[D8, EM: Scorpion Embassy] What is Thy Will? (Closed)

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

Kitamaru had slept, somewhat. Another Scorpion could possibly tell, even under the mask, wrappings and hat

The Shosuro's body tingled slightly, head unclear.

A moment passed, around the corner from the embassy, a breath was taken. Nerves were ruthlessly subdued by the mind.

Kitamaru walked to the entrance, anticipation already building again when papers where handed to the guard.

"Yes, Bayushi-sama, I will wait. Thank you."

It continued as the second guard and Kitamaru stared and said nothing. Showing that a moment was needed, yet again, would only betray weakness.

Allowed inside, the Shosuro waited again in the reception room. Then again in a hallway. Then once more in an antechamber. Then finally the call came from an attendant. Kitamaru stood, the tea left by the servant untouched, soul lacking balance, but body steady finally.

A scratch on the door was next.

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

Kitamaru is escorted in a small - intimate? - room containing a single wooden table that was set with a few simple rice dishes. Shosuro Uruwashii motions for him to be seated, then carefully pours him tea and sets the cup near him. Her arms were wrapped in long gloves that disappeared beneath the sleeves of her kimono.

"Shosuro Kitamaru, what a surprise. I was not expecting you until tomorrow." She glances sideways towards him as she sips at a drink of her own. "How were the roads?"

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

He bowed low, shuffling forward and did not raise his posture until he was before her and she had greeted him.

"Wet, as mud", he replied, poorly settling himself. "I saw little, much to my disappointment, but that has gone away now."

He returned the favor of tea pouring when she finished, making the motion properly to not show nervousness.

"I am honored to be in your presence again and have prayed for your safety, as much as my words to the fortunes are worth."

He forced his nerves into stillness, but it was difficult. He did not drink yet.

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

"Thank you." Uruwashii, for her part, seems perfectly calm and relaxed. "The situation here is complicated, as it usually us. The Steel Chrysanthemum has assassinated the Emperor in an attempted coup, and his armies even now push westward against us."

She pulls gently at the sleeves of her kimono. "That is partially my reason for not meeting with you last night. I am still recovering from the march from Toshi no Omoidoso. Too much water, I wager."

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

He pushed his mask up, pulled down his scarf enough for his mouth, but he did not drink yet.

"How may this one serve the family?"

At least, in that question, Kitamaru lacked no courage.

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

"For the time being, support the Lion and attempt to keep things from descending too far into chaos." She picks up a chopstick and pokes at her rice. "Sieges tend to be stressful for those caught behind thick walls, and I do not think that Nikesake will be much different. If we are to show the Empire that we deserve our place at the head of the courts, we must ensure that we keep clear heads and remain the adults in the room."

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

Kitamaru was silent for a long while, attempting to determine what those orders meant.

Support the Lion.

Be the one others seek advisement from.

"Do the Lion intend to fight? It is difficult to believe they would support the Emperor's killer."

Merely saying the words Emperor's Killer caused a twinge of the soul. Kitamaru kept still with best efforts. Lacking in steel could not be tolerated.

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

"The Lion will fight to a man." She pauses to eat a riceball and chew it thoroughly. "Likely on both sides. Seeing one's ancestors marching against them will be... distracting for many of their number. We are unprepared for this situation, but we shall make the best of this situation and try to stall while we await orders from Kyuden Bayushi."

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

Stalling.

No operative likes that word. Best not to dwell and trust this is the correct course.

"What of those within the city who will hinder the Lion's efforts?"

There were always open dissenters. Always.

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

"Report back to me with as much information as possible. I do not want people running around like actors in a Kabuki, hacking away at defenders simply because they scowled when a Lion walked past them." She delicately lifts another rice ball to her mouth and chews it.

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

With the famed inquisitor in town she still wanted to know gory detals. He might not be what they say, after all.

Kitamaru bowed in obedience. "Are our kin here useable?"

It was in truth a tricky question that should have been delivered more eloquently, but perhaps the Shosuro was adopting the Daimyo's no nonsense approach.

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

Uruwashii takes a moment to answer. "Thus far, there have not been any issues. There are a few monsters hunters around that should be treated carefully, as they are effective and competent but untrained in the social arts. Fortunately, they seem to be aware of that fact." She sips at her tea. "Also, the Emperor's younger sister."

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

Kitamaru had never met the princess.

Monster hunters. There was a slight nod. Though what it could mean was anyone's guess.

"Would my lady prefer to make her will known to the others or shall this one be subtle?"

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

"They know what I wish of them, so for the time being, subtlety is the name of the game." She sighs softly. "I shall inform you when that changes."

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

"Then by your will", Kitamaru bowed yet again, having finally discarded errant nerves that defied harmony of body.

That the Scorpion had spoken to Lady Shosuro only helped with such ease.

"Is there a Lion this one can meet with to aid in relations?"

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

Uruwashii considers the question, then shakes her head. "None that I would specifically name. I would discuss the matter with the others and attempt to approach it from multiple angles. Our Clans are allies, after all." She didn't sound particularly pleased by the fact.

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

The sentiment was returned, but not particularly shown.

"Then I will go as there is work to be done."

Though Kitamaru as clearly rooted in place. Still and silent, but the Scorpion's admiration, now that fear and anxiety had faded, was apparent.

Shosuro Uruwashii · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:01 pm **Posts:** 71

"Thank you for checking in," Uruwashii says, inclining her head in respect. "Walk in the shadows, Kitamaru-san."

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

"Darkness keep you safe, my lady." Kitamaru shuffled back ward in seiza, rose and exited.

It wasn't until the operative was far out of earshot that some manner of noise, some might call a sigh of happiness, erupted from his being.

He set off to find the princess.

[D8, EM: Scorpion Embassy] What is Thy Will? (Closed)

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