Unicorn clan meeting (Castle stables, day 1 late evening)

Moto Baatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 11:41 pm **Posts:** 304

“So, I suppose you’re all wondering why I called you here today,” Moto Baatar began. Seated on a three-legged stool, the young Unicorn addressed a handsome black horse and a small white dog. The dog sat attentively on its hindquarters, while the horse was clearly more interested in eating hay than listening to whatever nonsense its rider was on about.

“Dark tidings from the Imperial Court,” Baatar continued, attempting to affect the dramatic voice the Scorpion actress had used. “An Emperor slain, and a ghost Emperor risen. As a clan, I believe we have an obligation to support our Lion hosts in this matter. What say you?”

The small dog yapped.

The Unicorn sighed. “Yes, Gölgee, I’m pretty sure the Lion are in favor of extra treats,” Baatar said in a long suffering tone. He tossed a small morsel to the puppy, who instantly devoured it.

Politics, Baatar reflected. It’s always politics.

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

Somgai was putting Wagikashi to bed. So far, he had proven to be the better parent for that, while Miwako was better suited for responding to the child when she would inevitably wake up in a few hours. For now, the shugenja had decided to explore the castle grounds. That's how she came across the Unicorn's meeting.

"My apologies..." She searched her memory quickly for the family name. "...Moto-sama. I did not mean to disturb you."

Moto Baatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 11:41 pm **Posts:** 304

"Oh..!" The young Unicorn rose from the stool hastily, then gave a polite bow. "I didn't see you there. We were just talking Important Clan Business, but... um, I think we're just about done."

The horse raised its head momentarily; satisfied that Miwako wasn't a threat, it returned to its hay.

Gölgee yapped and nuzzled at Baatar's hand for more treats. It didn't seem like she agreed that the meeting was done.

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

Miwako glanced outside to make sure the moon wasn't full. Satisfied, she bowed to the Unicorn.

"I am Isawa Miwako. I was just exploring the grounds."

Moto Baatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 11:41 pm **Posts:** 304

"I'm Moto Baatar," the Unicorn said, now remembering to make proper introductions. "This is Gölgee," he said, gesturing at the excited little dog. "And Horse." The horse paid them no mind at all.

"You've been exploring the castle, eh?" Baatar asked. "Found anything interesting yet?"

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

She shook her head. "Everything is as I expected, for the most part. What about you? Have you discovered anything notable?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:15 pm

Paper in hand, Seitouna comes in through the stables, thinking to make a quiet entrance, perhaps to ask stablehands after those ensconced in the larger castle. But those plans are thwarted by the voices of samurai--familiar ones from the events earlier in the day.

And you being seen sneaking now would present problems, he thinks. So he steps forward and bows.

"Minna-sama, this one does not mean to interrupt. Kasuga Seitouna."

Moto Baatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 11:41 pm **Posts:** 304

Isawa Miwako wrote:

She shook her head. "Everything is as I expected, for the most part. What about you? Have you discovered anything notable?"

"Well...." Baatar looked thoughtful. "There's a servants' passage between the kitchen and the court room. It's how they get the tea to the court room while it's still hot. Most samurai won't use it, but if you're running late, it's a great shortcut to get to court."

"The cook doesn't like dogs, but her helper does," he added. "She'll give Gölgee scraps if we're quiet about it."

"There's an excellent nightingale floor upstairs near where the Important Folk sleep," Baatar remembered. "It's almost impossible to walk over it without making some kind of noise, and the guards really don't like it when you try."

"And there's a tiny shrine down in the castle basement," he confided. "Maybe a family shrine. They're real good about keeping incense lit there."

"So really, there's lots of stuff to find, if you look around a little."

Kasuga Seitouna wrote:

"Minna-sama, this one does not mean to interrupt. Kasuga Seitouna."

"Oh, um, hello there," the Unicorn said. "I'm Moto Baatar. Are you looking for us?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:23 pm

"Ah, the sounder of the clarion call earlier today," Seitouna nods. "I am surprised that a man who made such a splash in court is as attentive to the affairs of the peasantry as his comments demonstrate." But it is a useful tip he thinks before adding "Pleasantly so.

"But I was simply passing through, though a chance to talk a bit is always helpful."

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

"Isaawa Miwako." the Phoenix offered a bow. "More conversation is quite welcome."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:27 pm

Seitouna inclines his head to the Isawa. "Your efforts at the gates this morning were impressive, indeed."

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

"Everyone was impressive." she said. "This morning could have been a greater tragedy without the efforts of so many."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:43 pm

Skilled and modest, thinks Seitouna. Quite the heroine type.

"Just so, and it seems worse is likely yet to come. Because it cannot be supposed that a single attack will suffice, can it?"

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

"No." she admitted. "Beyond the frostbite, the wounds I treated were vicious and dealt with little hesitation. I cannot imagine those who inflicted them would be satisfied that their work was incomplete."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:58 pm

Seitouna nods in agreement.

"It seems so. And I wonder if there was anything else of note about the wounds. There have been, as I am sure you know, interesting reports and speculation; having more concrete information is desirable."

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

She shook her head. "I couldn't say they were much different than any combat would produce. Honestly, I saw worse in the Shinomen."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 9:20 pm

Seitouna blinks.

"I was unaware that you were in that conflict."

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

She nodded. "As a healer. And occasionally, a scout."

Moto Baatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 11:41 pm **Posts:** 304

"You were a scout in the Shinomen Mori?" Baatar repeated. "You must've seen some amazing things! Can you tell us what it's like?"

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

"Big." she smiled. "The Isawa Mori is a grand old forest with a nu8mber of mysteries. But, I must admit, the Shinomen is something far more. There are plants and animals found no where else in the Empire. Trees large enough to live in."

Unicorn clan meeting (Castle stables, day 1 late evening)

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