It is spring of the year 1137 of the Imperial Calendar, the ninth year of the reign of Toturi I, Lord of the Seven Hills and Master of the Chrysanthemum. A fresh spring breeze carries the scent of cherry blossoms to you from a nearby orchard. To the south, just visible on the horizon, is the splendid tower of Shiro Sano Kakita, the ancient seat of the Kakita family. Ahead of you is the village of Tsuma, a modest-sized city located next to a minor river, and home to one of the major dojos for the Kakita Dueling Academy. Here, the best and brightest young samurai of their generation have competed for the title of Topaz Champion, to bring glory and honor to their Clan. This is the first year the test has been held in over a decade, and though fate denied you the opportunity to take part, you have been sent by your Clan to assist those who can.
Tsuma is a modest city of about 1,200 people – essentially a very large village. Located in the peaceful Crane lands, it has neither walls nor a military garrison. There are no formal embassies maintained by other clans, since most only have business within the city once per year. The largest structure in the village is the Kakita Dueling Academy, a sizable compound of buildings and gardens, linked under a shared roof and protected by a high stone wall… the only fortification in Tsuma.
You arrive by land, as do most samurai, and the path to Tsuma is crowded by samurai, mounted and on foot, noblewomen in palanquins, and an assortment of peasants of all stripes.
Waiting for the others Kakita Tanawe stands with other Kakita students ready for assignment given by the visiting nobles. His long white hair flows in the gentle winds and with pride he watches the guests arrive. His soft blue kimono is freshly cleaned and although there is so much to explore he stays still, mainly to take care that no speck of dust mars the clothing. Kakita Tanawe
Please let me help a phoenix, or maybe a dragon. Oh, please Benten, not a crab or an unicorn. They are soo incredibly uncivilized.
Arriving with the Mantis delegation, Yoritomo Heizo appears preoccupied shielding his lit kiseru against the breeze, but any who could peer beneath the wide brim of his straw hat could see his stern gaze measuring up the other arrivals. Although noticeably shorter than most other men gathered here, his broad frame and tanned skin bespoke of a life of activity, although his short manicured beard marked him as someone who cared for his appearance. For this occasion he dressed in the traditional teal green and gold of an embroidered kataginu over a similarly extravagant kimono, the interchangeable mon of the Mantis Clan and Yoritomo family displayed prominently on the back and shoulders. Ostentatious netsuke rings adorned his fingers, a blatant display of wealth no doubt intended to scandalize as much as cow potential detractors. Yoritomo Heizo
As Yoritomo Ayano strides forward from the group, the elder samurai gives the younger a brief nod, signifying both his recognition and approval of the girl. The unspoken gesture was a calculated move; the other courtiers would pick up on it and would work to outdo themselves in showing approval of their own contestants, with any luck inciting one of them to make a misstep in protocol as they did so.
Kitao admires the beauty of the Crane lands They do make the scenery and buildings mix together rather well, they are artists in their hearts, but truly strange, but all this beauty does not hide their treachery to the Fox and their scheming nature oddly enough finding himself at ease with the Imperial delegation. Kitao was wearing a kimono with the traditional colors of red and a brown matsuki haori, with a white fox clan mon on it's back, yet the smaller mon at the front is a white fox in a forest.
Kitao looks at Kohuri and his hand rests in his katana kashira that looks like a silver fox and a white ito, looks very well made "Kohuri-san, you are a good man, but be wary of them" looking at the great clans gathering "They will underestimate you or think less of you, but don't let that stop you from doing what you are here to do, you are here representing the imperial families and that will make them furious" Kitao smirks at the prospect of watching the others in his mind for a moment.
Bayushi Takeya sits beneath a tree next to his clans competitor. The tree was near the main road, within view of almost all the people who were entering and leaving the village. With each turn of a page he makes a small gesture. Unnoticeable to most other than the young man who was to compete. Each gesture was simply pointing to a person in the crowd, Shichiro was to name the person and one thing they know about the person. To mask this, he was making conversation with the young man.
This person knows very little about his surroundings. Ren would be doing a better job at understanding this exercise.
Ever aware of his surroundings he pauses as he spots a shadow over the top of his book. Looking up his eyes brighten, surely something to be wary of in his kind.
"Ah, Shosuro san. You look lovely today, come, sit with us. We were just speaking of the various formalities he may be tested on in the coming days."
I don't know half of this people. I don't even know half of their mon. How am I supposed to be of any help?
Akodo Suana's thoughts seem to him loud enough that anyone could hear them. Especially Sachiko-kun.
I should be boosting her confidence, not undermining mine.
The two Lions are having a morning stroll through the town. The streets are crowded with people preparing for the Championship, either to watch it or to profit from it. Merchants offer all sorts of products to the visitors, jito and samurai crowd the local inns and tea houses and heimin focus on their tasks with the highest diligence.
Suana walks gracely beside Sachiko. He is not a very big or strong man, but knows when and how to move. His light brown and gold kimono contrasts with Sachiko's bright red colours. Well shaven, a traditional haircut and an honourable attitude - one would say Suana is the traditional image of the samurai portrayed in folktales.
-Forgive me, senpai- Sachiko nods as in a very slight bow -but your mind seems far from your body. What are you thinking?
Suana smiles at her. The finest student the Matsu could afford to send to the Championship, to try to bring glory to the Lion clan. And he has to comfort her, he needs to say something, he must take his duty seriously. He must show his father that he will be able to carve his own future. He mustn't fail his ancestors.
-Sachiko-kun- he says, -remember: every Lion is your doshi.
Her parasol bobbing gently as she makes her way across the crowded road towards her clanmate, even under her veil Shosuro Miyuki's smile lights up her entire face as Takeya addresses her. Her dark hair moves like waves around her shoulders as she bows.
Takeya-san, you flatter me with your kind words!
her fan flutters around her face, warring against the midday heat, the scant breeze doing little to abate the scorching sun's effects. She tilts her head and leans in slightly.
Jurojin is surely smiling that we should meet again on this most auspicious of occasions
She looks up hand on hip as her gaze sweeps unabashedly over the assembled throng of other contestants and their supporters.
Finally she glances down and favors Shichiro with a a tight smile
Heraldry, poetry, horsemanship, swordsmanship, a samurai is expected to know all these things. However, I recall from an account I read of one of the first Topaz Championships, it might be wise to turn your mind to learning something of the Tsu fish native to hereabouts...
Her wise words delivered, she sits down on a small folding stool. Her fingers gently, almost imperceptibly, adjusting the fit of her kimono to lessen the heat.
Takeya-san, we should have some refreshments presently, being amidst such a colorful collection of clans is exhausting to the senses
She continues to smile at any samurai who meets her gaze.
Nodding to the woman, Takeya places a small strip of paper in his book before looking into the crowd.
"I believe I have asked a servant from our camp to bring some here with extra in case we invited someone such as yourself to sit with us. And there he is."
A servant brings forth a plate of various sembei and a small pitcher of water with peach slices in it for a light flavor.
"Something unique for such an occasion Miyuki-san. Sake would dull our senses, and I believe the tea houses here would have better tea than something I can procure from the Clan camp."
His gaze moves from the plate before him to the woman as he offered her some refreshments.
"There are more challenges of course. You must also be knowledgeable in the areas of etiquette and Bushido. If memory serves me correctly there is a Go tournament as well. I would certainly be interested in that."
Snacking on his cracker he continues.
"The Tsu fish eggs may be problematic. Very hard to find, but there is a ronin competing this year. If they are the kind of ronin who has had to live off the land it may be in our favor if Shichiro were lucky enough to be paired with them."
As his delegation situates itself, Heizo decides that now is the proper time to detach from the group for a bit and mix with the gathered samurai; after all, one of his duties is to get a feel of the social climate.
He taps the last of the embers from his kiseru and stows the pipe, then wanders into the crowd. The first order of business should be to greet the hosts, the Kakita. Approaching a group of Crane gathered nearby--students from the academy by the look of them--he bows deeply from the waist.
"Forgive my intrusion, honored hosts. I am Yoritomo Heizo, acting representative of the Mantis delegates. On behalf of ourselves and our lord we humbly wish to express our gratitude to you for welcoming us to your lands this day."
Miyuki delicately samples the sembei, sipping her peach water happily from one of the clay cups accompanying the platter.
Take note Shichiro, Takeya-san understands how spoil a girl!
Still waving her black and red fan, the whirls and circles of the design creating the effect of a dancing web, she continues watching the crowds.
Indeed we should take tea Tekeya-san, perhaps when the company inside the tea house is more... engaging. It seems there is much going on out here for now
Her eyes twinkle at the mention of Go
I apologise Takeya-san, if I had but taken the time to think upon it I would have recalled your preference and brought my travel set out with me here. Instead it sits alone in my room, unplayed. How sad.
She sighs gently before turning her thoughts more to the matter of the tournament itself once again.
I would humbly suggest it might be possible to tell which provinces each competitor is from by their family and school mons, further to establish from the callouses on their hands and their gaits as to their preferred hobbies or regular chores. We may yet find examples of other hunters among those seeking the completion of their gempukku, the Unicorn for one perhaps
she flicks her fan to indicate the Moto and drops her voice to a whisper
He has the stocky build and bowed legs so common to his clan, renowned for their skill at riding. He also seems to be very much alone here, both in body and spirit, perhaps Shichiro-kun, he could do with a friend?
She smiles as the young man tries to decide between Miyuki's suggestion and his current task being performed for Takeya.
Now Takeya-san, it seems perhaps not surprising that among the to-ing and fro-ing, yonder Mantis... Yoritomo?.. is the first to set sail between the different clan groups, and approaching our beloved hosts as well. I think perhaps we should seize upon this brave opportunity and introduce ourselves as well!
She stands and makes her way across to the gathered Crane students, her gaze trailing across muscled sword arms and well-fitting kimonos with an appreciative eye.
She bows delicately.
Please don't let me interrupt you Yoritomo-san, I simply wished to echo my own gratitude for the wonderful hospitality being shown by the Crane this day.
The red and black fan dances around her veiled face, barely covering the smile upon her lips.
Tucking his pillow book into his obi, Takeya smiles a devilish grin.
"If this is spoiling a beauty such as yourself then I must have a word with the men who try and court you Miyuki-san. You deserve far better."
Picking up his straw hat, he places it upon his head, his mask falls out only to be caught and quickly put into place. He reads the words inside before fastening it.
"A game of go sounds lovely later. Perhaps over some tea, we have much catching up to do. I spotted a tea house closer to our camp that might be a suitable place."
Eyeing the Unicorn from under the wide brim of his hat, his eyes narrow before returning to their normal state. Looking over to Shichiro, Takeya motions with his hand and whispers so the young man can hear.
"Go on, you heard the young lady. But if he seems to hard headed, maybe find another target. Although the Unicorn have been rather friendly with us lately. Use your best judgement, but be aware of your surroundings."
Motioning to the servant to clean up the food and drink, Takeya follows Miyuki. Behind her he bows politely when she does. He does not speak, for the woman was in conversation. He would study those she was speaking to, aiding her if only the attitude towards her was hostile.
Hida Shiori walks ahead of the other crab with only her brother by her side, Hida Takumi, the crab contestant. She looked around, admiring all the beauty of the crane clan, even if frowning at the absence of walls.
If I had someone to die and fight against the darkness for me, I guess I wouldn't walls...
"Pay close attention to everything around you Takumi-kun, for this is why we spend our lives fighting and dying in the walls... to make sure all the other clans can carry on with their lives."
She looked around, paying close attention to every other clans. When she spot the first group of scorpions, she turned her gaze to better places.
"You should also remember to address them politely and with honor... many of those that you are going to compete against have not yet passed their gempukku like you... well anyone around here did that, even the senior samurais..." she noticed how he smiled after her comment and decided to properly address such gesture. "... and focus yourself! These men are not like an ogre from the darklands, but face them with confidence in excess and you shall fall like a goblin."
She looked behind towards Yasuki Asaka and fought not to smile silly. "You know I'm not a role model towards courtly behavior, so any doubts you better ask to Asaka-san."
Shiori spots a group of lions ahead of them and soon recognizes one of them. "Come Takumi-kun, you can get your lessons from Asaka-san another time, now it is the time to know the other contestants."
She approaches the lion group, followed by her brother. "Suana-san! It is a great honor to meet you again... how many years since you visited us back in the crab? This is Hida Takumi, my little brother and the crab contestant."
As his delegation situates itself, Heizo decides that now is the proper time to detach from the group for a bit and mix with the gathered samurai; after all, one of his duties is to get a feel of the social climate.
He taps the last of the embers from his kiseru and stows the pipe, then wanders into the crowd. The first order of business should be to greet the hosts, the Kakita. Approaching a group of Crane gathered nearby--students from the academy by the look of them--he bows deeply from the waist.
"Forgive my intrusion, honored hosts. I am Yoritomo Heizo, acting representative of the Mantis delegates. On behalf of ourselves and our lord we humbly wish to express our gratitude to you for welcoming us to your lands this day."
Looking left for a moment Tanawe bows gracefully.
"The crane feels honored to have such illustrous guests for this years Topaz championship. But we are just humble students, tasked to take care of your guests needs. So please, Yoritomi Heizo-sama, is there anything you desire? It is not our place to show you your guest-quarters, at least not before our daimyo has not greeted you all."
"Your assistance is much appreciated" he says diplomatically, "and I have no doubt that you all will fulfill your duties beyond reproach. However, for the moment I desire only to wander the grounds and take in such admirable architecture. It has been some time since I have spent much time in the Crane lands, and I intend to enjoy fully it while the opportunity presents itself. But if I may impose, we have not yet been properly introduced."
He waits for the Crane student to give his name. When Shosuro Miyuki arrives, the courtier takes a moment to bow respectfully to the Scorpion.
"How could I object to such a sentiment? And as we have not have the pleasure of being introduced--Yoritomo Heizo, reacting representitive of the Mantis delegation, pleased to make your acquaintance."
He waits patiently for Miyuki to formally introduce herself.
Suddenly a young crane appears next to Tanawe speaking softly in his ears. With a nod the young crane turns around and leaves the assembly, searching for his clan mate.
Walking to a little bamboo grove Tanawe watches Doji Haroshi walk through the crane spreads his wings, a complicated Kata. With a Kiai the Kata is finished and Aroshi bows to an unseen audience. "Flawless! You are a worthy contestant. Aroshi, Master Tomoe-sama has appointed me to be your Older brother. I am quite honored to be chosen."
Pointing to a bench Tanawe politly invites Aroshi to sit next to him, listening to the younger man´s words. After a few minutes Tanawe sighs and stands up."We have to meet the other clans guests. It is important to see your competition. And get a feeling about their capabilities."
Together the two men return to the meeting place and wait for the others to introduce themselves. As do they, with dignity and poise and flawless crane hospitality.
Kitao can only observe the clans hidden looks and glances to the others It must truly be uncommon to see a minor clan and a ronin representing the imperial families, not to mention the hurt egos
Kitao speaks in a low voice to Kohuri "Remember the Crane our the hosts, but they are all servants of the imperials, so we will introduce ourselves to the Crane, and thank them as hosts, but in return they will thank the imperials for allowing them the honor of holding this tournament. It's only a question of who does it first, it's like a iaijutsu duel were you focus on your enemy and in your mind a battle is ensuing, but in reality nothing has happened, we have nothing to lose either way Kohuri-san, so always hold yourself proper and with confidence, you are here to represent the imperial delegation, a higher honor than those assembled here"
-S&$+.
10 years ago. Back at the Crab lands. The two girls. He was playing with one of them, and they got late. That was the end of his career.
-Darn it. The only person I'm supposed to know in all this chaos, and I don't know which one she is. What were their names?.
Reiko and Shiori. Deep inside, he'll never forget. They were kind and honest, and the only ones who really cared about what happened to him. It was not their fault, though it was due to them. Suana's feelings are divided. He appreciates them. He hates them. He hates himself.
-Stop. You're here to assist Sachiko-kun. You're here to carve your future and to do as you're tasked. Confront the situation. Regain control of yourself before others control you.
Suana still doesn't know which one of the two she is.
-May the Fortunes bless us all!- he bows -Sachiko-kun, I am most honoured of introducing you...
-...introduce you to Hida Shiori and his brother Hida Takumi. This is Matsu Sachiko. I am most pleased to meet you here.
Suana pauses and tries to discern if he has been successful.
Acknowledging Takeya's presence with a subtle flicker of her fan, Miyuki's attention turns to the Mantis introducing himself
Heizo-san, such a polished introduction, I'm sure our hosts are bound to notice such an enthusiasm for politeness, you do your clan proud gushes the Scorpion as her fan flutters by her heart
...and the pleasure is mine I assure you, I am Shosuro Miyuki, and like yourself here to represent my clan she stares unabashed at the Yoritomo until the Crab and Lion entourages arrive.
Her eyes linger on the Hida as she makes her introduction, and she watches the Akodo respond. Glancing back at heizo, she arches her eyebrows for a moment then turns in an elegant maneuver more suited to a formal dance.
Shiori-san, Suana-san, this is Yoritomo Heizo of the Mantis, and I am Shosuro Miyuki
she bows and continues
How serendipitous that old acquaintances are able to meet once more and enjoy their company once again
her friendly smile remains unhidden by the veil across her face. Without turning she flicks her fan towards the Scorpion bushi standing silently behind her
As I was saying to Takeya-san not an hour ago, this truly is an auspicious occasion, we are all truly blessed by the Fortunes, it is sure to be a glorious event fit for the son of heaven!
Shiori smiles, showing no sign of any wrong doing by the part of the lion. She also glimpses as the scorpion woman approaches.
"Nice to meet you, Sachiko-kun. I'm sure you will honor your clan in the tournament, an expected accomplishment for yours are an HONORABLE clan, a trait that should be followed by other clans as well." She puts a big emphasis on the "honorable" word.
At Shoruso Miyuki's introduction, Shiori bows slightly, just enough to fulfill the required courtesy, nothing more.
Bow too deeply to a scorpion and you might find a knife on your back...
"Nice to meet you, Miyuki-san..." She tries to hide her deep disdain against the scorpion. "...and Heizo-san."
Takeya turns and bows in turn to the Crab and the Lion.
This Shiori woman seems to be short with us, not without reason I suppose. She has every reason to be wary.
"Well met Heizo-san, Shiori-san, Suana-san. As Miyuki-san has mentioned I am Bayushi Takeya. A glorious day, sadly my younger brother cannot be here to see it."
He adjusts his footing to be more comfortable and able to watch as many of the people in front of him. His eyes looking out from under his straw hat to examine those in front of him, when he lays eyes on the Hida.
"I hope that all the contenders bring great honor to their clans in the upcoming days. The first Topaz Tournament in many years, I pray for the safety of all the competitors."
Hearing the words of safety Tanawe moves in."Oh I am sure everything will be safe. Apart from our glorious contester. A topaz championship is not meant to be safe. It is meant to be a test of courage and skill, and how to prove that in safety. On the other hand, who would dare to show less than perfect manners in the presence of our imperial guests. It would lead to disfavor!"
-Perfect, just what I didn't wanted.
Suana bows to the other clans' representatives and assistants, and checks that Sachiko does the same.
-I don't want her to be worried about the others, I want her to be focused on herself. Too many people already thinking this is about winning the Championship.
-A pleasure to meet you all. Have you all eaten rice today?
Heizo bows to in greeting to the newcomers, but his face remains carefully neutral.
Hnn. This Scorpion woman bears watching. More so than typically for her kind, anyway. They all play at some game or another, but what is hers in particular...?
"I have, thank you Akodo-san," he responds to the standard greeting.
"And yes, Kakita-san, no one in their right mind would dare risk dishonoring their Clan in such a way at such an important event," he responds to the Crane. "Only misfortune could ruin the day, and we can only pray that the contestants are spared from such bad luck, such that the Fortunes may will."
The perceptive might note that the courtier does not happen to be looking in the direction of either Miyuki or Takeya when he makes this observation.
Bowing to the lion samurai Tanawe responds."Thank you, we did. I hope the journey was not too exhausting." Then addressing the mantis the crane smiles and responds."Very well spoken. Let the fortuness shine on all the contestants. It seems we have my counterparts from the scorpion, the mantis and the lion and of course the crab. I am curious about our other guests."
Miyuki's smile remains bright and cheery, perhaps even deepening slightly as the Crab barely suppresses her distaste.
Shiori-san, I do so hope you are able to enjoy the Crane hospitality as it is meant to be, they must be so different to what you are used to.
As Tanawe moves in to smooth any potentially ruffled feathers, Miyuki tilts her head and the faintest of lines appears on her forehead
Tanawe-san, I had not thought you would need to assure us of the safety of the contestants and honored guests, nor had I thought you would question the manners of those attending...
Shaking her head sadly she turns to the Akodo as he greets all those present. As Heizo makes his reply, Miyuki's smile returns.
Indeed I think we can all agree our wishes for the Fortunes to smile upon this, the first Topaz tournament in so many years.
She glances around once more and sighs sadly
Such a shame there is not more shade for us to gather under to discuss the tournament.
Her face lights up as she seems to remember something
It would not do to have met each other on this day of days and not taken the opportunity to get to know one another better, perhaps once our contestants are settled in we might all retire to a local tea house to further talk, I can think of no better way for us to demonstrate to our charges that all the clans work together for the honour of the Empire!
She smiles.
Shiori smiles when Tanawe assured that everything will be safe.
Of course it will be safe... my kind is right now dying in the wall, making sure everything is always 'safe' around here...
Shiori was not used to this duel of words... this was not her battlefield and anything she said could be turned against her, so the better strategy would be to remain silent. Until she heard Miyuki's comment.
Is she making fun of the crab? We are not as hospitable as you would like? No we are not, we are busy fighting the darkness and the blight... and you would never see our true hospitality, you treacherous scorpion!
She turns slightly red but she manages to control herself.
"Indeed, Miyuki-san, we are more used to war."
And to drink besides your kind would be to dangerous... after all, scorpions way of killing is with a dose of poison... I'd rather die beside my clan along the Carpenter Wall...
Pondering for a moment, Tanawe shrugs."I think everyone can agree that there was war ever since his imperial grace Hantei, the thirty eight," and with a sad look at the scorpions"... died. Every clan had to suffer from the lands beyond the wall, and many a clan member all over rokugan died and suffered to finally bring peace back to us all. It has tought us that we have to pay with constant vigilance for an event like this. It is true that no one has been as constant on the guard as the crab, and the clan has to be praised, but we all others have done our duty.... have done what we must!"
Excitement among the gathered samurai reaches a fever pitch as word begins to circulate that the Imperial procession's barge has been sighted upstream. A throng of people forms, jockeying for position near the river to meet the Son of Heaven.
The first sign of the Imperial barge is the reflection of the setting sun glinting off a crystal staff atop the mast. The Imperial chrysanthemum mon waves in the light breeze as the river vessel ponderously glides into view. A hundred oars stir the water about its golden deck, and the emerald sail furls as the barge’s crew maneuvers it to dock. A stoic party of Crane samurai wait on the wharf, their servants scurrying about to secure the Emperor’s conveyance and the plank that will carry the Son of Heaven from the barge to the shore. Foremost among the waiting Crane is Kakita Kaiten, Master of the Kakita Academy, Kakita family daimyo, regent for the Crane Champion Doji Kurohito, and the host of this event. He stands proudly, unbowed by the weight of his many titles. Next to him is Daidoji Rekai, heir of the Daidoji daimyo and heroine of the War Against the Shadow. Her long white hair tumbles freely down her back, but it is the only concession to femininity she seems to permit herself; otherwise, she is every inch the ready warrior. The two stand still at the heart of the bustling preparations, waiting patiently for all to be in readiness.
At last, the Imperal Guard forms up on the deck of the barge, and the Emperor’s banner is brought forward. As the standard bearer steps onto the dock, the Emperor comes into sight with the Empress at his side. The assembled samurai kneel and prostrate themselves as the Son of Heaven approaches.
The Emperor is a tall, lean man in immaculate clothing made of the finest silks, and the faint glow of a returned spirit is visible around him in the fading light of day. Most samurai are careful to maintain a stern and serious expression while in public, but today Toturi I seems to have a difficulty keeping a joyous smile off his face as he steps onto a raised platform to address the gathered samurai. In his right hand, the Emperor holds a silk fan; he lifts it to focus the crowd’s attention like a general signaling to his troops, and it is easy to see a lifetime of battlefield training has not left him.
“People of Rokugan! We are honored to be present at this momentous event, and We are proud that so many of Our samurai are here to witness the rebirth of a proud tradition! And while it gives Us great hope for the future of the Empire to see such promising samurai, from each of the Great Clans, come together to compete for honor and glory in peace… We have this day received more news of great importance to Rokugan’s destiny!” He glances down at the Empress, and again a bright smile lights his face.
“This very day, Our Empress Kaede, the Oracle of the Void, has informed Us that she is with child, and will be delivered of a son before winter!”
The news causes a stir through the crowd: while news of this nature is not normally discussed in public, the birth of an Imperial heir is obviously very important. Toturi and Kaede do have one child already: a year-old daughter, who has evidently been left in Otosan Uchi. The birth of a son will strengthen the new dynasty, as a more traditional heir is important to the Empire.
Toturi raises his fan again and the murmurs die down. “For this reason, We declare today a celebration! Let all rejoice in the birth of Our child, and give thanks to the Fortunes for the bright days ahead! Tomorrow, we will all continue looking to the future by witnessing the next generation’s coming of age!” Roars of approval greet the Emperor’s words as he steps down.
The Imperial procession makes its way to the Kakita Academy, where the high-ranking guests will stay for the tournament. While the Emperor’s presence attracts the most attention, other luminaries of the Empire still stand out. The Empress, Toturi Kaede, is a lovely woman with a slightly abstracted air. Her eyes are dark and mysterious, and even in the midst of a crowd, the Oracle of Void gives a sense of distance.
The Emerald Champion Kakita Toshiken walks just behind the Emperor and Empress, clad in the green armor of his position. He watches the crowd as he speaks with Toku, the Captain of the Imperial Guard. The two make an interesting pair: Toshiken is tall and his stern face is conventionally handsome, while Toku is slightly under average height and somewhat homely, but with a ready smile. The Miya family daimyo, Miya Yumi, walks with Kakita Kaiten; as the Imperial Herald, she will be overseeing the tournament.
miharu are, like the Emperor, surrounded by a faint glowing aura that marks them as returned spirits.
almost fanatical intensity.
As the crowd begins to disperse, word begins to spread rapidly that the Imperial Treasury is taking on the costs for all celebration tonight. A festive mood grips the city; musicians and storytellers from the nearby artisan Academy arrive to practice their arts for appreciative audiences, sake and shochu flow freely, and even the
commoners move with a sense of joy.
Akodo Suana bows respectfully.
-I think it is time for me to meditate on some last arrangements. I'm sad to leave your company, though we'll hopefully see us around again. If you need me for any reason, I'll be resting at the Tranquil Lotus.
-I can't wait to walk away from this nest of vipers. I hope Sachiko hasn't been too much affected by the mud throwing that just happened here. Also, I must talk to her in private, let's hope we don't get interrupted.
Takeya finds himself back at his tree, picking up the stool for Miyuki. He leans in while handing the stool over. He bows respectfully when the Emperor's party passes by. He knows why his Clan was banished, he need not give another.
"Perhaps I can gain some favor with this Lion, he seems overprotective of his ward and might watch his language more carefully than the Crane. Perhaps our game of Go can wait a bit Miyuki-san. The Crab seems like a softer target, but using certain skills might be distasteful."
Takeya walks quickly to catch up with the Lion and his ward.
"Wait up Suana-san, it so happens you and I are heading in the same direction. My Ward is off on an errand and I could use some company. Sachiko-kun, I wish you the best of luck in the upcoming days."
-Hai.
Suana waits for Takeya to reach Sachiko and him, bows slightly, and keeps on walking.
-Of course... Happy, father?
-A lovely day, isn't it?
K2= 17
=29
With a sigh Tanawe joins the cries of joy from the gathered cloud.
"What glorious news. Akodo-sama, I hope you will join us later in the house of the tranquil lotus to toast and celebrate. This news, for one night, transcend all clan borders and allegiances. The empress is again with child! I will gladly raise my cup in her name and I am utterly confident you would like to do so,too!"
Miyuki seems like she is about to respond to both Shiori and Tanawe, but instead simply bows
We would do well to find a place to watch the Emperor's glorious procession
She turns gracefully to take a place and watch.
As Suana moves to leave, Miyuki bids him farewell
Suana-san, I am sad not to have had more of an opportunity to talk with you, though perhaps we will get another chance, as the Fortunes would have it we are also staying at the Tranquil Lotus
She leans in slightly but her voice is no quieter
Perhaps we can trade stories, I'm sure you have the most thrilling tales of battle to share!
As he moves off, she bows to Takeya and retrieves her chair, lips whispering behind her fan to him as she does.
Miyuki turns to Tanawe
I find myself walking alone to the Tranquil Lotus, surely a scandalous state of affairs for a young samurai-ko! Perhaps I could prevail upon you as one of our gracious hosts to escort me?
She snaps her fan once more and props her parasol on her shoulder, smiling at the Crane and those others that have yet to move on.
And how the Fortunes really must be smiling upon us, my truest wish has come true and we all seem to be headed to the same inn, there is nothing for it but to take tea together. I for one, cannot wait!
She waits patiently for Tanawe to lead the way.
With a graceful gesture Tanawe leads the group to the teahouse walking in perfect modesty next to Miyuki.
Shiori watches as the Emperor's procession passes by. It was quite a view and even her that usually diminishes every kind of spectacle besides her duty in the wall, could not stop herself from enjoying it.
As her companions all bowed and bid farewell, walking towards the Tranquil Lotus inn, she turned to Hida Takumi and whispered.
"Now, Takumi-kun, we have a good opportunity to fade from the sight of less honored clans..."
She walks with her brother towards the Poisoned House.
Keep 2
= Total 22
Kitao like everyone else bows to the Emperor and rejoices with the news, but like a fox, his eyes are keen in noticing what
"Kohuri-san, that will be you some day when you are allowed in the imperial family, guarding the Emperor" Kitao not mentioned he will really not be like all of the present, for there were some in particular that were worth of notice.
Keep 2 (Miserable fail)
The true question is why are they still here?
Heizo bows with the rest of the crowd and watches as the Emperor's procession recedes. Such news will of course sets the court ablaze, as is to be expected. Something to mull over later, to be sure, but for now it would do well to rest and refresh the mind and body.
When the Crane, Lion, and Scorpion all announce their intention to travel to the Tranquil Lotus, the Mantis takes note of where Ayano is heading before excusing himself.
"I fear I must bid you all farewell for now, honored brethren, for I have urgent business to discuss with my ward. I hope that the evening finds you well in light of this joyous news. May we meet again on the morrow."
He bows again and walks away, joining Ayano on the path to the Poisoned Water sake house.
"It appears we are keeping interesting company on this excursion, Ayano-san," he says to the young bushi once they are both out of earshot of the others. Quieter, he says, "One would do well to mind their back, if one were wise. Incidentally, the loser pays for the drinks."
Takeya slows his pace down to walk with Suana, staying next to the bushi, permitting the Lion to feel as though he could protect his ward from the Scorpion.
"Sachiko-kun, are you ready for your gempukku? Ah, no worries, I am sure that your Clan has raised you to the best of their ability. Is that correct Suana-san?"
Takeya reaches for his obi for his pillow book.
Why are there Seppun still here? I know they are concerned about the new Emperor, but this bears investigation if I have the time. Miyuki might know more than I do on this matter of spirits.
Noting the Crane's graceful poise, Miyuki nods her head in approval
Tanawe-san, your manners are impeccable, it is a wonder that your family is not besieged by offers of marriage, I am sure maidens from far and wide swoon at their memories of being in your enjoyable presence!
She flicks her fan at the Kakita's sheathed blade
Tell me, does your skill with the blade equal your manners?
Stroking softly the hilt with the back of the hand Tanawe sighs."Miyuki-san, no reason to flatter me. We booth know, that our marriages will be arranged for the good of the clan. Manner´s and a sharp blade impress little girls, but not our clan elder´s when they meet for a little discussion. Or do you have a sister in mind, who could be a "perfect" match for me.... or someone else..?"
With a broad smile the crane points to the tea-house. "Let us see if our friends from the Lion Clan are here. I am sure they can .. entertain us with stories of past glories."
Bayushi Shichiro speaks up when the group arrives. "I am in the mood for a story to take my mind off tomorrow's events. Sachiko-san, would you care to join me?" The handsome young Scorpion's face is difficult to read, although the question is innocent enough. Sachiko looks to Suana with somewhat pleading eyes.
Doji Aroshi, the Crane contestant, stands in the garden, making light conversation with other samurai. He smiles when he sees Tanawe.
By contrast, the Unicorn contestant, a darkly handsome young man, is slowly getting drunk without a retinue of his own. The Unicorn presence here is sparse, but his isolation has done little to dissuade a group of local women that seem to be competing for his attention.
...Essentially, Courtier is the 'social offence' skill...<snip>...Courtier can also be used to obtain or spread rumors about someone...
Miyuki spends the next hour ensuring she speaks to every single samurai present at the inn, and pressing each of them to tell her who they think is favored at which events, and whether there is any truth to the rumor that there will be a special test this year that no previous Championship has had before.