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Heizo frowns, already embarrassed that he has lost face due to his misstep. He did not relish this next confession. "While I have dabbled in horsemanship before, I regret to say it is not an area in which I have received extensive training, Miya-sama."
Heizo comfortably holds his own during the conversation. When the talk turns to the business of the Mantis and Phoenix, he expresses his regret, but ends on a confident note that he is certain relations between the two Clans can be improved. Whether or not his companions are aware that he's more motivated by the prospect of lost profits rather than mending fences with the damned Phoenix is left to their respective judgements.
Beyond that, he notices nothing particularly out of the ordinary.
Alright, whenever you're ready.
Heizo tries, but he is unable to recall exactly whom this Otomo is (or, more accurately, "was"). Left with little recourse, he decided that deference is the most prudent course of action. "You flatter us, Mitsuhide-sama," Heizo says graciously with a polite bow. "I am pleased to have merited your attention, although we merely performed to the best of our abilities in an unprecedented situation."
"As would I," Heizo adds with as much good cheer as he could muster. "No doubt that it would be an enjoyable diversion." In truth his muscles ached and he had been looking forward to whatever relaxation the inn could provide, but political common sense he could not let the Scorpion courtier have the Miya's ear without himself being present to further the interests of the Mantis.
"As you say," Heizo replies, grateful for the opportunity to rest. "Let us savor it while we have the opportunity to do so."
Heizo nods in consideration. "Quite prudent of you, Miya-sama. Fortunes willing, may our task be accomplished with speed and the utmost of care."
Between extra work on the job and family crises (nothing truly serious, just numerous and unavoidable) I have been largely AWOL this past week. I've been leaving the house intending to log in when I get back and wind up crashing into unconsciousness when I return. My apologies, I'm back now and the b.s. is mostly over. P.S.: Miyuki, you're doing just fine, I can tell that it's all in-character. Backhanded compliments are a must for Crane or Scorpion faces. If anything I think I've been playing it way too civil for a Mantis. :)
Gokinju's insinuation is not lost on the courtier, but true to protocol he does not let it show. "I am prepared to follow wherever you deem it necessary to travel, as I am sure are my fellow samurai, Miya-sama. If I may ask, is there a projected date that we are required to complete this task by?"
Heizo bows respectfully and gestures for Gokinju to join them. "By all means," Heizo responds. "Important matters are always better discussed after one has eaten properly. Please join us."
Upon sitting down, Heizo stows his pipe and sets aside his straw hat, exposing his topknot to view. "Sake will be fine. As for the food, what do you recommend today, Abun?"
Heizo gives another bow. "Beyond what Kitao-san has requested, I find that the information you have given is sufficient, Yumi-sama."
Heizo bows low as well. "Though I may be hardly worthy of such a position, I also accept. I would say it is a pleasant turn of events, were not the Empire in such a dire state of affairs as to render it necessary."
"We have been treated with the utmost hospitality, Yumi-sama," Heizo says with a bow, "and although your gratitude is sincerely appreciated, it is a matter of duty to assist a loyal member of the Imperial Family whenever possible. How may we be of further service?"
Heizo is honestly taken aback at the sight of the Empress' body and his grieving Emperor, but protocol quickly reasserts itself before he risks a breach of etiquette. "And thank the Fortunes that it happened to be so, Shisou-sama," he answers, performing a bow. "Our journey was strange and harrowing, but in light of recent events the telling is likely best reserved for another time. Please tell us, what has occurred during our absence?"
Nothing that a quick review can't fill in. I'm good.
"I believe that everyone has finally been accounted for."
Heizo regards the woman impassively for a moment, then turns back to the sensei. "She is of my Clan, the Mantis, and is of the Moshi family, and a shugenja of the school of that same family. As for her personal name, I have never had the pleasure of being introduced as of yet, so I cannot say."
Okay, I was waffling about saving these points for increasing a Trait, but my guy's a courtier, he should know this stuff. Skills purchased: Calligraphy 1 ... 1 pt
Insight Rank: 143
Regarding the XP, do we have to wait until our characters have some downtime to increase our abilities, or can we spend the points immediately?
Relieved to have bested another challenge without much issue, Heizo adjusts his hat as the mists close in.
Heizo bows and elects to answer the fourth question. "Respect for ones peers and superiors in word in deed is shown through observing proper etiquette in all ways large and small, demonstrating one's honor through propriety, keeping face, and demonstrating awareness of one's rightful place in the Celestial Order."
"Surely if what this ronin has done is worthy of death, it should be apparent to all, with no need for secrecy or vagaries, even to the ears of those unworthy to carry out the law. If we may be so bold as to ask, Miya-sama, what, specifically, has he done that is worth such a sentence?"
Heizo is careful to maintain a mask of stoicism as it is his turn, but horsemanship was never his forte, and he was content to leave archery to the Tsuruchi. As usual, his almost single-minded focus on commerce above more esoteric pursuits has proven a detriment. Still, he would never shame the Yoritomo name or that of the Mantis through lack of effort, and intended to give the best showing that he could manage. As was his custom, he breathed a prayer to the Fortunes, and began.
By the skin of his teeth, Heizo manages to maneuver his steed to the first target.
His luck endures; he takes aim and somehow manages to plant the shaft into the target.
The horse remains under his control, and he has an easier time getting it to take him to the second target.
Unfortunately, his next shot goes wide, not even anywhere close to hitting the target.
Still, Heizo is able to bring the animal across the finish line without issue. It wasn't perfect, but neither was it a complete embarrassment.
Alright, XP! I'm currently between back-to-back shifts at work, but I'll have my next post up by 5:30 pm CST today.
"As you say," he agrees, bringing the image of the young Phoenix to mind.
"A scratch, Ayano-chan, barely worth mentioning," he answers his ward, although he winces as he stands up straight and notes the red stain on his kataginu. "Rather, tend to your own wound; you all fought bravely and with distinction, and we can't drink to your victory if you're down with an infection, now can we?"
"I believe that the Phoenix contestant, Isawa Ume, and the Imperial entry, the ronin Kohuri, are both still unaccounted for. I humbly suggest that we choose one and focus on retrieving them."
Heizo sucks in air through his teeth as the blade bites into his abdomen, but fortunately it does not appear to have been a mortal wound. Pressing his luck, the courtier once again attempts to fell his attacker.
Seeing an opening as the warriors have been knocked prone, Heizo lunges toward the nearest one and attempts to plunge the tanto into his vitals.
Heizo nods in recognition of the gathered wards before drawing his own tanto. Even for a courtier, he was not formally skilled in combat; the knife he had drawn was primarily for grooming purposes, and the machi-kanshisha pipe he carried was a gift received from past deal with the Kaeru of the City of the Rich Frog, and was primarily used as a conversation piece. He normally traveled with his Clan's bushi, or at least a ronin yojimbo when circumstances demanded it. "This is not my usual area of expertise," he says grimly to his peers. "I know that I have not known any of you quite long enough to ask such a thing, but even if I fall, Ayano-chan must return."
Heizo nods in approval of Arata's successful attempt at poetry. He then centers himself as best as he can manage for the attempt to reach Ukira.
"A samurai is expected to master many talents," he says to Arata. "One can be both a swordsman and a poet. You will do your Clan and your father no dishonor if you commit yourself to both pursuits, and indeed may have the potential to bring increased glory in service to your lord by doing so. If you consider yourself a duelist first and foremost, that is fine, but many great duelists were also deft hands at an artistic skill. It is not betrayal, Arata-kun, it is an opportunity."
I agree, I thought that you were doing fine as well. If you're not enjoying yourself though, it's your right not to force it. Still, I have no issues with you if you decide to stick around.
Heizo strokes the whiskers on his chin and thinks while the others are talking: So, it is absolutely necessary that Arata-kun is the one who submits a poem... But I notice that she did not say that it has to be an outstanding poem, just that he must submit one in order to leave... "Arata-kun," he says to the young Crane in a sympathetic tone, "I beg your forgiveness for what is likely my woefully inadequate assessment of your view of the task at hand, but while prudence and careful thinking are admirable strategies, hesitancy is in and of itself not a virtue. A samurai who does not choose to act at all has still committed to a course of action, and not one that will likely serve to free him from his predicament. Although there is the risk of failure, even the lessons learned from a failure can be a stepping stone to eventual victory. If you try, how have you given up hope? If you fail, use what you have learned, and then try again, and if necessary again and again, until you have overcome the task at hand. The will to action in the face of adversity, the fortitude to withstand trials and grow stronger and wiser for doing so-- that is the very essence of hope!"
Heizo ponders for a moment, then steps forward. "A single leaf falls,
Heizo's fan casually obscures his mouth as he asks the samurai nearest to him: "It was indeed a fine poem by Tanawe-san, but it looks like answering directly might not have been the point of the exercise. Does it need to be Arata-kun who answers to the instructor?"
"By all means, Takeya-san," Heizo says the the Scorpion; winning at dice had improved his mood considerably. "The sooner, the better."
A minor correction. What read:
should have instead read:
It's the same outcome, but the added rolls have been made accurate.
Taking a seat among the peasants and lighting his pipe, Heizo feels more at home here than he would care to admit to the other samurai. When his turn comes, he silently gives a short prayer to the fortunes and lets the dice fly.
Getting up from the game, he heads over to the gathering by the statue and regards the art piece critically. "A piece of earth, when expertly carved by a master sculptor, can present such an image of majesty that its form is unquestionably improved over its original state, no matter how beautiful it's natural form once was. Having said that, this piece forces me lament the loss of what once must have been a quite pleasing stone."
Heizo surreptitiously scratches the back of his head beneath his hat and makes a face. "I can hold my own at Fortunes and Winds-- Don't give me that look, Ayano-chan, you just happen to be extraordinarily lucky at dice!" He sniffs derisively. "...As I was saying, I am confident in my skill. Does anyone else have a specialty?"
My apologies, I saw the new GM post earlier today, but when I went to post I found that a storm had knocked out Comcast in my area and I couldn't reply until it was back up. Ready to go now, though. |
