Normally, Sorano paid little mind to the affairs of Bushi.  The incessant duels and posturing were largely so predictable and straightforward that they only rarely amounted to anything meaningful; it was simple enough to tell when one had to pay attention.  Such as, for example, when a feud between one's neighbors escalated wildly within the span of a few breaths.

It couldn't have come at a better time; puzzling out why the Lion wanted to kill the Scorpion today was the perfect distraction from the day's other events.  Perhaps the information would even prove valuable in making certain problems resolve themselves.

[Awareness/Courtier vs. Scorpion: 47 (45 w/o adv)]

Okay, well here's what you know ...

The thing to know about Scorpion was that they never made a wager unless the outcome was assured. Now, the outcome that they desired might not be the one they placed the wager on, but that was their way. Plans within plans. Plots within plots. There was not one path to victory, all paths led to victory.

Shosuro Yumiko's eyes flicked to Kitsu Akio making his way to Matsu Nyoko. Good. The Kitsu was taking care of the legal end of things. That left Shosuro Yumiko free to limp her way towards the duelists. Despite her handicap, Yumiko knew how to maneuver through a crowd. Which she did as adroitly as she could, cane and all.

"While I am certain Bayushi-san did not mean to impugn your honor, Matsu-san," Yumiko said dryly--she was lying, he knew she was lying, everyone knew she was lying, but upon such lies was civilized behavior founded, "I doubt your fiance will appreciate being wagered like a koku on a game of Winds and Fortunes.”

Yumiko’s glance encombased both the Matsu and the Soshi, since either or both would be likely recipients of the unnamed fiance’s wrath. She did not look at her brother. He might have sente, but she preferred to play tenuki rather than acknowledge him directly.

The test is amusing for Hoshi, who watches the fight.  As well accomplished as she is with a blade, she has made the mistake of many youngersters, who turn their younthful energies only toward the personal perfection, and none to the circumstance in which is practiced.  And so, the chance to observe an outside school is enlightening--particularly if it is a Scorpion.

  But then a furor breaks out.  Her training comes into play, and she turns her eyes about the room, looking for anyone who might be moving to capitalise on the distraction, to say, attack the emperor...or her sister.  There have been enough assassinations for one court.

Otomo Hoshi rolled 36 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 8,(10+7)17,3,6,5,1. 

And so a few Samurai waded into the furor -- Akio, Yumiko, and at least one Ikoma were now involved. However, while Yumiko and the Ikoma were trying to talk some sense into the angry Matsu (the angry Matsu apparently has a name -- Ichiro) -- others were goading him on from the sidelines.

Including an Otomo Courtier of some note.

"This is much larger than that" Nyoko whispered to Akio. Her whisper went even softer.

Kitsu Nanako -- the new Kitsu Daimyo -- also wandered to the middle and stood close to Akio. Anything involving one of her shugenja was something she needed to be involved in.

With such furor brewing, few had eyes for a Minor Clanswoman; something Sorano had no interest in changing.  With nary a glance at her young shadow, Sorano drifted away from the proceedings, seeking out one of the Seppun guards before standing to watch the proceedings from a safe distance.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Sun 17 Feb 2019.

OOC: Sorry, I thought I posted a while ago.
Akio blushed, there was obviously more going on here than he understood.  He was just hoping on slowing things down so cooler heads could prevail.  That and it was somewhat personal.

"Understood, Matsu-dono, that this is a challenge to the Matsu and the Lion's Pride.  If this duel is carried through with, however, it will also be quite the insult imposed upon the Kitsu," a quick glance toward Nanoko.  The intonation implied that the insult would be both from the Matsu as well as the Bayushi.

"I don't believe that Kitsu Rumiko's hand is anyone's to gamble.  Except, of course, for her lord.  Making the bet without her permission... the Matsu overstep."

Akio hoped that his argument had merit, otherwise he just managed to piss-off the Matsu daimyo.

While Yumiko awaited a response from either the Matsu or the Soshi, she risked a glance at Bayushi Yoshiyuki, expecting to see his familiar smirk. She was already regretting getting involved. While she recognized that he was goading this situation on for his own amusement, the fact that she had involved herself was just playing into his hands. Of course, not involving herself would probably also have played into his hands. Not one road leading to victory, all roads leading to victory, she thought dryly, remembering one of the maxims of the Scorpion--which was particularly unhelpful when dealing with another Scorpion, especially her less than beloved brother.

"Why do you think Soshi-San made the demand?" the as-yet-nameless-Ikoma asked. "That takes Matsu-Dono out of the loop, sparing her the choice. More precisely, the duel would require permission from all three Daimyo -- Kitsu, Matsu, and Clan Champion -- and even one refusal would nullify the challenge. But even with all three granting permission, the Emperor himself would have to permit a duel in his presence."

With the last part, she spared a glance at the Otomo present. Even with the Emperor present, they carried his authority. One well-trained Otomo looking to make a name for themselves could do it.

"That should have convinced Ichiro-San to apologize ... but he refuses."

"Kitsu-San" Matusu Ichiro said to Akio, "you are surrounded by filthy Scorpion."

"Hey!" It was Masaki, who had quietly accompanied. "I just took a bath!" The crowd chuckled; whatever her intention, it relieved the stress ... somewhat.

Urako emerged from ... whatever secret meeting she was at.  She nodded to Sorano before quietly approaching the crowd in the middle. Slung on her shoulder was a large Tetsubo of exquisite make. One her sister had seen a few times before, provided by the Kami themselves. She spoke softly, but her voice still carried. Her muscles rippled as she hefted the weapon a few inches off of her shoulders.

"You are interrupting the Son of Heaven's entertainment."

With nothing too dangerous lurking in the wings, Hoshi is able to take time to watch the stage.  A strange scene plays out.  Her clansmen gets involved, apparently stoking rather than calming.  It is curious, given the tension already in the Lion clan. But then it makes sense, in a way.  This must play out, and for once that day, Hoshi decides that she is not involved in this curious circumstance.  So, she remains in position to study and learn what she might of use for later.

  But, as one twin recedes, the other comes forth, it seems.  Urako strides out daringly.  Again, Hoshi is proud of her.  But, now she is involved by extension.  Still, there is nothing for her to act upon.  But, she is ready.

Akio's head spun on his neck as tried to make sense of each of the views in the circle - the arrival of Masaki something of a surprise.  The large number of people of high status and now an Otomo (Urako) undermining one of his last best hopes to avoid the duel left him reeling like a leaf in a maelstrom.  A skilled courtier might be able to manipulate the on-goings to his benefit, but Akio had foresaken and training in politics to keep his nose buried in old scrolls of family heritages.

That he felt powerless didn't mean that he intended to be demur.

"Kitsu-San" Matusu Ichiro said to Akio, "you are surrounded by filthy Scorpion."
"Hey!" It was Masaki, who had quietly accompanied. "I just took a bath!"

Akio narrowed his eyes and leaned in to Matsu Ichiro to exchange a few words intended only for his ears.  "Silence.  If you say one more word I will recite your entire lineage back to Matsu herself to the assembled ... emphasizing the questionable parts."  The threat spoken with the assured voice of a man who knew something...  because he did.  The Kitsu library does not forget the sins of great-great-great grandparents.
Lore: Ancestors (Lion Clan): 61 (Ichiro's lineage)

Certain that his threat would at least give the Matsu pause, Akio turned to his young Daimyo and advised quietly, "It seems like everyone is pushing for you to make the decision.  The Matsu charge into the bait, and the Otomo grant the permission on behalf of the Emperor.  I can't claim to know what the Scorpion want, Nana-sama.  Either they want the fight or they want to you to refuse and have the Lion divided.  My advice, Kitsu-dono, is to look out for the Kitsu.  If you simply accept or refuse, you give implicit support to Kitsu Rumiko being gambled as property.  I advise dissolving her betrothal to Ichiro.  It'll be a rebuke to the Ichiro and the Scorpion, but better than accepting the insult to our family."  What he left unsaid: that if she did dissolve the betrothal and therefore the wager that it would keep the young Kitsu from entangling herself in the duel.  Let fools be fools.

Yumiko giggled at Masaki’s joke, unperturbed by Matsu Ichiro’s insult. She was a Scorpion, after all, and not a Junshin to be concerned with appearing to follow the tenets of bushido.

”You know what they say, Matsu Ichiro-san,” Yumiko shrugged, ”exchanging insults with a Scorpion is like wrestling with a pig. You both get filthy, and besides, the pig likes it.”

She glanced at Kitsu Akio and wondered what he knew about the disgraced Matsu Yukari (and, by extension, the cleared Matsu Keiko). Soshi Eiichiro being made into a political lightning rod for the wrath of the Lion was a different, less immediate problem. It wasn’t that she worried Soshi Eiichiro was in any actual danger. For one, she knew he could take care of himself. For two, his continued health wasn’t her concern. It was that he was the investigative lynchpin to far too many high profile investigations in the Lion Clan. Should Eiichiro’s honor be cast into doubt--a distinct possibility for any member of the Scorpion Clan, particularly a Junshin--it could lead to internal strife among the Lion. And that was a consequence that needed careful planning

Urako stood calmly, keeping her eye on Matsu Ichiro, her hair lifting slightly from an invisible breeze.

There are many times that wearing a full-faced mask was inconvenient, but there were distinct advantages as well at times.

This was one of those times.

It meant, amongst other things, that no one would be able to read his lips. "I appreciate that you're trying to help, Kitsu-San" Eiichiro said softly, "but I'm afraid that would just make matters worse."

Inwardly Shosuro Yumiko sighed. This was one of the problems with being intermittently absent from the court and also cut off from the typical Scorpion lines of communication. There simply wasn't time to brief everyone about the conflicts that would inevitably crop up.

Matsu Ichiro was clearly anxious to clear his sister's name by demonstrating that the Scorpion who had found her guilty was the honorless dog all Scorpion were known to be. Then to be goaded by a Kitsu, who was the source of his family's misfortunes--perhaps not this Kitsu, but a Kitsu--in the mind of the Matsu, it was not to be borne. Not that Kitsu Akio would necessarily know about all this since Yumiko hadn't known enough (or had the time) to brief him.

It was a damned mess, was what it was. And bloody Yoshiyuki was fanning the flames for his own amusement. Well, Yumiko wasn't about to let him have his way.

"Matsu Ichiro-san, it seems to me that your challenge of Soshi Eiichiro may be a bit premature," Yumiko nodded politely, changing tactics--never try to stop a charging Matsu when a well timed deflection would do, "he is, after all, a Scorpion and not to be trusted, which is the natural order of things. But he is also a Magistrate and could not have acted for or against any Matsu without sworn testimony from inside your own Clan. In fact, he would have required more testimony, for who would accept the word of a Scorpion in matters of honor against that of a Lion. Before you challenge him, you should interview those whose testimony he collected, then none could question the justice of your challenge. But if you challenge him now, well, there will always be the question of whether it was justice being served or just the hot-headedness of a Matsu."


19:08, Today: Shosuro Yumiko rolled 36 using 8d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 9,6,8,3,4,3,9,1.  Awareness/Courtier (contested vs. Matsu Ichiro?). + however many free raises I get from Weakness is My Strength

Next time, I need to remember to take the time to actually use the other techniques.

[OOC: Yes, yes you do.]

* * * * * * *
Five years prior ...

Dressed all in white, the young Matsu Yukari walked down the hallway escorted by an elderly Ikoma and a Scorpion. The very thought of a Scorpion in these hallowed halls seemed to have spat the Clan's name in the dust, so ingrained was her response. The fact that the existence of Samurai like herself was why the Scorpion Clan existed at all barely registered.

"You promise, Soshi-Sama? You promise that my brother will be spared?"

"We will do everything we can"Soshi Eiichiro replied. "After all, none of them were willing participants. Neither your brother nor Keiko-San nor any of the dozen others ever even knew they were part of the smuggling operation."

"His temper will be our biggest problem" The elderly Ikoma replied softly. "You know that."

"The Scorpion have means of dealing with that, even if I personally do not." He hated manipulating the law, but his father warned him of what happened to the Scorpion who tried to play it too straight. The trio walked into the prepared room where several of the Lion Clan daimyo waited. She kelt in front of the assembled dignitaries and bowed. It didn't really matter if she trusted him or not. This was the only way out.

Matsu Yukari recited her own crimes and accomplices before pausing to pick up the blade.

"These are all those that are part of the conspiracy. My brother, Matsu Keiko-San, nor any of the others know anything about it. This is my testimony."

With a single cut, Matsu Yukari restored her honor and sealed her testimony.


* * * * * * *


Current time ...

The still ignorant Matsu Ichiro stared for a long moment. The other Scorpion's words -- the one who limped -- made too much sense. How much better would it be to take Eiichiro down with testimony, then with force of arms? Then he noticed -- reluctantly -- that his rage had subsided. How was a Matsu supposed to fight without rage? He bowed, proffered an apology, and retreated into the crowd.

He would fight another day.

Eiichiro turned to Yumiko. "Thank you, Shosuro-San. I owe you one." He then turned to the two Kitsu and spoke just barely loud enough for the two to hear. "If you see Matsu Yukari-San, tell her I kept my promise."

A series of bows, and Soshi Eiichiro also left and disappeared into the crowd.

"If you see Matsu Yukari-San, tell her I kept my promise."

"I intend to," he mumbled after the disappearing Matsu.  Waiting, first, for a more appropriate time.

Turning to Nana, "I probably shouldn't admit this, Kitsu-dono, but I have no idea what just happened.  To make matter worse," he glanced around at the assembled, "I seem to be the only one not in on the joke."  An opening, of sorts, for someone to fill him in.

”Matsu Ichiro’s challenge was the intersection of multiple, only tangentially related events, the details of which touch on a few...delicate points of honor, Kitsu-san,” Shosuro Yumiko replied, watching Soshi Eiichiro depart and surreptitiously looking out for her brother, ”if you wish I can brief you on the details in a less public venue. I do not want to strain the patience of the Matsu with what some might consider slander.”

"That ... is an understatement" Matsu Nyoko said quietly. "We will now hold the initiation ceremony." While not about to demand that the new Kitsu Daimyo leave with her ... entourage, this was probably about as close it it got. "Initiates will stand over there; the Lion's Pride will stand in Initiation Formation."

While the rest of the Pride (those here, at any rate) stood rank-ordered in two lines, Keiko stood in the place indicated. Meanwhile the other Lion Daimyo's left the area, with the newest Lion Daimyo following.

It didn't take much to convince a Scorpion that they weren't wanted. Yumiko, for one, generally assumed her presence wasn't wanted by most non-Scorpion--and that went double for anything involving the Lion. It wasn't that Yumiko disliked the Lion so much as the Lion's generally more rigid adherence to Bushido tended to be less appreciative of her...more flexible interpretations. It was usually just uncomfortable for everyone involved--unless they were a scheming ass like Yoshiyuki who got some sort of perverse pleasure in making other people uncomfortable, but he was a special case.

So Yumiko nodded and limped back into the crowd, keeping an eye out for Kitsune Sorano and Otomo-dono. She wasn't sure if Kitsu Akio was involved with the ceremony, but she was certain he knew his place better than she did.

Akio bowed to the request, a signal that he was content to be a bystander.  He felt a pinch of anxiety letting the Kitsu daimyo go - fresh as she was in the position and the fact that he still wasn't aware of who or why his last lord was assassinated.

Just as unsure as Yumiko of what his place was in the ceremony, Akio waited.  Normally he wouldn't have a place, but given the state of the Kitsu part at the winter court he wasn't entirely sure.

[OOC: Sorry for the delay, folks.]

This was definitely the Ikoma's idea.

The ceremony, such as it was, consisted of a platoon of the Lion's Pride donning gauntlets that were supposed to be stylized lion's paws lining up on two sides, allowing room for the candidates to walk between them. The Matsu Daimyo was at the head (also with lion's paws) with the other Daimyo behind her. There was a bit of a ruckus as the Unicorn Bodyguard refused to leave the newest Kitsu Daimyo, but an Imperial command was an Imperial Command.

Even if it did come from a Kitsune.

Masaki gently tugged on Akio's sleeve, indicating that they should probably be somewhere else ... anywhere else would do, but with Hoshi would probably be better. Tetsubo in hand, Urako moved silently to rejoin her sister.

Once the area was clear, the candidates moved one-by-one up the line where the Lion's Pride playfully jabbed, as if playing with an older cub (perhaps they had lost a bet with the Crane?). Eventually the candidate made her way to the Daimyo, who also playfully jabbed "testing the young cub". Once the "playing" was done the candidate was escorted to the end of the line.

It had to be a lost bet.

When all was done, Keiko was at the end beaming with pride; Matsu Ichiro still seethed with anger (though he was also still alive); and the young Soshi was nowhere to be found.

When all was done, the Emperor signaled time to mingle and eat once again and the Unicorn escorted Kitsu Nana back to Otomo Hoshi. They had, after all, not been dismissed as Nana's bodyguards and ... well, the Imperial Magistrate just seemed like the right place to be.

[OOC: Okay, well ... that's enough for Day 1 *lol*. Feel free to add a few things -- background RPing and such.]

Where had Kitsu Nana gone?

Masaki stuck close to Akio, pushing for stories -- preferably ones she could use with her puppets. She was not too annoying, spending her time enjoying herself -- and making sure that "Akio-Sama" would not send her away. Akio, however, was distracted by more spiritual matters -- though "spirit matters" would probably be more accurate. As the newest Kitsu Daimyo's Spiritual Personal Secretary (which, for better or worse, was a duty he volunteered for), there was no shortage of the deceased asking for personal favors from the Kitsu. It was ... quite unusual.

Did they always pester the Kitsu Daimyo like this?

Urako disappeared with the elderly Otomo from earlier, not reappearing until almost bedtime. She told her sister that the two had a "lovely chat" that had gone on for quite some time. Not to worry, however, because there was an honor guard with them the whole time.

The Kitsune had all of their important people -- including Sorano and her shadow -- at a tea with the Unicorn. They were, at one point, the same clan but now ... now it was apparent that there was far too much of a difference. The Kitsune should probably stay a separate clan.

Hoshi and her secretary, Yumiko, were quite busy with well-wishers and hangers-on. At some point Hoshi was supposed to consider a contingent of Bushi to join her little team, what with her being the only Bushi so far. As if that was not enough, a messenger was sent right as her sister returned and they were about to retire.

The Otomo were considering the twins marital options.

At the end, Kitsu Nana reappeared with the other survivor of the massacre. Apparently the Emerald Champion and some of his best investigators had taken a special interest in the investigation. Her Unicorn bodyguards were dismissed and more appropriate bodyguard were put in place.

The next day at breakfast probably seemed a bit more relaxed since the only unexpected person there was Masaki, who took turns chatting with her sister and Akio, but there would be rumors.

There were always rumors ...

[Pausing to allow y'all to chat or whatever.]

The theatre plays out much to Hoshi's aloof amusement.  She fantasised a few moments about watching her sister club someone (this tetsubo is something to talk about later, perhaps).  The Scorpion baiting the Lion is almost embarrassing, but she knows too well how blunt with strategy some of the lion can be.  That is often their best trait, from her point of view.

  And then it all resolved, seemingly from the intercession of her secretary.  This is pleasing.  Hoshi is quite happy her spiteful dalliance in household politics spared this useful woman the life of a sow.  Quite pleased. And then there is her friend Keiko.  She deserves a gift, something martial.  A spearhead should be good, or maybe some fanciful arrows.

  Her own household so freshly reestablished, takes a great deal of her attention after the proceedings.  The hanger-ons get bothersome after a time, especially those with petty affairs, wishing only the least useful of ingratiations.  Hoshi keeps her good manners, as she should, for the sake of her clan if nothing else.  She has a late dinner with her sister, being the sort who won't eat until her twin is about, at least not without shame.  It is nice to chat, but it is strange now, dining at their own trays, and not shoulder to shoulder on stone stares or back to back on bare earth.  It is certainly more comfortable, but the mood is off.

  The remainder of her light goes reading letters of recommendation for her cadre.  There is a lot to consider.  The composition is important.  There must not be conflicts amongst the unit, nor those with weak blood--and especially none of those who receive appointments only because of their station but who are otherwise feckless.  Rooting out such a person from her garden of armsmen might prove as impossible as leaving him in is disastrous.

  What is this in her letters; talk of a wedding?  Hoshi takes the paper to the brazier straight away and lets the flames consider the matter.