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?"
Ume regarded him for a moment, with a smile "Ah, so you realized the most significant test of the day?" she jokingly replied. "It is as i should have treated the horse race. I could not win here, not in a hundred years. So I might as well try and enjoy myself at it."
Maybe it was testament to her naive view of the courts, but the thought that accepting his invitation might put her in an awkward place with her kinsmen later didn't really occur to in any prominent fashion. "I guess how much of your generous offer I can accept depends on the favor of the court - especially how that seats us in relation to each other. It would be awkward whispering good advice from opposite ends of the table"
Shisumo:
The Unicorn is on time for the dinner, although she is not among the earliest arrivals, dressed as neatly as she could in a purple and white kimono. Her mood is somewhat more sombre than it should have been for one who has earned her gempukku and is in good standing in the points chart.
Unfortunately, Yukari's courtier skills are not what they could be, although the battle maiden will make conversation as best she can. The huge honour of being allowed to approach the Emperor is not lost on her, at least, but throughout the rest of the dinner, she seems a little distracted.
"Well, err. No doubt your father has heard of your victories yesterday?" Megumi says a little weakly. She has obviously been taken aback by the look in Keitomaru's eyes and isn't quite certain how to respond.
"You had a dominant position," Her words carry some more reassurance, "In that first day. That is an impressive feat in itself, four points in one day." Megumi stops while watching Keitomaru then glances over to his father. "The only reason you have not received your gempukku today is that you have allowed yourself to be distracted. Your foolish behaviour," Here Megumi's voice becomes considerably more harsh but as she continues on it grows warm once again, "In the weapons match can be forgiven. You could have died... I won't allow that to happen again."
That last sentence is tinged with much regret and Megumi's face falls for a moment. She remains quiet while her hand eagerly reaches into her kimono. When it re-emerges she is looking back at Keitomaru in a most compassionate way.
"I forgive you Keitomaru-san." She repeats again as if once was not enough. "Think nothing of it. Let us worry over how to show your father the merits of the sword."
Ume regarded him for a moment, with a smile "Ah, so you realized the most significant test of the day?" she jokingly replied. "It is as i should have treated the horse race. I could not win here, not in a hundred years. So I might as well try and enjoy myself at it."
Maybe it was testament to her naive view of the courts, but the thought that accepting his invitation might put her in an awkward place with her kinsmen later didn't really occur to in any prominent fashion. "I guess how much of your generous offer I can accept depends on the favor of the court - especially how that seats us in relation to each other. It would be awkward whispering good advice from opposite ends of the table"
Tenmaku chuckles at that image. "It would not do to be awkward," he admits, "not tonight, at least. I would imagine that we would draw unwelcome attention to ourselves, behaving in such fashion." He shakes his head. "We will be seated together at the meal, I think, or nearly enough. The ronin may sit... a little lower, and the Crabs and Chigitsu, by virtue of their adulthood, will be placed a little higher. But this dinner is in our honor, so we will all be placed in an elevated position, and all together."
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **The Unicorn is on time for the dinner, although she is not among the earliest arrivals, dressed as neatly as she could in a purple and white kimono. Her mood is somewhat more sombre than it should have been for one who has earned her gempukku and is in good standing in the points chart.
Unfortunately, Yukari's courtier skills are not what they could be, although the battle maiden will make conversation as best she can. The huge honour of being allowed to approach the Emperor is not lost on her, at least, but throughout the rest of the dinner, she seems a little distracted.
** spoiler omitted **
"I forgive you Keitomaru-san." She repeats again as if once was not enough. "Think nothing of it. Let us worry over how to show your father the merits of the sword."
"I have heard..." he answers, "that some of those here might... be able to help." He looks again toward the Scorpions.
Tenmaku chuckles at that image. "It would not do to be awkward," he admits, "not tonight, at least. I would imagine that we would draw unwelcome attention to ourselves, behaving in such fashion." He shakes his head. "We will be seated together at the meal, I think, or nearly enough. The ronin may sit... a little lower, and the Crabs and Chigitsu, by virtue of their adulthood, will be placed a little higher. But this dinner is in our honor, so we will all be placed in an elevated position, and all together."
"Don't remind me. If I even think about the dozens of ways I might make a fool of myself during dinner... Not the kind of impression I would want to leave so close to the finish line."
Ume was remarkably candid, and open. She was surprised herself. She might just as well reveal just about any other weakness. "So, best not to think too much until it is over. Tell me, how did you fare? I saw you on the scorechard, but beyond that..."
Nagatsuna leans over to Hiehachi, "Was the void empty today?"
"How do you mean Keitomaru-san? How might the Scorpion help out with this particular problem?" Megumi stares, blinking at her companion.
Ume was remarkably candid, and open. She was surprised herself. She might just as well reveal just about any other weakness. "So, best not to think too much until it is over. Tell me, how did you fare? I saw you on the scorechard, but beyond that..."
"Well enough, today, overall," Tenmaku replies, "but the hunting contest... well, none of us was particularly skilled at it, so even the advantage of numbers wasn't enough to help. We eventually found the eggs, but not until almost the entire period was up, and we had no chance to get back with them in time." Nodding thoughtfully, he adds, "I have to admit, my knowledge of the Maeda made me quite afraid of how Oroko-san's team might do, but I suppose she couldn't handle the whole task on her own even so."
Tsuto in engaged in conversation with a small group of Moto bushi, telling them something with expansive gestures while the listen with the same expression of polite skepticism you have come to associate with his tale-telling. Utsuro is making his way around the room alone, though he seems to be continually moving.
"How do you mean Keitomaru-san? How might the Scorpion help out with this particular problem?" Megumi stares, blinking at her companion.
Keitomaru licks his lips, a little nervously. "Well... They're Scorpion, aren't they? They might be able to... arrange things... so that I do well tomorrow."
Ume's eyebrows perched as Tenmaku began to mention the ronin. Ronin families were an oddity she never really warmed up to to begin with, and this Maeda was indeed quite capable.
"Well, at least she left a better impression than Kenji. He looked about ready to strangle me after the Go competition, and he won that rather soundly. I wonder what he'd have done if I had spoken my mind and asked the venerable crane commentator to continue the game in my place." The emphasis of her words left little to the imagination regarding how much she appreciated these comments - but then again, the matron was old enough that openly being critical of her just... wouldn't be a good idea, no way she turned the issue.
Tsuto in engaged in conversation with a small group of Moto bushi, telling them something with expansive gestures while the listen with the same expression of polite skepticism you have come to associate with his tale-telling. Utsuro is making his way around the room alone, though he seems to be continually moving.
Seeing that Tsuto is indeed occupied, Yukari decides to approach the Shiba instead. Moving across the room to Utsuro, she smiles slightly at the Phoenix.
"Good evening Shiba-san. May I join you for a while?"
"I'm afraid I still don't see what-" Suddenly it strikes Megumi and she looks strangely at Keitomaru. She stands there frowning slightly and continues on in a nearly whispered tone.
"Keitomaru-san I have the utmost respect for the Scorpion clan as servants of the Emperor but, err... There are rumours of, well, hmm." The robes of the Crane jostle around as she shifts about. It takes a few long moments before she continues on and even then her voice is even quieter than before.
"There are some... Unsavoury," Her voice lingers over the word as if continuing to consider it even as she moves on. "Rumours about them. Keitomaru-san I trust you aren't thinking about these rumours when you say they could help you."
Megumi stops here hoping she hasn't said anything improper. Her eyes wander about the Doji to see what his reaction is, it must be painfully clear she is nervous.
Ume's eyebrows perched as Tenmaku began to mention the ronin. Ronin families were an oddity she never really warmed up to to begin with, and this Maeda was indeed quite capable.
"Well, at least she left a better impression than Kenji. He looked about ready to strangle me after the Go competition, and he won that rather soundly. I wonder what he'd have done if I had spoken my mind and asked the venerable crane commentator to continue the game in my place." The emphasis of her words left little to the imagination regarding how much she appreciated these comments - but then again, the matron was old enough that openly being critical of her just... wouldn't be a good idea, no way she turned the issue.
As Ume and Tenmaku take their seats at dinner - and they are indeed seated next to one another - Tenmaku replies, "I'm not sure... if he was that upset with you, maybe he'd've preferred the change in company. Which would simply prove him insane, of course. The man who would change your face for Doji Koneko's across the go board... that's staring at the most beautiful of lilies and muttering, 'I'd rather have some stinkweed to look at.'" Tenmaku grins at Ume, and she's sure the lack of the overly respectful "O-" prefix is deliberate. He sobers after a moment, glancing toward the end of the table, where Kenji is eating his meal in determined silence. "Kenji's an odd sort, though, I admit that. I'm not sure what his story might be."
"I'm afraid I still don't see what-" Suddenly it strikes Megumi and she looks strangely at Keitomaru. She stands there frowning slightly and continues on in a nearly whispered tone.
"Keitomaru-san I have the utmost respect for the Scorpion clan as servants of the Emperor but, err... There are rumours of, well, hmm." The robes of the Crane jostle around as she shifts about. It takes a few long moments before she continues on and even then her voice is even quieter than before.
"There are some... Unsavoury," Her voice lingers over the word as if continuing to consider it even as she moves on. "Rumours about them. Keitomaru-san I trust you aren't thinking about these rumours when you say they could help you."
Megumi stops here hoping she hasn't said anything improper. Her eyes wander about the Doji to see what his reaction is, it must be painfully clear she is nervous.
Keitomaru carefully studies the finely polished wood beneath his stockinged feet as he replies, "You don't understand, Megumi-san. I need to win."
As you all begin to circulate through the crowds, you are, one by one, called up to present yourselves to the Emperor. The etiquette for approaching the Divine Presence is known, on a theoretical level anyway, to most of you, and the rest of you can follow along with the example of your predecessors. A series of bows gets you to withing a few paces of his seat on the dais placed at one end of the room, where you prostrate yourself, nose to the ground. He murmurs a blessing over you, his voice quiet but firm, commanding but gentle. After a brief pause, he then commands you to rise, and you bow three times more, backing away between each bow. As you turn to face the rest of the crowds, you see the spark of new respect kindling in the eyes of some of the courtiers nearby, and cannot help but feel some pride swell within you at the honor you have just received.
"Good evening Shiba-san. May I join you for a while?"
Utsuro blinks, drawn back from what ever thoughts held his attention, and bows politely to the approaching Unicorn. "Of course, Utaku-san. Please, call me Utsuro - there is no need to be so formal, after spending an afternoon trudging through the mud looking for fish eggs together.."
Ume looked briefly into Kenji's direction as she discussed the Ronin with Tenmaku, but the respectless comment send her chuckling, and a hint of redness entered her cheeks. "Hush, someone will hear you!" she called him to order.
For some reason, she had to think of her fiance. He'd never have dared leaving out the honorific, let alone comparing some high-placed noblewoman to stinkweed. On the other hand, he'd probably have praised her beauty, intellect and fierce temperament until she yelled something regrettable into his face again.
"Do you think he has a shot at the tournament? I may be leading right now, but I don't think I can win the duel competition" She added.
As Ume was called up towards the Emperor, the carefully-maintained fascade of not giving the huge honor too much thought, focusing on different matters, and going along by rote began to crack. As she slowly made her way forward, her cheeks flushed heavily, and as her forehead touched the ground before the emperor, she had to blink away several tears.
She didn't quite make out the Emperors words, and a leaden heaviness spread through each limb. After the ceremony, when she made her way back. She didn't know if she did well - if she even could have done well or badly short of slipping up horribly.
She started breathing again, halting at first. Whatever else, this would be a moment in her life she would remember forever.
"I do understand Keitomaru-san," Megumi begins. "But isn't there another way? Wait, I know!" The samurai-ko begins scanning the room for Kakita Saburashi, the more severe Crane might be able to impart some inspiring words to Keitomaru. At least that is what Megumi is hoping for.
"Come." She says to Keitomaru while still glancing around. "I want to introduce you to somebody."
"Good evening Shiba-san. May I join you for a while?"Utsuro blinks, drawn back from what ever thoughts held his attention, and bows politely to the approaching Unicorn. "Of course, Utaku-san. Please, call me Utsuro - there is no need to be so formal, after spending an afternoon trudging through the mud looking for fish eggs together.."
Yukari smiles a little at the Phoenix, returning the bow. "Of course, Utsuro-san. In that case, you should call me Yukari also. Our team worked well together today. I do admit though, the hunting event was not quite what I had expected it to be. I don't think I've ever gone looking for fish eggs before.."
-----------------------------------
When it comes to her turn to approach the Emperor, Yukari does so nervously, doing her best to emulate the actions of those who have done so before her. As she backs away again, the reality of what she had just been permitted to do strikes home, and she feels a huge pride swell within her, momentarily taking over any concerns she had on arriving to the dinner. After a few moments though, the pride subsides a little and she remembers herself. Pausing, she casts her glance around the room, almost as if she is checking where everyone is, before returning to her conversation with Utsuro.
Shisumo:
Nagatsuna confident in the words of advice he has received from Nimoro follows the ritual set before him. If he feels any trepidation it doesn't show as his training kicks in to overcome fear. His usually huge frame seeming small in the presence of the emperor.
** spoiler omitted **
As Ume was called up towards the Emperor, the carefully-maintained fascade of not giving the huge honor too much thought, focusing on different matters, and going along by rote began to crack. As she slowly made her way forward, her cheeks flushed heavily, and as her forehead touched the ground before the emperor, she had to blink away several tears.
She didn't quite make out the Emperors words, and a leaden heaviness spread through each limb. After the ceremony, when she made her way back. She didn't know if she did well - if she even could have done well or badly short of slipping up horribly.
She started breathing again, halting at first. Whatever else, this would be a moment in her life she would remember forever.
Though Tenmaku escorts Ume toward the dais, he discreetly absents himself as she approaches the Emperor, avoiding any public impression of closeness between the two of them. When Ume finishes and can focus on her surroundings again, she discovers that the Scorpion has, temporarily at least, disappeared into the crowd.
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
"I do understand Keitomaru-san," Megumi begins. "But isn't there another way? Wait, I know!" The samurai-ko begins scanning the room for Kakita Saburashi, the more severe Crane might be able to impart some inspiring words to Keitomaru. At least that is what Megumi is hoping for.
"Come." She says to Keitomaru while still glancing around. "I want to introduce you to somebody."
Megumi:
"Forgive me, Shiba-san, Utaku-san, for intruding on your conversation, but I would greatly appreciate a moment of the lovely battle maiden's time, if she should be willing to bestow it, on a matter of some urgency... and confidentiality."
"Of course, Bayushi-san," Utsuro replies with a bow. "Provided the lady is willing?"
** spoiler omitted **
As Yukari reaches the Phoenix, Bayushi Tenmaku appears out of the crowd as well, bowing low to the Unicorn. "Forgive me, Shiba-san, Utaku-san, for intruding on your conversation, but I would greatly appreciate a moment of the lovely battle maiden's time, if she should be willing to bestow it, on a matter of some urgency... and confidentiality."
At the Bayushi's sudden appearance, Yukari will turn to the Scorpion with a look of some curiousity, returning the bow to him before nodding. "Of course, Bayushi-san." She turns back to Utsuro for a moment. "If you will forgive me, Utsuro-san. Perhaps we can continue our conversation afterwards?" She smiles at the Phoenix, bowing to him before she heads over to Tenmaku.
"Is there something wrong, Bayushi-san?" she asks him quietly.
** spoiler omitted **
Keitomaru trails after Megumi, looking hangdog but still following. The two of them find Saburashi, who was apparently heading slowly for the exit. He pauses when he sees the young Cranes apporaching, however, and raises an eyebrow at them. "Yes?" he snaps perfunctorily, while Keitomaru looks suddenly panicked.
"Is there something wrong, Bayushi-san?" she asks him quietly.
Utsuro finds Tsutakito at a table along one wall, drinking tea and looking morose. He makes a visible effort to replace his samurai mask of unemotionality as Utsuro approaches, however, bowing his head and offering the Shiba a seat near him. "Good evening, Utsuro-san," he replies, but his tone betrays the effort he is making to be sociable.
Shisumo:
Yukari doesn't reply to Tenmaku immediately, although she returns his gaze. His words were accurate enough that what he was saying couldn't be mere conjecture. Either he had spoken with Tsutakito, Chigitsu or one of the Crane hosts about the incident in the woods, or he had witnessed it himself. The Unicorn had not intended to speak of the incident more than was necessary until she could make her accusation as an adult tomorrow.
"..Have you spoken with anyone else about this, or have you seen something to make you fear so?" the battle maiden finally asks, her silence undoubtedly saying more than she intended. She wanted to know exactly how the Bayushi had received his information before she confided anything.
"So, now that you know this, tell me... who are you set to marry? I hope someone more impressive than him." She added. A curious change of topic. Not quite as daring as her previous statement, but much too personal for mere casual conversation, she felt.
Ume returned from her brief "audience" still overwhelmed and a bit confused. She regretted not seeing Tenmaku again, but even that sting paled before the overwhelming turmoil inside her.
She merely walked back towards the other competitors, still trying to make a sensible experience out of what had happened.
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Ume returned from her brief "audience" still overwhelmed and a bit confused. She regretted not seeing Tenmaku again, but even that sting paled before the overwhelming turmoil inside her.
She merely walked back towards the other competitors, still trying to make a sensible experience out of what had happened.
As she walks, Ume notices Tenmaku, deep in conversation with a serious-looking Yukari. They stand aside, clearly intending their conversation to be a private one.
Megumi smiles at Saburashi's curt greeting, his attitude is something she has grown to accept over the years. She bows profoundly remaining low for a moment then rises.
"Sensei I am glad to have caught you before you departed, we haven't had a moment to discuss anything since the Championship began." Her voice is soft in tone but belies great respect. "But I don't wish to keep you since you were just leaving. Might I introduce Doji Keitomaru, we were discussing a few things and since the iaijutsu duels are tomorrow we had hoped you might share some advice with us."
Ume wasn't one to feel overly threatened. Not normally, at least. Seeing her new acquaintance with Yukari was therefore not a disaster or reason to foam at the mouth. Merely something to keep an eye on. The children of Bayushi were not known for "impractical" limits, after all.
Instead of chasing him down, she decided to mingle back into the crowd, and see where to conversation carried her.
Shisumo:
** spoiler omitted **
Yukari weighs up Tenmaku's words for a moment. This was a somewhat different side to the Bayushi than she had seen previously - one that gave her a sharp reminder that he was still a Scorpion afterall. If he had seen the incident in the woods, then why had he waited until now? Why hadn't he intervened then? However, he had a point that if he added his support, then the charges against Chigitsu could be recognised by the Crane hosts before the Iaijutsu duels. One of the battle maiden's concerns was that the Matsu would attempt further sabotage at the most prestigious of the events in the tournament..
"..I would appreciate your assistance in this, Bayushi-san. I agree, but only if the unspecified support is to you and you alone," she replies after a moment, looking at him directly. She would not agree to a request for an unspecified favour that encompassed anyone in the entire Scorpion clan. "I will give you my support at a later date in return for yours now, provided, of course, I could give that support without compromising my integrity or loyalties."
She pauses for a moment, before deciding to ask the question on her mind. "However, if I may ask, and please forgive my frankness, but why did you not intervene on seeing what you have seen?" Her tone was not accusatory, nor was she intending to imply anything - the battle maiden merely wished to know if there was some reason he had seen the confrontation, yet decided not to get involved. Had Tenmaku also entered the clearing, perhaps she would have not had to go so far as to put herself between Chigitsu and Tsutakito..
She looks at the Bayushi questioningly, waiting for his response to both her proposed terms and her question.
Megumi smiles at Saburashi's curt greeting, his attitude is something she has grown to accept over the years. She bows profoundly remaining low for a moment then rises.
"Sensei I am glad to have caught you before you departed, we haven't had a moment to discuss anything since the Championship began." Her voice is soft in tone but belies great respect. "But I don't wish to keep you since you were just leaving. Might I introduce Doji Keitomaru, we were discussing a few things and since the iaijutsu duels are tomorrow we had hoped you might share some advice with us."
Saburashi frowns for a moment, then nods sharply. "Watch your left foot, Megumi. You've been leaving it too open the last few weeks; turn it more toward the center. Keitomaru... Well, I've never seen you duel, but I can say this: you'll need better focus than you showed this morning in the weapons contest. Clear your head, or you'll get it thumped by a bokken tomorrow." He nods again, as is satisfied with himself. "Very well? Good. Fortunes favor you both tomorrow." And he steps away, turning toward the door.
Megumi looks back to see a pale, stricken-looking Keitomaru, who seems very much as though he has already taken that bokken to the head.
** spoiler omitted **
]
Ume wasn't one to feel overly threatened. Not normally, at least. Seeing her new acquaintance with Yukari was therefore not a disaster or reason to foam at the mouth. Merely something to keep an eye on. The children of Bayushi were not known for "impractical" limits, after all.
Instead of chasing him down, she decided to mingle back into the crowd, and see where to conversation carried her.
Heihachi will mingle with the other crab until it's time to meet with the emperor.
Tenmaku chuckles, a warm sound that still has an odd chill in it. "We are not all of us heroes in the mold of Lady Otaku, Utaku-san. I watched, and saw your heroism; I, however, prefer to have my impact in another way. It is not the path of the Underhand to be blatant... but together, we will strike a blow for justice after all, will we not? The form is undoubtedly not what you would prefer, and I understand that, but the end here is what matters, is it not?" He bows slightly. "Do not concern yourself for the nature of my favor one day, Utaku-san. I would not be one to.. strain... your sense of honor. There are many ways you might one day help me that would not threaten you."
He looks across the room. "Now, let us go collect Isawa-san and complete your report."
Megumi bows politely to Saburashi her face the image of appreciation. When she turns back to Keitomaru she is surprised at his face.
"What is wrong Keitomaru-san, you seem as though you are very ill. Please let's settle down somewhere, I'll try to get something to drink."
Shisumo:
Tenmaku chuckles, a warm sound that still has an odd chill in it. "We are not all of us heroes in the mold of Lady Otaku, Utaku-san. I watched, and saw your heroism; I, however, prefer to have my impact in another way. It is not the path of the Underhand to be blatant... but together, we will strike a blow for justice after all, will we not? The form is undoubtedly not what you would prefer, and I understand that, but the end here is what matters, is it not?" He bows slightly. "Do not concern yourself for the nature of my favor one day, Utaku-san. I would not be one to.. strain... your sense of honor. There are many ways you might one day help me that would not threaten you."
Yukari will nod her head in response to Tenmaku after a slight pause. "Yes. The ..saboteur must be brought to justice before something further happens." The battle maiden pauses again before continuing quietly. "I had spoken to our Crane hosts earlier today about the matter, but, as you say, three must speak. Now, something can be done. Thank you Bayushi-san."
He looks across the room. "Now, let us go collect Isawa-san and complete your report."
Yukari follows Tenmaku's gaze to Tsutakito and nods her head.
Looking across the room to where Tsutakito and Utsuro are conversing, Yukari makes her way over to the two Phoenix. As she approaches, the Unicorn bows to them both. "Utsuro-san, Isawa-san, please forgive me for interrupting your conversation." Straightening up, Yukari looks to Tsutakito. "Isawa-san, would it be possible for you to accompany Bayushi-san and myself? It concerns the matter from earlier." The battle maiden then turns to the Shiba apologetically. "I am very sorry for disrupting your conversations twice, Utsuro-san. If it were not so important, I would not otherwise - I will explain to you when I can." She bows again to Utsuro.
Ume walked through the contestants and courtiers, and decided she had been a little tardy. So she moved to her clansmen, demonstrating a little solidarity.