The times they are a changin' [Day 1, LE (Crane rooms)]

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

The Crane had been assigned to functional, minimalist rooms. Perhaps the lack of any noteworthy art was a subtle rebuke from their hosts, or maybe the Lion just didn't have anything worth setting out. A small but growing number of origami figures had started to colonize the room since Tetsuko had discovered she was stuck here for the winter.

As she awaited the arrival of her guests she set out the assorted boxes of fine tea beside the old family tea set she had brought with her. Tea was one of their primary trade goods so she was rarely without a good supply. Her thoughts turned to the events of the day and what it could mean for the clan.

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

Rin paused only to tap at the doorframe to announce his presence before heading to his preferred place in the room. These little meetings had become commonplace during the winter here. Familiarity being a welcoming boon on a day like today.

"Tetsuko-san, good evening."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

"And to you Rin-san." She bowed from the seated position and offered him a polite smile. They had come to enjoy each other's company over the course of the Winter.

One hand gestured to the tea. "New varieties, as promised." It was important to maintain a few surprises in one's repertoire.

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

"The flavours and aromas of tea you manage to produce this winter never cease to amaze me."

His bow before sitting was picture perfect at-ease etiquette amongst the Crane. Never shown outside of family. It wouldn't be right.

"How many of our cousins escaped?"

He didn't have to say what from. Not today.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

A gentle scratch at the door heralded the last arrival, beautiful in spite of the utilitarian clothing and the slightly haunted look around his eyes.

"Good evening, cousins." A smooth bow before turning to Rin. "My name is Doji Koushi, and I am afraid that I am the only survivor."

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

It took a moment for that to register fully, then Rin bowed his head.

"I am Kakita Rin, Doji-sama. It saddens me to hear your news. They will be remembered."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

"Thank you for saying so Rin-san, I am glad to be able to provide a pleasant distraction."

The arrival of their Doji cousin prompted a second bow. "Doji-sama, please, let me pour you some tea. It is unfortunate that so many have been lost." The Crane always managed to obtain a large share of the invitations to the Emperor's winter court.

"I have tried to ignore the rumours, as is proper. May I ask for your account of what actually transpired?"

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi smiled wanly and sank down to table level, accepting the tea with a nod.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Daidoji-san. It is comforting to know that Lady Doji's people still observe proper comportment, even when so many have shed it." he said, referencing the fiasco of increasingly coarse samurai speaking at the debates.

"I was not in the main court when it occurred, but I have heard from Lion samurai who were there that Hantei XVI held a knife to the Son of Heaven's throat and demanded the throne. When the Son of Heaven refused to abdicate, Hantei XVI murdered him."

He bowed his head.

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

Nodding at the compliment she looked to Rin and then back to Koushi. "It is the duty of the Crane to preserve the Empire's traditions, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Is that not so?"

She finally poured a cup for herself. "It seems we are living in unprecedented times."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi snapped out of his funk. "Actually...I have given some thought to that point. I believe that this situation is quite well-precedented, in that the end of Hantei XVI's original reign was also terminated quite violently."

He sighed, deflating "Of course, the collateral loss of life also has its antecedents."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

History lessons were above her pay grade.

"I see... I must confess that my training did not stretch as far beyond the Iron Warrior curriculum as to include Imperial History. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me cousin? What ended Hantei XVI's reign?"

She sipped at her tea and awaited the tale.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi nodded, clearing his throat.

"Of course. Ah, well, I suppose it comes down to the fact that Hantei XVI was quite free with violence over the course of his reign, and turned to it increasingly the longer he was in power. There were rumors that he murdered his elder brother in order to succeed his father, and, as I understand it, he decided to stick with a winning strategy. In the end, he killed or had killed a number of his cousins and brothers, as well as innumerable Great Clan samurai and monks who he perceived subverted his reign. In the end, his mother and sole remaining brother conspired with elements of the Imperial Guard to remove him from power. His mother did not survive the attempt."

Bookish dissertation concluded, he came to a halt.

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

"A life of tragedy and murder most foul. It is one thing to war on another clan but to fight within one's own family . . . "

Rin lapsed back into silence, cradling his teacup.

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

Tetsuko brushed a hand along her hair beside her left ear. An old habit from when she was less practiced at tying it back so effectively.

"One wonders what the Hantei's next move will be. Press onward to the capital? Consolidate his power in place? Or eliminate the survivors before word spreads too widely?"

She sipped her tea calmly then offered to top up the cups.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi frowned, and bought time to think with a measured, controlled sip of his own.

"I am uncertain, but I have already sent word through one of the Matsu, here, that the Governor ought to be prepared for an attack. It does not do to be caught off-guard."

He took another sip, letting his eyes rove over the rim to take in his clanmates one at a time.

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

Rin took another sip of his tea.

"I am ready cousin. I am a Kakita."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi couldn't help but smile at Rin's enthusiasm, but reserved comment, his eyes simply travelling to Tetsuko as he set down his teacup.

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

"I will defend you both, and the honour of the Crane, beyond my dying breath." She smiled pleasantly. "I can prepare another flavour if you like?" She gestured to the selection laid out before them. The subtle blend she had chosen to begin with would not conflict the palate.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi positively beamed.

"I would appreciate that, Daidoji-san. Your foresight in laying in good stocks does you credit. I take it you both are somewhat used to court functions?"

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

Tetsuko smiled and glanced at Rin. "Kakita-san and I have enjoyed the full length of this court. But yes, I come from a family of merchant patrons. I have spent many winters at courts across the land. I look forward to assisting Doji-sama in his duties."

Frankly it was a delight to have a higher ranking Doji present, and Koushi seemed like a decent sort.

The times they are a changin' [Day 1, LE (Crane rooms)]

Who is online