D2EM, Might Be the Last Chance for a While (Open)

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:19 pm

"Many have been written about for less, Akodo-san. But surely there is more to you than a strong sword-arm."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"And the devotion to duty. Don't forget that." Touki murmured, almost smiling.

He set his cup down. "Perhaps there is." He said, looking at Seitouna with curious eyes. "But I don't know what sorts of things you would be looking for, Kasuga-sama."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:36 pm

"No, I do not forget the devotion to duty," Seitouna replies. "But as to what I am looking for...it is whatever you would share. One can never tell what will inspire those who come after, after all."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"Hmmm..." Touki considered, sitting back with a frown. "I do not know that I have inspirational virtues besides those two." He shrugged. "I play the flute with passable skill. Perhaps, if I do make it in to your story, that can be mentioned as a humanizing element? I am not sure." Another shrug.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 9:50 pm

"That is the kind of detail that helps, Akodo-san, though not the only such."

He pauses.

"When do you play, if I may ask?"

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"I often play at nights in the garden." Touki said, his tone not changing. "It is a pleasant place, and I enjoy playing there."

A shrug. "I do not generally play for an audience, although sometimes people will visit and listen."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 10:28 pm

Seitouna nods, and his hand absently makes a few notes.

"And if I may, who taught you the instrument?"

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"Mostly myself." Touki said. "Although I was shown the basics by my father. It's actually a family instrument, going back two generations."

Somewhat warily, he eyed the notes Seitouna was taking. Am I going to be the flute-playing Akodo?

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 10:51 pm

"It is a worthy thing, then. And it is to be hoped the instrument will pass down in time to other hands, carrying a bit of your breath with it. But not for many years yet, eh?"

And the Akodo will be able to see that, yes, "flautist" is on the page. But it is not the only thing: "dutiful" and "strong" are there, as well, as is "somber."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki's lips quirked, just a little. Well, it was all accurate, including the last one.

"One hopes." Touki said, and a careful ear would catch a note of bitterness. Is this something he wanted to be known for? It is a truth about me. Perhaps it should be known.

Touki cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, my wife died in childbirth, a year and a half ago. I have not remarried. Although I suppose I will be expected to, sooner or later." All said with his usual lack of feeling.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 11:01 pm

Seitouna draws in a breath, holds in, and releases it audibly as Touki divulges his loss.

"My condolences," he says.

What else can he say?

Well...

"If you would like, I could write her story. Or I can hold it back. However you would have her commemorated that I may do, I would."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"Thank you." Was his short reply.

Touki's lips parted, his expression uncertain. Then they pressed together, and his bland mask returned.

"Thank you sir, but no. Her life is chronicled by the Ikoma." He was silent for a moment. "Besides, I would not know where to begin. Even more than with myself." A jumble of memories seemed to pass before his eyes. Her smile. The time they fell in the river. The amused but exasperated way she said his name when he made a pun. The scent of her hair in the sun. All impossible to describe, and probably meaningless to anyone but him.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 12:16 am

"Then I shall respect your wishes in it, and ask no further."

On the page, "a tragedy to be left undiscussed."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki just nodded wordlessly. After a few moments, he sighed.

A few more moments, and he looked up, giving Seitouna something close to a smile. "And how do you describe yourself? Or do you?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 3:03 pm

"Did I have to, Akodo-san, I would say 'friendly.' Being in my position, I cannot have too many friends, and being one is the best way to earn one."

He sets his charcoal down.

"And it is a thing that must be both earned and given, friendship. Too many forget that both sides are needed. Though I do not think you are such a person as would."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Slowly, Touki nodded. "I would not dispute your choice, Kasuga-sama. And you are quite right. Friendship is a bond that ties two people together. It should be as a partnership, not as a magistrate placing a criminal under arrest."

Touki sat forward, picking up his cup of tea once more. "In your position, sir?" He asked politely.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 4:14 pm

"That is an interesting simile, Akodo-san. I am going to have to keep it."

And he does so, writing "[Friendship] should be as a partnership, not as a magistrate placing a criminal under arrest," before adding with his voice, "But I am a member of the Emperor's Favored. We do better to develop friendships than enmities. That is all I mean by the comment on position."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki inclined his head, once again smiling just a little. "It is yours, Kasuga-sama."

And again, he nodded. "Of course. Well, I cannot claim to have any great insight as to how the Lion treat your clan. However, speaking on an individual level, I would be pleased to share rice and tea with you another time."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 6:37 pm

"As I would you." He nods. "May we both see such a day!"

He lifts his cup a bit. Sake, it ain't, but it's not straight water, either.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki raised his cup in silent toast, echoing the sentiment, even if not out loud.

His rice arrived, and for a time, he would be focused on that.

/scene!

D2EM, Might Be the Last Chance for a While (Open)

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