L5R - Unity - Chapter 1 - Winter Solstice

[PupSage]

PupSage

Intelligence: 3k3 =19
Awareness/Courtier: 3k2 (+5 to TN) =20
1 extra in case of explosion.

Shi place himself in the woman's path, "My child, calm thyself, the voice of peace must be the one that rings like thunder for anger is not the path to enlightenment." He gave her a bow, "Such a beautiful woman spoils her demeanor by showing such feral anger, and obviously," He motioned to her pursuers, "they seem intent on keeping you from our host." He left out the the part about dishonoring her clan by throwing a temper tantrum.  

[Rain Yupa]

Nope! None of you know who she is!

Masanori would follow closely behind Shi, suddenly very concerned. "Ah.... Shi-san, please, we really should go. Allow me to show you to your room," he would insist, albeit nervously.

The Lioness would slow her pace, sizing up the person before her. She seemed like, for a moment, she would consider the words. But perhaps it was Shi's countenance that would cause the girl to sneer instead. "What are... a monk, or something? This is samurai business, which is no concern of yours. If you don't get out of my path, I will remove you from it personally," she would threaten, her eyes narrowing. She seemed far from impressed.  

[PupSage]

Shi would step aside and begin to follow Masanori again, "It is not my business to interfere in this matter, however it is my duty to teach the Tao. It would not reflect well if I did not at least make an attempt to qwell your rage." He would bow deeply and say, "I appologize for slowing your path honorable Lioness." With that he would turn and continue down towards the rooms.  

[Paidi tou Selini]

Curiosity was a funny thing indeed... "Mother..." the young heiress sighed, a quiet singsong prayer that only Naohiko and Gendo would be able to hear, "You warned me that this would be a trial, but you neglected to mention that you were sending the trial with me."

Much as she was infinitely curious to see if her intrepid protector could defeat a raging Lion, this was going to reflect very poorly on her, and considering she was already on thin ice from their little first engagement, she had no choice but to step in. At least... until the monk decided to step aside on his own accord. While a great relief, this still needed addressing 'lest it happen again at every Matsu and Hida they met.

"Shi-san, the Tao also teaches respect, does it not? The lady has a Daidoji escort; please do try to avoid insulting our hosts in the future." she lectured, a dark lilt to her melodic voice almost as threatening as the Lion's brazen tone, though for very different reasons. She then bowed once more to Masanori, "I apologize for the interruption. Please, lead on."  

[Rain Yupa]

As the five of you (six if you count Setsuna!) move away, the Lioness would "Hmph," and carry on her way, throwing open the doors to the throne room with as much disregard as before, despite vocalized objections from the Daidoji.

"I'm afraid I'm going to somewhat agree," Masanori would say after Kaichiyo, once they were removed from the scene. "While I agree that the search for enlightenment should always be a concern, one can't simply force the journey on those who aren't ready to begin it. Such as the case with the Matsu daimyo's daughter, just now." He would then muse, as if an afterthought, "It could be a cultural difference, if you were trained in the Colonies."

After a bit of a walk through the blue-tinted, chilly halls, Masanori would finally lead the lot of you to a wing of the castle that had guest rooms. A sole Daidoji patrolled the halls.

"These are where the other minor clan delegates are staying," Masanori would begin to explain. "Each Great Clan has their own wing, but since there are so few of the Minor Clans, it was decided long ago that it would be more suitable to house you in one joint area." It seemed at the point, a 'if it's to your liking' would have been appropriate, but one never came.

"If you see a Daidoji with a cleancut look and a square jaw, about... your height, Naohiko-san... that would be Benjiro. He's in charge of your wing, though he's currently not patrolling. He's is the lead for the guards and schedules who will watch when. If you need anything, it'll go through him." Masanori would look around for a moment, before leading you to some doors, decorated with Crane clan designs.

"These rooms are vacant, and ready for your use, if you wish to settle in," he would gesture with a wave of his hand. "Shi-san, since you aren't a samurai, I'm unsure if you would prefer to be kept with your traveling compaions, or wish to lodge elsewhere. I'm afraid you're the only monk guest we have as a court attendant, though."  

[Raganui Minamoto]

"Arigatou." He bows his head again and enters the rooms, taking a look around. Gendo didn't know what this Winter Court was going to be like, but he just hoped he survived to return to the island and the regularity of home.  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko would also bow in thanks to the Asahina. He would then wait patiently for Kaichiyo to pick her room. Naohiko would then choose a room next to his childhood friend and would bow to his clan mates and traveling companions. "WIth your leave, I should finish Setsuna-tan for Lady Doji. If there is still time later, I'll be available if I'm needed."  

[Paidi tou Selini]

Kaichiyo gave a little head nod at Naohiko to the door two over from Gendo's, ensuring her charges would be flanking her on both sides, before turning back to Masanori. "The Lady Doji mentioned there were others who wished to meet us? Are we expected anywhere any time today?"  

[PupSage]

Shi would bow again and say, "I will stay with my allies if it isn't to much trouble, but if you need the bed for somebody else I am more than happy to give it up."  

[Rain Yupa]

"Ah, that's generous of you, Shi-san, but not necessary. The Crane has always prioritized hospitality, and we'll be able to provide anything you or anyone else asks for." He didn't sound like he was bragging, but rather, repeating practiced facts.

Masanori would turn in place to face Kaichiyo. "Ah, yes. No one in particular that I can think of; it is more of a general, 'hey, new faces, let's get to meet them' kind of thing. Everyone's quite personable, really!" A pause. "Mostly everyone."

The Daidoji guard would patrol into sight briefly, before rounding a corner nearly immediately.

"I think at this point, everyone's out of their rooms and in full swing of things for the day. As soon as your settled, when you would like to join us, we passed the Court on the way here, it was that noisy area. Just join in any time." You would know the area of which he spoke, when you guys wished to integrate yourselves.

"I look forward to seeing you there, Himura family," he would politely say as he bowed, turning and leaving after any farewells from you.  

[Paidi tou Selini]

The intrepid princess gave a polite bow and a broad smile. "Excellent. I shall be joining you shortly." before letting the man go on his way. When he was finally gone she turned to her companions and gave them each a glare, looking as if she was about to emulate one of her mother's lectures.

...

Before suddenly breaking into a childish grin and cheerfully chirping, "I think that went rather well. Keep up the good work, boys." and skipping happily off into her room.  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko let out a deep sigh as Kaichiyo entered her room. Hopefully the rest of the day would be less trying. At least with their fellow minor clansmen, there would be less at stake. The wars over the Dragonfly, the Boar's fall, and the Scorpion's attacks on the Hare Clan many years ago were cautionary tales Naohiko's father told him when he was little.

The Kraken set his traveling sack besides his bed and then set the undone Setsuna-tan down on a table and then laid upon his futon for a few seconds, or however long it took Kaichiyo to get ready to greet the other attendees. Setsuna-tan would have to wait until he had free time to be completed.  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Kaichiyo:

Moments after you have closed the door and walked into your room, you get the feeling like you are being watched, as if someone was behind you.  

[Raganui Minamoto]

Gendo just shook his head at Kaichiyo's antics and entered his room, setting his stuff aside in an orderly, but temporary fashion. No need to settle in when they would be leaving at the end of the Court season. The only thing he decided to set up was his Daisho stand and put the swords away carefully, offering a small prayer to his ancestors as he did so. He knew the swords he had weren't old ones, maintained and passed down through generations like some samurai had, but being hand forged by his father, Gendo had a certain respect for them.  

[PupSage]

Shi sat down his few possessions on his bed and said, "I either need to take a bath or go to the party. Who wants to join me for either?"