[Day One - Early Evening] Stores and Shops

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

Wasako ventured outside after the sun had set to find that cold had returned to Toshi no Omoidoso. However, it wasn't nearly as cold to someone having lived most of their lives in the Dragon mountains. She hadn't quite had a good look of the city since her arrival and took some time before her next meeting. Despite the Lion not being known for their extravagance, she found there was plenty of extravagances to be found here compared to where she had come from. It was surprising to see this many shops on the street, especially considering they didn't have one but two bakeries on one street. More than one temple and even a geisha house!

She didn't have a destination in mind and was merely content enough to walk the streets, crunching on the snow beneath her.

(Expecting)

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

Cold. It was so damn cold. Perhaps there were goods to find that would assuage the cold. Keeping out the snow was a priority, of course, as it got everywhere.

At least it wasn't rough and coarse.

"Mirumoto-san," Setsuna purred. Their voice then turned more gruff, a sudden shift. "You carry yourself with wisdom beyond your apparent years."

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

Wasako gave two blinks at the Scorpion who suddenly appeared before her. She supposed she was caught unawares since she was ogling at the stores and services that were here. It had been easily more than a decade since she had been somewhere so...established?

Regardless, shaking off her surprise, she bowed politely at the Bayushi. "Bayushi-san, good evening. I don't know what I had done to deserve such flattery but thank you. Perhaps one of your peers spoke of me? Either way, this one is Mirumoto Wasako, if my reputation hasn't proceeded me."

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"I am not known for being a flatterer," Setsuna mused before giving a reverent bow with both hands at their sides. "I am known, however, as Bayushi Setsuna.

"Speaking of knowns and unknowns, and I cannot speak of your reputation. Perhaps you would like to regale me more about it?"

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

"Pleased to meet you, Bayushi-san. You are the second Scorpion I've had the pleasure of meeting today. If you're not a flatterer, then what would you say you're known for? Other than being known as Bayushi Setsuna."

She smirked faintly when asked about her reputation. "I can't say there is much to actually regale about it. I come from the Northern Wall Mountains where I've spent my time with my sensei, Mirumoto Okiji. It's my first opportunity to see outside of the Dragon lands and I'm told that it will be an interesting time but I don't think my sensei thought it would be this interesting."

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"What am I known for anymore?" Setsuna asked themselves. It was forlorn, though the reasons why would go unanswered for now.

"I see. I cannot say I know much about the dojo. Do you practice the fabled Niten then?"

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

Wasako raised a brow at Setsuna at that peculiar note and she crossed her arms together. Earlier today she was accused of being enigmatic and now there was a Scorpion who was being the same. If this was one of those Scorpion games again, she could try to play it this time. "That's a good question. I suppose we are only acknowledged by something for so long. Once that is gone, we sometimes have to find ourselves anew. It's a good idea to never rest and continue to define yourself."

"Most people don't," she said with a faint smirk and waved her hand at the question. It seemed eventual that she was going to get a question like that. "No, I am versed in another form in my family. Some consider it more folkish, despite not being the traditional style."

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"Sounds like something more for a Phoenix than a Scorpion," Setsuna commented. It was more observation than critical.

"I see. How would you say it would compare to Niten then?"

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

"Perhaps," she smirked faintly on that note and gave a shrug. "I guess you can't fault me to trying to get it right. I thought that was what you were trying to go for, Bayushi-san."

"I can't say much about it, have knowing fully the intricacies of Niten myself. I suppose in passing, we don't use the famed two-sword technique and focus on minimalism when it comes to one sword. Of course, we perhaps draw much of our philosophy and guidance from the Tao of Shinsei, although attempt to apply those lessons in movement than just merely thought."

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"What I am 'going for' should always be a mystery. Such is the way of the Scorpion, correct?" Setsuna stated plainly. They then gave a single, muffled laugh.

"I wonder what the Lion would think of the Tao finding its way into the blade."

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

"Fair enough, Bayushi-san," she said with an accepting nod. It seemed that this was going to be a game all season with the Scorpions if this was becoming a theme with their encounters. "Perhaps at the end of the season, I might be known for something, or not."

She smiled sheepishly and shook her head. "I think they are rather stern to their ways and tradition. I doubt I could do much to change their minds, especially at such a time when I'm sure they've doubled down on their traditions, for better or worse."

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"So far I know you as the Non-Niten Mirumoto. Is that a fair reputation?" Setsuna then shrugged. "The Lion have certainly earned theirs. As you said, it is for better or worse."

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

Wasako blinked twice with a slightly bemused look. "I guess that's a reputation, although I wouldn't say that would make it extraordinary. If they are in attendance, I hope to not overshadow the Courtier Mirumoto or the Shugenja Mirumoto. Especially, the Niten Mirumoto, too. When it comes to the Lion Tradition, I don't mean to speak of any faults they have in their ways. In fact, I speak that since they must rely on their ways, there must be impending war. It seems many are of that sentiment here."

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"Humility will not get you far as a Dragon. If you were a Lion, then that would surely speak lengths." Setsuna dipped their head. "That being said, I should not be so discourteous towards our hosts. Their ways are useful as well, for they may carry us through these troubling times."

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

"Maybe I'll just have to learn to speak about myself at length before I return back home," she said with an amused chuckle, wondering if the Lion ways would rub off on her. She doubted it might happen so easily but stranger things could happen.

"Of course, I think even the Lion would say that they excel at war and a lot believe war is coming, if these refugees alone are any indication. I must confess that this may be the first time I've found myself this close to the front lines." She said contemplatively.

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"It would certainly give your fellows something to ponder," Setsuna remarked, "That is, if they do not have enough already."

The Bayushi stroked the chin of their mask. "Speaking of battle, is that why you have come?"

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

"Apparently, there are other Dragon in attendance. I'm sure that we'll all bring something back to our lands, even if it is just tales," she nodded on that note. Tales were the only things she could afford here, despite doing a bit of window shopping earlier.

She frowned for a moment but not directly at the Bayushi. "It is unfortunate what has happened here and I've discussed this with one of your kin. It seems some sort of conflict is eventual, if not war. I was directed here based on my sensei's wisdom and his hunch that something peculiar would happen here. Although, I don't think this was fully his intention or realization. However, I am a bushi and I am prepared for the worse in that regard. I hope it doesn't come to that, even if it makes me look naive. I don't think it's something anyone here would want."

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"Apparently?" Setsuna repeated. They then tilted their head. "Do you figure they came here based on similar hunches?"

The Scorpion then looked around the Lion Den. "Oh I am certain you are wrong about the thirst for war here."

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

"I can't speak on behalf of all of my kinsmen, especially not having meeting them all yet. If they are here based on hunches, it's unlikely based on what my sensei felt at the very least. Our Clan is remote but I would believe we have many reasons to be present in the Empire abroad," she nodded.

"I suppose..." She said questioningly at first. While she didn't know the Lion well enough, it seemed like a very Lion thing to want. "But perhaps on their own terms? I don't think they foresaw their lands being overwhelmed with refugees to burden their raw military prowess."

Bayushi Setsuna · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 201

"Oh certainly. Every clan has reason to venture beyond its domain. But each one does so for different reasons."

Setsuna nodded. "Indeed. Perhaps we will see the Lion ask them to bear arms."

[Day One - Early Evening] Stores and Shops

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