[Day 7, Late Morning] Relaxation After Marching

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 6:40 pm

Mogami’s eyes stay closed as she talks, her smile growing wider.

“Yes, other than my first year out of gempukku traveling with my fathers army, I have been at Toshi no Omoidoso the rest of the time. The onsen was gorgeous in the fall, and especially during the nights. The starry sky was a sight to behold, thousands of tiny lights dancing. I’d draw pictures in them, trying to connect them into shapes in my head.”

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 6:55 pm

"It sounds really nice. I'm a little sad to have missed it. I think I was travelling to Winter Court by the end of fall, can't say I really looked to the skies. What did you draw?"

Homura studied the other woman, tilting her head. Her smile was pretty cute.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 7:03 pm

Small dimples formed on her cheeks when her smile grew to its widest. Her narrow lips kept together, their shape a neat bow.

“All sorts of things. Sometimes shapes, other times plants or animals. It changed every night depending on what canvas the skies gave me. I’ve tried to put the ideas down on paper properly a few times, though I am less than an ameteur there. Too many other tasks and hobbies that take my time to truly be skilled at it. But that’s the beauty of sky painting, it exists only in your mind, so it can be as elegant and beautiful as the most masterful artists work.”

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:25 pm

"You have a creative mind" Homura commented with a nod "it isn't a huge step to go from a dreamer to a creator though, and one should always take the time to enjoy an art. Perhaps drawing could be that? Unless you consider a future in divination. I heard that many people read the stars to see the future."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:12 pm

"I enjoy many things, but there are never enough hours in the day to do them all. I am happy with occasionally indulging myself. Speaking of art, I am going to have one of the Togashi tattoo me. We spoke this morning, and so long as nothing interrupts, tomorrow I will allow her to use me as her canvas."

Ikoma Homura · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:27 pm

"A tattoo?"

Homura looked curious.

"What has made you decide to get a tattoo? It's not a very common form of art outside the Dragon."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:33 pm

"I can think of no greater honor for an artist to have someone show their works to the world for the rest of their life. Ever time someone sees a tattoo, that artists name will get mentioned should it be asked about. It is quite beautiful. The art in tattoo form can outlive the artist, but unlike a carving, painting, or other material work, it will eventually pass from this world too. An ephemeral thing. So much display of talent and beauty, but bound to this mortal realm like any person is. The artist puts so much effort into it as well, it is almost like having a piece of them with you permanently."

She opens her eyes and looks into Homuras

"It reminds me of romance in a way. And that thought makes me very...happy"

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

The Hilsilage slowly walks through the area, somewhat oblivious to anything around him. The snakeman trudges uniquely, a slow slurch followed by a roil, then a slight fall forward, dead on his feet.

Freezing, damp and unable to find the right buildings the Hilsilage is unable to resist the idea of a warm, comforting bath.

"Good morning, samurai-sama. Would it be most unwelcome of me to join you? I am ever so weary."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 12:31 am

"Matsu-sama..."

A call from one of Mogami's budoka comes out at the Hilsilage's entrance.

She holds up a hand.

"It's ok, Tsuruga, the Naga are friends. Mostly."

Mogami looks to the snake man and gives a nod.

"Please, I imagine you are most uncomfortable with the cold."

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

"Thank you, I am afraid I became lost after our journey and have not yet found our lodgings."

The naga strips off his traveling clothes and hat and places them in the spaces provided, then sinks his frozen coils into a deep tub.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 12:45 am

"I am not sure there are any official housing, though I have only passed through here once before on my original trip to my post at Toshi no Omoidoso. I am sure any of the embassies would be proud to host you and your people, though. What is you name? I have met the Shakanar before, but no others. He mentioned there were more with him but I don't remember any names given."

"I am Matsu Mogami, and this is Ikoma Homura. The men in the bath on the other side are my budoka...personal retainers or fighters, Tsuruga and Fuwa."

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

"I am called The Hilsilage. One forgets that lodging is not a pre-arranged thing wherever one goes. I am abashed."

The tension in the snake man slowly starts to wane.

"Sadly I fell behind most everyone as we evacuated. Was the journey harsh for you?"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 2:08 am

"It wasn't the most pleasant, but I've seen worse as well. And I wouldn't worry, I kept the rear guard, you must not have fallen too far behind. The Shakanar seemed to imply that cold weather wasn't a problem for him, does it effect you more?"

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

"It does not harm me any more than you, but I detest it after a couple days. It sinks into my bones terribly. I have an unusual pain in the cold, nothing serious but it does make a hike into a trial. My medical study indicates that it is normally associated with older Naga. Sadly mine seems to have come on early."

The Hilsilage frowns, his hand moving for a fan that he does not have on his person to cover the grimace.

"Still, my gratitude to the hard fighters we left behind warms me. And after we have apprised the city of the state of things a long sleep will have me fully restored."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 5:40 am

"Nikesake has known war for many years, the walls here are extremely defensible, and the layout of the town gives little avenues for mass enemies to approach, leaving them open to harassing fire and counter-assaults. The embassies all can be fortified for defense, and the Shiro is incredibly sturdy. You can rest safe here, for now, The Hilsilage."

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

"It does seem most wonderfully built. Has it seen many historical sieges?"

The Hilsilage begins to scrub at his finger nails, grimy from long days scrabbling.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 5:57 am

"A few. This may not help your discomfort, but the most recent I know of was when the Steel Chrysanthemum, the leader of the army we face now, raised this city to the ground."

She smiles apologetically.

"The city has been improved much since then."

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

"I do like a good rematch story. This Steel human sounds most impressive in his conquests. A pity he could not have been an aid to the Emperor, together they could have made an excellent harmony."

The Hilsilage, finally able to feel the tip of his tail again, begins to scrub and examine his scales.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 6:40 am

"Well, mark these words, he will regret trying to have a second round. We will end him."

She grins a fierce grin, fire in her eyes for moment before letting the peace of the bath house come back over her.

"How long have you been traveling in our lands?"

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

"Two years. I have been here before then, but on this particular mission it has been two years. Much has happened since then. There was great hope for a restoration to order."

[Day 7, Late Morning] Relaxation After Marching

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