His cold smile still on his face he asks almost nonchalantly, "Have any of the tournament duels ever been to the death?"
"Do you feel other than your clansmen that anyone here poses a threat in the iaijutsu? I have heard that some Dragon are reknown for their skills."
Amiko laughs, a hint of mockery in the sound. "A 'threat,' Hida-san? No. The Dragon have some skill, it's true, and many of the Clans understand the importance of iaijutsu, but I have no doubt that... a Crane... will win the iaijutsu tournament."
His cold smile still on his face he asks almost nonchalantly, "Have any of the tournament duels ever been to the death?"
"To the death?" Amiko frowns. If Nagatsuna was hoping to shock her, it doesn't seem to have worked, but she does not look pleased, regardless. "There is always the possibility of death in a duel, but the Topaz Championship's duels are to first blood. This is a gempukku ceremony, not a court or a battlefield." She sneers very slightly as she adds, "It is only those who cannot fully master their blades that run the risk of such accidents in the first place."
"ENOUGH!" Heihachi roars as he rises furious. "You have just insulted every shugenja, by saying we are not worthy of being samurai!"
"I may not be Bushi, but I am SAMURAI!"
"ENOUGH!" Heihachi roars as he rises furious. "You have just insulted every shugenja, by saying we are not worthy of being samurai!"
"I may not be Bushi, but I am SAMURAI!"
"To the death?" Amiko frowns. If Nagatsuna was hoping to shock her, it doesn't seem to have worked, but she does not look pleased, regardless. "There is always the possibility of death in a duel, but the Topaz Championship's duels are to first blood. This is a gempukku ceremony, not a court or a battlefield." She sneers very slightly as she adds, "It is only those who cannot fully master their blades that run the risk of such accidents in the first place."
"I have not been clear in my question as I am not refering to accidents. If a grave insult has occured can the duelists choose to make it a duel to the death or would such a thing be required to take place outside the confines of this tournament?"
"I have not been clear in my question as I am not refering to accidents. If a grave insult has occured can the duelists choose to make it a duel to the death or would such a thing be required to take place outside the confines of this tournament?"
"Such things do not belong here," Amiko says levelly. She does not turn to look at the confrontation across the room, and the force of her not-turning-to-look is palpable. "The Topaz Championship is a tournament, nothing more."
"Such things do not belong here," Amiko says levelly. She does not turn to look at the confrontation across the room, and the force of her not-turning-to-look is palpable. "The Topaz Championship is a tournament, nothing more."
Having some fresh tea, "Yes, of course I agree. Seems if such a thing were to occur it would be an embarrassment, especially with the emperor here." His demeanor relaxing, "I have heard that it is a rare occurance that the emperor himself attend the tournament, to what do we owe such a great honor?"
At the power of Megumi's outburst, Ryuko visibly shrinks, paling. She opens her mouth to say something, closes it again, opens it once more, leaves it hanging for a moment, then finally gets some words out. "I... apologize, Kakita-san," she manages. "I would not so demean the hospitality of your noble Clan." She swallows, then turns back to the Isawa and the Shiba, offering them a deep bow. "Forgive me, samurai-sans. I fear the excitement of the day has overtaken me, and I spoke words I now regret. Please accept my apology."
With another bow, Ryuko excuses herself from the table and disappears up the stairs.
Having some fresh tea, "Yes, of course I agree. Seems if such a thing were to occur it would be an embarrassment, especially with the emperor here." His demeanor relaxing, "I have heard that it is a rare occurance that the emperor himself attend the tournament, to what do we owe such a great honor?"
"I am sure I do not know," Amiko replies, shrugging. "It only increases the importance of proper behavior and absolute effort, however." She looks around the room, then bows her head slightly to Nagatsuna. "Forgive me, but I wish to spend some time in preparation for the weapons contest in the morning, and my meditations are best practiced alone. I will leave you to enjoy the rest of your tea." She rises, bowing in farewell.
The response given from Ryuko seems to abate most of Megumi's fury. She becomes noticeably calmer as the Dragon departs and the tenseness of her body eases away.
After a few moments of silence where Megumi does nothing but stare at the place Ryuko was sitting at she turns to the two Phoenix nearby. Her voice quivers a little and the redness in her face has not passed yet. "I, I am sorry." She hesitates briefly then bows to hide her face before continuing. "My explosion. I could not tolerate such..." She simply stops speaking here as no more words come to mind.
It is painfully obvious how embarrassed the young Crane is now.
"I am sure I do not know," Amiko replies, shrugging. "It only increases the importance of proper behavior and absolute effort, however." She looks around the room, then bows her head slightly to Nagatsuna. "Forgive me, but I wish to spend some time in preparation for the weapons contest in the morning, and my meditations are best practiced alone. I will leave you to enjoy the rest of your tea." She rises, bowing in farewell.
Nagatsuna stands and bows slightly in return, "Of course Amiko-san, I await watching you perform in tomorrows tests with great interest and the duels with even higher expectations. May the kami watch over you."
He walks across the floor to where Megumi is sitting and bows politely, "We have not formally met, I am Hida Nagatsuna. If your sword proves to be as sharp as your words than we all have a great deal to fear from you in the Iaijutsu and of that, of course, there is little doubt. An outburst worthy of any Crab." He smiles.
"I, I am sorry." She hesitates briefly then bows to hide her face before continuing. "My explosion. I could not tolerate such..." She simply stops speaking here as no more words come to mind.
It is painfully obvious how embarrassed the young Crane is now.
Utsuro bows to the young Crane, and says, "Thank you, Kakita-sama. Your intervention has likely saved the honor of more than one Samurai this evening. I would not like to be associated with the dishonor that an illegal duel would bring to this glorious tournament, nor would I want to anger those who are hosting it." As he says this, the playfulness returns to his gaze, and he gives the Kakita the slightest of winks.
At the approach of the berserker, the Shiba bows once more, and excuses himself, returning to the table where the Lion and Unicorn sit.
"I thank you both for joining me this evening, however briefly. I am going to take in a bit of exercise at the Dojo before bed. Have a good evening."
After their response, he will bow to the women, gather his sword from the innkeeper, and leave the inn.
Ume watched the Shibas goodbye, and went through the motions herself - but her heart wasn't in it. Not nearly. Once he had turned his back on her and Yukari, she could not contain a comment. "I do not know, Utaku-san. I really do not know if I would have let that blasphemous tongue get away with a half-hearted apology. Such sn affront to Akodo-kami or Matsu-sama couldn't be just washed away so easily."
She half regretted not speaking up earlier, but it was a matter between the Phoenix and Dragon, and she had no stake in it. Besides, "spontanous" duels were frowned upon with full Samurai as a dangerous waste of their lords belongings. How bad would it be among children?
Yukari watches with some surprise as the Crane's outburst abruptly put an end to the dispute. She had to say, she hadn't expected such actions from a Crane - the night was certainly proving to be interesting.
As the Shiba returned, Yukari couldn't help but wonder how he had managed to control himself after the Dragon's insults. Had they been directed towards her, she knew she wouldn't have been able to stop herself from retaliating in kind - she would have felt the need to prove the Dragon wrong. It must have taken a lot of self-control.
"Good night, Shiba-san," Yukari replies to the Phoenix, rising to return the bow before seating herself again as Utsuro leaves.
The Unicorn then nods in reponse to Ume. "In all honesty, I don't think I could have taken such an insult so.. calmly," she replies in agreement with the Lion before taking a sip of her tea. The common room seemed to be quietening down again now that some of the samurai had left.
"In any case, how did you find your journey here yourself? Did you travel by foot?" the battle maiden asks, changing the subject. She was rather curious about how so many people travelled so far without riding, and how much longer it must take to cover ground. Having come from a land where many, if not most samurai would travel by horseback, it seemed unusual to her.
Across the room, the conversation between the two ronin seems to have lapsed into silence, with Kenji staring morosely into his teacup and Oroko looking alternately at him and around the rest of the room in mild frustration. As Amiko walks by on her way out of the inn, however, Oroko suddenly smiles, excuses herself, and makes her way over toward Nagatsuna. "Forgive me, Hida-san, Kakita-san," she says, bowing to both of them formally (if a little unevenly). "Hida-san, when you have a moment, would you join me at that table over there?" She indicates a table in another corner of the room, fairly dark, and with another bow, makes her way over to it and calls for some tea.
On his way out the door, Utsuro is caught by surprise as the door opens and four men enter. One is Bayushi Tenmaku, smiling and laughing easily with the other three.... who you all realize with some shock are none other than Matsu Nimoro, future Champion of the Lion, and the twin sons of the Emperor, Toturi Hatsu and Toturi Kobashi. Before you can properly react to this revelation, Hatsu, his Crane-white hair seeming to glow in the candlelight, raises his voice to address the common room as a whole. "Your pardons, samurai, but my worthless brother" he flashes Kobashi a grin "thought to claim that the teas of the Lion lands were among the finest in Rokugan. Naturally, having spent several enjoyable years among the Crane in my youth, I could not let such a grievious insult - not to mention untruth - go unchallenged, and so we have come here tonight so that I may prove him wrong. Please, samurai, enjoy yourselves without concern for our presence - we are all samurai together, all servants of the Emperor, and we are just two more among you." He bows to you all, the bow of equals, and the four move into the room.
Kobashi and Hatsu take a seat toward the center of the room, calling for tea. Tenmaku bows to them both, excusing himself, and makes his way toward Ume and Yukari. Nimoro - who looks somewhat out of place among the others, both the youngest and the least self-possessed - sees Heihachi and also excuses himself, making his way toward the Kuni.
Across the room, the conversation between the two ronin seems to have lapsed into silence, with Kenji staring morosely into his teacup and Oroko looking alternately at him and around the rest of the room in mild frustration. As Amiko walks by on her way out of the inn, however, Oroko suddenly smiles, excuses herself, and makes her way over toward Nagatsuna. "Forgive me, Hida-san, Kakita-san," she says, bowing to both of them formally (if a little unevenly). "Hida-san, when you have a moment, would you join me at that table over there?" She indicates a table in another corner of the room, fairly dark, and with another bow, makes her way over to it and calls for some tea.
"Of course Oroku-san, as surely as the Great Wall holds back the darkness I shall be there shortly." After his greeting and compliment (in his mind anyway) he bows again to Megumi and her table in farewell and heads over to Oroko's table and seats himself after bowing to her.
"I went on foot, with a horse to carry the supplies" Ume replied, chuckling. "Honestly, without the pressing need, you wouldn't find me on one of them. They just don't like me, and the feeling is mutual." She took a sip of her tea, but the conversation abruptly dropped when the imperial visitors entered.
She didn't quite know how to act. The princes were quite clear in not wanting to have everyone on their knees, and silencing the room... but it was really hard for her to not feel inhibited. To wipe clean her ideas for conversation. Well, at least the entrance had wiped off the remaining bitter taste of the confrontation that had just barely skirted past a direct duel.
Try as she might, her eyes kept wandering to the imperial visitors. The twins, and her future champion... how much more elevated could it get?
"Matsu-san, Utaku-san," greets Tenmaku to the two samurai-ko. "May I join you, or," and he smiles at Ume teasingly, "would that get in the way of you seeing the princes?"
Tsutakito mumbles something about practicing and excuses himself to go upstairs, returning a few moments later with a yari, which he carries toward the door. As he is about to exit, Matsu Chigitsu appears in the doorway, and the two engage in a brief staredown, as Chigitsu does not move and Tsutakito waits for a way past. After a moment, the Isawa (clearly still somewhat tense) snaps, "Hai, Matsu-san?"
Chigitsu blinks, then smoothly steps aside, bowing. "Your pardon, Isawa-san." He glances curiously at the yari as Tsutakito storms out, then frowns and makes his way to a table, stopping briefly to order tea and some rice balls.
"Of course Oroku-san, as surely as the Great Wall holds back the darkness I shall be there shortly." After his greeting and compliment (in his mind anyway) he bows again to Megumi and her table in farewell and heads over to Oroko's table and seats himself after bowing to her.
Nagatsuna:
Ume bit her lip not to giggle out aloud, but her face showed all too clearly he had touched her. "I think I could manage to tear myself off the view, especially given they probably would much prefer if I did."
She offered him the seat recently vacated by Utsuro. "Feel free to sit. Have you met Utaku-san yet? She has quite handily bested me today, and was just about to tell me how to not have a feeling of mutual distrust and reluctance with a pony, or in her case, one of her families famous warhorses."
Though she bows to the Crab as he makes his introduction it seems Megumi's mind is elsewhere. She appears to hear his words about her outburst and visibly frowns. "That is what I was afraid of." She whispers though the samurai nearby can hear her. When Utsuro excuses himself she bows politely to him and doesn't appear so stiff, if only for a moment.
After another few seconds Megumi will turn to the shugenja and it seems she is about to say something but the entrance of the Toturi twin sons interrupts her. She looks over in amazement but in a moment her expression turns to pride as Hatsu explains their reason for coming.
"Perhaps they would enjoy somebody to serve the tea?" Megumi wonders out loud while entertaining the thought but only briefly as she shakes her head to escape the reverie. "I will just pour myself some tea." She says again then sits down to enjoy a drink, though it is clear she is watching the Toturi twins.
Ume bit her lip not to giggle out aloud, but her face showed all too clearly he had touched her. "I think I could manage to tear myself off the view, especially given they probably would much prefer if I did."
Tenmaku smiles. "I will do my best to provide some small recompense for your loss," he says.
She offered him the seat recently vacated by Utsuro. "Feel free to sit. Have you met Utaku-san yet? She has quite handily bested me today, and was just about to tell me how to not have a feeling of mutual distrust and reluctance with a pony, or in her case, one of her families famous warhorses."
"Ah, then we have one more thing in common, Ume-san," he replies, bowing to Yukari. "I, too, was taught the folly of trying to outrace a Unicorn today. Yukari and I have indeed met, and I found myself much the wearier for it."
Though she bows to the Crab as he makes his introduction it seems Megumi's mind is elsewhere. She appears to hear his words about her outburst and visibly frowns. "That is what I was afraid of." She whispers though the samurai nearby can hear her. When Utsuro excuses himself she bows politely to him and doesn't appear so stiff, if only for a moment.
After another few seconds Megumi will turn to the shugenja and it seems she is about to say something but the entrance of the Toturi twin sons interrupts her. She looks over in amazement but in a moment her expression turns to pride as Hatsu explains their reason for coming.
"Perhaps they would enjoy somebody to serve the tea?" Megumi wonders out loud while entertaining the thought but only briefly as she shakes her head to escape the reverie.
Perhaps one of the twins overhears her comment, or perhaps it is merely her obviously Crane features, but Hatsu and Kobashi both turn toward Megumi. Kobashi leans toward his brother, whispering what seems a question, for Hatsu nods, smiling, and raises his voice. "Kakita-san," he calls to Megumi, "my brother and I find ourselves without company, having seen the faithlessness of the Scorpion and Lion Clans in our times of need." He winks at Tenmaku, who laughs. Nimoro looks as though he is about to head back to the twins, stricken, but Kobashi laughs again and waves him off. "Please, if you would, join us and help me teach my lunkhead brother the value of Crane tea, and the folly of comparing it to anything in the Lion lands."
The night suddenly becomes a dream come true for the young Crane when the voice of Hatsu is carried to her ears. She looks over in complete surprise not quite registering what has just occurred though the redness in her face returns. Eventually the invitation is heeded and Megumi almost literally floats over to the table. Bowing deeply, very deeply, to each of the brothers she begins.
"I am afraid I may not be of much assistance to you though I shall endeavor to show the value of our teas." She says to Hatsu obviously forgetting to introduce herself. Protocol was important but perhaps the young Crane could be forgiven this time. It was not every day a samurai-ko not even past her gempukku was invited to sit with the sons of the Emperor! Megumi was clearly relishing this opportunity.
Hatsu and Kobashi both stand and return the bow. "Please forgive my brother's rudeness," Kobashi says, "he has the manners of a goat. I am Toturi Kobashi, and this is my brother, Toturi Hatsu. Please, do sit down, Kakita-san, and tell us about yourself. I will drink your family's tea and do it willingly for the sake of your company," he adds, smiling.
"I don't know how many tried. The race probably has cost more non-unicorn contestants the perfect record than one would imagine." Ume agreed, sipping on her tea again. By the time, the scorpion had her attention solidly pegged down. He was charming, and in all honesty, quite good-looking to.
"So, i take it you graciously provided her with another point towards the championship? Well, if it is any comfort, the championship is really only decided on the last day. All before then is eclipsed by the duels"
Megumi smiles widely and appears oblivious to how red her blushing face must be now. She eagerly takes a seat at the table offering to pour tea for everyone at the table. When that is finished her voice comes out in her more casual tone but with a hint of the excitement she is presently feeling.
"I am Kakita Megumi, one of Saburashi-sensei's pupils of course." Megumi begins wondering what else she could tell of herself, her mind is occupied by a million and one thoughts that seem to intrude on each other. Finally she defaults to the topic that brought her here in the first place.
"My mother introduced me to a lovely tea, she often traveled. She told me it comes from nearby Kyuden Doji. Perhaps it would be a worthy drink to introduce your brother to the fineries of Crane tea?"
Across the room, the conversation between the two ronin seems to have lapsed into silence, with Kenji staring morosely into his teacup and Oroko looking alternately at him and around the rest of the room in mild frustration. As Amiko walks by on her way out of the inn, however, Oroko suddenly smiles, excuses herself, and makes her way over toward Nagatsuna. "Forgive me, Hida-san, Kakita-san," she says, bowing to both of them formally (if a little unevenly). "Hida-san, when you have a moment, would you join me at that table over there?" She indicates a table in another corner of the room, fairly dark, and with another bow, makes her way over to it and calls for some tea.
On his way out the door, Utsuro is caught by surprise as the door opens and four men enter. One is Bayushi Tenmaku, smiling and laughing easily with the other three.... who you all realize with some shock are none other than Matsu Nimoro, future Champion of the Lion, and the twin sons of the Emperor, Toturi Hatsu and Toturi Kobashi. Before you can properly react to this revelation, Hatsu, his Crane-white hair seeming to glow in the candlelight, raises his voice to address the common room as a whole. "Your pardons, samurai, but my worthless brother" he flashes Kobashi a grin "thought to claim that the teas of the Lion lands were among the finest in Rokugan. Naturally, having spent several enjoyable years among the Crane in my youth, I could not let such a grievious insult - not to mention untruth - go unchallenged, and so we have come here tonight so that I may prove him wrong. Please, samurai, enjoy yourselves without concern for our presence - we are all samurai together, all servants of the Emperor, and we are just two more among you." He bows to you all, the bow of equals, and the four move into the room.
Kobashi and Hatsu take a seat toward the center of the room, calling for tea. Tenmaku bows to them both, excusing himself, and makes his way toward Ume and Yukari. Nimoro - who looks somewhat out of place among the others,...
Heihachi practically falls over himself trying to stand to bow before the emperor's sons
Nimoro approaches Heihachi, bowing to him. "Kuni-san," he begins, "we spoke earlier of tea and conversation? My father has granted me permission to spend this evening in the teahouse, along with the Emperor's sons, and I had hoped we might pursue that discussion."
"HAI! Nimoro-sama." Heihachi replies "please sit, drink...talk"
Shisumo:
Oroko smiles warmly as you seat yourself. "Tea, Hida-san?" she asks, offering him a cup. "Or would you prefer something stronger? This isn't the Poisoned Water House, but I imagine the innkeeper has something stashed away, if you've a taste for it."
An appreciative gleam reaches his eyes and in a very low voice, "Something stronger would be very good, Oroko-san." He leans forward with a conspiratorial air, "The risk of living up to my clans reputation in front of all this esteemed company is a welcome challenge unless you feel it is better to play it safe with tea. Will you join me in some sake then?" His smile is genuine and suddenly much more relaxed after her question.
Nagatsuna:
She glances around, looking for a moment toward Kenji before turning back to you. "So I noticed that you didn't get very far with the Kakita," she says conversationally. "You're probably best off that way; frostbite can be so dangerous, and besides, I'd imagine you'd really prefer someone less... breakable." Oroko's grin is practically a leer at this point, as she picks up her cup of sake and takes a sip.
"HAI! Nimoro-sama." Heihachi replies "please sit, drink...talk"
Nimoro bows, taking the seat opposite. "I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated our contests this morning, Kuni-san," he begins. "Is it true that you have already completed your gempukku, and are here in part because of how you performed during that ceremony? What is a Kuni gempukku like?"
"Ah, yes, in the crab lands, our gempukku is a trial...lowers his voicea trial in the shadowlands, of combat, one must best one of the shadowlands cretures, and return to tell the tale...of course, one must also bring proof of their victory" "all the crab here have completed their gempukku
Shisumo:
Oroko smiles warmly, rising for a moment to speak to the innkeeper before returning to the table. A moment later, a serving girl brings a small pot of warm sake and two cups for you, bowing as she departs. "I do so love being on the receiving end of Crane hospitality," Oroko says with a grin. "I could never afford to buy you a drink in a place like this on my own."
He takes a sip appreciatively, "This is good sake. If there is destined to be a next time, then I hope to return the favor."
She glances around, looking for a moment toward Kenji before turning back to you. "So I noticed that you didn't get very far with the Kakita," she says conversationally. "You're probably best off that way; frostbite can be so dangerous, and besides, I'd imagine you'd really prefer someone less... breakable." Oroko's grin is practically a leer at this point, as she picks up her cup of sake and takes a sip.
Not acknowledging her glances toward Kenji he says, "Yes, that one is all ritual and ceremony to put it mildly. I doubt she'd know how to relax if her daimyo told her too." Thinking to himself, I bet she's a hellcat once you get her thawed though. To her last statement he holds up his sake cup, "I'll definitely drink to that." and downs what was left in the cup. "I hope you have someone in mind." said with a playful air and smile returning her heated look.
Yukari listens curiously to Ume, wondering why so many samurai seemed to distrust horses. Of course, it was sometimes difficult to work with them until both horse and rider developed a mutual trust and respect for each other, but the benefits of gaining that trust were great.
As the Imperial party entered the room, Yukari followed Ume's gaze over to them, as surprised as the other Samurai-ko to see such high ranking visitors. When Tenmaku breaks their pause caused by the arrival of the Princes, Yukari nods her head. "Of course Bayushi-san," she replies, just as Ume offers him the vacant seat.
With the compliments offered to her by the Lion and Scorpion, the Unicorn flushes slightly, almost as if she is not quite used to all the praise being offered to her tonight. "Thank you both for your kind words. May I congratulate you both on your victories also - they were well won." She smiles sincerely at the other two samurai.
"Ah, yes, in the crab lands, our gempukku is a trial...lowers his voicea trial in the shadowlands, of combat, one must best one of the shadowlands cretures, and return to tell the tale...of course, one must also bring proof of their victory" "all the crab here have completed their gempukku
Nimor looks suitably impressed. "That sounds most courageous," he replies. "A test of combat truly is the finest test of a samurai; my father often quotes Akodo-kami in saying, 'The truest test of courage is the last,' and if such a thing should not necessarily occur on one's gempukku, then it should indeed be something every samurai has to face." He nods thoguhtfully. "Among my family, the traditional gempukku involves fasting, combat demonstrations, and meditation - the final test is to withstand a beating at the hands of your sensei or father, and the words, 'Let these be the last blows you accept without the destruction of your foe.' My father believes that I should undergo my gempukku here, however, in recognition of my future status as not just the daimyo of the Matsu, but the Champion of the Lion Clan as a whole. That is why I was trained among the Akodo as well."
Nagatsuna:
With the compliments offered to her by the Lion and Scorpion, the Unicorn flushes slightly, almost as if she is not quite used to all the praise being offered to her tonight. "Thank you both for your kind words. May I congratulate you both on your victories also - they were well won." She smiles sincerely at the other two samurai.
Tenmaku shakes his head ruefully. "You flatter me, Utaku-san, and I do appreciate it, but I did nothing to earn my victory over Kagetora-san save be fortunate in my assigned horse. Mine walked a little faster than his, and that is all the victory I can claim there. I did manage the heraldry exam, it's true, but I - and anyone who can read the score slate - know very well that I am outclassed by both my lovely companions, and especially by the many talents of Ume-san."
After their response, he will bow to the women, gather his sword from the innkeeper, and leave the inn.
Shisumo:
Oroko's smile widens. "I couldn't possibly expect to know your tastes, Nagatsuna-san." You note the shift from your family name to your personal name with some satisfaction. "I would imagine you'd be able to... wrestle... your choice into agreement regardless, however." She laughs aloud then, though her voice remains low, suitable to the relative darkness of your shared corner. "You might need to be wary of trying that with the wrong woman, however."
With a wry smile of his own, "My sensei once told me it is wise to be wary of any woman. (shaking his head in mock sadness) I seem to have trouble following that advice however as I find you more intoxicating than this sake. As to wrestling.....I feel my stature leaves little doubt as to what the tigress is in for but yes, Oroko-san, (he laughs good naturedly) you are quite perceptive in that I require a less fragile woman who can hold her own..
Megumi smiles widely and appears oblivious to how red her blushing face must be now. She eagerly takes a seat at the table offering to pour tea for everyone at the table. When that is finished her voice comes out in her more casual tone but with a hint of the excitement she is presently feeling.
"I am Kakita Megumi, one of Saburashi-sensei's pupils of course." Megumi begins wondering what else she could tell of herself, her mind is occupied by a million and one thoughts that seem to intrude on each other. Finally she defaults to the topic that brought her here in the first place.
"My mother introduced me to a lovely tea, she often traveled. She told me it comes from nearby Kyuden Doji. Perhaps it would be a worthy drink to introduce your brother to the fineries of Crane tea?"
Hatsu grins. "I think it would be perfect, Kakita-san," he says. "Already you demonstrate the taste I would never expect Kobashi to master."
Kobashi chuckles, then replies, "Your feeble gibes are meaningless in the face of such beauty," bowing to Megumi. "With such as her to enrapture me, your quips and your tea have no effect."
** spoiler omitted **
Nagatsuna:
Oroko's grin warms further. "Tell you what, big man. You're not my usual type, but tonight I've got an itch to scratch. Why don't you finish the sake and then meet me upstairs in my room, in ten minutes, say?" She chuckles again, a warm sound. "It's the third on the right."
Shisumo:
The Crane samurai-ko is absolutely beaming as each of the son's compliment her in turn. She brings her arm up to cover her face momentarily in the face of such flattery, it is something the young Crane isn't quite used to.
"You honour me greatly Toturi-sama," She says from behind her 'mask', then bowing to both of them at once. "I am sure my appearance must be dreadful after the events of the day. Perhaps some of the Doji tea will awaken your senses Kobashi-sama?" There is an unmistakable playfulness in Megumi's voice and when she rises from her bow her eyes are watching Kobashi a little more attentively.
Shisumo:
Oroko's grin warms further. "Tell you what, big man. You're not my usual type, but tonight I've got an itch to scratch. Why don't you finish the sake and then meet me upstairs in my room, in ten minutes, say?" She chuckles again, a warm sound. "It's the third on the right."
He downs another cup of sake, "Not all the Thunders could stop me."
Do I need to make a Seduction roll here, or are you planning to even pretend to resist? Note that samurai do have oaths of celibacy, and breaking one is technically a violation of honor.