Last bath of the night (D1 LE Open)

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 10:04 pm

Well damn, he does have a heart. I thought he'd cut it out or something.

Homura allowed her superiors (and the Phoenix that had decided to take care of his new pet Mantis) to converse, moving slightly over to be closer to Horonigai and the Farmer. Chihaya! That was her name! Thank the kami she reintroduced herself.

"How have you found the city so far mina-sama?" she had lowered her voice and looked at just those two, as the others were fussing over the Mantis girl.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

She accepted the man's greetings with a nod, and then turned toward Homura, offering a courteous smile.

"I found it, mostly, very dull, while I was confined to the temple ward, but now that I'm up and about, it is quite pretty. I especially like the garden - it is an excellent place to practice."

Rising just enough to finish her cup, an uneven fresh red scar could be seen along the tip of her collarbone, marking the base of her neck, indicating a close call of miraculous proportions.

Otherwise, her collection of scars were mostly faded to faint white, a collection obtained years past, and many were hidden by the fogged water and vapor rising from the surface.

"Are there any locations I should visit, in particular, Ikoma-san?"

Nagiko · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 310

Asako Kashiwagi wrote:

“Lady Nagiko perhaps you would like some cool water and a moment to refresh yourself?”

“It soothes the humors if fire becomes imbalanced, especially with sake in the blood.”

He gestured for a servant to bring some cool water for the Mantis, as a precaution.

'' Arigato, Asako-sama'' She nods to the Inquisitor.'' You are most kind'' Her personality was of course different than when she used her charms.

Shimizu Kendo wrote:

"I've not had that fish, no. I don't suppose you brought any treats from your homelands?"

This conversation was really becoming strange. Nagiko suspected trickery. Maybe was paranoia, maybe it was just sake. That the governor happened to appear after just talking about him, and happened to ask about items that she just mentioned.

The timing was a bit too perfect.

Still there was no proof to think otherwise. '' Indeed i have, Shimizu-sama'' She said as Kashiwagi's servant brought her cool water. '' I was just talking to minna-sama about it.''

'' And your arrival here, s-seems to be good timing, since i was wondering if i could meet you in court to express my gratitude for your clan and your k-kindess, as our graceful hosts'' She explained. '' I-it will be a great honor, Shimizu-sama''

Shimizu Kendo · **Joined:** Fri Mar 20, 2020 7:45 pm **Posts:** 126

Nagiko wrote:

Still there was no proff to think otherwise. '' Indeed i have, Shimizu-sama'' She said as Kashiwagi's servant brought her cool water. '' I was just talking to minna-sama about it.''

'' And your arrival here, s-seems to be good timing, since i was wondering if i could meet you in court to express my gratitude for your clan and your k-kindess, as our graceful hosts'' She explained. '' I-it will be a great honor, Shimizu-sama''

The governor just stares at her for a moment.

"We did not meet earlier, but I did hear what you had to say in the court room."

His expression is rigidly, purposefully, neutral.

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

Kashiwagi just nodded to the daimyo and then to Nagiko and then gave a slight glance to the Seppun princess that he had been ignoring for the moment and then closed his eyes, well almost closed, as he leaned back and relaxed.

He could still see as he used the free hand and idly traced the characters for hello princess on the surface… not that he expected anyone to notice.

Shimizu Kendo wrote:

The governor just stares at her for a moment.

"We did not meet earlier, but I did hear what you had to say in the court room."

His expression is rigidly, purposefully, neutral.

Well this was... something, he considered.

Nagiko · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 310

Nagiko nods. '' I'm glad that m-my words were heard by you Shimizu-sama. Indeed most samurai spoke against the terrible crime that happened, which i believe it was as i said as well in there. Strange times are these ones we are currently living in.''

'' I don't know if my words were the correct ones, but they are my own.'' She said, as the sake seems to became less influential as it would seem that this was a courtier battle.

'' I spoke, during the court with a monk, a nun, Kayou-san and we discussed the essence of ancestors, and she told me about what differences could be applied in this case, for example, as i brought the case of Hantei Yugozohime and Hantei Soujiro'' She tries to remember all the conversation she had with Kayou.

'' I still believe there must be, a meeting of shugenja and people learned in the spiritual realms to better understand how to continue forwards in this crisis'' She ends. '' That is this one humble opinion''

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

The fire within burned a little brighter at the mention of the Most Saintly Nun… there was something about that woman that was always off. The image of Nagiko standing was replaced by the burning form of Kayou and that seemed for the moment much more pleasurable…

He had choice words but he kept his eyes nearly closed and waited for the daimyo to respond.

Shimizu Kendo · **Joined:** Fri Mar 20, 2020 7:45 pm **Posts:** 126

Nagiko wrote:

Nagiko nods. '' I'm glad that m-my words were heard by you Shimizu-sama. Indeed most samurai spoke against the terrible crime that happened, which i believe it was as i said as well in there. Strange times are these ones we are currently living in.''

'' I don't know if my words were the correct ones, but they are my own.'' She said, as the sake seems to became less influential as it would seem that this was a courtier battle.

'' I spoke, during the court with a monk, a nun, Kayou-san and we discussed the essence of ancestors, and she told me about what differences could be applied in this case, for example, as i brought the case of Hantei Yugozohime and Hantei Soujiro'' She tries to remember all the conversation she had with Kayou.

'' I still believe there must be, a meeting of shugenja and people learned in the spiritual realms to better understand how to continue forwards in this crisis'' She ends. '' That is this one humble opinion''

Kendo's words feel cold -- for one who doesn't know him, that might not seem odd -- as he responds slowly.

"Yes, the learned people can all get together and talk about how to continue forward. That will be a relief as the armies of the Steel Chrysanthemum also continue forwards... as the refugees continued forward to enter this city."

He pinches the bridge of his nose tightly.

"I apologize, Nagiko-san. It has been a long day full of heartache, and I am taken to understand that some present were witness to this deed in horrific ways. I hold court so you can express your opinion, so I should not begrudge you that."

He looks up and tries to smile politely and fails.

Nagiko · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 310

Nagiko listens to the governors' words, stoically but respectfully.

'' There's no need to apologize, Shimizu-sama.'' She gets up and bows to him respectfully. '' If anything i should apologize for causing you stress in your time of relaxation and resting, gomen nasai '' She said to him.

Shimizu Kendo · **Joined:** Fri Mar 20, 2020 7:45 pm **Posts:** 126

Kendo blinks hard.

"Please. Sit down."

Nagiko · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 310

Nagiko sat down once again, into the pool waters. This time she turned her sake cup around and left it behind her, signalling that is was enough alcohol for today.

Shimizu Kendo · **Joined:** Fri Mar 20, 2020 7:45 pm **Posts:** 126

"You seem like a fine young woman. I did not wish to interrupt conversation. Please, act as if I am not here."

He settles down further into the water, occasionally glancing at Nagiko, but mostly looking up away from it all.

Seppun Horonigai · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:03 pm **Posts:** 1054

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"How have you found the city so far mina-sama?" she had lowered her voice and looked at just those two, as the others were fussing over the Mantis girl.

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"I found it, mostly, very dull, while I was confined to the temple ward, but now that I'm up and about, it is quite pretty. I especially like the garden - it is an excellent place to practice."

"I haven't seen much of the city. The shiro is well-fortified, this bathhouse is acceptable," she wrinkles her nose at the smell, though.

With a finger raised up, she points out. "The shrine is lovely, I confess."

Asako Kashiwagi wrote:

He could still see as he used the free hand and idly traced the characters for hello princess on the surface… not that he expected anyone to notice.

That same finger levels the surface of the water and nonchalantly traces the kanji for hero... not expecting anyone to notice, as well.

[Perception/Investigation (Notice): 6d10ro1o10k3 30]

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

Kashiwagi spoke lightly to those in the bath with him, “I am reminded of the words of the little teacher; every day of their life a person has only one judge, and that judge is themself. Simple but truthful wisdom, that we can all benefit from, high and low.”

“Ah Shimizu-sama, you are far too striking to be forgotten, but if you wish it we shall try. It will be difficult,” he mused hoping to bring levity to the moment.

“Lady Nagiko, are you familiar with Legend of the Jade Princess?” he said casually with a smile.

OOC: Fluff roll added.

Etiquette - Oh Daimyo-sama you are such a good soul, we will do our best to ignore you as you wish but please think kindly of us: 6d10o10k3 19

Nagiko · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:07 pm **Posts:** 310

Shimizu Kendo wrote:

"You seem like a fine young woman. I did not wish to interrupt conversation. Please, act as if I am not here."

He settles down further into the water, occasionally glancing at Nagiko, but mostly looking up away from it all.

Nagiko nods, though she offered the governor an oh-so-slight smile before turning to Kashiwagi.

Asako Kashiwagi wrote:

“Lady Nagiko, are you familiar with Legend of the Jade Princess?” he said casually with a smile.

'' I'm afraid i'm not, Asako-sama'' She said with curiosity. ''Legend of the Jade Princess? Sound similar to Asako Chidori's-sama own story...'' She commented, mostly to herself trying to make a connection between the two. Maybe the Jade Princess was the inspiration for Sakurahime...

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Wed Apr 08, 2020 11:06 am

Suzume Chihaya wrote:

"I found it, mostly, very dull, while I was confined to the temple ward, but now that I'm up and about, it is quite pretty. I especially like the garden - it is an excellent place to practice."

Rising just enough to finish her cup, an uneven fresh red scar could be seen along the tip of her collarbone, marking the base of her neck, indicating a close call of miraculous proportions.

Otherwise, her collection of scars were mostly faded to faint white, a collection obtained years past, and many were hidden by the fogged water and vapor rising from the surface.

"Are there any locations I should visit, in particular, Ikoma-san?"

"There is a fascination story about the garden. Have you heard it?" Homura nodded "I am not a local sadly, so my knowledge of this city is woefully lacking, however I must speak highly about the Dojo. It has trained generations of talented samurai after all."

You've been in a few fights eh? Don't look like lovers scratch marks, what do they do in those yam fields?

Seppun Horonigai wrote:

"I haven't seen much of the city. The shiro is well-fortified, this bathhouse is acceptable," she wrinkles her nose at the smell, though.

With a finger raised up, she points out. "The shrine is lovely, I confess."

"You should visit the gardens Seppun-sama. They are very serene, and as Suzume-sama said it offers a very different training and practicing experience. There are some very good vendors for foods if you wander the streets as well mina-sama."

She noticed the water writing, but said nothing, letting the two of them have their privacy.

Smooth Asako-sama. I give you points for that.
(ooc - noticing Horo and Kashi water-writing)
D1 LE noticing people writing in the water? Investigation(notice): 3d10ro1o10k2 22

She tried to politely ignore the goings on between the Mantis trapped between two men, although she disagreed entirely with the provincial daimyo. Not that she would voice it. No Nagiko-chan, keep getting up, displaying your body every few minutes almost makes up for these faux pas you keep making. Plus it's nice to see.

Seppun Horonigai · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 4:03 pm **Posts:** 1054

"Sodesuka?!" Horonigai inquires with interest as Homura mentions the open space at the gardens. "Ne. I can't go without training. Not a day to lose."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

“Well it’s a folk legend I heard on the road,” he said closing his eyes.

“It is a longer tale but we shall dispense with the preamble, suffice to say that there are three main players in our tale, the Jade Princess a skilled duelist and swordswoman whose beauty rivaled Lady Sun, the Fire Haired Sage, her friend and whispered love, though both were proper samurai who abided their duties. The third was a powerful creature the Serpent Daimyo, with powers of trickery and deception,” he started.

“The Serpent Daimyo had captured the Jade Princess’ betrothed and lured her and the Fire Haired sage to his palace deep in a murky swamp where the villain unleashed a trap just as they entered, the court of the Serpent Daimyo. The creature mesmerized the mind of the Fire Haired Sage and forced him to do battle with the Jade Princess!”

“The Serpent Daimyo cackled as the Fire haired Sage unleashed powerful magic of flames upon the samurai-ko, her blade Beauty’s Mercy was swift as she evaded the worst of the magic but still she was taxed to her limits, and yet she held back as she still had affection for her dear friend trapped in the throes of the Serpent Daimyo’s power!” Kashiwagi continued.

“She needed to find a way to end the fight before she was forced to kill her ally, even as he created a blade of fire and they clashed on a balcony under the moonlight. She pleaded with him to se sense but the hold was almost complete yet he faltered for he too did not wish to truly do her harm and she struck him with a powerful blow from her fist and knocked the Fire Haired Sage senseless,” he said closing his eyes.

“The Serpent Daimyo was shocked and then doubly so when she cast her beautiful blade right into the villain’s heart ending his tyranny and rescuing her betrothed. One would think this is the end but there was one indignity that needed to be resolved, the Fire Haired Sage had ruined her best clothes in the battle, and he used his powerful magics to mend them. He then offered his apologies and before they parted ways, he touched her cheek lightly, their destiny lie in separate paths now but they would always be friends, so deep was their mutual affection,” he said finishing.

“It lacks the flourish of the peasant storyteller but hopefully I did the tale justice.”

His fingers traced on the waters the characters for pleasant memories.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya politely ignored the fanciful retelling, though the talk of serpents possessing someone in the swamps... it sounded as though one of his naga stories was being re-purposed.

Glancing between the two women she was now sandwhiched between, Chihaya offered, "Hai, the gardens have a number of isolated corners suitable for practice and meditation. I find them useful for the uneven footing - a good alternative when the dojo is crowded."

A faint smile, "And rumor has it, if you are sufficiently talented, perhaps a Kenku might come to test your mettle, or so the legend goes."

Cracking her neck, she added, "Not that I've faced a Kenku before - I wonder if it would be more, or less, dangerous than a Naga warlord..."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

OOC: The story is for all just in case it wasn't clear I am not sure how big this hot spring is but we all seem to be in moderate close vicinity.

Last bath of the night (D1 LE Open)

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