Just a Drink or Two. (Day 8 Late Evening.)

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

Osamu had decided to go out this evening instead of staying in, his inn was nice after all, but hardly the place to meet new people.

Seeing the inviting lights of a Sake house in the distance, he made his way towards it. Stepping out of the rain and inside a few moments later. It seemed like the fighting would start anew soon, and he wanted one more chance for some fun.

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

A Scorpion wearing a half-mask and stylish courtly attire, and bearing the symbol of his clan's magistrates, is sitting in the sake house already. Currently on his own, he nods to the Mantis as he enters but says nothing at the moment. He seems to neither offer invitation nor demand solitude, leaving it to others to decide whether or not to join him.

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

It really did seem like their was a nest of Scorpion around. Both in this city an the last, likely because they were up to something concerning this new usurper of the throne.

Still that wasn't actually a reason to avoid the man. Approaching Osamu offered a polite bow. "Care for some company, Soshi-sama?"

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"I wouldn't mind, Mantis-san," Tameaki replies. "I've just arrived in the city, and know few people here - a matter I'd like to address. I'm Soshi Tameaki, and have been sent to support those advocating for the rightful succession against he who would force his way into power."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

Osamu had to assume the fellow that called himself the Steel Chrysanthemum was who the Scorpion was speaking of, at least at the moment. "I see, I do wish you luck with that." He replied as he took a seat.

"I'm Osamu, shugenja of my clan. As for me I was just caught in the way of the Man you speak against and his Army."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"Grave misfortune," Tameaki notes. "There is much danger to be found here, for one who did not come seeking it. Of course, this trouble will come seeking all in time, willing or not, so either way..."

Sip.

"You were in Toshi no Omoidoso?"

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"I was." He conceded with a nod.

" I helped hold the walls before it was decided to adandon the city to it's fate in the face of the armies before us." A decision he could understand given the circumstances, too many important people had fleed to Toshi no Omoidoso, there was too large a risk to staying there.

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"May Nikesake hold out longer," says Tameaki, darkly but not without hope, "for the sake of the Empire."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"For the sake of the emperor." Osamu agreed raising his cup to his lips a moment later in a simulation of a toast.

"The walls here are thicker though, and taller so in all likelihood nikesake won't wall as easy. Unless of course some of the people here decided to surrender the city or somethign like that."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"That's what I'm most worried about," is Tameaki's response. "I had the opportunity to speak with the new Crane ambassador - who is the old Imperial Advisor - just an hour ago, and had hoped that she would accept my offer of mediation regarding their current difficulties. My hopes were dashed."

No sip this time - Tameaki puts his cup down, leans back looking toward the ceiling, and sighs.

"Given that they seem to be open to supporting Steel," he continues, "I am deeply concerned that, when it comes to battle, they will work against our hosts and put us all in danger."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

Osamu paused and considered that for a few moments. "I suppose I can't put that entirely outside of the realm of possibility." He offered after a few moments.

"If Steel takes the throne after all, they could be lauded as heros of a sort." Clearing the way for the rightful ruler. "Of course if he isn't their lives are forfeit. So I'd at least preach caution about such actions."

"Still it seems like something a magistrate could keep an eye open for. With the Governors permission at least."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"We'll see where the governor stands in the morning, I suppose," Tameaki says, uncertainly. "Perhaps a night of rest will help to clear minds and ease tensions..."

Sip.

"Speaking of which...you say you're a shugenja, Osamu-san? I was in a conversation this morning that seemed to suggest that the influence of the Realm of Slaughter might not only be guiding the armies of Steel, but may be influencing the tempers of mortals as well. I'm not entirely sure I trust the source just yet - oh, I'm aware of the proximity of Toshigoku, but...well, I imagine such a wide-scale spiritual disturbance would make some waves?"

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"It's quite possible honestly, though with the current atmosphere it might be hard to detect." Osamu said, thoughtfully. "Its honestly not one of my string points when it comes to areas of study honestly."

"The Seas and battle are my strengths." He reached a hand up to scratch at his cheek. "I can inquire about it though, see what I can learn."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"I wouldn't want to impose...," says Tameaki, "but our own resident shugenja has just days ago suffered a tragic loss at the hands of that Realm, and her senses are...well, understandably overwhelmed. Ah, but I do wish I hadn't been cursed with the absence of my family's talents."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"I'll look into it, at the very least it will give me something to do." Osamu agreed somewhat casually. If the man was taking of the Yogo though... Well it was likely no surprise to anyone that a Yogo was unhinged.

"If I find anything ill let you know, but I can't say for certain."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"I thank you," says Tameaki, "as your efforts may prove to be of great importance. If there's anything I can do to help, either with this or other matters that may fall within my purview, you need but ask."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"I'll remember that." It seemed like the fellow was offering a favor after all. Finishing his cup, he waved over the waitress for a refill. "Though I'd be lying if I said I hope these kind of rumors are unfounded. The last thing we need are enemies amongst us."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"If the last few years have been proof of anything, it's that the last thing we need is often the first thing we get," Tameaki says, grimly, as he finishes his own cup. "The lead sensei at the court I trained in would never stop saying, 'Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.' I don't think I ever fully appreciated how important that is until now."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"There is wisdom there certainly." Osamu replied fightning down the urge to sigh. "I suppose it doesn't really help that i believe your mysterious scource is likely right as well. That army was not terribly far behind us when we left Toshi no Omoidoso, and advanacing at speed." He frowned mostly to himself. "If they aren't at the gates by tomorrow I could only assume there is somethign afoot. Soem plan of the enemy we can't see."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"Plans we can't see...well, that's familiar territory, at least," says the Scorpion, referring to his clan's reputation. "My source isn't that mysterious, though - it's just the conjecture, hypothesizing, and outright guessing of some of my colleagues. As I said, Yogo-san is our only dedicated spiritual expert, so the best the rest of us can do is try to make sense of everything from a mortal standpoint."

Just a Drink or Two. (Day 8 Late Evening.)

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