@Tokine, @San Pen, @Imuri: The emperor regards both Erudima and Rhon not at all. He looks only into the middle-distance, and his face is a mask of perfect tranquility and calm. Whenever someone finishes speaking -- be it a Peer of the Realm or the Princess, he gives only the same small nod to his Mouth as an indicator that the next person should be allowed to speak. Functionaries move through the room refilling tea as needed, but otherwise there is very little movement as all parties listen very carefully to all that is said.
As Madame Curator Nagano asks her question, the young Princess looks about to speak a couple times, but stops herself short, remembering her place as the more elegant and refined Aasimar continues. When Nagano-San finishes, Eru takes a deep breath, and sort of falls apart. "M...madame I...that is the war...Goddess Sarenrae would..." It is at this point that Rhon stands up (as one of the two representatives of this group, he has leave to do so) and saves her. "Your Highness. If I may." He speaks as one who is very accustomed to addressing royalty. His tone and tact could even be considered impressive. As he speaks, Rhon gives no indication whatsoever that he had been speaking with Tokine earlier in the day. Erudima nods, relief painfully evident on her face, and takes her seat at the table she shares with her scholarly companion. Rhon speaks; "Madame, you of course speak both wisdom and truth. The vision sent to young del Solarian was of a journey, and an Empire at peace. Her connection to the divine is newly formed, and so she interpreted it as best she could, with the assistance of the great King Faruq Ibn T'ha Ibn Mohammed Ibn Benen Ibn L'Had, of the City-State of H'arun, where we stopped to give aid to that great city and learn certain things from the King and his advisors. The way the vision was interpreted, was the Empire should remain protected, well-defended, a bastion of peace and beauty. The lands of the west are not the Empire's problem, nor its responsibility. Sarenrae would see the Empire remain uninvolved so that it is not actively attacked. It is too late for the west; indeed much irreparable harm has already been done. But the Empire remains untouched, and strong, and the goddess and others would see it remain so, such that it can help the west rebuild, and actively save and preserve its past and culture. To your point, then, Nagano-san, the goddess would see the Empire saved, and along with it, hope unblemished for the future." Rhon bows in return, and sits back down.
@Imuri:
Aki-kirei-san, I do believe the Princes has drawn some strength from your meeting with her this afternoon.
The great beauty smiles at you with what to the casual observer would be warmth and affection, as for a good friend. "Imuri-sama, the Inn of the Graces is well-named, and to rest there is to find oneself at peace with the world, and of sound mind and calm heart. I am certain the comforts of such a place do much for the spirits of a young Princess."
Of course the mention of mercantilism is scandalous here, but our notions would be considered altruistic and naive among the barbarians. We are seated, in the Emperor's wisdom, with courtiers, warriors and venture-captains. Perhaps we could hear from Hiroto-sama and Katsurou-san regrding the necessity of protecting the peaceful interests of the Solarians.
This prompts a warm -- if slightly wry -- look from Ken, and a small lecture from Katsue on the effectiveness of Imperial Guards against the threats of the west. While dry, it is information quite well-received by those present. The looks around the table make it clear you have scored a point.
...
Rhon returns your gaze at one point, and very subtly indicates he understands your intent. You are fairly certain no one knows this has happened, and did not know the boyish elf could be so subtle since he certainly betrayed no such skill in your earlier interactions with him.
1d20+8
The majority of questions from the peers are constructed in such a way as to tease out information about the west that is relevant to their interests, and are depressingly predictable. Hiroto Ken and other warriors ask about defenses and offenses, strategies and strength of arms. Katsurou Katsue and other merchants ask what trade routes remain open. Motomo Ari asks who is stronger. None of these questions evoke even a flicker of response from the Son of the Heavens, nor from San Pen or the other advisors, all of whom sit listening impassively throughout, though in truth reading the expression of the great Xorn is all but impossible for most anyone present, anyway.
Then Sera Zhongyi rises smoothly, like a dancer, bows, and asks simply "This one, to her shame, is Sera Zhongyi, and would only seek humbly to ask of her Highness the Princess del Solarian, daughter of the Western Sky, if she has slept and eaten well each night since arriving here, and is comfortable."
A look of relief and relaxation comes over Erudima's face, then, for the first time, and she smiles with warmth at the elder Sera sister. "Th...this one thanks you, Zhongyi-san, and replies that yes, yes I have, and yes I am. Y-that is, the hospitality of the Empire is without peer."
What do I know about King Faruq Ibn T'ha Ibn Mohammed Ibn Benen Ibn L'Had and the City-State of H'arun?
1d20 + 15
The king is in his 50s, very wise and good, and an Eldritch Knight of great power. You have heard recently from some traveling earth elementals that the city was currently under siege but fighting back admirably and bravely. Those creatures said that the city's greatest threats lie within its walls, but could not elaborate on what that meant.
Plastic-man-sama
Imuri rises from his lace at the table, his white kimono decorated by a thousand and one dark green spiders, each formed from flawless silk and subtly different from the others. His family and dojo mons display prominently over his daisho, so rarely seen on a samurai's right side that some are still distracted by the notion of a left-handed swordsman. Imuri bows low to the Emperor, bows a respectable depth to the company at his table, and then bows less deeply to the Princess and her entourage. He folds his arms within his kimono sleeves, smoothing out their seams so as not to imprint on anything stored within. When all is quiet, he speaks musically and confidently.
Princess Solarian, I am pleased the Wise Emperor has honored me with invitation to dine with your noble self. While you are no doubt belabored by the advent of war in addition to the other troubles confronted by noble royalty, I have hope for your people because of you. With modesty, I am reminded of the lessons of Master Sensei Shoto Yotsuro-sama, of our own young Emperor, Sing Ayumu-sama, who inhrited the throne at an even younger age, and still maintained the peace and prosperity of the land. Under his reign, artists prospered, the heimin did not want for rice, and the ancestors blessed our great-great-grandfathers richly.
Imuri says all of this with a soft smile, as if remembering a golden age that might have lasted forever, as if some had forgotten that wisdom is the divine investiture of the Throne, and not merely a function of age. When he triumphantly surveys the change in expression of several older rivals, he then allows his face to adopt a more serious tone, measuring out the change in his features to allow the mood of the room to change with him.
You also have capable associates, and so I trust that your demesne is in good order. However, they no doubt advised you that the Empire of Mists has not engaged in open war in centuries. We defend the interests of our way of life like no other, and there are families among our nation that have simply never known defeat outside our borders.
Imuri waits for the acknowledgement of those who already side for peace. It is not his agenda, but the nods of approval predispose the room to his next comments.
You know this, of course. You do not need to persuade us to abstain from conflicts that do not serve to honor our ancestors. And yet here you are, gifting us with your art and exhorting us to peace. It seems clear you are only here because you do not wish to see the Emperor take up the casue of His other visitors. You would rather make this pilgrimage than trust that His enlightened judgment, flawless by the definition that He is the Son of Heaven itself, would keep the Empire safe and prosperous despite the case brought by your competitors.
He studies her reactions. She is not an equal here, Imuri thinks. She is manipulable and fragile. He pauses for a second to let the truth sink in to the assembled samurai - that her trip here is completley unnecessary unless something larger is at stake. Unles she wants something. Imuri remembers a core lesson from his sensei, and resists a half-smile. She is fragile and naive, unless she is not.
He makes eye contact with several courtiers he considers potential allies of his family before turning to conclude his question.
My question, Princess Solarian, is this. What else is at stake? What are you afraid of? What do you believe will convince a peaceful nation that has shown itself favored by yomi, and fully self-sufficient, to resist our peaceful inertia and take up the cause of war?
Imuri bows respectfully again, to the gaijin, to his table, and then to his Emperor, and takes his seat to await her answer. While eyes are focused on the princess, the samurai waits for the inevitable glance from Rhon to convey a deeper meaning and peaceful intentions.
At Imuri-san's question, many give approving looks. The emperor seems quite interested in the answer to the young Shoto's question, a point that does not go unnoticed by the Sera sisters.
The princess looks a bit at a loss. "I...I don't..." She stops and sighs "I'm sorry. I'm terrible at this. I'm really really sorry to all of you if this is bad manners or...or whatever, but I'm just going to talk." Her posture relaxes a bit, though her carriage is still dignified and erect. "We're not specifically afraid of anything. We're not even here necessarily representing anybody, but that's exactly the problem; the Black Dragonflight -- your guests tomorrow night -- they are a large organized force, and those fighting them are scattered pockets of resistance fighters. They're led by well-trained armies, this is true, but they're fighting on too many fronts. The people who are going to talk to you on the third night? The ones in silver? They're gonna ask for you to fight for them. But my vision...my vision showed me the best thing for all The Land was if the Empire stayed out of this conflict, and I came to try to ensure that it happened. It...I'm sorry, I admit...it wasn't part of my vision that I would necessarily come here and do this." She looks apologetically at Tokine. "But I did see The Empire, that's for sure. And the other things I talked about. But anyway; our concern isn't related so much to who the Empire fights for, it's that you would fight at all. King Ibn L'had, he didn't think that it mattered. He felt that if you joined with the Black Dragonflight, that the West would fall as our scattershot resistance cannot stand before two organized armies. But the thing is -- I know I'm not supposed to speak ill of the other guests, but I believe this to be true -- the thing is the Black Dragonflight would turn on you, then, and take your lands. I...I know you believe you could stop them. And maybe you could. But they are so, so many. Honestly, you cannot even imagine their numbers. So, honorable Samurai -- " Here she looks at Imuri "-- you ask what is at stake, and I say; "everything." If you remain neutral, then you will be left alone if the Forces of Light win. If the Black Dragonflight wins, well, then IF they choose to come after you, they have to first cross the Great Trackless woods, and the deathmarshes and cold steppes of Enhathlad, or the Old Land, and those are not obstacles that are lightly traversed." Katsurou Katsue is nodding sagely. "That's what I fear, if I fear anything; that they'll win, and there'll be nothing left, or that the Light will win, and the Empire will be greatly diminished from loss."
There is a great deal of turmoil at this, though it is all quite subtle. Many are outraged at the princess' brashness. The Sera sisters share a frowning glance before resuming their expressions of calm. Others smile warmly at Erudima and Rhon while others remain simply thoughtful.
All in all, a mixed reaction at best. But it is a reaction nonetheless.
San Pen waits calmly, knowing that when he and his fellows speak, the notables will ask no more questions. Mention of H'arun awaken memories of its scholars (and their horrible coffee).
Once his companions have presented their carefully prepared questions, he will rise to his feet, speaking in a conversational manner, rather than the formal speech of court, as he would to a new friend in a more casual setting.
The scholarr king of H'arrun is well known for his wisdom and it seems you have spoken with him of yourr holy vision. Will you and yourr ccompanion sharre the details of that vision? Worrds of wisdom and visions of divine guidance haves always been welcomed in this Courrt. bows to said Court Naturrally, I do not ask you to rreveal any secrrets entrrusted to you dirrectly by the Goddess. Hrrum, hrrrum.
The emperor nods in satisfaction as San Pen speaks, and Erudima looks over at him. "The vision itself. Well. I was asleep on a ledge, high in the mountains, though I don't know which range it was. I was facing east. There was a long, surreal, powerful dawn coming over the horizon, and it was wild and on fire and mighty and it spread across the sky leaving crimson and silver calligraphy as it went. I felt cold at my back, sadness, but in front of me I saw this Empire, this city, bathed in the light that signaled a freedom from a great evil. There was beauty there, as the words of the dawn wrote poems over Lanzhu, blessing her. That is what I saw, Sifu."
The emperor closes his eyes briefly, and smiles. He then nods at his Mouth, who comes forward and says "All here are now dismissed to the reception. The Son of the Heavens has much to consider. His advisors will remain here, all others shall now depart." One of the functionaries approaches San Pen and the other two advisors to refill their tea and the emperor's tea one last time, then he bows and leaves with everyone else.
In the reception hall there is already music and light and laughter and flirting and joking and everythign else one might expect. All who were in the council are attending the reception. The princess is there, as is Rhon and the exceedingly attractive half-elven sorcerer called Earenthil.
On the forearm of his left sleeve, sewn with elegance in beautiful gilt thread, is a slumbering crescent moon surrounded by seven stars.
Tokine shows a small coy smile. Speak from the heart. Very good. A lack of grace can be forgiven with an abundance of spirit.
Tokine tends to circulate during these functions. Her shyness tends to keep her from dominating conversations, and she prefers to observe while nodding pleasantries to the guests.
Upon reaching Rhon, Earenthil and the Princess, she waits for a quiet moment between dignitaries. "My apologies Princess for asking such a personal question. It is just, matters of faith are very personal to me too." She gives a small bow and her bells give a small jingle. "That description of your vision..if it could be arranged before you leave, I would dearly love enough details to make an initial sketch. With your permission, such a vision should be preserved in ink and oil."
Giving a big sister type of grin, "And I am also glad to see you took advantage of our fine silk craftsmen. You have chosen a beautiful kimono, but like a small song bird, its beauty is diminished if you hold it too tightly."[/b] She gives Rhon and Earanthil a look, and in a voice for the three of them, Princess your companions likely told you they accompanied me to tea today. If I could ask one more favor of them to provide a moment of privacy with your permission of course."
She motions with a glance, the two men to either side of her, then steps in closer as if to examine the thread work on the kimono. In a nonchalant voice, "You see what they did with the stitch here." While pretending to show the three the intricacies of the fabric, she deftly gives the fabric small tugs that loosen the folds and relax the sash. In a whisper to the Princess, "It should flow like your abundant spirit."
She steps back and in a louder voice, "I will have to pay that shop a visit and congratulate them on their ability to so channel Shelyn's blessings."
She will eventually make room for the the next group of dignitaries who wish to make the acquaintance of the Princess. As she steps away, she will hook Rhon's arm and draw him slightly away. "About that answer you gave..." Until they were out of earshot. "A crescent moon and seven stars. Does that mean anything to you? They have a perverse interest in art."
pauses
The Plum Blossom becomes bold.
relates discovery and removal of the mooonstone flower arrangments
I believe Inspectorr Cho has news forr me on this matterr.
Morre suprrising, I have rrecieved a scrroll from Stonegarrd- a rrequest forr a meeting in the norrth mountains afterr the thrree audiences. Times arre, indeed, becoming morre complicated.
@Tokine: The Princess is taken aback by the radiance of your presence, but looks relieved when you loosen her kimono. "Aki-chan said it flattered my figure. I realize now I was foolish to listen to such advice. I need to ask her why she thought that would help me." Rhon smiles in a brotherly way. "We were worried sick when you didn't come back right away. We had received a very oblique warning from someone with some kind of disguise spell on him that the lady Sera may have been seeking to harm you. In truth, I believe he was correct, though maybe not in exactly the way he thought. You must be careful with them, Eru, it's not like a dance with House del Luna, where you're Protected. The dangers here are far subtler and more deadly in their own way, even those that don't harm you physically."
Erudima scrutinizes your hair. "You...you really think my vision could be painted? That would be...be so lovely. Unfortunately I have no more details to give, I don't think. Unless, well, I could try to show the color maybe." She is clearly distracted; "How did your hair get to be this color?"
As you walk away with Rhon, he listens to your question, then ponders a moment. "I have seen that symbol before, but have never fully investigated it. I've seen it over a door to a mausoleum in Choban-La, and an old temple to a long-fogotten god in the jungles north of Mamban. I saw it as well on the Isla des las Mil Voces, in the Bay of Katapesh, over the inner door to the Tomb of King Anansu. There were Bladecatchers and Bitters, though, and we had to flee." He looks down at you. "I'm sorry I can't be more help. If you could get me into the library I could do better work. My supplies are quite limited since I'm traveling."
@Erudima: "Oh,..the hair? It is a little joke from my father <whoever he is...although I suspect, a River Spirit>. But if you would care to visit our Temple, I can show you many of the art you wish to save, and we can discuss more of this vision."
@Rhon: "There is a man here tonight wearing that symbol, over in the corner. She will point up to varies tapestries hanging above the crowd, mentioning color and technique until they were facing the man across the room. In a lower voice "In the blue hood. His robe has this symbol...as did the scroll tube the thieves who desecrated our Temple bore." She will continue the circuit around the room. [b]"I do not know this one...he seems foreign...no offense." She adds with a small giggle.
"I have a meeting later with San Pen if he is available. We will see if a visit to the library might be arranged. Perhaps as my guest, as a gesture of cultural exchange."
At the reception, Imuri immediately sets himself up for success. He gives subtle nods to Shoto courtiers, assigning them to various cliques so as to influence specific individuals by agreeing or not agreeing with their targets. In moments, the clan with the spider mon is weaving a web of intrigue together, wielding half-truths and flattery and Imperial xenophobia as they would a sword.
When everyone is working, Imuri travels nonchalantly through the crowded rooms and gardens. He must find his own prey, but he cannot be caught looking for them.
When at last his proximity meets, by coincidence, the joining of the two Sera sisters together, the handsome samurai, equal parts courtier and assassin, siezes a snippet of conversation, "...perhaps any alliance at this juncture could be dangerous..," to involve himself as if he were passing by and none too serious.
What would be dangerous, Imuri swoops in with impeccable timing, is if the Sera and the Shoto families declared war on anyone who displeases the Empire. He smiles disarmingly, holding his hands around the shoulders of the two young women - never touching - as if they were the oldest friends and allies. The resulting victory would be so predictably complete that it would almost be dishonorable to engage them.
Imuri pretends to ponder while his rakish demeanor fetches feigned gasps in response. He drops his voice so as not to make his joke where the Princess' entourage could overhear. It would simply not be fair. Sera sisters, you go to war with or against the gaijin. We will simply concede the honor and victory to you, and practice noble restraint.
Imuri is careful, not like in his youth, to avoid being transfixed by the laughing eyes of either girl.
I do not see how I can pass up a meeting orr rrisk offending such a one by brringing an uninvited guest. What he asks of the events of this day and the next two will tell us much.
It is not just the Empirre's citizens who we watch overr.
Daveth lets out a sigh of relief as Fumiko takes off back into the inn he then makes his way over to one of the shops keep ing a sharp lookout for anyone in armor from before. With my luck they'll attack right when Fumiko brings me the damn bag Daveth thinks to himself he then(if the nearest place was a tea shop or diner of some sort) takes a seat at an empty table or (if it was now) leas up against a wall awaiting Fumiko's arrival.
He falls silent for a moment, thinking, then speaks again. "Clans Motomo, Sera, and Shoto all are arranging meetings with each of the groups of Gaijin, independently of each other, either at their estates or in their city houses. This could prove quite interesting. I have already placed agents in each House who will report back to me, but I am thinking of requesting aid from the Houses in certain matters, as an object lesson of where their loyalties lie. Hmm. I must think on this. Mountains...cranes...the mists...the dawn. All coming together. That will be all, old friend, though we will speak more soon. I believe you have a meeting with the good Inspector Cho and Madame Curator-san awaiting you." He smiles, then, and vanishes; teleported away.
@Tokine: Rhon nods. "That would be excellent. I will stop by your temple tomorrow morning, and I'll bring Erudima with me. In the meantime, I will take advantage of my status as a filthy gaijin to simply introduce myself to our friend in the robes." He smiles and winks as he steps away from you and begins walking in that direction. You spot Inspector Cho easily enough, but cannot currently see San Pen.
@Imuri:
...Then Sera Zhongyi rises smoothly, like a dancer, bows, and asks simply "This one, to her shame, is Sera Zhongyi, and would only seek humbly to ask of her Highness the Princess del Solarian, daughter of the Western Sky, if she has slept and eaten well each night since arriving here, and is comfortable."
A look of relief and relaxation comes over Erudima's face, then, for the first time, and she smiles with warmth at the elder Sera sister. "Th...this one thanks you, Zhongyi-san, and replies that yes, yes I have, and yes I am. Y-that is, the hospitality of the Empire is without peer."
@Daveth: Hunkered down at a back table in the essentially-empty tea shop, you hear raised voices from outside, then the door blasts open to reveal Lan Piu, with an embarrassed-looking Fumiko in tow, and a tall figure in midnight-blue and grey clothing topped with a hooded cloak next to him. Lan Piu has your bag. "Daveth! You in here! Sending Fumiko in to get your bag, don't you even have the courage to face me directly? Hm? Gaijin?"
"He didn't send me I vol--" Fumiko begins, but is cut off.
The roguish looking figure steps forward and inclines his head towards the two. "Quiet!" His voice is a harsh and raspy whisper. He takes your bag from Lan Piu and hands the innkeeper a small coinpurse. It jingles fatly and the innkeeper's eyes get big with joy. "Keep the change." rasps this new stranger. "And get the hell out of here."
The innkeeper and worker bustle out, with Fumiko giving you a final, pained and apologetic look over her shoulder as she leaves. The rogue walks up and drops your bag on the table. "Hey kid. I was hoping you'd look tougher. But I guess you'll do. Wanna earn some coin, and possibly get a shot at legitimizing yourself and getting some respect in this damn place?" You can barely make out the man's face in all the shadows, but he appears to be an elf. It's really hard to tell. "My name's Ghar, and I believe I have a job well-suited to your unique talents."
@Imuri: Zhongyi smiles icily and pulls slightly away from you, maintaining a distance that is socially respectful without being familiar or warm. Aki, however, leans in as close as propriety will allow; all warm and silk-covered curves and subtly intoxicating scent. While you cannot determine what Sera Aki is on about, it is clear that Zhongyi's intent is to distract you while her sister moves in...
...you experience a moment of dizziness, but your iron will maintains your perfect bearing and composure. You realize, to your utter lack of surprise, that Sera Aki-Kirei is employing some type of mind-affecting component in her perfume. As she leans in, she says "Surely it is true mighty Shoto will not yield, but stand firm like a mountain as a river of promises breaks around its great roots. Sera is honored by so steadfast an ally."
Imuri counters Aki-chan's attempt by rotating as she leans into him. As their bodies slowly turn a half-circle, the two of them rotate away from Zhongyi. The expanse of the reception room opens up, clearly exposing Aki's willful move toward the Shoto samurai. Imuri waits for the mists of seduction to burn away from his senses, and for witnesses across the room to sweep their gaze over the both of them. He is careful to lean in flirtaciously, almost scandalously, and whisper We could be potent allies, Sera-chan, but then what would I do for entertainment?
Imuri does not look to see who has noticed his mouth so close to his rival's ear. He instead feigns discomfort. He looks the young girl over as if tempted but composes himself rapidly and backs away. As he makes his escape from what is clearly Sera Aki-kirei's inappropriate pass at him, he passes by Zhongyi, whispering with a tone that indicates unchallenged amusement.
Pity you and I were never that close.
Daveth groans a bit as he hears the sound of a door being slammed open, even as he turns to see it he already knows where the sound is coming from and his eyes only confirm it as he sees Lan Piu and Fumiko. Rubing his forehead a bit as Lan yells Daveth prepares himself to try and salvage this however he is saved the effort by a newcomer. Raising an eyebrow at the man as he walks over and drops his bag on the table(which Daveth quickly snatches up and puts on. As he catches Fumiko's look his gives her a look of 'thanks for trying' before turning back to the new man.
Daveth is put a bit on edge as the man offers him effectively most of what he's wanted for quite some time, however he does his best to keep his cool as all he really knows about the man is the name he he gave. The fact that this was coming on the same day that he was attacked by creatures claiming to work for his mother helped in keeping him from immediately jumping at the possibility. "Sometimes its better not to look like the toughest guy in the room, draws lot less attention." Daveth says with a bit of a grin. "Now what might this job entail and how might I ask do you know of my talents?" Daveth asks, wondering exactly how much this man knows about him.
Tokine will eventually come across Inspector Cho and lead him to a quieter corner. "Thank you Inspector for sending your men this afternoon. And for your recommendations of noble men to guard our humble temple." She gives him a small bow.
"But I wonder what our prisoners might have offered up as information? I can offer this..." From inside the sleeve of her kimono she will remove the scroll tube ends..Plum Blossum and the Crescent Moon and Seven Stars.
@Tokine: The inspector looks at the scroll case. "The Chan Dynasty, yes? This does not surprise me. Madame Curator, it may come to pass that you and Sifu San Pen and I may discuss certain matters at my precinct house upon the conclusion of this evening's festivities. Perhaps 10:00 might be a good time? There are too many here who's ears are pointed in different directions than their heads, and too many with vested interests." He indicates the oddly-dressed half elf, who is still being chatted up by Rhon, though it looks as if the boyish scholar is getting mostly monosyllabic answers for his troubles.
@Daveth: "Never mind how I know. I know, and that's gonna have to be good enough. Here's the deal; The people here don't know it, but certain forces are already marshaling outside the city, to the north, coming out of the Great Trackless Woods. I want a scouting report like only you can deliver; from the air. I also want you to fetch an item for me. You're going to have to go to their officers' tent way behind their lines to find it, but find it you should. It'll be a pendant, the design will be a slumbering crescent moon surrounded by seven stars. If you're lucky, no one will be wearing it. If someone is wearing it, well, I imagine you'll think of something. You look like an inventive kid." Ghar sets a bag of gold on the table. "Pay is 1,000gp now, and when you get back with the item and a full report of troop strength, I pay you 1,000 more, and I tell you why the Black Dragonflight wants you. Which by the way they have this place surrounded, so you'll want to be inventive about leaving. So...what do you think?"
returns to the reception from exterior of the palace holding a snack
takes bite of the Ton Zen (an odd club weapon best described as metal statue of a man, three foot tall and weighing over 200 lbs)
Proceeds to cross the room slowly, greeting any who wish to speak, while taking small bites of his snack and making (only) small talk. (If possible, will take the bite that removes the head of the weapon when he greets the Sera sisters.) Smiles frequently.
Eventually makes his way to stand next to Tokine.
Honorred Currator, it has cerrtainly been a busy day. Will you sit with me laterr? I would hearr of the arrticles newly given into yourr carre.
If Inspector Cho is still near,
Rrespected Gaurrdian, it is well to see you again. How go events amongst the citizens of this fairr city?
If there is no reaction from the crowd or fraom the Sera sisters, I will find the head curator and the xorn advisor.
It is most pleasant to see the two of you tonight. I trust you have delivered your artwork from the desirous hands of tactless ronin?
"We have much to discuss. Much has happened today since we met, and even more interesting have been this evenings events."
Upon the arrival Imuri, Thank you again for your assistence today brave samuri. Tonight, Art still breathes free. Although by the stories of the Gaijin, those days may be fewer in the future."
The Sera sisters smile like knives as Imuri walks away from them. Upon seeing Imuri's approach, Inspector Cho nods to Tokine and San Pen; "We will speak later, Nagano-san, Sifu San Pen. Events go well in the city, but that well is quite deep, as we shall discuss. San Pen I will let Madame Curator fill you in on our rendezvous. 'Til later." he then bows and walks calmly off to chat with other guests.
DRA-sama
Dressed in a resplendent white kimono adorned with green spiders and gold trim, Imuri bows politely at Tokine Nagano, then more deeply to Sifu San Pen.
The Shoto family is as honored to defend the Emperor's defenders of culture and wisdom as we are by putting the ji-samurai of lesser dojos in their place. I trust you were able to use the information I provided you to cloak yourself in knowledge and secure your interests?
Imuri's speech is very friendly, and his eyes demonstrate loyalty when he looks directly at you, but when he glances around the room between comments, they narrow with focus and his demeanor becomes predatory.
You have observed the Sera clan's duplicity as regards the gaijin? Their relationship goes abck farther than these events, and yet Sera-chan betrayed the Solarian Princess by not advising her to loosen that gown. They spoke shortly before this event, and it could not have escaped the notice of Sera Aki-Kirei. They have an interest in shaping these events.
While you have no proof of it, you are fairly convinced they have criminal ties.
DRA-sama
A dojo like the Dancing Crane would definitely have evening classes so they could sucker in laborers and managers and others who wouldn't be able to get to a class until after work, so depending on when Imuri is done dealing with Erudima and Rhon, et. al, and then the Black Dragon, it is perfectly possible he could check them out.
@Imuri
Yourr aid was timely. It prrevented the Honorred Currator frrom corrrecting those rruffians.
sharp glance at the young noble
How went the rrest of yourr day's endeavorrs?
swallows the last of his snack, turning to conceal the bite from Tokine
Nonplused, the Shoto courtier breaks into a charming half-smile. I am learning much about our gaijin visitors, and sorting out their claims to best serve the Empire and the Shoto name, sifu-sama. I will of course bring anything of relevant interest to your esteemed self.
Turning to the Madame Curator, Imuri thoughtfully asks, You did not find my intervention an insult, I hope. While I am aware that a samurai is prepared to defend ehrself at any time, I must acknowledge I sense their intent to cause trouble before I knew their destination. "Samurai" of such low station need not be allowed to waste the time of true nobility. After all, what could you accomplish with the few seconds you might have wasted on the assault of such worthless men? Surely better that a young loyalist to the Empire endure their insult than you personally.
Imuri broadens his smile only slightly, as if he thinks himself right, but does not want to assume agreement.
DRA:
"Your actions were admirable and appreciated, The beauty of your training was pleasant to watch." She gives a small nod of thanks. When her head rises, she has a coy smile on her face. "But you may be surprised how a few well chosen words can drain even a leader of men of all the drive he has in his heart and set him to run and seek the forgiveness of his ancestors for his shame....and I believe you stole some fun from our esteemed councilor" She gives a wink to San Pen.
The smile recedes but a hint is still left as she adds, "I enjoyed both of your questions this evenings. Each got at what I sought, but unfortunately shook our guest with my ...enthusiastic approach. So, thank you both."
Nonsense, Tokine-san . It is only by prodding our guests with varying levels of aggression that we test their sincerity. Tomorrow will be more of the same, though I suggest we exchange roles a bit. The gaijin must lay themselves bare if they are to request the favor of the Emperor and His servants, and we must be as industrious as spiders in our defense of our home.
Looking to engage the noble xorn, Imuri adds, I think it wise to pool our knowledge on these matters and develop a recommendation for the Son of Heaven should He request one. How can my family aid in your supplied council, Earthmaster?
DRA-sama: