D2 EM - Replacing the Lost

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 11:14 pm

Kayou wrote:

Kayou nods. "The Order of Harmonious Work is dedicated to helping the common people by working with them and finding ways to grow more and better crops, build stronger and safer homes and generally strengthen the base of the Empire. Currently we just have the one house in the Sparrow lands but this one is hoping to gain support from some of the Clan to expand the order and its holdings."

Something inside Mogami pulls at her again in Kayou's direction. A sense of duty, or perhaps desire.

She frowns slightly at her feelings.

"I see. Well, if you wouldn't mind, I would love to have my men learn from you. They are warriors though and not farmers or builders. Though I imagine whatever lessons you have to teach would be beneficial to both them, and myself."

She steps closer and the feeling of...rightness? washes over her.

She shudders.

"Forgive me, Kayou. Your presence after so long leaves me feeling at odds with myself. A sensation I cannot place, like Lady Sun is shining directly on my heart."

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

Kayou nods, unsure how to reply to that last statement. "This one will do as she can to aid you and your soldiers, Matsu-san. There are trying times ahead."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 11:43 pm

"Indeed, we are in the path of an oncoming storm. The walls are strong and have weathered many before, but after what I saw at the Emperor's Winter Court, I wonder if this may be the time they fall. If such a thing could happen to the very Son of Heaven himself..."

Her voice trails off, the implication hanging in the air.

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:03 am

Kioka wrote:

"From your champion? Quite an honor, Dragon-sama. The most complex mysteries are those we are not prepared for, but they are the ones they teach the most about the self. For without preparation, we learn not only the answer to the mystery, but also how we seek answers."

She holds up a finger. "That said, the temple does not allow many to study. The temple holds many secrets that are not for those who are unprepared. Better that you are given a partner to study with, so that you do not begin down the wrong path."

She nodded, understanding. "That sounds wise. May I perhaps be allowed to return to study, once a partner study has been decided upon?"

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

She nodded, understanding. "That sounds wise. May I perhaps be allowed to return to study, once a partner study has been decided upon?"

"Given that your research is into such a valuable artifact, and that it came from your Clan Champion, perhaps this one would be your best partner."

She watches closely for any reaction.

The Hilsilage · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:15 pm **Posts:** 160

The Shakanar wrote:

A soft sound, the equivalent of a chuckle in the Naga tongue, and the feel of amusement, though not cruel amusement, through the Akasha. "Togashi Iko is a woman." he switched back to the Rokugani tongue, so that none would think they were plotting. "She is also a veteran of the War of Broken Fangs, and likely has some....concerns when she found herself surrounded by people that she once waged war against."

The Hilsilage stiffens with embarrassment.

"Oh, ah yes. Togashi Iko-sama was initially understandably brusque, but when I explained my position she offered a cultural exchange facilitated by an expert. I was quite happy with this result."

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:13 am

Kioka wrote:

"Given that your research is into such a valuable artifact, and that it came from your Clan Champion, perhaps this one would be your best partner."

She watches closely for any reaction.

Tsukimi did not hide that she was a little surprise, but judging by her smiling eyes, it was a pleasant surprise.

"I'd be honored, sister. Thank you. It is always good to have such an experienced guide when beginning on a new trail."

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

Kioka wrote:

"Given that your research is into such a valuable artifact, and that it came from your Clan Champion, perhaps this one would be your best partner."

She watches closely for any reaction.

Tsukimi did not hide that she was a little surprise, but judging by her smiling eyes, it was a pleasant surprise.

"I'd be honored, sister. Thank you. It is always good to have such an experienced guide when beginning on a new trail."

She leads you inside the temple into a library, of sorts. It is fairly well lit and very organized. Another monk sits at a desk nearby reading a scroll.

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

Seppun Chiyo wrote:

Her prayers finished, she stood straightened her kimono, heading towards the exit. She frowned as she reached it, realizing how the snow had piled up while she was inside.

At the exit, she nearly ran into another woman, stepping in from the snowy day, brushing the white flakes from her hair.

Spotting the Imperial, she paused, stepping back and to the side, trying not to run into the woman directly.

Looking a little embarrassed, she greeted Chiyo. "Good morning, I wasn't looking where I was going, my apologies."

The Saravya · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 10:30 am **Posts:** 99

The Hilsilage wrote:

The Hilsilage stiffens with embarrassment.

"Oh, ah yes. Togashi Iko-sama was initially understandably brusque, but when I explained my position she offered a cultural exchange facilitated by an expert. I was quite happy with this result."

"That could potentially be very helpful," she noted. "I'm looking forward to hearing what you learn."

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:23 am

Kioka wrote:

She leads you inside the temple into a library, of sorts. It is fairly well lit and very organized. Another monk sits at a desk nearby reading a scroll.

Already it felt a bit like being back in the temple, preparing to study. She just hoped she'd prove a better student this time than she did as a child.

"Thank you, once again. I hope I'm not imposing too much," she remarked, her tone dropping a little quieter now.

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

Matsu Mogami wrote:

"Indeed, we are in the path of an oncoming storm. The walls are strong and have weathered many before, but after what I saw at the Emperor's Winter Court, I wonder if this may be the time they fall. If such a thing could happen to the very Son of Heaven himself..."

Her voice trails off, the implication hanging in the air.

"The Emperor had cheated death at least twice before," says Kayou. "This one was very sorry he was not able to this time as well. This one always thought very well of him."

"We shall not allow them to fall, Matsu-san. As the Crab like to say, we are the Wall. We will hold back the storm and defend the people because we must."

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

Already it felt a bit like being back in the temple, preparing to study. She just hoped she'd prove a better student this time than she did as a child.

"Thank you, once again. I hope I'm not imposing too much," she remarked, her tone dropping a little quieter now.

"What do you believe will decide the outcome of this current strife? Humans? Kami? Heroes? Armies?"

She leads Tsukimi to a table and sits down with her.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:29 am

Kayou wrote:

Matsu Mogami wrote:

"The Emperor had cheated death at least twice before," says Kayou. "This one was very sorry he was not able to this time as well. This one always thought very well of him."

"We shall not allow them to fall, Matsu-san. As the Crab like to say, we are the Wall. We will hold back the storm and defend the people because we must."

Mogami nods.

"It would be nice to have you standing there next to me. Though, are not those of your order sworn to peace?"

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:37 am

Kioka wrote:

"What do you believe will decide the outcome of this current strife? Humans? Kami? Heroes? Armies?"

She leads Tsukimi to a table and sits down with her.

Sitting down, Tsukimi pondered the question for a moment. "All of those, but, ultimately, I believe it is humans - humanity - that will matter the most."

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

Matsu Mogami wrote:

Mogami nods.

"It would be nice to have you standing there next to me. Though, are not those of your order sworn to peace?"

Kayou kicks up the naginata and catches it. "Peace must be defended. Creatures such as those of the Dark do respect peaceful intentions. The Tao says:

'But when there is no other choice,
he uses force reluctantly.
He does so with great restraint,
and never celebrates a victory;
to do so would be to rejoice in killing.
A person who would rejoice in killing
has completely lost touch with Tao.

When you win a war,
you preside over a funeral.
Pay your respects to the dead.'"

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

Togashi Tsukimi wrote:

Sitting down, Tsukimi pondered the question for a moment. "All of those, but, ultimately, I believe it is humans - humanity - that will matter the most."

"Why?"

A simple enough question, but it was spoken in a way that gave it a certain weight.

The Shakanar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:04 am **Posts:** 218

Soothing of the embarrassment. Understanding. "I look forward to hearing what you learn and experience as well. There is so much about their culture we do not understand yet. Flower arrangement for instance. There is an entire language behind how you arrange the flowers, and what flowers you use, that I have yet to dig into."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:44 am

Kayou wrote:

Snip[/i].'"

Mogami gives a very pleased nod.

"That is very good to hear, cousin."

She looks out over the temple and into the city.

"I have a meeting with the governor soon and am going to be delivering my tactical assessment. Tell me as someone who once studied at the War College, is there anything you can see that my eyes may have missed?"

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

"This one has not made a survey of the defenses, but this one suspects that this winter will turn as much on logistics and supplies as it will the strength of the walls," says Kayou.

"Unfortunately, this one does not think there are any source of additional supplies nearby. Perhaps foraging parties might be organized?" she suggests.

D2 EM - Replacing the Lost

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