Daughter?  Akio's gaze drifted to Sorano, and realized that considering how much they'd worked together their discussions rarely drifted to the personal.

"Youshin the Just, I'm pleased to meet you."  A deep bow, followed by an introduction of his own, "Kitsu Akio, Emerald Magistrate."  Akio tried to sound impressed, he was certain that with a name like "the just" that the Kitsu should be impressed... but he wasn't.  Akio was more caught up on the gossip of the dead than the accomplishments of the living.

The Lion's attention then turned to the Fox as well, "How is your daughter?"

[OOC: If this seems a bit forced, that's because it is. *lol* Normally, the two relevant skills are Courtier and Lore: Law. The two PCs with relevant skills and information are Yumiko and Sorano. But they're not posting, so ...]

Kitsu Nana tilted her head to one side and her eyes narrowed just a bit.

"'Youshin the Just'? Known for tracking the most subtle of criminals in Phoenix lands? Murders, kidnapping, pirates and bandits ... that Youshin?"

[OOC: You may all make two Courtier rolls (one gathering information; one manipulation) and/or Lore: Law if you'd like. Or not. Your choice.

This is a matter of determining jurisdiction, which is based more not he courtier skills of the interested parties than any written edict (Courtier -- Manipulation & Lore: Law). The Courtier (Gather Information) is a matter of picking up rumors that might be useful here.]

Youshin nodded to the newest Kitsu Daimyo's question. "Yes, I'm being asked to ..." He interrupted himself, watching a subtle spectacle on the other side of the room -- something that only the observant would notice [PCs are free to notice, no roll required]. Soshi Shinryu and his sister had exited their meeting, but neither of the two Otomo that accompanied him to that meeting were to be found.

"That's odd. He appears to be in a hurry ... and quite angry."

[Summary/Catch up:

Kitsune Sorano is being asked about her daughter by a famous Phoenix magistrate ... for some reason.

The fact that a Phoenix Clan magistrate is involved with a Fox Imperial Magistrate means that there is likely some question of jurisdiction, not to mention juicy rumors, that Shosuro Yumiko might be able to help with by making Courtier rolls and/or Etiquette rolls.

Yeah, those are really important in Rokugan. Just because you know the truth ...
]

OOC: Not quite sure what I'm looking for, so I'm covering all my bases ^_^

18:34, Today: Shosuro Yumiko rolled 61 using 9d10, dropping the 4 lowest rolls, rerolling max.  Awareness/Etiquette.

18:34, Today: Shosuro Yumiko rolled 42 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max.  Awareness/Courtier.

On the way back from her meeting, Shosuro Yumiko saw a lone Phoenix standing with the contingent that had built up around her Lord. Strange ... he was a Clan Magistrate, known for the most complex of cases. Usually that involved uncovering some sort of subtle testimony, but sometimes it just meant "politically charged".

Politically charged indeed.

He was talking to Kitsune Sorano, an anomaly among anomaly's. A Kitsune Shugenja, but trained among the Phoenix, and she was married to one as well. Yet she was still Kitsune. But her children ... no, her sons would never be -- they would be Phoenix.

So far, just standard rumor-mill stuff. Every Courtier worth their koku would know that.

Ah, but the Elemental Masters were in heated discussion, and kept looking over ... perhaps just a close swing-by from a cripple.


She eventually reached the small group where a discussion was being held. Talk of Sorano's daughter was going on and the Phoenix -- Shiba Youshin, also known as "Youshin the Just" -- was apparently trying to interview Sorano. It all seemed very ... strange. He was being extra careful. After all, accusing an Imperial Magistrate -- even one from a Minor Clan -- was bad for one's health.

[OOC: This is where the Etiquette comes in. It's a political landmine, but with that roll you should do very well. After you figure out exactly what's going on, you can also make another Awareness/Courtier(manipulation) roll to try to steal jurisdiction of the case from him.]

To say Sorano's thoughts were elsewhere would be to call the Kitsune Mori "a strange stand of trees".  Her mind was whirling at the theological ramifications of what she had learned in the last few hours (to say nothing of the politics!).  Surely her companions could handle minor things like conversing with strangers for a time.

It was in the midst of her contemplating adjustments to various prayers that might be impacted that she realized.  The latest stranger was asking questions that no one had answered.  Moreover, those questions were directed at her.  Uncommon, but far from unheard of.  She was contemplating whether said questions could be politely ignored when she comprehended.

The stranger was a magistrate.  Asking questions of her.  About her daughter.

To say Sorano was shocked would be to call the Day of Thunder "somewhat important".  Her gasp was not merely audible, but the heart-rending sob of a bereaved mother, strangled and stillborn as her reflexes reassert themselves.

She cast her gaze downwards, hiding treacherous mouth and trembling hands behind interlocked sleeves.  "I-I'm afraid questions about our daughter must be directed to Shiba Naketeru, my husband.  I have not seen or read news of them in... quite some time."

She banished the unwelcome thoughts about exactly how long that span of time was, and what proportion it was of her children's lives.  It did no good to dwell on what could not be changed.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:37, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

In the midst of all this, an elderly Otomo sauntered up trying not to intrude very much.

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of such news, but it seems that your daughter was reported missing by your husband. It was only a few days after a Kitsune Shugenja visited for a discussion of some sort, having to do with your daughter."

While Shiba Youshin didn't say as much, that was probably what the ruckus in the Phoenix contingent was about earlier -- someone probably thought that Sorano did it. Youshin was far to honorable to make such an accusation -- but that didn't mean that other Phoenix were ...

"Pardon me" the Otomo said, "but I must borrow Urako-Chan for a bit."

Urako bowed and turned to follow. They took three steps before the Otomo turned and faced ... Akio.

"Ah, I almost forgot. Hoshi-Chan will be asking you for a name. Tell her 'Seppun Hikaru'." He did not wait, but rather immediately began to lead Urako away. [OOC: Hoshi can return now.]

He didn't give his name, but the title "-Chan" indicated that either he knew them both well, his status allowed such a thing, or that his age made it acceptable. Shortly thereafter, a second Phoenix -- a young woman -- appeared at Youshin's side.

"Ah, Kimiko-Chan -- good!" Youshin turned to Sorano. "I have asked my niece, Shiba Kimiko, to aid in this investigation by accompanying you. Should you remember anything relevant, or see anything suspicious, just inform her."

In other words, "Bodyguard".

There were, of course, several reasons that he could be asking for a Shiba to play Yojimbo. One obvious one was that he didn't not trust Sorano; the other obvious possibility was that he did not trust certain Phoenix. But given his reputation for thoroughness, it could be something else altogether.

[OOC: And we're back! Yumiko, there are Courtier possibilities here ... but I'll leave it up to you.]

Sorano's eyes widened; she didn't bother to hide her shock, but politely turned away to spare the others from having to acknowledge it.

"This is unthinkable."

"Seppun Hikaru," Akio replied failing to hide his confusion, much as Sorano seemed to hide her pain.

There were things to address via polite questions or simply waiting to see if Sorano wanted to offer information.  These would probably need to wait, though, until the influx of Phoenix ebbed.

Akio glanced toward the door, expecting Hoshi at any moment.

Hoshi does not miss her entrance.  The atmosphere in the room is different.  Even with the shadow of the assassinations lying over the court, something new has darkened the mood.  That she is certain of when she enters, but not what.  She instinctively seeks her main pivot of understanding, her sister, who is absent.  A bother, that.

  Then she notices Akio's eyes on her.  He must need her for something; it seems natural he should come to her for matters of this-or-that, after her involvement in the impromptu investigation when the news of the death of the Lion Daimyo came.  And so, she approaches and seeks some chance to reintegrate herself into the conversation.

When Hoshi approached, Shiba Youshin stopped what he was doing and bowed to her.

"Shiba Youshin, Clan buisiness with Kitsune-San. I will be leaving my niece, Kimiko with her -- I assure you that Kimiko-Chan will not get in your way."

H may be a famous magistrate, but he knows the pecking order.

[OOC: I'm assuming the silence means that we're ready to move on.]

There was an awkward moment of silence.

"I will return to my investigation" Youshin said with a bow. "Kitsune-San, if you learn anything please let me know."

Masaki left, but Shiba Kimiko remained and took a place near Sorano. Shosuro Masaki looked for a moment before speaking up. She did her best to be sensitive, but some things were difficult by nature.

"Anou ..." she said, looking at Sorano, "I've been wanting to ask you ... you are Kitsune Sorano, ne? Even though you're married to a Shiba and he keeps is name? That must have been an ... unusual arrangement?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Fri 25 Jan 2019.

Hoshi finds her mind is still distracted by what she left in the other room, so much so that a few social proprieties slip by her notice.  And so it is not until Youshin is begging his leave that she nods to him.

  So, this Kimiko will be more present then.  And with her question to Sorano, a smirk tugs at Hoshi's cheek.  For a girl who may have a marriage proposal soon--is over do for one--the forthcoming answer should be interesting.  Expecting eyes settle on Sorano.

"Ladies and Gentleman!" The Miya herald shouted above the din. This herald was obviously well practiced as those assembled began to silence almost immediately.

"This day, as a tribute to the Emperor, one shall be tested for the Lion's Pride in front of us all!"

The Matsu Daimyo and head of the Lion's Pride, Matsu Nyoko, stepped out with Matsu Keiko -- Hoshi's friend.

"Matsu Keiko, who will you choose to test your skill?" the Daimyo asked. Keiko silently pointed to the same Soshi that had caused the commotion before. The widening of his eyes said that he was not prepared for this.

"Please, my Lady, test him yourself."

The elder Matsu nodded and her eyes narrowed as they locked eyes. The two were provided bokken and entered a large circle where everyone, including the Emperor, could see. They circled each other for a moment, and she began to move in on him when her eyes widened and she backed up. Her look of surprise was quickly replaced by a large grin.

"I see why she chose you! But ..." A sudden move and Nyoko entered the Soshi's space and with a single strike, he was thrown back ten feet with a large crack. Her grin widened. "Someone heal him so we can proceed with the test!"

There was murmuring from the assembled Lion's Pride as a pair of young Seppun moved forward and implored the Kami to heal his broken body. He stood up with a wince and looked at Keiko.

"You're enjoying this!"

"You have no idea!"

The same spectacle was repeated, with Keiko circling him and then attacking at just the right time. He did not fly as far, but it was quite clear who won. She did not grin, but rather withdrew awaiting the judges decision. It came quickly, with a laugh from the Son of Heaven himself.

"Would anyone else like to try his skill?"

A fit of frustration flashed through Sorano. Here she was learning that her children had been... taken, and she was supposed to offer counsel her about marriage?  She took a deep breath and push the irritation aside; it could not serve her in this place.

"My clan's tradition dictates that lineage is passed by the mother, not the father.  There was a... compromise."

She was all too glad when the Miya silenced the crowd.  She had no inclination to explain said compromise while in the midst of this crisis.

[EDIT: slight adjustment to Sorano's inner monologue]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:12, Sun 27 Jan 2019.

[OOC: Just to be clear, it was the Scorpion asking about the name thing. The Phoenix hasn't said anything yet.]

[OOC: Made an adjustment.]

OOC: well, I screwed that one up, sorry!

Yumiko limped over to stand by Kitsune Sorano.

"My apologies, Kitsune-sono, but I could not help but overhear certain...compromises of a delicate nature," she said quietly, so as to not interrupt the proceedings, "I would like to offer my support, but I do not feel that I am sufficiently informed of the particulars in order to help in any meaningful way. Perhaps when there is an opportunity to speak privately...?"

It took some moment for Sorano to realize she was being addressed.  At first she simply watched; observing the Scorpion as one would a deer, or a particularly unusual fern.  Part of her wondered if the damage needed pruning.

After some time, a voice reminded her that outsiders found her eyes unsettling when she stared, so she remembered to blink.

She gave a stitled, perfunctory bow to the other woman.
"I will meditate in the gardens after the duels conclude."

Strictly speaking, it was even true.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:02, Sat 02 Feb 2019.

[OoC: Hoshi's player majorly misread something. Deleted the post]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Wed 06 Feb 2019.

Yumiko nodded in acknowledgement, then gave a little sigh as Hoshi put herself on display. She supposed it was only to be expected from a member of one of the Imperial Families, but it ran counter to her deeply ingrained Shosuro childhood.

A yawn.  Or rather a yawn covered with all of the etiquette that the shugenja could muster.

A brash Matsu announcing herself and then beating someone senseless?  It was a fairly common scene in Akio's upbringing and one of the many reasons he preferred to spend his time in the library.  It wasn't entirely unheard of for a Matsu to go on a beating spree in the confines of a book repository, but it was more uncommon.

Mostly, though, the Kitsu was thankful that the Miya were picking up the pieces - that was typically his job.

Hoshi picking up the challenge?  Hoshi in her own right was more interesting than the unknown Soshi.  Because she's a fine warrior.  That's the only reason.

Quietly stepping forward between Yumiko and Sorano Akio uttered, "I'd put a koku on the Matsu, if either of you wished to wager."  The comment meant solely for their ears.

Not that Akio was totally focused on the Otomo duelist.  In the quiet moments his gaze seemed to drift past the combatants.

[OOC: Redo. Feel free to change your posts above.]

For some reason -- one that escaped most observers -- the Soshi was being challenged first. Perhaps the question was one of worthiness? That could well be it, given that practically no one had ever heard of him before. And while one would never dishonor the Matsu Daimyo by suggesting, or even lightly inferring, that she was not a sufficient test ... well, if the Emperor wanted some entertainment, who would question that?

Four came out -- a Mirumoto, a Hida, a Kakita, and a Moto. The Soshi won all four of the combats, though there was more trouble with the newcomer than with the other three (leading an astute observer to conclude that, perhaps he was using their own styles against them in some way).

Finally a Matsu male came out of the crowd. Like many Matsu, he seemed to be stewing with rage. He grabbed the proffered bokken and stepped into position. A moment later he charged and yet another body flew across the circle.

The Matsu had lost.

His barely contained rage was no longer contained as he shouted "YOU CHEATED!" at the top of his lungs. An Ikoma stepped forward to deal with this Matsu (the Lion being more skilled as such things), but he could not be sated.

The Soshi, meanwhile, was now also getting upset -- but not to the point where he would loose his cool.

"If this were a REAL battle, you would be dead!!!"

"No, I would still live -- and you would be worse thaen dead." No idle threat, coming from a Scorpion.

"Then we fight for real! I will kill you and preserve your head on my wall!"

There was a thoughtful pause before the Soshi responded.

"Very well -- but when you loose, your fiancé becomes my fiancé'"

There were the requisite murmurs as this suddenly became very interesting to the courtiers. Well, to non-Lion courtiers at any rate. The only thing that would rival this in the rumor mill was the "Twins true secret" (or, "why did they perform so well?").

The Matsu did not hesitate to accept, but the Ikoma were not so quick to jump on the bandwagon. There was the matter of permission from both clans as well as the Emperor's permission to draw live steel in his presence. Ritual had to be preserved, after all, as well as dignity, all of which the Soshi was more than willing to concede ...

A different Scorpion spoke, this one in a Bayushi Mon. A Bayushi that Yumiko knew all too well ...

"Why wait?" he asked, enjoying himself just a little too much. "An immediate duel means that we have no chance to prepare -- no chance to ... 'cheat'. Unless ..."

He didn't say "unless Matsu-San is scared", that would be going too far. It was very un-Scorpion like. It did the trick, however, as now the Matsu was -- Matsu Ichiro it turned out -- was now very ready to fight.

[OOC: Pausing.

Awarness/Courtier rolls if you wish: TN 10 -- A: The fiancé demand is something of a provocation ... but for what?
TN 20 -- Q: What is the other Scorpion doing (Yumiko does not need to roll for this)?
TN 40 -- Q: What is the fiancé demand really about?
]

Was it unusual for a Matsu to leave his cool?  No.
Was it unusual for duels to take place in Winter Court?  No.
What was unusual was the speed and fury of escalation.  And how the Soshi knew exactly how to bait the Matsu into accepting.

Maybe the Soshi thought he could soundly beat the Matsu, or maybe the Soshi simply wanted to get cut in half in an illegal, public duel but except for the ego of Matsu Ichiro Akio saw no options for a positive outcome for the Matsu or the Lion in general.

Either way it resulted in several loud, invasive and abrupt repetitions of "Excuse me," as Akio flowed calmly but forcefully through the crowd to find himself in front of Matsu Nyoko.

Leaning in for a bit of privacy in front of a staring crowd Akio spoke quietly
 "Insulting as the Soshi may be, Matsu-sama, I believe this entire display has been to goad him into a duel.  Why?  Perhaps a more skilled courtier can devine that, but I would suggest witholding your permission until you can discuss with Akodo Zeshin."