L5R - Unity - Chapter 1 - Winter Solstice

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko nodded at Denbe's statement. "It was monkeys at the Aerie last year. Nothing good came of that." He allowed himself a chuckle as he now remembered a diatribe from Emi about the massive mess they left.

The Kraken bushi rubbed the spot where Ichi tagged him with her boken and let out a deep breath. "We had a pair of visitors who ...disrupted our session. I'm hoping the advice I gave works for Hares as well as hounds. Ichi did not take an offer that could have benefitted her immensely and it's on my behalf she didn't. I'm going to see if I can't get Kaichiyo-hime to make an offer of similar worth to Ichi." Naohiko wanted to make the offer he had in mind towards Ruri, but Ichi was the greater need, perhaps.

"With my day now fully open, I have time to concentrate on another task my princess has given me. She wishes me to make introductions with the Crab. Unfortunately, we have few connections to the Crab and I was kind of hoping you could help me make an introduction or point me to someone appropriate?"  

[Raganui Minamoto]

Taking some time while the metal heats, he'll look over at the other person poking through supplies.  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Kaichiyo:

Bakin's head would tilt slightly. "Why the surprise? Take our hosts, for example. The comparison I like to give is that the Crane and the Scorpion are practically one in the same. The mask we wear is upon our faces; the mask they were is in their hearts. Both of us stand to gain more by forthrightness than indulging in unnecessary subtlety. Though I do understand your apprehension, Himura-sama. The Scorpion have a reptuation, after all, and we strive very hard to maintain it."

He would let out a brief snort of amusement. "I'm not the only one who shared criticism of the Crane. Kojiro's namesake was a man who became a jade magistrate about a century ago. Through a mistake made in his youth, his son was fostered into the Crane as a hostage, and he never forgave them for it. The way I understand the tale, his son Kenta was badly injured during the Destroyer War. While he and other soldiers were recovering from a bad defeat, the Destroyers had advanced unexpectedly upon their camp. Bayushi Kojiro led some skilled soldiers there in an effort to save them. Kojiro saved his son's life, but at the cost of his own. It's why our Kojiro, as well as Masuyo, have taken up the roles they have - to honor the former Kojiro's sacrifice."

The Yogo would handwave a scarred hand. "Of course, a brief synopsis does not do the tale justice. Kojiro-san and Masuyo-san do a fantastic job giving the tales of the former Kojiro and his companions due justice. My point is, it was the Scorpion - not the Crane that fostered Kenta - who came to his defense in his hour of need. Keep that knowledge in the back of your mind for the time being, Himura-sama."

After a pause, he would groan as he got to his feet, resting his weight on his cane. "Though my criticisms of the Crane aren't exactly hidden, they tolerate me for my views regardless. Good hospitality, despite the ornery Scorpion. They might frown upon me trying to influence you. Come on, I need a favor from you. I'm almost out of balm for my wounds, and I'd prefer to have an escort before going in to the city to look for more. May you please accompany me?"

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@ Naohiko:

"Hrm. I was on my way to see the Unicorn about a... certain matter. But that can wait. Let's see who we can find. Ideally, there's one particular Crab that I think Gendo might like to get to know, but I don't know where she is presently. With luck, we may bump in to her on his behalf." Turning to continue his walk, he'd say sternly, "Izo, come." Obediently, the dark-furred shiba inu would stand and walk alongside his master.

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@ Gendo:

There's a woman in Crab garb currently going through the supply cabinet. Her back is to you. Or, to be more exact, she's bent over as she's going though the lower part of the cabinet, so her raised posterior is bobbing back and forth as she rummages.  

[Raganui Minamoto]

He'd give the metal a quick check before speaking up. "Might I assist you, Crab-san?"  

[Paidi tou Selini]

"You make it sound almost poetic, when you put it like that. I'll have to remember to write that phrasing down. A world of masks, matter in where you wear them. And that is certainly an interesting tale. I'll definitely take it into consideration, and look forward to hearing the siblings' rendition, as I understand such a meeting has been arranged." she responded conversationally, before nodding and standing herself, returning her daisho to her off-side. "Oh! Well how could I refuse a request like that. I hadn’t made any further plans for today, and this mainland cold continues to fascinate me. I was informed the other day that the Monkey somehow managed to turn snow into a projectile! I still have yet to work out how he accomplished this feat.”


[Vitals
Void Points: 3/3
Wounds: 0/10 (Healthy)
Talky Stance, ATN 25]  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko would nod. "If she's a Kaiu or a smith, he'll be well pleased. Gendo-san seems to like women strong in earth element, it seems." The Kraken bushi would follow the Morito diplomat.  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Gendo:

KLONG!!!

"Aaargg," the woman would bemoan as she rubbed her head after Gendo startled her by suddenly speaking up, causing her to startle and hit her noggin upon a shelf.

"Th' hell... either be involved in your work or don't be... daaaaamn it." She would turn around but remain squating, rubbing her crown with one hand. "I was trying not to... ffff... bother you with your work. Sorry I failed."

Standing up now, she would dust off her kimono. She was of average build, a bit thiccer more filled out than the Crane you've gotten accustomed to seeing. Her dark hair was tied up in a bun, but it was now falling out because of the impact she just suffered. She had a round face, which was currently scowling. It was hard to tell if it was purposely directed at you.

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@ Kaichiyo:

"I'll have to tell the Bayushi twins that the request for a performance is legitimate then, and not some awkward attempt at codewords. Did you know Bayushi-no-kami was a twin, and because of it, the Scorpion consider twins to be lucky?" Bakin would comment casually as he lead the way to the door.



Despite Bakin's slower pace due to a bum leg, you two make it out of the castle. Once you are far enough beyond the gate, he would ask you somewhat casually between topics, "Does it ease your mind to be able to speak more freely now?"

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@ Naohiko:

"Mm, half right, at least. She's an artisan," Denbe would comment as they re-entered the castle from the courtyard area through a door.

After a bit of walking, Denbe would seem to recognize a man in Crab attire in the hallway. "Ah, Hiruma-san. Good morning," Denbe would greet politely as the three of you approached the man. He had a tightly tied short topknot and bristly cheeks, but otherwise was a lean man. He had a serious expression, but would nod politely in response to Denbe's call.

"Morito-san," he would respond flatly, his eyes casting a glance at the minor clansman.

"Sorry to disturb you, Hiruma-san. Is Taniko or Sanjiro around? This man would like to get to know the Crab a bit better."

"Sis ran off again. Sanjiro's probably getting breakfast," the Hiruma would respond. He would look at Naohiko once more, studying him a bit longer. "Why do you care about the Crab?"  

[Paidi tou Selini]

"Mm, maybe... were we followed?" she commented, somewhat rhetorically as she looked around to try to confirm so herself.


[Perception/Investigation (Notice) w/1 void point for +1k1, 4k3 vs contested TN
Roll: 9, 9, 2, 4 = 22]

[Vitals
Void Points: 2/3
Wounds: 0/10 (Healthy)
Talky Stance, ATN 25]  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Kaichiyo:

You do not see anyone following you. The sky is completely overcast with dark clouds, however, giving everything an ominous darkness to it despite it only being late morning. It's like how it gets during tsunami season, minus the wind that normally accompanies such clouds.  

[Paidi tou Selini]

She didn't feel wholly convinced of the story her eyes were telling her, but she let herself sigh and relax a bit, shaking her head tiredly. "The situation is... complicated. And may become more complicated if I say too much about it too soon. Suffice it to say I have learned a secret from our hostess, and she has threatened to destroy the Kraken if I reveal it. Which is all well and fine, my mother has at least a passably working relationship with Doji Sayuri, I would be content to keep my head low during this court and let the actual Champions work out that particular mess... were it not for the fact that I am not the only one affected. It is the real reason behind that Mirumoto girl's sudden departure, I suspect, and more pertinently the reason... I believe... that Matsu princess I saw duel Kioko the day I arrived... is in deep trouble."


[Vitals
Void Points: 2/3
Wounds: 0/10 (Healthy)
Talky Stance, ATN 25]  

[Plainsfox]

The Kraken bushi would bow low to the Crab. "It is the wish of our Champion that we make friends and allies amongst all the Clans. We've had no contact before, but I wish to change that, especially after yesterday."  

[Rain Yupa]

@ Kaichiyo:

"Hm. That is troubling." The Yogo would not say anything more for a few moments, just walking in silence with his cane over the packed snow, before finally continuing. "Well, you undoubtedly know how much the Scorpion thrive off secrets. But I feel you should not share it with me. I take it that it is the reason you felt uneasy within the walls of the castle? If you are concerned that they are expecting you to share it, then you should fail to live up to those expectations. I've found it's always best to not play by others' rules and forge your own path instead. If I simply relented to people's expectations, I would have simply died from these burns like everyone said I would have. Yet, here I am."

Some more time would pass, and Bakin would bring up a question. "The only thing I wish to ask you about the matter, is what do you plan to do about it? 'Nothing' is of course a valid answer - customs would indicate that it might be the best course of action for you, Minor Clan status or otherwise. But honor is a funny and malleable thing."

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@ Naohiko:

"Feh. The Crab have no use for fleeting friendships or temporary alliances. Come fight on the walls and live first. Until then, you have nothing to offer us," the Hiruma would say, staring down at the bowing Kraken with narrowed eyes.

Denbe goes to speak, but decides against it. Naohiko, what is your response, if any?  

[Plainsfox]

Naohiko let out an exasperated sigh. He started to say something and then stopped and rolled his green eyes around as he strenuously debated what he wished to say. If the Crab hasn't left by that time, Naohiko would state the following. "I apologize, but that is something I am unlikely to do.. I do want to say I respect the Crab's sacrifice, as it lets the Crane be the Crane, the Ox be the Ox, and the Kraken be the Kraken. Having said that, I bid you good day." After the Hiruma leaves, Naohiko would grumble a bit under his breath and then state "I"m sorry for that. I do not have the wit to get a Crab out of his shell. Back home it was so much easier. Just wiggle the knife in and pluck the body out." Naohiko said morosely. " My track record today is 0 and 2. Do you wish me to remain with you in your search for Hiruma-san's sister?"  

[Paidi tou Selini]

"Mm. Well, that would be the wise thing to do. But the Kraken exist from boldness in the face of wisdom. Grandfather's high-profile duels opening the way to mother's claim to our island despite the Yoritomo's attempt to stop her." she began after a slightly less but equally ponderous length of time, clearly speaking the thought that was coming to her as she was processing it by the look of concentration on her face. "Honor is a funny thing. Kitsuki Iweko was mortal when Grandfather defended her honor. Far removed from the throne. It was not an act of glory; he never tried to seek fame for it once she had become Empress. Merely an act of principal. This, I feel, is one such moment. The simple fact is, Matsu Ami is in trouble. Grandfather's principal demands that I help her. I- ...yes, I think I intend to help her."

She let out a sigh and tilted a small angle, her time on the sea making the unbalanced gesture seem strangely natural. "Not that I've devised a means just yet. I've barely had a day to think about this. I may espouse boldness, but I'm not suicidal. I won't risk the wrath of a Great Clan without one or ideally two other equally powerful forces willing to defend our little clan from what would otherwise be assured destruction. I've seen the akkorokamui tear a ship in half and drag it into the black depths, but against the kind of fleets the Crane and Mantis are capable of launching..."


[Vitals
Void Points: 2/3
Wounds: 0/10 (Healthy)
Talky Stance, ATN 25]