More Tea Couldn't Hurt [Day 2, Late Afternoon, Expecting]

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"I'm not sure I ever understood that quote from the Tao as much as I do today. The mix of emotions I've been feeling recently are quite heavy. Sometimes I feel my body can scarcely bear them, but some part of me thrills in the challenge." Degarashi frowned. "Perhaps that is an improper way to feel, but I've had few experiences in life to call my own."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

"I'm not really sure that feelings can be improper or not, Bayushi-sama. It's like our On; It is not about what is inside us, but how we express it. And I think that it's not what feelings you have, it's what you do with them that counts. If your life is going roughly and your reaction to those feelings is to make your life better at the expense of others, that would be an improper way to react. If you decide, instead, to fight through the tough times by improving yourself through learning and practice, that might be a more appropriate reaction. I mean, I'm not saying it's always easy; No one is perfect, not even the most perfect samurai. But that's why I'm all the more lenient in how people feel inside."

Taking a long sip of tea, Yuka thought about some of the incidents she'd had with other samurai since the Unicorn had arrived in the Empire and how strict others could be on occasion.

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi paused in sipping his tea, the cup hovering just beyond the veil about his face, his eyes flat as he regarded Yukarin. "It is my understanding that bushido names quite a few feelings which are improper in and of themselves, though they are more commonly called sins, if I'm not mistaken." He shrugged, then sipped his tea casually. "However I am no scholar in such matters. I'm certain if I transgress a local Lion will charge in from beyond the horizon to remove my doubt. Or my head."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

That got a small tsk'ing sound from Yukarin before she took another sip of tea, "I am sure there are much more... traditional souls than myself around here, yes. I certainly would not argue the point with our generous hosts if they wished to lecture me on such things. Not that I am saying that was a large portion of this winter court, but..."

A light shrug, another sip.

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

But, Degarashi could guess from Yukarin's unspoken words, that was precisely it. Degarashi cleared his throat gently.

*****
Fluff Acting: 6d10o10k3 35
*****

Effecting his best attempt at a Lion courtier, he said "Before we commence proceedings with this winter court, I would like to read my favourite passage from Leadership." He sat more upright and pretended to clear his throat again. " Honor honor honor, honor honor, honor honor. Honor honor. Much more honor. Slightly less honor, but still honor. Your honor. My honor." A pause. "War. Even more honor."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

Yukarin had a REALLY hard time not laughing. It was parody, certainly, but she remembered a couple times where Leadership was read from. And a couple speeches about the nature of honor. Not having a fan with her (it felt too cold for a fan, despite how some other courtiers used the things), so she covered her broad smile with the back of a hand. Keeping it out of her eyes, however, was a futile thing. As was out of her voice, despite how hard she was trying.

"That... is not inaccurate, Bayushi-sama. Though you do not have the stare for such things I think."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"You're right, Yukarin-sama, I'm a failure as an actor!" He gestured broadly, as if struck by an arrow in slow motion. Whatever shall I do?"

Degarashi smiled brightly, just shy of an open laugh. "Though not directly rakugo, the nature was similar, given that the intent is to instill mirth. What do you think, will it go over well?"

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

"I suppose that depends on the person viewing. neh? For most, it will be a welcome respite. For others... well, even if your subject matter is not poking fun at anyone, there are some who may take umbrage with levity in a time of crisis. The Crab, from what I know... well, not a one would. But there are many samurai here, and others may see someone not taking everything with grim determination and a set face as making light of the situation itself. Hopefully the sake and refreshments will help those people though."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi's eyes glittered. "One might be left to think I'd already considered such an eventuality, sitting here brokering a deal for food and sake, but to comment on such would spoil the mystery." With another sio of tea and a final helping of rice, the Scorpion finished his meal, setting his chopsticks down to indicate such. "Though if I were so forward thinking, I should also look for a champion, just in case."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

"I'm afraid I cannot help you there; I wasn't provided a yojimbo myself. And it would probably look odd if I recommended a Crab when I do not know the other Crab here well enough to recommend anyone. Besides the fact that I would assume you would want a fellow Scorpion to represent you in such matters."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"That begs the assumption that there are any samurai who would be willing." The tone of voice he used suggested Degarashi meant that to be taken purely in humor. "Only time roll l will truly tell if such is needed, however."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

"Well, the Lion would hardly allow anything too blatant in that respect; They pride order almost as much as they pride their honor. A scene would likely be with words, not drawn blades. At least from samurai. I will make sure any other unruliness is taken care of."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"I appreciate the offer of assistance. Crowds are certainly much more difficult to control in any reliable sense, but the risk of bodily harm during the performance is one I should like to avoid." Degarashi chuckled. "Mienai-sensei often had students throw tomatoes at badly performing actors. Strictly as a means of motivation, of course."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

"I wasn't worried about you in that sense, Bayushi-sama. I was worried about the sake."

...she was deadly serious about that.

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi's eyes widened in mild surprise, but there was good humor behind it. "I'll take great care not to give anyone the urge to throw their bottles at me, in that case."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

That actually got a stifled chortle to make it past her lips, "I shall have to offer a zeni deposit to get the bottles back or something. I hadn't even thought about it that way. Have you had performances in the past turn rowdy then?"

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"Oh, somebody always gets offended. Especially when you're trying to offend them." Degarashi shrugged one shoulder. "The art of humor is a delicate one. No true humor comes without some manner of pain." He gestured towards Yukarin. "For instance the pain of recitation after recitation of Leadership. A small pain, to be sure, but without which you would not connect with the truth behind the humor."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

"I think I actually heard that from a storyteller once; That emotion, whether its humor or sadness or excitement, works in a work of art because there is truth to it. Or at least, a truth, something that we understand from our experiences and connect with."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"Mienai-sensei used somewhat different phrasing. Courtier's use their lies to cover the truth, artisans use their lies to reveal it." He sighed pleasantly. "It is not often that I am able to speak in such a way about my craft. Thank you, Yukarin-sama."

Yasuki Yukarin · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:22 pm **Posts:** 802

That got a curious tilt of Yukarin's head, hair falling off her shoulder somewhat, "You're not? That seems odd to me."

More Tea Couldn't Hurt [Day 2, Late Afternoon, Expecting]

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