Lineage [Day 1, LM, Open]

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

Tani approached the shrine of Matsu Hitomi with a calm expression. She had barely changed to a warm kimono and sandals, barely taken care of the necessities surrounding cleaning after travel. And then she was here. The Lion woman sat in front of the shrine, watching it with a neutral expression for several long beats. And then she bowed her head, clasped her hands, and began to pray.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

Sukekage has been here several times since his arrival - once per day, at least. Before, his visits were simply in remembrance of his loss, but now...now so much more had been taken, and from the Empire as a whole.

Noting the Matsu present, he bows and remains at a respectful distance, seeing to the moment to his own prayers.

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

Tani's prayers were long and quiet. She seemed to have much to discuss in her quiet contemplations to the Ancestor. But eventually, she brought her gaze up to the statue. She didn't smile, per se. Today was a terrible day to do so. But she seemed a bit more relaxed. At ease.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

Ah yes, I recall seeing her among the refugees. I can't imagine...

Sukekage doesn't impose himself or interrupt the silence - he simply remains there, present if needed.

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

Her eyes looked to the Scorpion finally, and she did finally upturn her lips just a hare. It was hard to tell if that smile was serene or dangerous. "Apologies, Bayushi-sama. I hope I am not interrupting your own prayers?" She turned and bowed.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"No...no, of course not," he says with a bow. "Indeed, I'd hoped I wasn't impeding yours. I am Bayushi Sukekage, a relatively recent arrival sent to help with the...the current situation."

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"Matsu Tani, Nikutai of the First Matsu Army, Daughter of the Antecedent Matsu Daimyo," she bowed once more politely. "The current situation is..." she breathed low, "not the best for new introductions. But I am glad to meet one of my clan's honored allies."

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"No, no, not the best at all," Sukekage agrees, "but an ally is always a welcome sight at the worst times."

He pauses, glancing out at the shrine's surroundings, still covered in snow.

"That, and we're likely stuck in the city together for some time, until the roads are more clear and until a...a response can be arranged and executed. So introductions, especially friendly ones, seem necessary even if not timely."

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"Necessary, I would agree with. I take it, then, that you have already been briefed on the current situation?" She seemed a bit more settled, at least. Though ever sighted towards what was important in the moment.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"My sources have kept me informed," says Sukekage with a nod. "I received a missive detailing the...the situation at Morikage Toshi shortly before you and the others arrived."

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

She nodded. "That saves time, at least. It is almost beyond belief. An Honored Ancestor slaying his own kin in cold blood." Another breath, then she shook her head. "The reality is that it did happen. There is no room for doubt in what happens next." Her eyes glanced to Sukekage curiously. She didn't seem to doubt that he would agree, at least.

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

The Scorpion nods without hesitation.

"I cannot speak for the clan - I'm only an assistant, after all, and not our lead - but I am certain that we will stand with the Lion in this matter. I, for one, respect our history, but I would not stand by and be consumed by it. Certainly not if it is led by one who so readily commits...commits filicide. I suppose that's the correct term...?"

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"I'm not overly concerned with the proper term," she muttered. "He murdered the Emperor. Murder kin, and thinks he can just take the throne for himself. That is not something I've any intent to stand behind."

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"We are in total agreement, then," says Sukekage, looking relieved.

He pauses slightly, as if considering something before continuing.

"There is much I would ask, as the intelligence I've received is limited, but now certainly is not the time for that. If there is any assistance I can provide, Matsu-san, I gladly offer it. You must be fully rested if we're to face what comes with the spring thaw."

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"For now, I suspect that taking time to get my bearings is the best thing I can do." She shook her head. "What action to take is, at least, clear. I thank him for dispelling any opportunity for Doubt."

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

"Indeed. I'm told servants are rushing to prepare quarters for those taking refuge in the city," says the Scorpion quietly, "so there will soon be a place for you to settle, if there isn't one already. Take the time you need, and do not hesitate to call upon me if the need arises. I...I may not be able to offer much, but I've found that the presence of one willing to listen has a calming effect."

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

"A voice to listen to would be helpful," she nodded. "It is good to have staunch allies on our side in these times, Bayushi-san. Thank you."

Bayushi Sukekage · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:41 pm **Posts:** 194

Sukekage bows again, then steps aside to allow Tani to continue her prayers. Again, he is present if needed, and unimposing if not.

Matsu Tani · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:49 pm **Posts:** 493

She bowed again as well, then returned to praying to Hitomi. Calmer, at least, if not completely placid yet.

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

Having preformed all of the ritual ablutions, a simple nun made her way in, giving the samurai ample room and a respectful bow. She approached the shrine, lit incense and withdraw back to offer her prayers.

Lineage [Day 1, LM, Open]

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