Utsuro seems to be too distracted by the hunt to notice anything else...
Perception 2: 14
Perception 3: 11
... and too distracted by anything else to notice the hunt.
** spoiler omitted **
"Because honor demands revenge," Chigitsu snarls, "though 'etiquette' will not allow it." He points at Tsutakito again. "This one's father betrayed mine, cast him out of the Phoenix Clan, forced him to become a ronin with nothing but the clothes he had on his back. I will not let this stand. I cannot reach the father, but I can revenge myself on his son - and I will do so, here and now!"
Yukari stares at the Lion for a moment, before glancing back to the Phoenix. Then she looks at Chigitsu again. Something niggles at the back of her head - she had seen Chigitsu head to the Duelling Academy with a suspicious demeanour.. then the Isawa's yari was sharpened.. and now he was outright threatening the Phoenix. The niggling thought clicked into place.
"...The yari. It was you, wasn't it?"
** spoiler omitted **
Chigitsu snarls, "I admit nothing." Tsutakito, however, is staring at Chigitsu with a horrified expression, his mouth moving, though no sounds come out.
** spoiler omitted **
"How can honour be a part of this when your actions could have killed someone who was completely uninvolved!? Where is it said that such actions are acceptable in the name of "honour"!?" The battle maiden is making absolutely no attempt to keep her voice down, disgusted with Chigitsu's behaviour.
** spoiler omitted **
"With all those shugenja around?" Chigitsu snorts. "Nothing came of it, just as you saw. The Crane didn't even come down on him like he deserved." Chigitsu turns his glare back to Tsutakito, who looks more like he'd prefer to have a sword than back down at this point, if it were possible.
"You almost made me a killer!" he shouts in anger at the Matsu.
"Your father did worse to mine!" Chigitsu snaps back. "Honor, respect, home - he lost it all, banished to the edges of the Empire, finding comfort with a peasant woman because no one else would look at him. He had everything, and your father took it away!" He raises his blade once more, and Tsutakito prepares to defend himself with his bare hands.
Night was descending all the more rapidly, and Ume... knew. Somehow she knew it would come down to her. She just had to do better than that, even though the temptation was there to slink back and accept defeat.
She felt the rare moment of her ancestors presence. As unlikely as it sounded, they were there. They knew where to look. And suddenly, Ume got down on one knee, and reached into the dark waters - her hand across the priced eggs.
As Chigitsu raises his blade again, Yukari steps between him and the shugenja. She has not yet drawn her own blade, but she keeps a hand ready in case the Matsu decides to come at her. She did not intend to attack Chigitsu, but was prepared to defend herself if it came to it.
"And how does ambushing and killing an unarmed opponent in a secret duel return honour and respect to your family? It will shame and disgrace you. You're acting out of revenge, not honour - the yari proves that!" she snaps at the Lion, trying to stop, or at least delay, the fight that was beginning to seem inevitable.
Uh, we got our 5...did we not?
Nagatsuna carefully takes the eggs from the Lioness's and Crane's hands, "We shall drink together in victory tonight. Nothing shall stop me." With a flash of a smile he is gone like the wind.
They knew where to look. And suddenly, Ume got down on one knee, and reached into the dark waters - her hand across the priced eggs.
After 70 minutes, Team 4 has found the eggs. After 80 minutes, Team 3 has done the same.
Resting on a muddy riverbank are the distinctive puffy, spiny bodies of the tsu fish, famous for being able to leave the water for short periods of time. They look almost as though they are watching the stars appear from the darkening skies overhead. Floating in the waters near them are several clusters of eggs, looking like frogs' eyes, pale and glistening.
As Ume and her companions scoop the eggs from the water, they hear nearby splashes, and look up to see Matsu Nimoro, his hands full of glistening eggs, making his way across the stream. His eyes meet theirs, and he grins broadly. With two great leaps, he reaches the far edge of the river and begins racing toward Tsuma.
Nagatsuna and Nimoro race across the fields toward Tsuma, Crab and Lion each striving for victory. The two warriors maintain a punishing pace all the way into the village, where shouting onlookers greet them, calling for one or the other to win. At 100 paces from the finish line, they are tied. At 50, they are tied. It is only with less than a dozen paces left that Nimoro's pace finally stumbles and slows, and with the last dregs of his energy, Nagatsuna carries the eggs across the line first, winning the race and earning himself and his two companions an additional point! The crowds around cheer the spectacular finish, and Nimoro - breath coming in gasps and face red with exhaustion - offers a staggering bow to the Crab. "Well... done... Hida.... san..." he manages.
** spoiler omitted **
Behind Yukari, Tsutakito lets out a held breath. "Why does everyone want to kill me at this tournament?" he asks, to no one in particular.
Uh, we got our 5...did we not?
Several minutes later, Yukari, Heihachi and Utsuro return with their eggs, well within the time limit, but after the cheering crowds have turned their full adoration upon Nagatsuna and Nimoro. None of the other teams return before the deadline, and when Chigitsu, Tsutakito and Keitomaru return, they do so from three different directions, all glaring at one another.
After the hunting contest is over, there is a formal dinner, with all the contestants and selected audience members, plus the VIPs - the Emperor, the Emerald Champion, the Imperial Herald, the Crane Clan Champion, the Emperor's family, and so on, all seated at the high table. Afterward, the contestants will each be allowed to approach the Emperor and make personal obeisance to him, an incredibly high honor; this will be followed by a social gathering, an informal court of sorts, during which the contestants will be permitted to mingle amongst the samurai here as their equals - which many of you will soon be.
She turns to Isawa, her anger turning to relief at having narrowly avoided almost certain disaster. "I'm sorry, Isawa-san. I didn't know what he planned when I saw him yesterday morning.."
The battle maiden shakes her head in response to his comment. "I hope the rest of the tournament goes better for you Isawa-san. You do seem to have had an undue amount of trouble." Glancing up at the sky, she then looks back to the Phoenix. "We should head back. The time will be up soon. I think the Crane should be told about Chigitsu too - in case he attempts anything else to sabotage the tournament."
Heihachi approaches Nagatsuna with a scowl on his face, and quietly
As Ume and her companions scoop the eggs from the water, they hear nearby splashes, and look up to see Matsu Nimoro, his hands full of glistening eggs, making his way across the stream. His eyes meet theirs, and he grins broadly. With two great leaps, he reaches the far edge of the river and begins racing toward Tsuma.Nagatsuna and Nimoro race across the fields toward Tsuma, Crab and Lion each striving for victory. The two warriors maintain a punishing pace all the way into the village, where shouting onlookers greet them, calling for one or the other to win. At 100 paces from the finish line, they are tied. At 50, they are tied. It is only with less than a dozen paces left that Nimoro's pace finally stumbles and slows, and with the last dregs of his energy, Nagatsuna carries the eggs across the line first, winning the race and earning...
Seeing the Lion take off, Nagatsuna tears off after him. As they pace each other the Crab is plagued by memories of the athletics competition. Pace yourself....pace yourself.... Even doing so he barely mnages to keep up with the little Lion. His lungs burning as they approach the finish Nagatsuna closes his eyes to tap one last reserve of endurance from deep within......and hears Nimoro's gasps fall behind a couple of steps BUT IT'S ENOUGH! He stops and bends over, placing his hands on his knees and tries to get his wind back. He takes a moment to even be able to respond to the Lion and straightens to give a bow deep with respect, "Matsu-.....san.....you.....are.....<gasp>.....truly....a force....to.....be respected.....I sense...when....you are....my age......we....would....be hard....pressed...to....challenge...you."
Heihachi:
Heihachi approaches Nagatsuna with a scowl on his face, and quietly
as a smirk crosses his face "Congratulations on a well deserved victory, you have done our clan proud brother!"
** spoiler omitted **
"The scowl suits you better! Your smile looks like an oni after I hit it with my tetsubo!", said with a smirk and rolling laughter of his own. "I deserve no more praise than you brother for we are equals on the board. Perhaps we have convinced a few of these people who look out from their courts that the Crab are a force to be reckoned with! After court we should share in a drink to celebrate!"
** spoiler omitted **
After returning to town Megumi only catches the tail-end of the congratulations there. A rather broad smile crosses her face when she finds out Nagatsuna was able to defeat Nimoro. Finally she was an adult, it seemed surreal and her heart was about to burst with joy. The fact that she will be granted the honour to personally approach the Emperor very nearly does make her heart burst. It has been a grand day for her and the joy is impossible to contain.
During the gathering afterwards Megumi enters and looks around to see who else has arrived.
High on this days victories Nagatsuna seems nonplussed by the formalities of the dinner. However, the mention of a personal audience with the emperor brings him up short. Looking around he spots Nimoro again and approaches him, "Matsu-san, forgive my intrusion, if I may have a moment of your time."
High on this days victories Nagatsuna seems nonplussed by the formalities of the dinner. However, the mention of a personal audience with the emperor brings him up short. Looking around he spots Nimoro again and approaches him, "Matsu-san, forgive my intrusion, if I may have a moment of your time."
Nimoro skillfully withdraws from his conversation with a courtier from the Phoenix Clan, turning his attention to Nagatsuna. "Hai, Hida-san?" he says politely.
High on this days victories Nagatsuna seems nonplussed by the formalities of the dinner. However, the mention of a personal audience with the emperor brings him up short. Looking around he spots Nimoro again and approaches him, "Matsu-san, forgive my intrusion, if I may have a moment of your time."Nimoro skillfully withdraws from his conversation with a courtier from the Phoenix Clan, turning his attention to Nagatsuna. "Hai, Hida-san?" he says politely.
With a polite bow, "Matsu-san, I am afraid I must live up to the common expectations of us Crab and admit a certain gap in my knowledge when it comes to courtly matters. Being that you commonly have audience with the imperial court I am hoping you may have some words of advice when presenting oneself to the emperor as it is not an honor I ever expected to receive in my lifetime."
Shisumo:
Ume knew she wasn't a good courtier. She tried not to be simply a sharp object wielded by her Daimyo, but the simple fact was that the courtly setting was not her home turf.
She had learned long ago to make this flaw a bit of a virtue. She decided to simply look forward to a nice, relaxing dinner with easy conversation and good food. She'd stay away from the heavy topics as best she could, focus on the once in a lifetime experience, and let the chances she was giving up be damned.
So she took a bath, dressed up in her best clothes leisurely, and aimed to arrive at the dinner just in time, neither late nor early.
Megumi wanders about discussing minor things with most of the samurai present, her voice almost quivering with joy as she talks. For the most part she is glancing around to see if any more important persons have arrived and how her fellow Crane competitors appear.
Utsuro circles amongst the crowd, humbly accepting congratulations and offering his own to the other competitors.
Heihachi attempts to keep his large size not so large...he attempts to be courteous, but with Benten's curse, he finds that difficult to say the least. His inability to lie, sometimes makes him blunt or just bite his tongue lest he offend someone.
With a polite bow, "Matsu-san, I am afraid I must live up to the common expectations of us Crab and admit a certain gap in my knowledge when it comes to courtly matters. Being that you commonly have audience with the imperial court I am hoping you may have some words of advice when presenting oneself to the emperor as it is not an honor I ever expected to receive in my lifetime."
Nimoro smiles slightly, bowing again, before drawing Nagatsuna aside. "Don't worry," he answers. "Your job will be very simple. You will bow three times; once at ten paces, once at five paces, and the last time at two paces. That time, you will prostrate yourself. The Emperor will offer you his blessing. Don't say anything, just accept it. Then he will tell you to rise, and you do it. You bow, take three steps back, bow again, take five steps back, bow one more time, then you're done." He nods. "Just remember, don't approach closer than two paces. Anything nearer than that, and the Seppun guardsmen might... misunderstand."
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
When you tell him no, he sighs. "What you have said is extremely troubling, Utaku-san, but I cannot act on it. Chigitsu is an adult, a samurai. You remain children until your formal gempukku ceremony tomorrow. I would require the testimony of three witnesses of your standing to accuse Chigitsu of wrongdoing. You may accuse him again tomorrow, but I can do nothing until then."
Ume knew she wasn't a good courtier. She tried not to be simply a sharp object wielded by her Daimyo, but the simple fact was that the courtly setting was not her home turf.
She had learned long ago to make this flaw a bit of a virtue. She decided to simply look forward to a nice, relaxing dinner with easy conversation and good food. She'd stay away from the heavy topics as best she could, focus on the once in a lifetime experience, and let the chances she was giving up be damned.
So she took a bath, dressed up in her best clothes leisurely, and aimed to arrive at the dinner just in time, neither late nor early.
When Ume arrives at the court, Tenmaku appears at her side, bowing low and smiling warmly. "Good evening, Ume-san, and congratulations on your team's victory this afternoon. Will you allow me to act as your navigator through these... treacherous waters?"
Megumi wanders about discussing minor things with most of the samurai present, her voice almost quivering with joy as she talks. For the most part she is glancing around to see if any more important persons have arrived and how her fellow Crane competitors appear.
Amiko and Toru are holding themselves generally aloof from the court, talking quietly to one another. They seem to be discussing the tournament tomorrow.
Keitomaru has settled into a corner, staring at the floor. On occasion, he throws a glance toward the man you noticed earlier, but he seems to be actively trying to avoid making eye contact with him.
Utsuro circles amongst the crowd, humbly accepting congratulations and offering his own to the other competitors.
Heihachi attempts to keep his large size not so large...he attempts to be courteous, but with Benten's curse, he finds that difficult to say the least. His inability to lie, sometimes makes him blunt or just bite his tongue lest he offend someone.
Nimoro smiles slightly, bowing again, before drawing Nagatsuna aside. "Don't worry," he answers. "Your job will be very simple. You will bow three times; once at ten paces, once at five paces, and the last time at two paces. That time, you will prostrate yourself. The Emperor will offer you his blessing. Don't say anything, just accept it. Then he will tell you to rise, and you do it. You bow, take three steps back, bow again, take five steps back, bow one more time, then you're done." He nods. "Just remember, don't approach closer than two paces. Anything nearer than that, and the Seppun guardsmen might... misunderstand."
Nagatsuna visibly relaxes, "Ahhh, that is what obesience in court is then? I thought we might have to speak to the emperor in a formal way. Thank you, Nimoro-san, you have taken a great weight from my shoulders. I hope to some day return the favor." He bows in return.
Seeing somebody not as festive as she is at the moment troubles Megumi and she decides to attempt to impart some of her joy. The samurai-ko floats over to Keitomaru, bows and begins in a warm tone.
"Keitomaru-san you are not enjoying yourself here? I would think a charming Doji such as you would revel in the present company, especially given the great honour of personal obeisance to the Emperor. Is that not reason enough to jump for joy?" She pauses in order to give him enough time to respond her eyes searching for any hint of happiness in his expression.
Nagatsuna visibly relaxes, "Ahhh, that is what obesience in court is then? I thought we might have to speak to the emperor in a formal way. Thank you, Nimoro-san, you have taken a great weight from my shoulders. I hope to some day return the favor." He bows in return.
Nimoro grins, bowing back. "No thanks are required, Nagatsuna-san. One day I will visit your lands, and you will tell me what I need to know to face down your kind of nightmares."
Utsuro circles amongst the crowd, humbly accepting congratulations and offering his own to the other competitors.
** spoiler omitted **
[ooc]Got any other plans?
Heihachi only enjoys speaking with Kami...basically he won't usually seek out conversation unless something truly warrants it.
Keitomaru looks up at Megumi, and she is shocked by the look of sheer despair in his eyes. "You see that man?" he asks in a hollow whisper, making the faintest of gestures toward the man he has been alternately staring at and avoiding all day. "He's my father, the great courtier, Doji Sokoji. My whole family is made up of courtiers, going back generations. Masters of the court, the finest negotiators and diplomats the Crane have to offer." His voice takes on a slightly bitter tone on that last sentence.
"I am the only one to choose the sword over the fan. I wanted to study with the Kakita Duelists, as you did, but I compromised, choosing instead to train with the masters of the Doji Magistrates, in hopes it would please my father. It didn't. He thought I was a fool, wasting my time learning how to kill rather than how to speak. I persevered, I completed my studies, and even won an invitation to undergo my gempukku here, at the Topaz Championship." Keitomaru smiles a little at that.
"But now he's here, and he's been watching me all day. Watching me fail all day. I haven't earned a single point today. Not one. During the hunting contest, the Lion and the Phoenix disappeared somewhere and left me basically to fend for myself - and, well... " He looks down. "I.. shamed myself during our weapons match today, Kakita-san. I ask your forgiveness." He shakes his head.
After a moment, he looks up at her again. "I need to win, Megumi-san. I need... to show him. I need him to see that I wasn't wrong about this." His gaze drifts toward Bayushi Tenmaku and Shosuro Morito with a speculative glint. "I need to."
[ooc]Got any other plans?