[Day 1, Late Afternoon] Contemplation

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

Bayushi Yukinaga wrote:

He watched as she finished delivering each blow decisively, slaying her phantasmal opponent again and again. As she stated her question his smirk remained "My honor shields me from fear as surely as it guides my blade." He said quoting a letter he wrote her a few years ago while he fought on the front lines quelling the rebellion in scorpion lands.

"May it nourish all your thoughts and deeds." She answered as she had before, having jerked the bokken as if flicking blood off before straightening and turning toward him.. iwth her eyes shut for a briefest moment before they emerged from beneath their lashes to take in his form whole, at once. Curious discernment was dominant, but there seemed to be much underneath bouncing off the layer of trained propriety, noticeable only by the faintest of flickers in her pupils in their dark halo of oaken retinas. "You have good memory, Bayushi-san." She spoke softly, unlike what he could have expected from a Matsu stereotype, but it seemed it was her natural manner, not something exclusively for him. Or was it?

A few strands from her tail had remained on her shoulder after the finished kata. She flicked them off to the back with her free hand.

Bayushi Yukinaga · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 11:23 am **Posts:** 175

"As do you Matsu-sama." He replied with warmth in his voice. He was never as good at the mask of propriety as others especially those dedicated to it. His lighter brown eyes met her darker ones and there was warmth in there too. He may have been slightly surprised by her quietness but he knew she hid great passion behind her restraint. Exchanging letters for years you get to learn something of someones true nature.

He took a slight step toward her "you outstrip even the wildest visions I had." And he had had many in his head imagining this day it was all he could do to stop from breaking into a full smile and embracing her. But to do so would shame them both, so he merely stood a close but respectful distance away and presented himself as best he could.

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

Still, it was closer a distance than she had ever had any man except her closest family to come into, and it almost startled her in a way that was to some extent inexplicable within the range of experiences she had. His warm smile was hardly damning, and yet challenging to her composure. Which she nevertheless kept, mostly by looking away from his face for a moment, over his shoulder. Her gaze returned only after her hands had already reached forth, extending the bokken's hilt toward him.

"Would you award me the honour of witnessing your sword form, Bayushi-san?" The clever diversionary tactic would award her some reprieve from the intensity of the moment and let her get used to the direct presence of the very mad who she had kept imagining for the past years.

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"I would not wish to intrude on clan secrets, so if Togashi-sama does not wish to share her history with me then I would be fine admiring her mysterious ways from afar" there was a chuckle from the Ikoma woman "I do wonder what vows your champion would have though. I do not believe he's married?"

Poemu gave a soft laugh at that. "Kami... I believe Togashi-dono is not, no, but there are a number of things I know of the man that I can count on one hand. Few can truly say they know Togashi Motaro."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:47 pm

Agasha Poemu wrote:

Poemu gave a soft laugh at that. "Kami... I believe Togashi-dono is not, no, but there are a number of things I know of the man that I can count on one hand. Few can truly say they know Togashi Motaro."

How can a clan operate like that?

"That must make meetings with your superiors quite interesting. I at least have some idea of what to expect when I meet with Ikoma-dono. Although I haven't met the new daimyo, but I'm sure she'll be much the same. I hope you have more luck with Agsaha-dono?" Homura looked around the garden, admiring the sights

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu gave a small nod. "Hai. Agasha Fujiko-dono has been most helpful in my duties indeed, and she meets with Togashi-dono fairly regularly. In addition, I have met Mirumoto Aiki-dono before as well, in a meeting with Agasha-dono. She is still young, but quite skilled and talented. I realize it must seem strange to those outside the Dragon, but we have always had the Togashi, so it has just become normal to us I suppose."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 9:17 pm

"Well, the founding kami of your clan was Togashi. Perhaps that should be the norm? Have you considered a tattoo or two yourself?" Homura grinned teasingly "I can help with picking a few designs out. I may not be a Dragon but I am an artist of sorts."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

That caused Poemu to flush slightly. "I-ie, I do not believe I would like a tattoo. I will leave it to the Togashi."

After a pause, she added. "T-though, Ikoma-san would surely be able to get one if she wished."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 9:50 pm

"I think Agasha-sama would look quite lovely with a tattoo. Perhaps a flower on her wrist?"

There was a pause, before Homura leaned in and whispered "A Sunflower would suit you very well I believe" in a soft tone, her eyes gazing up into Poemu's eyes.

Bayushi Yukinaga · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 11:23 am **Posts:** 175

Matsu Kōgyoku wrote:

Still, it was closer a distance than she had ever had any man except her closest family to come into, and it almost startled her in a way that was to some extent inexplicable within the range of experiences she had. His warm smile was hardly damning, and yet challenging to her composure. Which she nevertheless kept, mostly by looking away from his face for a moment, over his shoulder. Her gaze returned only after her hands had already reached forth, extending the bokken's hilt toward him.

"Would you award me the honour of witnessing your sword form, Bayushi-san?" The clever diversionary tactic would award her some reprieve from the intensity of the moment and let her get used to the direct presence of the very mad who she had kept imagining for the past years.

A subtle quirking of one eyebrow was the only indication of his slight confusion at the request but it was gone as quick as it arrived and he dipped his head as he took the broken from her grasp the sking of their fingers brushing ever so slightly as the exchange was made. His warm brown eyes locking with hers as they did. But like lightning it was over as soon as it happened and he was already stepping back to a safe distance.

He moved through an intermediate form, nothing as showy as what a kakita would display but something that showed more competence than a swordsman fresh from gempukku. He was likely not an artist with the blade but his form was sound his katana whistling through the air with each strike. Each blow landed with accuracy that would have struck true had an opponent been before him.

It was not a long form and soon enough he gave Kogyoku a short bow "You honor me by your obsevation. I gladly take any advice you have on my form."

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D1 LA fluff kenjutsu vp +1k1: 8d10o10k4 27

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Ikoma Homura wrote:

"I think Agasha-sama would look quite lovely with a tattoo. Perhaps a flower on her wrist?"

There was a pause, before Homura leaned in and whispered "A Sunflower would suit you very well I believe" in a soft tone, her eyes gazing up into Poemu's eyes.

Poemu softly cleared her throat, her fan opening again. "Arigato for saying so Ikoma-san, but for now, it is not something I would seek. Still... i-if I changed my mind, I would keep your recommendation in mind."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 10:13 pm

Does nobody follow hanakotoba anymore? I actually miss the Doji...

"I have a good eye for flowers Agasha-sama" Homura winked, before standing up more straight "you know, I had once considered getting a tattoo but I couldn't make a decision on the kind to get. Do you have any recommendations?"

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu was quite frank in her answer, though she at least gave a sheepish smile in turn. "I fear if one were to speak of the meaning of tattoo's, I would not be that person. The Agasha lands are not what one would call a center of art, and I have not really learned much more in my time in Lion lands. Still, if this one was allowed to speak with the heart only... ano... perhaps Ikoma-san would have a dolphin? I have only seen one once, but I am told they are graceful and friendly."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 10:21 pm

"A dolphin?" Homura looked thoughtful for a few moments before speaking again.

"I don't think I have ever seen a dolphin in my time, although this is also the closest I have been to the ocean. I remember someone referring to a dolphin as very playful when I was younger, but a very protective animal as well. Hmm, it does seem to fit me very well, ne? Thank you Agasha-sama" she gave the woman a warm smile and a nod

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu's smile widened just a bit as she nodded. "Of course Ikoma-san. I thought it might fit you, even if neither of us knows a lot about them."

She paused, then smirked faintly. "...Which I suppose is true enough between us as well, ne?"

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 10:49 pm

"I don't know, I feel like I know Agasha-sama quite well, although I would love to know more about her" Homura gazed at the woman again with a curious expression "for example, I believe you are not trained by the Dragon? You have the poise and grace that I normally associate with the Imperial Families."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

The Dragon girl looked a bit puzzled, but nodded softly. "Hai... I am trained by the Miya family actually. I showed a lack of talent for fighting, and I didn't have my mother's talent to speak with the kami. My father was a Seppun before he married into the Dragon, and his sister helped arrange for my enrollment."

The puzzled looked turned more contemplative as they slowly strolled. "...As for yourself Ikoma-san... you are good at telling stories certainly, so I would guess that you are trained by your family in the Omoidasu school, hai?"

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 11:05 pm

I knew it.

"I have a lot of respect for the teachings of the Miya. While I have not spent as much time among them, the few I have known were wonderful to converse with, as you have been also. I've heard rumour of a fantastic library there that I would love to visit."

Then the question was asked in return, and Homura nodded. "I am a student of the Ikoma, hai. I cannot say I am as studious with history as some of my kin, and while you are so kind about my storytelling truly I am no master with it. My training is with the sword as much as it was with the spoken word, as I serve as both a courtier and a duelist for the Lion as you know."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu gave a small, contemplative nod. "Hai hai, I had heard as such... though, I had not heard it to be common for the Ikoma to take up the sword. Was it something that was influenced onto you by another that saw talent, or a more personal choice?"

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 11:21 pm

"Neither of my parents, nor their parents, took up the sword. It was, amusingly, a situation that happened during my schooling that inspired me to learn. A rather childish incident that I look back on with slight embarrassment and inspiration" Homura shook her head and chuckled "but I shall share my slightly embarrassing story, as I think it's quite a good one."

"Many courtiers study how to better their opponents during schooling, as I'm sure you also learnt during your studies. One day, we were blessed to have a Matsu woman visiting. The other students kept a wide berth, given the reputation of the Matsu. I perhaps foolishly tried to test my skills on her, and while my way with words was better, her ways were...let's say far superior. It taught me though that words can mean nothing without the ability to back them up, and through that I decided to learn the way of the sword."

She also taught me a few other things that perhaps are best for less public places...

[Day 1, Late Afternoon] Contemplation

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