D8 LA - A Time to Practice

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

"I am truly sorry for your loss Akodo-san. That's about the time my mother sickened, I know it's not the same, but we all bear loss."

She takes a step closer, and bows her head.

"May the Fortunes spare you any more."

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

Touki bowed his head. "Thank you." He said softly, his voice a little thick. "And my condolences on your loss as well. It is not the same, but I would not dare to call it less. Grief... does not work like that, I think."

He cleared his throat, straightening. "She was a shugenja. She died on the day so many shugenja were stricken. As we said, the Empire has been in a state of turmoil for some time now. That... seemed to me to be another part of it."

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

"It would take a short sighted individual to think that all these trials and catastrophes are unrelated." Iko answers after thanking Touki for his compassion. "As long as good men and women continue the fight though, there is hope of a brighter future."

"But my apologies, I am bending your ear with talk. Did Akodo-san come here to train?"

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

Clearing his throat, Touki straightened. "I did, yes. I train daily, and this is no exception." He turned back to the weapon rack, quickly selecting a practice weapon.

At the same time, he gave Iko a sidelong glance. "Although, I admit I had been hoping I would encounter you. Both your fellow Dragon and Ikoma-san said that your strike is very swift indeed. I will confess to being curious just how swift it is."

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

"If Akodo-san wishes to observe my strike," Iko stretches out her shoulder and paces a little, before settling herself into a duelling stance about three feet from Touki, bokken sitting comfortably at her side.

"I would hope he could extend the same courtesy."

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

A hint of a smile touched Touki's lips. "Of course. I do not expect that my skills will be any match for yours, but perhaps the heavens will favor me today." Was there a touch of irony to that flat monotone? Probably not.

He took up his own stance, studying her through narrowed eyes, but she was inscrutable to him...

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D8LA practice duel, init: 5d10o10k3 31
D8LA practice duel, assessment: 3d10o10k2 17

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

Iko smiled politely. "The only sure defeat is failing to seek victory." She quoted from one of her favourite sensei from the Academy, before letting the outside world slip away.

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D8 LA practice duel Init: 7d10o10k3+10 64

D8 LA practice duel assess: 9d10o10k4+2 37

D8 LA practice duel focus + assess bonus: 10d10ro1o10k9+10 74

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

If nothing else, Touki could tell at a glance that he was outmatched; Iko could clearly draw and strike him any time she wanted.

But he did not concede. His body tensed as he tried to ready himself...

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D8LA practice duel, Focus: 5d10o10k4+3 30

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

In a heartbeat, Iko flashed past Touki, her bokken grazed her opponent/s belly, and as she passed, a second slash barely touched the back of his neck.

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D8 LA practice duel strike (4FR Extra attack, 3FR Called shot neck, 5CR damage): 10d10o10k6-15 62

D8 LA practice duel strike 2 (5 CR damage): 10d10o10k6-15 43

D8 LA practice duel damage: 2#7d10o10l1 1 2

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

In the blink of an eye, it was over, with Touki struck not just once, but twice.

He bowed, low and respectful. "I fear that there may be enough of a gap between us that I learn little from seeing your strike. Still, I thank you for the honor, Togashi-sama." His low monotone voice was a bit more animated than usual.

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

"The gap in our abilities would be equally apparent on the field of traditional combat as well Akodo-san, although I believe the roles would be quite reversed." Iko answers, acknowledging the compliment, but offering her own in return.

"Bishamon blessed my strikes today, perhaps he feels you needed no lesson then?"

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

"It is kind of you to say so, Togashi-sama." Touki intoned. He did smile just the tiniest bit, though.

He turned towards his practice dummy, although he angled himself so that he was partially facing Iko. "Perhaps." Touki said. "I have been told that Bishamon looks favorably upon me." He shrugged. "I know only that I have done well on the battlefield. It is strange to be told that you have the favor of a Fortune, but to be unable to tell for yourself."

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

"We live our lives as we do, and the Fortunes bless who they will." Iko shrugs lightly at a matter out of her control.

"Is it the Fortune who blesses us to make us worthy, or our inner worthiness that earns their blessing?"

D8 LA - A Time to Practice

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