Letter to the "editor" [D10, EA]

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Given the uncertain conditions ruling the day, Degarashi would have understood completely if he'd been turned away from the Crane embassy upon his arrival to speak with the Imperial Advisor. Oftentimes a letter of introduction worked wonders for receiving an audience, but such meetings rarely happened with a hostile army just beyond the gates.

However, despite the frantic energy surrounding Nikesake, the Scorpion found himself being led into the embassy proper and deposited before Suimenko's door. As he scratched to announce himself, Degarashi was glad he'd taken some time between here and Sukima-denka's room to make himself look more presentable. The chaotic events of this morning evidently didn't stand in the way of protocol.

Doji Suiminko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:56 am **Posts:** 120

Degarashi is redirected by servants into a meeting room, where Doji Suiminko is waiting for him. She looks up from a book she is reading, then sets it down at her side. "Bayushi-san, to what do we owe the pleasure?"

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi pauses in the doorway as he sees the advisor, but manages to bow before the delay becomes insulting. "Konnichiwa, Doji-sama. This one has been given a letter of introduction from one Togashi Iko. I am uncertain as to its contents, but was told I might benefit from seeking your council in person."

[Just going to assume she actually said Bayushi and not Shosuro]

Doji Suiminko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:56 am **Posts:** 120

Suiminko's eyebrow raises slightly. "I am unsure that I can assist you with your problem, but I am willing to hear you out. Have a seat."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi bows again before seating himself across from Suiminko. He takes a moment to consider exactly what to say on the matter. "I'm quite uncertain on the matter myself, Doji-sama. I encountered Iko-sama at the twin shrines the other day following the untimely death of my younger brother. I expressed some anger and confusion about it to her, as well as a general sense of helplessness." He frowned, unhappy with the way his words were drifting, and sighed. "Ie, I feel as though I'm wasting your time in being here. Iko-sama spoke briefly about taking matters into one's own hands, determining one's own fate through their own actions, but hesitated to elaborate. Then she sent me to you instead, citing some manner of authority to speak which she does not possess."

Doji Suiminko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:56 am **Posts:** 120

Suiminko frowns. "I am uncertain why she sent you to me, Bayushi-San. However, you have my condolences for the death of you brother." She takes up the tea pot and pours for each of them. "Her words do sound like those of a Dragon. Perhaps it was one of those riddles for which they receive so much acclaim?"

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"A uniquely frustrating such riddle, if true." Though Degarashi bobs his head in thanks and accepts the tea, he seems more interested in staring at his reflection in the liquid than in drinking it. "I thank you for your sympathy, Doji-sama. He was struck down," Degarashi's grip on the cup tightens, causing his hands to shake gently, "honorably. Flatly. Accepting his death by the forces of Toshigoku, riding towards his impossible mission like the dutiful samurai he was." He scoffed. "Perhaps she sent me here expecting you to correct my current misgivings. I find myself close to unseemly thoughts regarding the necessity of action which took my brother away."

Doji Suiminko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:56 am **Posts:** 120

"I would suggest speaking with a monk - a Brotherhood monk - about these feelings. Some measure of sadness and grief is to be expected, of course, but you would not wish for it to impact your duty to the Scorpion." She sips at her tea, her expression calm.

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"Hai, Doji-sama, that is probably for the best." He rotated the cup of tea between his fingertips once more before carefully returning it to the table in front of him. As he sat up, he noticed the book which she'd been reading before he'd arrived. "Before this one takes his leave, might he ask what you were reading before he interrupted?"

Doji Suiminko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:56 am **Posts:** 120

"Just some poetry from the 6th century." She smiles. "Nothing of great consequences, I'm afraid."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi returned her smile. "Ah, I see. I had a conversation with Shosuro-ue quite recently that leads me to question whether any art is ever truly of no consequence. If such were the case, which of us would dare perform Kashiwagi-sama's play in times like these?" He chuckled softly. "They cast me as the warlock, apparently."

Doji Suiminko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:56 am **Posts:** 120

"I wish you the best of luck in your role. I am certain that it will be a memorable play for everyone involved."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"I quite agree. I shall take to my role as villain with a certain degree of enjoyment, I imagine." Degarashi turned to look at the advisor again for a moment, then bowed. "If there is nothing further to discuss, then I shall take my leave, Doji-sama."

Doji Suiminko · **Joined:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:56 am **Posts:** 120

Suiminko inclines her head. "Thank you for the discussion, Bayushi-san. I hope that you find some peace."

Letter to the "editor" [D10, EA]

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