The screaming hordes of the enemy rush forward, moving with surprising speed. The icy rain splatters off their armor, each of which which bears the mon of the Matsu family upon its front.


Initiative
(32) – Akodo Touki (Attack, TN 25) – 20’ from enemy
31 – Kayou (Attack, TN 28) – 20’ from enemy
(30) – Suzume Chihaya (Attack, TN 25/30) – 20’ from enemy
(27) – Matsu Kōgyoku (Full Attack, TN 30/20) – 20’ from enemy
19 – Enraged Samurai (Full Attack, TN 15)

Toshigoku Mifune

The two smaller creatures continue to struggle in the distance, useless and sad.

Once again Degarashi's eyes moved to the newcomer, and he bowed his respects, but otherwise remained silent. Externally his features revealed nothing, but his thoughts were pondering the strangeness of this situation.

Three beautiful women in an onsen. If Degarashi were his brother, Yukinaga, rather than himself, he might be forgiven for thinking he was in the opening chapter of a pillow book.

The old tune came to mind unbidden, but it helped to pass the time. He'd picked it up years and years ago now while helping some merchants deliver goods on a long journey.

"They see me haulin', all laden'
Patrollin' and tryna catch me bright and early
Tryna catch me bright and early
Tryna catch me bright and early
Tryna catch me bright and early
Tryna catch me bright and early
My mule is so loud, I'm understanding'
They hopin' that they gon' catch me bright and early
Tryna catch me bright and early
Tryna catch me bright and early
Tryna catch me bright and early
Tryna catch me bright and early"

Night Court! How novel. Aya walked past the big bald Lion guard, and listened as the governor recited both the heroics of the day and the conclusion he had reached.

"Please do, my body is ready," he said.

Sarakura sat down in proprer seiza, opposte of Suiminko.

"Oh, there is not much to tell, I come from a humble family, descendant from Doji Haminiko, oh you know, the poet of 'Red River Blue Sky' the famed haiku that stopped the War of Claw-Pincer-Beak?" She nodded enthusiastically at her as she spoke.

"I was named after my grandmother, who was an ikebana artist who started the trend of using flowers seeded from the garden of Otosan Uchi." She continued nodding like an enthusiastic toddler.

"My brother, may Tengoku watch over him, was an avid gardener like grandmother. He was in Mirumoto mountains when he passed away in a tragic rock gardening duel." Her face fell for a moment, before reasserting her on. "Of course, he won in the end."

She tilted her head. "I am just a nobody, a passable artisan of paper." She gestured at the origami. "I was at Centipede courts before I was invited to Moritake Toshi, to serve as an aid. I hope to one day become an Empire famed artisan and proper housewife." She bowed towards the Advisor. "Please take care of me."

OOC: Any rolls needed?

The Shosuro stayed still as a statue.

There was no apparent surveillance or comment of the moment between the Handsome Doji Doctor and Doe Eyed Imperial Maiden.

Yet He'd read enough pillow books to know where this might go.

Kitamaru stayed still as a statue, but knew where his blade was, always.

"Horses. Oh, this'll be fun."

Homura managed to resist a sigh as she mounted Neighgisa, Neighisa sighing as it accepted the weight of another rude samurai. She didn't know why she put up with these samurai, they only wanted one thing and it was disgusting.

Hopefully horse Tengoku would be better once she finished her service. All horses go to Tengoku after all! Where the fields were lush, and full of wonderful tasty grass...oh the human was saying something. Wasn't this trot enough?

[...]

"Otomo-san, Yogo-san, you should both be careful your kimono are of fine make, do relay to all that any hint of blue will be met with violence by Lion samurai. Be thankful that we have rain or the Lion would be shooting arrows into the sky for that blue might offend as well. Cover the wells, lest the Lion charge them to destroy the blue waters,” he replied calmly.

“Thank you Matsu-san, we shall be wary of all things blue in this Lion city lest we be killed for offending our Lion captors.”

Doji Koushi smiled. "I heard you. I know what you have done through carelessness, and I curse the day when I put my faith in a Lion."

He announced in a clear voice.

"I am Doji Koushi of Kyuden Doji, the highest ranking member of the Crane clan remaining at this embassy. I assume the role of acting ambassador.

I have three orders for all samurai loyal to the Crane clan.

I hereby formally permit all Lion members to attend any court functions scheduled by the Crane clan in the Crane embassy for the remainder of the siege.

I hereby forbid the members of the Crane clan from holding a court function in this embassy for the remainder of the siege.

I hereby invest Daidoji Setsuko with the powers of the Embassy, and resign my position. Honor her as you would Kakita Airi."

He then turned, and in the same voice addressed the crowd assembled.

I say to all of you assembled that these once-proud men and women decided to cynically fabricate a trap of honor which, because they assumed we held our honor cheaply, served to wipe out the leadership of the Crane clan here in the city. Crane who were their allies. For me, there is no path left that is not shameful. For them, their lack of sincerity damns them."

He takes his sword and slowly draws a line through the mons on his armor.

"I die shamed, honorless. I have outlived my lord and my ambassador. I have sworn to assist the clan that spits on the honor of my people. I have abnegated that oath, and I have struck down the unwitting instrument of a callous, cynical people. My honor is my shame. I am no Crane."

He settled into his stance.

"But I am a man, and I will never bow to the Lion again. Let there be enmity between us, Matsu."

Initiative roll=27

Doji Koushi smiled. "I heard you. I know what you have done through carelessness, and I curse the day when I put my faith in a Lion."

He announced in a clear voice.

"I am Doji Koushi of Kyuden Doji, the highest ranking member of the Crane clan remaining at this embassy. I assume the role of acting ambassador.

I have three orders for all samurai loyal to the Crane clan.

I hereby formally permit all Lion members to attend any court functions scheduled by the Crane clan in the Crane embassy for the remainder of the siege.

I hereby forbid the members of the Crane clan from holding a court function in this embassy for the remainder of the siege.

I hereby invest Daidoji Setsuko with the powers of the Embassy, and resign my position. Honor her as you would Kakita Airi."

He then turned, and in the same voice addressed the crowd assembled.

I say to all of you assembled that these once-proud men and women decided to cynically fabricate a trap of honor which, because they assumed we held our honor cheaply, served to wipe out the leadership of the Crane clan here in the city. Crane who were their allies. For me, there is no path left that is not shameful. For them, their lack of sincerity damns them."

He takes his sword and slowly draws a line through the mons on his armor.

"I die shamed, honorless. I have outlived my lord and my ambassador. I have sworn to assist the clan that spits on the honor of my people. I have abnegated that oath, and I have struck down the unwitting instrument of a callous, cynical people. My honor is my shame. I am no Crane."

He settled into his stance.

"But I am a man, and I will never bow to the Lion again. Let there be enmity between us, Matsu."

Seeing as proceedings were drawing to a close soon, Wasako thought it was perhaps best to speak up than to regret it later. It had been a concerning day, especially with a good swing toward the Traditionalist. Perhaps many just merely lined up their opinions with the doubt of the Crane? It seemed like the Crane were rather receptive of the Steel Chrysanthemum from her perspective. She gave a nod to Touki and Kitamaru to excuse herself for a moment.

"Minasan!...I too am a simple bushi! However, I have seen much in the last few days and it seems very obvious to me that the Steel Chrysanthemum's intentions are not fully benevolent!" She called out. "A green leaf that turns red is not a change for the better, no?"

She was met with bemused stares and fanned glances. It seemed she had their attention and her job was done, she bowed politely and retreated back.

Better, I think I'm getting better at this.

Day 8, Courtier/Awareness at TN15: Void used for Imperialist: 3d10 6

Who are you?

I am Matsu Kōgyoku.

No, I am Matsu Kōgyoku. You are a mere offshoot of my legacy that has borrowed my name. Why are you kneeling with your sword at your bowels?

Because it's the right thing to do.

To bow to Crane manipulations is the right thing to do? To die out of grief after a lost Scorpion lover? Bah. How low my line has fallen. You should die for your mistakes, no doubt. But not like this. This is how cowards die, hiding in death ahead of battle. Death must be earned, on the battlefield! Are you so miserable that you're doubtful of your sword-arm?

I am not, honoured ancestor. And I am about to prove it soon.

Then prove it. Rise and take arms, join the greatest among your ancestors, marching aside the true and strong Hantei. You can make your death-seeking purposeful, meaningful, glorious.

I have never wanted for glory, honoured ancestor.

Why are you so keen on rendering your name forgotten?

Because, like you said, I've just borrowed it for a lifetime. It will soon be back with you, honoured ancestor.

In what shape? Your honour is stained.

But at least that of the Matsu and the Lion shall remain impeccable.

You mean those who oppose the true Hantei? It is as stained as yours because of their cowardice, complacency, disloyalty and insincerity in the face of a clear dictum of their ancestors! You're doing it in vain. This death is empty.

Perhaps in some ways, honoured ancestor. In fact, I am already empty. But it at the very least reinforces one principle. A samurai dies not when it is convenient, but when it serves their lord best. And I have never aspired to anything more than to be a good samurai.

Your lord is not here!

Isn't she?

A glance at Lady Matsu's figure as the short sword dug in...

EM9. My Ancestor, She Calls Me! VP. TN26: 4d10o10k4 27 - Success

---

Like millet is ground
On the heavy wheel, my soul
Fulfills its purpose

/death