Ever watchful, Day 1, Early Evening, Open

Hiruma Yoichi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:08 pm **Posts:** 71

Yoichi inhaled deeply, then let the breath out slowly, as if tasting an unpleasant flavor on the air. "The direct obstacle isn't the snow immediately around us. It will hamper movements, certainly, but it already begins to melt in places. It would prove more bothersome to those moving out in the open than those holed up within the city."

He turned to regard the governor, eyes serious. "The true problem lies in the snows further out, along the paths where we might receive reinforcements or succor. As the snows melt, the roads will soften, horses and carts will become bogged down by mud, and I can't imagine word has reached much farther than the city itself. We can ill afford a siege, and we can scarcely believe that the Steel Chrysanthemum doesn't already understand that."

Bayushi Norikami · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:22 pm **Posts:** 315

"Don't disagree with Hiruma-san. Thaws have their own temperament, though I'm curious about how the seaside air will affect us", the Scorpion wondered aloud.

"As for the snow as an immediate subject, as it's still freezing at night, i think its a boon to light units like scouts and skirmishers. Threy can use what snow there is left to mask their position and learn the enemy's plan. Even harass a column in transit. If we get a storm before this warms entirely it might be a good opportunity, it'll cover well."

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

The Lion listens intently to the two, then begins to move down the wall again.

"Let us hope that his intentions are not to siege a city at all..." Kendo's eyes grow distant looking in the direction of the Winter Court.

Bayushi Norikami · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:22 pm **Posts:** 315

"Begging the pardons of the heavens and all here, but if what they say he did is true, he won't siege. He'll demand compliance in the name of his birthright and storm the city if refused", Norikami said with certainty. "It'll be in the interest of everyone here to have a plan for that far ahead of time."

(apologies for not letting Yoichi in order, but Norikami feels pretty strongly about this and wouldn't wait either)

Hiruma Yoichi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:08 pm **Posts:** 71

The Hiruma shot a glance at the Bayushi, but said nothing, instead following behind the governor at a respectful distance. "Hope can fill hearts, but not bellies. I do not wish to speak out of turn, but even without a siege, the sudden increase in refugees will strain what resources are available. I will consult with my fellow Crab to see what assistance we may provide, but I strongly recommend securing provisions as a high priority now, before it has time to become a more pressing concern."

(No worries, didn't much change what Yoichi was going to say)

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

Kendo stops and turns to the two.

"I am not so vain as to believe I alone can have answers to what is coming. I welcome your insight, though I may not take your council." He looks to each of them in turn.

"I began preparations this morning as refugees arrived, and even now the Lion move to be ready for what might come. I do not wish to begin to dance until the music starts, however, so I came here to begin to listen."

He pauses for a moment before continuing. "Most at court today spoke out against the Steel Chrysanthemum, but not all. This will be a divisive time."

Hiruma Yoichi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:08 pm **Posts:** 71

Yoichi bowed deeply and respectfully, glad for the ability to conceal the mild frustration evident in his features. "My apologies, Shimizu-sama, for overstepping my authority. Regardless, you shall find the Crab ready for whatever may befall the city in the coming days."

Bayushi Norikami · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:22 pm **Posts:** 315

Norikami had some choice words for people who didn't want to immediately oppose this would-be usurper. To him it was the lowest of the low.

Coming from a Scorpion it would seem hollow to them, however. They likely wouldn't understand, so he simply nodded in agreement. He'd given his thoughts in court earlier that day.

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

"You overstepped nothing. It is fine."

His face softens some.

"I was speaking with Asako Kashiwagi earlier, and he brought up that in Leadership, one must treat your soldiers like beloved children. This whole city falls under my care.

"There is likely to be a battle here, as elsewhere, and the Lion will do what we must. However, there is currently a threat to my family, and I will do my duty to protect them, as you two do your duty."

He pauses again. "I welcome the company. I welcome the thoughts. I feel that the city is about to get stuck between a rock and a sharp sword. I assure you, the Lion are taking steps to parry any coming blow."

Hiruma Yoichi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:08 pm **Posts:** 71

Yoichi nodded, his voice quiet as he turned to look in the general direction of Morikage Toshi. "May the fortunes bless our steel against the steel coming our way."

Bayushi Norikami · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:22 pm **Posts:** 315

Norikami merely nodded again, as if in agreement. His thoughts were his own, however.

"Thank you, lord governor", he said eventually. "The lion prepared is the lion victorious, but if the services of this one will suffice, I'd like to be of any aid I can."

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

"I thank you for it."

He looks over the lands as he walks.

[He doesn't really have a ton to say, but I will reply if he's spoken to]

Hiruma Yoichi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:08 pm **Posts:** 71

[I'm quite content with things as they stand honestly]

Bayushi Norikami · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:22 pm **Posts:** 315

(I don't have anything further for the governor really, i can talk to Yoichi if he's fine with it but i understand if he isn't keen on it

)

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

A Lion come walking toward the group purposefully.

"Excuse me a moment," Kendo says with a nod to the samurai, and he walks over to speak to the Lion.

Hiruma Yoichi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:08 pm **Posts:** 71

Bayushi Norikami wrote:

(I don't have anything further for the governor really, i can talk to Yoichi if he's fine with it but i understand if he isn't keen on it

)

[Just because I casually suggested the governor shoot you doesn't mean we can't have a friendly chat :lol:

]

Yoichi waited until the governor was out of earshot, then turned to the Scorpion, eyeing him quietly. "You have remarkable insight about the needs of a city and the likelihood of an attack."

Bayushi Norikami · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:22 pm **Posts:** 315

He didn't shrug, he felt that'd be rude. He simply smiled beneath his mempo.

"The Scorpion also do train soldiers", he said. There was a bit of mirth now. "I apologize if we didn't quite leave that impression during the War of Crossed Pincers."

He bowed. There was only very slight mockery, it was clear he was only screwing with the Hiruma a little bit.

yeah, he couldn't help himself, after all. Scorpion will Scorpion.

Hiruma Yoichi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:08 pm **Posts:** 71

Yoichi didn't miss the amusement in the Scorpion's tone,and allowed himself a grin. "On any given day I would relish crossing pincers with any who dared make the attempt." The grin vanished as quickly as it arrived. "Today is not that day, however. Past disputes aside, I find myself agreeing with your position more firmly than that of our governor."

Bayushi Norikami · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:22 pm **Posts:** 315

He leaned on the wall's edge, looking out to the region beyond. "I think the Lion will be ready", he answered. "Though our experiences tell us a different method of war, it's only one piece of the larger whole, all we can do is report honestly and let the general make a decision."

Hiruma Yoichi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:08 pm **Posts:** 71

"While your words ring true, I find myself more concerned with what was left unspoken. Were this a simple battle, the Lion would acquit themselves as they always do. But Shimizu-sama suggested ours is not the only viewpoint within the city." Yoichi imitated the way the Scorpion leaned upon the wall. "No Crab would mention a combatant that was not worthy of attention. Why would a Lion suggest the city is divided if that division weren't itself a threat?"

Ever watchful, Day 1, Early Evening, Open

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