that Ameiko would also be looking for leads, so maybe it was time to see how open the Crane was to working together or not.
It eventually dawned on Katsuko that she was being addressed, and she laboriously extricated herself from her thoughts. Shinjo Nagasawa was eagerly digging into the duty they'd been handed. She nodded thoughtfully at Nagasawa's suggestion. "That idea has merit, Nagasawa-san. If you wish, I am acquainted with Noburo-san, and I could extend him an invitation."
Katsuko was impressed by the Unicorn's insight. It was entirely possible that, if Mutsuye had secrets, her long-time yojimbo would have knowledge of them - a possibility made all the more likely by the fact of Shiba Noburo's ancestry. Shiba were fiercely loyal yojimbo to members of the Isawa family, and that made them less likely to betray their ward - even at risk to their own honor.
If there was somewhere to start, there were worse options. It might prove tricky, however, to convince Noburo-san to leave his charge's side during Winter Court in a harsh, foreign land. Katsuko pointed this out.
"Shiba yojimbo are particularly protective when it comes to the descendants of Isawa, so we must be careful."
Takakana offers the same lop-sided grin. "If that is all, I understand that Yasuki Kurako-san is hosting a dance competition on the third floor to open the court. If that doesn't interest you, then some of the bushi are testing their skill at archery in the parade ground."
"Both of those competitions sound like they would be very interesting to watch. Though since I cannot attend both at the same time, I will head up to the dance competition when it starts."
Hida Yuo nods almost imperceptibly after Ameiko speaks. He does not move until she does, but follows once she has decided to leave.
Dancing or Archery. About the same, I suppose.
Shinjo Nagasawa can't help but grin a wide smile.
Archery competition? I know I can outshoot every Crab in the castle. What are the odds any of their guests could beat me?
He tries not to look too eager when he explains to Katsuko:
"I'll look for Noburo-san at the archery competition! Do you want to look for him at the dances?"
Kuni Daigo bows slightly. "Will such things occupy most of the guests? I may simply take my leave and deal with investigations in the manner I am accustomed to. I am no dancer and not much of an archer regardless."
Katsuko did rather enjoy watching talented dance exhibitions. "Of course, Nagasawa-san. Do enjoy yourself at the archery event."
Takaji smirks almost imperceptibly at his friend's reaction. "Make sure to tell me how it goes."
Too bad I'm not going to get to see that competition. But Nagasawa's logic makes sense. And my archery skills are only passable anyway.
He readies himself to follow Katsuko to the dancing competition.
There are multiple people already in attendance. An elderly Ide couple watches their young daughter talk to a pair of Phoenix girls. A Shosuro with a painted face drinks sake alone at a table, occasionally chuckling to herself. A Phoenix wearing the green badge of an Emerald Magistrate chats amiably with Hiruma Kage, surrounded by friends and bodyguards. A miserable-looking Scorpion man in the midst of some hard-drinking Yasuki appears as if he'd rather be anywhere else. In the middle of it all, Yasuki Kurako frantically moves about, trying to organize the upcoming event.
A number of Crab, Unicorn, and Lion bushi stand around, watching the competition. A Phoenix, wearing the mon of Isawa, watches as well, surrounded by retainers. Waiting in line to shoot is Shinjo O-Shimo, the Otaku twins, a Matsu samurai-ko, a Scorpion in full heavy armor, and several Crabs. Hiruma Ryoichi sits in the stands, speaking quietly to another, elderly Hiruma.
Inuri mono, while undeniably cruel to the dogs involved, is designed to minimize the pain inflicted. That's why they use blunted arrows. Almost all samurai use it as practice for hitting moving targets. Interestingly, it was banned as a sport in Japan in 1881 when Buddhists realized that scaring and hurting dogs didn't jive with the whole zen thing. :)
Finally, I managed to screw up the description. The Phoenix watching is dressed as a shugenja. There is also a Shiba bushi waiting to take part in the competition.
Shinjo Nagasawa surveys the parade field as he releases Baraq from the corral and prepares his rig, feeling very much "at home" having been training here for some time.
Ah, yes, what is it the Ujik-hai said? "It is best in life to see the open ground, have a fleet horse, a falcon at one's wrist, and wind in one's hair!"
He clasps Baraq on the base of the neck after finishing up and effortlessly climbs up into the saddle.
By any measure, three out of four isn't bad!
He inches into line for registration, knowing samurai-ji that are meek will simply part before the mass of a fully grown Unicorn steed, and nodding respectfully to those bold enough to defend their place in queue by holding their ground.
When he does reach the destination, he tries to spy the lists to see if any instances of the name Katsuko mentioned occur. What was it? I'm pretty sure she said Noburo..."
His cocky self-assurances of an easy victory in the tourney fade immediately away as he sees some familiar Unicorn names already on the lists..
Ameiko walks around the area of the dance competition, taking her time in approaching Ide and the Phoenix girls.
She eventually ends her little tour of the area besides Ide and will smile at her as she offers greetings. "Greetings Ide-san, I do hope I am not interrupting anything, but I wanted to stop by and ask how you have been. It has been some time since I last saw you and your sister."
Okay, indulging in some idle chit chat first, then begin dredging for useful information. Or even just some interesting rumors...
Hida Yuo follows Ameiko though stands behind her at a bit of a distance. He doesn't even pretend to be interested in the business of those that surround him.
She smells like leather, grass, and road dust, like the open plains of the Unicorn provinces. "I had no idea that you would be here, Nagasawa-san."
Ameiko looks over the dance competition area, taking mental notes of who was there and who was talking to whom.
Seeing the Phoenix girls from earlier, Ameiko decides that they may be decent sources of rumors and that their earlier sight of her will pique their interest enough to get to talk to her.
She will casually walk about the room a bit and come to halt near them, seemingly by coincidence. Ameiko will turn to them and ask: "Excuse me, but have they announced who is to be performing in the competition yet?
Shinjo Nagasawa smiles broadly and sincerely to Otaku Saki, feeling the stress of measuring up to Kisada-sama's expectations temporarily washed away. He inhales a deep breath, ostensibly to take in the brisk air but in truth to take in the intoxicating scent of the Battle Maiden who's close enough to hold....
Ah, Saki-chssan. Surely you can imagine my surprise, as well. Oh, where are my manners... congratulations on your assignment. Ide Toshimitsu-san's reputation precedes him.
Nagasawa tries not to sound too hopeful as he hopes Saki will continue to remain in his presence. He almost forgets to include acknowledging Nari's nearby presence as well.
Will you and my.. beloved.. be competing in the tournament? They have some mounted archery events.. it's almost like our hosts want to cater to us Unicorns!
Somewhere in Nagasawa's mind he finally remembers he's here on a mission. Perhaps Saki would be willing to help? He grins conspiratorially to her.
Say, Saki-san, I just thought of something. Can you keep a secret?
Arriving at the site of the pending dance competition alongside her quiet shadow, Katsuko takes stock of her surroundings. Quickly she picks Isawa Hikaru out of the crowd, chatting amicably with who she could only assume was Hiruma Kage, based on how she had heard him described, and the rather sizable cadre of Crab guards surrounding him.
"Perhaps Hikaru-sama would know where we might find Noburo-san. What do you think, Takaji, shall we impose?"
Without waiting for a response, she started towards the Emerald Magistrate and Hiruma Clan daimyo.
Takaji blinks at the informality, but otherwise keeps his face impassive. He silently sends thanks to his ancestors for keeping his sister far, far away where she couldn't possibly see this and torment him endlessly for it. Although knowing her, she'll find a way to hear about this anyway. He could almost hear her using that annoying sing-song voice now. 'Oniiiiii-san...'
He nods as also heads towards the group, keeping a half-step behind.
Hida Yuo follows Ameiko around the floor, his armor and weapon distinguishing him from the more sophisticated members of the crowd.
Let's see how well this Crane handles me being in her business.
He keeps his eyes on the crowd, slowly scanning. He seems calm and at ease, completely oblivious to how out of place he is.
Kuhime kicks Akiko's ankle lightly to break her from her reverie. "Will you be performing later, Doji-san?" the older Phoenix asks politely.
Isawa Hikaru finishes speaking with Hiruma Kage, who takes a seat of honor before the dance floor. He lingers a moment on Kage and then turns to you. "Ah, Katsuko-san. I understand you were called to speak with Kisada-sama. I trust you represented the Phoenix well?"
He looks at Takaji with an approving eye. "Is this the yojimbo the Lion provided? He looks capable."
Nagasawa mentally reminds himself not to snatch Saki up in an embrace right here in front of everyone.
He takes her aside. Not out of sight nor far enough away to give any sign of impropriety, yet far enough from anyone else that the high winds prevent the nearest ears from overhearing his plotting.
"I've been given a very important task. The thing is, it's as sensitive as it is important. There there are very important people who need a discreet inquiry accomplished, and I don't see why you couldn't assist me. An extra set of eyes and ears cannot hurt, can they?
The Crab Clan just wants to ensure that the lovely Phoenix princess that Kage-sama chose for himself is a worthy match. I dunno why; I suppose it's just all bureaucratic ass-covering to make sure she's not an embarassment since there was no proper nakodo involved.
But this is coming down from the top. If I say how helpful you were, I bet they'd be grateful to you as well!
So, what do you say? We can split up to look for rumors.. her own yojimbo may be here at the tournament... and meet later tonight to compare notes? I know a few chambers in the castle that are nice, secluded, and soundproof where we could meet.."
Hmmm, I didn't really come here to perform, but it may be helpful if I do. I am not going to be able to fade into any backgrounds anyway, so I may as well stand out.
"I am not sure if I will be. I would certainly like to do so, but I fear that I have only just arrived and I do not know with whom I need to speak to about performing. Assuming of course that there is still room for one more. Are any of you performing or attending with someone who is? Perhaps you would know who I should speak too?"