D2 EM - Replacing the Lost

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 4:04 am

“I see.”

Mogami is silent for some time, deep in thought.

“I have already spoken out against these spirits, but is there any reason that does not make a mockery of the will of heaven that these spirits should be left alive, or for the Steel Chrysanthemum to have claim to the throne?”

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

"Not that this one knows," says Kayou. "She feels that this is in violation of the Tao, deep in herself, it make her . . . unsettled."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 4:19 am

“I feel the same. I am at a loss to understand how anyone can support this. “

She sighs a long, drawn out sigh.

“The world is full of mysteries I suppose.”

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

"People bow before power, Matsu-san," says Kayou quietly. "It is part of our system. Violence applied brutally and repeatedly, bring most people to heel. That is the tactics this foe brings and will bring to bear upon us."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 4:46 am

"I have never saught power myself. Though, with my father putting me on the path to eventually take his place, I suppose I always knew I would have it? But...I never wanted it just for powers sake. I believe I can serve my lord best by being in that position, and I can enhance the lives of those under me."

She lowers her voice to a sly whisper

"After all, I am sure you remember the stories of some of the bad leaders we have had. It always circled the College, though our instructors would never teach us about them"

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

"Perhaps we will not let such terrible crimes be hidden this time, Matsu-san," says Kayou, "but will be allowed to be remembered as a warning for the future,"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 5:26 am

"Would the heavens be so kind."

Mogami looks around the temple for a moment, trying to see if she can spot her budoka.

The two men are at the last shrine in the circuit, offering up prayers diligently.

"There was one last thing I wanted to speak a monk about this morning before I found you, sensei."

She checks that no one is close, and when satisfied she asks

"Kitsu-dono has brought the Mirror of Sorrows with her here...Do you know anything about it other than the common tales that circulate the Empire?"

Seppun Chiyo · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 94

Suzume Chihaya wrote:

"Oh, no worry, I have quite recovered - astonishingly so, according to the monks."

She smiled blandly. "That particular issue is what set me far from Suzume lands - I had to deal with a troublesome... individual... before returning home. I would not allow others to be endangered on my behalf."

"That is good, then, though I am sorry it pulled you so far to the north. From what I recall of my time in Suzume lands, they are lovely. Not dissimilar to the Ikoma plains some ways. I expect given present circumstances, neither of us will be returning home very soon."

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

Matsu Mogami wrote:

"She checks that no one is close, and when satisfied she asks

"Kitsu-dono has brought the Mirror of Sorrows with her here...Do you know anything about it other than the common tales that circulate the Empire?"

A brief flicker of surprise crossed Kayou face. "Sadly, no." She thinks of those that she has seen here. "Perhaps Togashi Myo-en may know something of use to that question. She has experience with magic embedded into mirrors."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Seppun Chiyo wrote:

"That is good, then, though I am sorry it pulled you so far to the north. From what I recall of my time in Suzume lands, they are lovely. Not dissimilar to the Ikoma plains some ways. I expect given present circumstances, neither of us will be returning home very soon."

"No, I don't think we will."

A soft sigh.

"It does seem the way of the empire, lately, crisis by crisis."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 5:40 pm

"I am not sure Kitsu-dono would want the other clans to know about it being here, but I am thankful for the recommendation."

Togashi Tsukimi · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 6:37 pm

Lucidicide wrote:

Kioka smiles. "This has been a very pleasurable chat, Togashi-sama. May there be more like it."

[She's done, happy to chat if you still want to.]

"I hope so too, sensei. But I've taken up much of your time... and I need to look into getting some brushes and ink for a certain portrait," she gave a rueful smile.

Rising from her seat, Tsukimi offered a respectful bow to the nun. "Fortunes light your path in the dark times ahead."

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

"Some problems require the whole of the Empire to be able to solves them, Matsu-san," says Kayou. "But, hai, speaks to Kitsu-dono first."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 7:03 pm

"You speak a truth many dislike to hear, sensei. Don't let an Otomo hear you say such things."

Her budoka return and give a quick bow to the two before taking their place behind Mogami. She addresses them kindly,

"I see that you have finished. Come, let us go over what you may have questions about"

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

Kayou waits to see if the budoka have any questions for her.

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 7:18 pm

The two men first describe some characters they were unfamiliar with, which Mogami was happy to tell them the meaning of. She has them scratch them out in the snow multiple times after showing them the stroke order, and constantly keeps asking their meaning, a form of repetition memorization to help them learn.

After they are all finished, one of the Budoka looks up to Kayou and says in a deep, grizzly voice

"Teacher, what are the oracles?"

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

"The Oracles are people chosen by the dragons to embody the essential truth of one of the five Elements," says Kayou. "This give them exceptional insight into matters tied to this element but pushes them more into kami nature and away from humanity, they can see their element clearly but lose understanding of the others."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 9:25 pm

"Hmm."

He replies contemplatively.

"Where do they live?"

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

Kayou laughs. "Wherever they wish! Usually someplace that exemplifies their element, so the Oracle of Fire might be found near a volcano or in a place with many smithies, while the Oracle of Air prefers mountaintops."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 10:37 pm

"So, no one ever sees them?"

D2 EM - Replacing the Lost

Who is online