Concerns and Tribulations (D8, Early Afternoon)

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

Iko nodded to Tsukimi and walked over to the small table she had indicated. It was time for someone else to take the spotlight and be the focus of attention.

Water, not tea was the order of the day Iko had decided and dispatched a servant to fetch some for the pair of Togashi.

"I am glad to see you made it here Togashi-san, I didn't see you on the road from Toshi no Omoidoso and was a little concerned."

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 12:07 am

Water was just fine for a Togashi who was used to such simple fare on most days.

"The situation called for me to leave Toshi no Omoidoso early. I was helping out with escorting the refugees to the port -town, until we realised the enemy had destroyed the boats, and killed or driven away everyone there. The only option for them was Nikesake - the Lion could understandably not abandon their post, so I took it upon myself to guide them here. It seems like we had almost a day's headstart on you and the others," she explained calmly, leaving out the unpleasant stand-off with the Seppun.

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

"I am pleased to hear that the plight of the common folk did not go unnoticed. I tried as hard as I could to shepherd as many of them as possible into the city, but there were just too many people..." She lets out a sigh as if she considers it a personal failing.

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 12:32 am

"You did what you could. As did I. Not... everyone made it, but most of them did." She reminded herself that they had died with a hope in their hearts at least, rather than as fodder to the Toshigoku-army.

"I understand that these trying times is a burden upon many. Doubts and fears might start to creep in and take hold."

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

"Upon many, yes." Iko agrees, although suspecting Tsukimi is meaning a much smaller and specific many.

"Did you manage to find out anything more about our Lord's mysterious gift? Perhaps his unusual brand of wisdom may offer some comfort in these confusing times?"

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

Finally, Ryuji decided to give an impassioned speech in favor of the Empress. When he finished he returned to his position on the pillar where he stood.

((+3 Imperialist Points))

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 1:03 am

Togashi Iko wrote:

"Upon many, yes." Iko agrees, although suspecting Tsukimi is meaning a much smaller and specific many.

"Did you manage to find out anything more about our Lord's mysterious gift? Perhaps his unusual brand of wisdom may offer some comfort in these confusing times?"

Tsukimi gave a shake of her head. "If the history of the 'gift' is anything to go by, its wisdom is that we must seize destiny ourselves and stand on our own strength, rather than to expect the Heavens to merely give us what we pray for. But who knows... the world works in mysterious ways, and people always find new ways to surprise me."

Togashi Iko · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:00 am **Posts:** 408

"Like just now?" Iko replies, a joking tone to her voice, but a deadpan look upon her face.

"One Yasuki Mara offered helped me out with a personal matter earlier this Winter." Iko spoke softly from behind her fan.

"In return she has asked that I help shine a light upon the possibility of the Returned Emperor resuming his previously held position." She stated simply.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

After her story went largely ignored, a somewhat disgruntled Suzume Chihaya simply thought 'typical.'

Nobody appreciated a good story anymore.

She missed home.

Taking a seat at an out of the way table, she studied the arguments morosely. What a mess they were all in.

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

The Scorpion bowed properly. It was court of a sort, after all. The mirthful smile of the Fox mask over Kitamaru's face regarded the others.

"Shosuro Kitamaru, a pleasure", they said in a deep, even voice. "Troubling, is it not? Some already seek a deal with the enemy."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Mari wrote:

"To speak to the kami is a blessing and a taxing thing. I only wish I knew how to navigate the courts half as well as some." No... she really didn't want that. "Then... I think if are willing to introduce me, I am willing to speak. Please do not put your name too far out there for one such as I, but I would add some small thought to the assembly."

Poemu gave a small nod. There was still some quiet debate, and she gave the Sparrow a sympathetic look before she spoke up with a soft clarity.

"We have all given our thoughts on the current matter, and listened to others. That we would all have a voice, as samurai of Rokugan, I would hear Mari-san's thoughts as well. If you would please."

She gave a bow , first to the others, then to Mari, before she sat once again.

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

Agasha Poemu wrote:

"We have all given our thoughts on the current matter, and listened to others. That we would all have a voice, as samurai of Rokugan, I would hear Mari-san's thoughts as well. If you would please."

She gave a bow , first to the others, then to Mari, before she sat once again.

She caught the diplomat's eye and rose, bowing in turn. "Thank you, Agasha-sama, for hearing this one's humble words," she said, keeping her pitch even but sincere as she turned to those who were assembled.

"I am little more than a wave-man, a priest without lord, but like any of those blessed by the chance to speak with the kami, to placate them and commune with them, I have been taught of the kharmic wheel. This Steel Chrysanthemum, they served as Emperor, son of heaven, in their turn. They have died, as we all die, and they stood before Emma-O as we all will. For them to stand upon this plane now, to demand fealty once more denies the judgment of Emma-O. If they wished to petition Jizo for a chance to be reincarnated, to return to the kharmic wheel as Heaven ordains, they might. And yet they do not. They do not kneel to heaven, to Meido. Can we stand by in the face of spirits who want nothing but slaughter and surrender in face of this defiance of heaven's will?"

It took a lot out of her to get that out, and with it said, she bowed again to the Agasha and to those assembled. "I apologize for interrupting your meditations on this. Please continue." And with that, she hoped to sit back down next to the Agasha and not cause too many waves. She'd already done enough for one day.

( Courtier/Awareness w/ Void - 16 1 point to the Imperialist. Woohoo, on the board!)

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Opening her fan, she gave Mari a nod, smiling behind her fan. She'd only tell the Ronin she spoke well if she had a chance to sit again.

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

Akodo Touki wrote:

"Well, no." Touki frowned. "I haven't been made aware of such either. But I mean here, today." He glanced about at the surrounding crowd of samurai.

As he was introduced, Touki, too, bowed politely.

Wasako managed to catch sight of Iko going off with Tsukimi for a walk, assuming that both Dragons were going to hash out the details in private. Cousins were bound to understand each other, even if one was married in? "I suppose we might have to find out on our own. You don't suppose it was just a natural epiphany? Admittedly, many of the samurai here weren't present at Toshi no Omoidoso. I'm sure they might regard the situation with fresh eyes...potentially convincing others as well," she mused with a wild guess.

Shosuro Kitamaru wrote:

The Scorpion bowed properly. It was court of a sort, after all. The mirthful smile of the Fox mask over Kitamaru's face regarded the others.

"Shosuro Kitamaru, a pleasure", they said in a deep, even voice. "Troubling, is it not? Some already seek a deal with the enemy."

"Pleased to meet you, Shosuro-san. I suppose I'm wondering how troubling it might be as I was hoping for some clarity in the matter, as well as Akodo-san here. It is usual, so say the least, especially after everything we've experienced. Is it also an anomaly to you as well?"

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

Mirumoto Wasako wrote:

"Pleased to meet you, Shosuro-san. I suppose I'm wondering how troubling it might be as I was hoping for some clarity in the matter, as well as Akodo-san here. It is usual, so say the least, especially after everything we've experienced. Is it also an anomaly to you as well?"

Kitamaru grunted.

"Nothing strange about fear", he commented on the idea of it being an anomaly.

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

She narrowed her eyes on the Scorpion. "I don't think opinions would be made based on fear alone..." That meaning that she didn't think samurai were cowardly at the very least.

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

In Kitamaru's world, nearly all decisions could be based upon and judged with, the level of fear involved.

Anger and violence were merely the products.

Everyone was afraid, it was simply that some were too prideful to admit it.

"Agreed", he told her. A lie or not, a hope or not...it would be hard to tell.

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki waited until there was a break. When she had a chance, she spoke of the Spirit Realms, particularly of Toshigoku purely from a scholarly viewpoint. However, it was clear that allowing a spirit from Toshigoku would be a bad idea.

Lore: Spirit Realms (Toshigoku) Flavor Role: 30

Success +4 Imperialist Points!

Isawa Hachi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 2:42 am **Posts:** 401

Hachi, after listening in to several of the arguments, decides to do what shugenja do - pray. Not a prayer on the kami, but one for public assumption.

Clapping to draw the attention of the spirits, he says "Oh Fortunes and Kami, we ask that you help all in these troubled times to know your blessing. We ask that all here might be worthy of your attention and beneficence. And that all my honor your ways and hierarchy."

He bows his head, then continues to find places to listen.

__________

Imperialist roll, no raises, TN 15: Got a 15 exactly, 1 point.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Sun Apr 19, 2020 4:21 pm

Seitouna adds more to his notes as discussion continues.

Quote:

The wolf's howl joined the discordant chorus, though its note struck true, and flames leapt up to follow it. Their crackling left behind a sweeter smoke than might have been hoped amid the rain.

Oh, yes, he thinks, a lot of editing to do. But it should help.

Concerns and Tribulations (D8, Early Afternoon)

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