Shiro Gisu: Winter Court, Day 5
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Shiro Gisu: Winter Court, Day 5 |
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| Adventure Hook: You're about to die. | ||
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Day 5 Again, the morning finds Otomo Jin and Doji Kadokawa in Shiro Gisu's cliff-top garden among a throng of admirers surrounding Otomo Yoroshiku and her ever-present maids. Kadokawa has had little success with the Princess, but Jin has been drawing her attention for the last several days. Ever since his gift of seemingly all of the flowers of Rokugan, Yoroshiku has been noticing the courtier whenever he was around. The crowd around the Princess comes and goes, but other than Jin, the two suitors spending most of their time with her seem to be Mirumoto Hanzu and Shiba Sanru, suitors apparently sent from the Dragon and Phoenix clans. But today there is another expressing great interest in the princess. Hiruma Ryuden, daimyo of Kamisori sano Yoake Shiro, and direct commander of Hiruma Toshidaka, is among the crowd of suitors. Yoroshiku is attempting to be as polite to the man as possible, but the Hiruma is not making things easy for her. While the scouts are some of the most well-equipped samurai for observing and fighting beyond the Kaiu Wall, they are not trained for court in the least. Every time Yoroshiku politely asks Gidayu a question, the man finds some way to steer the conversation towards the subjects he knows best -- tactics and battle. Otomo Yoroshiku does her best to be polite to the Crab, but his lack of culture eventually gets the better of her. "Please excuse me, my friends," she says, rising from her seat in the garden. "I fear the chill air may be affecting me. I must retire to my chambers for some tea." And with that and a murmur of well-wishes from her admirers, the Princess walks away across the bridge to her suite. As she walks away, Gidayu is actually smiling. "Well," he says, "that went well." 
Kadokawa watches as the Princess leaves the group, driven away by the burly crab. He tries to catch up with her without breaking into an all-out run, hoping to meet her alone or at least with only her attendants. When he reaches Yoroshiku, before she crosses the bridge to the castle, he bows low. "Lady Yoroshiku, may a humble crane enjoy the presence of a lady of the sun, for but a moment?" Rising, he smiles a charming smile, and walks beside her. "Kadokawa-san," she replies, "I am on my way to my chambers. But I suppose you can escort me. The presence of a noble Crane such as yourself is most welcome." "If I may, my lady, I will share a story. I was once told of a wise cousin of the Hantei, her grace and beauty rivaling Lady Doji herself. This young woman was forced to spend her first winter's court of her courting season in the harsh lands of the Phoenix. She was pushed on all sides by suitors who were little to her liking. They offered advice on matters she cared nothing for or even knew nothing about. They shared tales of battle and glory that the wise young woman cared nothing for. Truth was thrown about her like a toy, and she could never be sure who could be trusted and who could not. Then she met a Crane who cared nothing for the hidden lies of the court. This crane wanted nothing more than to count the young woman as a friend. He saw courting her as fruitless as she was far beyond his grasp. But instead sought her out as companion, and confidant. Maybe more would come one day, but friendship, truth, and trust must first be found." He lets his words finish as he reaches her room. "I bid you a good day, I hope our fates will cross again soon." He bows low and waits for her to enter her room. "Thank you, Kadokawa-san, for your story," the Princess says. "I will consider it." As Yoroshiku enters her chambers, Kadokawa leaves and returns to his room. 
Late in the morning, a large assembly gathered in front of Shiro Gisu. Shiba Ujimitsu has spent the last five days in Shiro Gisu with the Phoenix Winter Court, but now he must leave for Otosan Uchi to attend the Imperial Court. Ujimitsu, as well as Masters Isawa Eju, Isawa Tsuke, Isawa Tomo, and Isawa Ujina, are leaving today to make the journey to Imperial lands. Shiba Himitsu is remaining to represent Ujimitsu and Isawa Tadaka is remaining to represent the Elemental Masters. After a few brief farewells, the Phoenix entourage is on their way, their pace quickened thanks to Isawa Tomo, Master of Water. They should be at the walls of the Imperial city within two days. 
Pajaro spends the morning watching Asako Nuriko and Asako Kagetsu, trying to of a way to thank them for his gift. "We will think of a way, will we not little one?" Pajaro said, looking at the falcon as if she could speak. 
At noontime, Akodo Aramoro is found by Matsu Ohigachu. The elder Lion slaps Aramoro on the back, laughing. "I just had a few words with Doji Mitsugotsu, Aramoro-san," he says. "A most enjoyable conversation. I don't think I need to tell you to avoid him for a while, do I? He's fairly certain that he was set up. And I must say that I am quite impressed that you managed to pull it off without him suspecting anything. Come, have lunch with me." 
Day 6 As he has for the previous week, Hida Katsu spends his day in the courtyards and halls spending time with some of Rokugan's most fine and eligible young women. Unfortunately, most of these women, Katsu has found to be rather... Crane-ey. They are all far too interesting in things like "poetry," "culture," and "a prospective husband who does not live in the most Kami-forsaken stretch of land within the Empire." But after a week of searching, Katsu finally seems to have made some headway. A pretty young Unicorn actually did not leave quickly after hearing of Katsu's lifelong ambition to kill things atop the Kaiu Wall. "So Katsu," she says, "tell me more about the eternal struggle of the Crab." 
Early in the afternoon, Asako Shitasu is approached in one of the hallways by a samurai whose face he found slightly familiar. The man is wearing the colors of the Phoenix and the mon of the Asako, so Shitasu has no doubt that he had met him at some time before, since they were from the same family. "Greetings, Asako Shitasu-san," the man began. "I am Asako Higimotso; I am the assistant Master of the Kitchens here at Shiro Gisu. We were once introduced several years ago when I served in Shiro Asako, and you were temporarily assigned there as you finished your training. I must admit that I only remembered you as your name was mentioned during the Setsuban Festival, and I beg your forgiveness for my lack of memory. "I pulled you aside here to ask you a favor of some importance. It concerns Kagetsu-sama's game for this winter. I have recently learned that Asako Shigari, an associate of mine, has acquired the item to which I hold the match. This would not trouble me so, except that there are rumors that the current Master of the Kitchens is going to retire within the year, and I fear that Shigari, who is a much better courtier than I, may find a way to use this game against me and gain the promotion in my stead. If you would be willing to trade items with me, I would like to move the other half of this particular puzzle into a circle that would affect me less. "What do you say, Shitasu-san? Can you aid me?" Considering for a moment, Shitasu agrees to trade objects, and Higimotso bows and pulls from his kimono a red paper fan. Looking at the gift, Shitasu bows. "I am sorry, Higimotso-sama, but I cannot trade with you. There is a slight problem," he says as he pulls an identical red fan from his obi. Higimotso seems flustered for a second, as he realizes that not only was he wrong, but that he has put hiself at a great disadvantage to Shitasu. Shitasu, however, merely asks him, "So, tell me, what can I do to aid you in gaining this promotion?" Higimotso smiles and bows low. "I believe that you already have, Shitasu-san. My goal was to gain an object that was not the match of my competitor, and you have shown me that end has already been achieved. I thank you."
Day 7 After nearly a week of patient watching and "admiring" the practices of the Imperial Theater Troupe, Doji Kadokawa finally finds the answer he was looking for. Early in the morning, just as the troupe begins to practice, the actors take the stage for their first dress rehearsal for they play they will be performing this evening. Shosuro Tage, not nearly as used to her Crane-blue costume as she is her regular outfit, drops a small, pearl-handled tanto from her sleeve. Kadokawa thinks little of the Scorpion having a knife up her sleeve until she quickly picks it up and frantically looks around. Kadokawa wisely stares past the actress before she can glance in his direction, and after a few minutes, quietly excuses himself from the theater. He heads to the castle's dojo to practice. While there, noticing all of the other samurai reciting their kata, Kadokawa decides to make his day a little more interesting. He challenges everyone he sees to a test of skill. Boken are easily obtained from Shiro Gisu's sensei, and they are more than willing to judge the matches. Kadokawa does fairly well, especially considering that he is so recently past his gempukku. After a few hours of challenges, Kadokawa is approached by a Shiba samurai that had been watching the duels for a while. "Doji Kadokawa-san, I believe?" he says. "Your persistence intrigues me. Tell me, who is your sensei? And I really do mean, tell me," he says, pulling a crimson fan from his obi. Kadokawa smiles at the Phoenix before him. He quickly determines the man to be in his late twenties, a student of the Shiba bushi school. "My sensei's name is Kakita Tinashu, and he teaches to this day at the Kakita School. And now my question of you Shiba-san. Do you have a secret that a Scorpion would like to learn?" Kadokawa lets the question fall. He expects only a simple yes or no. The Shiba raises an eyebrow. "Your expertise in swordplay does not seem to extend to politics, Kadokawa-san. Consider what you suggest. If gaining an advantage over an opponent would give that opponent an equal advantage over you, is it truly an advantage? Why would any of the courtiers here be trading in the shadows if victory would only leave them vulnerable to an attack from their prey?" He bows to Kadokawa and begins to turn away, but stops briefly. "And besides, even if you were allowed a question, you should not waste it on a question to which you already know the answer. The Scorpion wish to know all secrets about everyone." 
Otomo Jin approaches the celestial Yoroshiku and speaks with her, waiting until he finds her wandering a garden on the castle's upper floor without any suitors following. Her maids are present, as always, but other then the three of them, she is, amazingly, alone. Jin approaches the Princess, drops to one knee, and recites a haiku he has prepared: Blossom of the Sky:
"I believe that I have not the means to keep sway over such a wondrous Blossom of the Sky as yourself, but I request the blessing to but touch your hand." With this bold move, Jin looks deep into the eyes of the joy of his life, Yoroshiku. He proceeds to extend his hand. "Otomo Jin," she says to him, "your dedication and skill are impressive. Of course, it was said to me just yesterday that skill in court is little without the strength to enforce the words. What do you think?" she asks, as she takes Jin's hand to bid him to rise. With a glimmer in his eye, Jin says to her, "Dear Light of the Sky, what would you have me to do? Make steel sing a song for your glory? If it is a song, I shall sing. If you would have it dance by the moonlight, it will take dance as the stars in the sky. If you would tell me how to prove it, so shall it be done." "My dear Jin," she says, "as dedicated as you are, you lack imagination." "It is not in might of swords that one can win peace and love, but if by sacrifice I can attain even the smallest favor of love from you, I will fight even the greatest of foes." Otomo Yoroshiku just smiles. "And here we are at my chambers, Jin-san. If you will excuse me," she says as she sweeps into her rooms, with her maids following.
Later in the morning, Jin finds Aramoro in the courtyard and motions for him to come near. "Friend, there is some trouble afoot if I am to wed this fair goddess. We need to find a way to... distract the great general and all the other suitors. There is surely nothing he would rather do than to talk of wars and bravery, especially with a warrior as yourself! Time alone with her and I will surely win her hand! Also, if you prove yourself worthy, as I am sure you shall again as many times in the past, you will gain the favor of one who ascends the ladder toward the throne! How does the position of Advisor seem to you?" "I will not lie to you Jin-sama, the position seems far too generous an offer for me to refuse." Aramoro bows lower than usual to his friend. "I am honored to help you, Jin-sama. If any of these men can win her affection, I am confidant he would be you." "Allow me to work on your problem for a day or two. There is a ruse I am familiar with which may be very effective for you. Have you learned what gift the Princess carries? And what gift do you carry Jin-sama? I hope that within a day or so you may hold the same gift as the Princess."
Aramoro finds Matsu Ohigachu easily enough, as usual. "Ohigachu-sama," he says, "I have a proposal for you. I believe that during these cold winter days, it would be good for the bushi here in Shiro Gisu to keep their lessons in mind. Perhaps it would be a good idea for some of the seasoned warriors here to give some lessons on occasion. Perhaps tomorrow you, Doji Mitsugotsu, Shinjo Gidayu, and Hiruma Ryuden could give lessons in one of the castle's dojo. Especially Hiruma Ryuden." "Hiruma Ryuden, eh? I hear he's making quite a scene these days with the Princess. Perhaps I could convince him to join me. As a favor for Otomo Yoroshiku-sama, of course," he says, smiling. After speaking with Ohigachu, Aramoro and Iruko spend the rest of the day searching for a match to either of their gifts or for Jin's, but to no effect. The three of them could not manage to find a match to any of the three gifts after a whole day's effort. Well, Aramoro thinks at the end of the day, I suppose I will at least allow Jin-sama to have the Princess to himself.
Day 7, Evening The play Death of the First Hantei was written by Shosuro Furuyari, a famous Scorpion playwright. It is considered to be apocryphal, because the events it discusses are inconsistent with the Ikoma histories. The Ikoma bards claim that the first Hantei lived to a ripe old age, siring many children, and finally dying from old age in the first Temple of Shinsei. The play, however, reenacts a radically different demise. It opens with the war against the Shadowlands, the defeat of Fu Leng, and the great battles won and deeds performed by the Kami. Its ending, however, is significant. Hantei is wounded by his brother, Fu Leng, and has been brought back to the palace at Otosan Uchi. While Hantei lies dying on the soft cushions of the palace, Doji attends his wounds while Akodo and Bayushi stand ready to defend him with their lives. Hantei, or at least the actor portraying him, turns to the woman who is frantically tending to his bleeding wounds. "Am I going to die?" he whispers, and the hiss rivets through the audience. "No, no, brother." You hear Tage's voice, as she speaks Doji's lines. Her face has become the very image of the Lady Doji, exactly as in the tapestries in the Imperial Palace. The resemblance is simply amazing. "Your wounds are not grave. You will live." "Am I going to die?" The young Hantei turns to a tall man wearing the characteristic eye-patch that defines the role of Akodo One-Eye. "Your name will live on with honor, brother," the man says in a stentorian voice. "A man with honor can never die." One last soft question, this time to the inky black shadow that seems nearly a part of the darkness. "Am I going to die?" Hantei weakly extends a hand to his brother, Bayushi. Bayushi comes to the side of the cushions, looking down beyond his elaborate mask at the face of his dying brother. "Yes, Hantei-sama." His voice is clear, cold. Comfortless. "You are going to die, and you are going to be alone. But one day, we will come after, to be by your side again." With that, the actor on the cushions trembles once, and then is still. "What have you done?" murmurs Doji, dropping the hand of her dead brother and rising to stand beside Akodo. "You, sister, cared for our brother's body. Akodo cared for his honor. But I..." Bayushi turns so that the last line of the play is delivered to the audience. "I cared for his soul. The soul is the heart of a Hantei. It is the one thing that no other can have. The one thing which is the center of the Empire. The soul." The play is given polite applause, and the acting troupe bows to the assemblage as Yoroshiku rises and makes for her chambers.
That evening Kadokawa locks himself in his room. He misses the play. He spends the entire time making posters that clearly state that Tage's gift is that of a pearl handled dagger. After the castle has retired for the evening Kadokawa makes his move.
Day 8 Around 4:00 AM, Kadokawa exits his room and hangs the posters, then makes his way to Tage's room and stations himself outside her door. As soon as she exits the room Kadokawa greets her with a smile. "Shosuro-san It seems your gift is common knowledge. And while I do not own the mate I am here to offer you an exchange before you are confronted by the owner of the other pearl-handled tanto." Kadokawa lets the offer fall on the table. He shows her his crimson fan and bows humbly. "I can also offer you the owner of the other crimson fan although I am sure he will not own the mate for long." Kadokawa smiles at the crafty scorpion. His plan did not go as expected, but his goal was still attained. "So I see I have been the one caught in my own trap. My wits are clearly not a match for yours, Shosuro-san." He bows humbly before the scorpion. "I simply wished to ask where I can get the mate to the gift you will have this time tomorrow?" The implication is a great one. Kadokawa wishes to see whether Tage is as cunning and plotting as a Scorpion is made out to be. He will know tomorrow if she truly is. Tage seems less than impressed. "Hmm," she says, then turns and walks away. Kadokawa frowns. Perhaps he gave the scorpion too much credit. Maybe she could not help him after all. "Shosuro Tage-sama, I look forward to seeing your next play. I regret my own schemes that led me away from your last. Good day." He bows humbly and begins to formulate another plan of action.
To the surprise of some, Matsu Ohigachu, Doji Mitsugotsu, Shinjo Gidayu, and Hiruma Ryuden annouced early in the morning that they would host a series of lessons in Shiro Gisu's primary dojo for any interested samurai. Akodo Aramoro seems especially interested. He spends the entire morning talking animatedly about the lessons to anyone who would listen. Particularly he manages to speak to every one of the Yoroshiku’s suitors and stresses the importance of battle tactics. The turnout was rather impressive. It seems that many of the young bushi in the castle are eager to learn at the feet of seasoned veterans from three of the empire's best bushi schools. Only a few people there notice the absence of Otomo Jin. At the assembly Aramoro actively engages the more experienced soldiers. He asks many questions during the demonstrations about the differences between the three schools. Hiruma Ryuden seems especially interested in answering the Akodo's questions and demonstrating the strengths of the Hiruma and Hida schools. Doji Mitsugotsu, however, has a wary, slightly annoyed look cross his face every time Aramoro asks him a question. Shinjo Gidayu and Matsu Ohigachu seem indifferent to the samurai's questions, and are simply pleased to be demonstrating the strengths of their schools.
Day 9 After over a week at court, Aramoro has only practiced his kata marginally. The time spent learning from the veteran samauri yesterday reminds him of this fact. So in the dim light of the dawn the Akodo strolls sleepily into one of the castle’s dojo to practice in solitude. 
Day 12 Kadokawa rises early again, and promtly throws up. He calls for eta to come and clean his room and immediatly seeks out a shugenja. His stomach aches severly and his head runs slightly hot. The Phoenix in charge of medicine finds the culprit. Bad sushi. Kadokawa has food poinsoning, and a bad case of it at that. His legs feel weak and his mind is clouded he is in no condition for the games of court, or using his blade today, and maybe not even for a few days. The healer orders him to bed and has another shugenja stationed in his room to try to pry the sickness out. After an hour of chanting, Kadokawa grows annoyed and sends the shugenja away. Time heals all wounds, even food poinsoning. He will weather out the sickness and be good as new... in a few days.
Day 12, Evening Before the evening feast, Asako Shitasu is approached by a shiba courtier. "Konichiwa, I am Shiba Nessen, and I have a favor to ask of you regarding this game. This is my piece," he says, pulling a small porcelain doll of the kami Shinjo from his kimono. "The match is in the hands of one of the Princess' maids. The rather large, unpleasant looking Crab woman. And she seems to be attracted to me. Please, so that I can stay free of the Hida woman, if you will trade whatever object you might have with me, I will consider it a favor to be repaid in time." Considering the offer, Shitasu asks, "And how do I know she will not be attracted to me instead?" "Has she ever met you?" Nessen asks. "No." "Then I do not believe that she is attracted to you." Seeing the logic in Nessen's argument, Shitasu agrees to trade with him.
The evening ends with another great feast. During the festivities, one of the suitors, a Crane named Doji Fusaya, stands and approaches the dais. He smiles at Yoroshiku and shows her a golden fan. "I believe, my Lady, that you have in your posession the matching object?" Yoroshiku smiles, and her maids giggle behind their fans. "You are incorrect, Doji-san." With a delicate gesture, she pulls forth a small white porcelain doll, and the courtiers applaud. Smiling, but abashed, Fusaya bows as he steps away from the dais. Asako Shitasu pauses in the middle of bringing his glass to his lips. The doll looks familiar to him. Very familiar. Pulling its match from his obi, Shitasu nudges Jin and shows him the doll under their table. Jin turns slightly paler for a moment, then asks Shitasu, "What do you want to trade with me?" "Jin-sama," Shitasu says, "I would not think of asking for any sort of monetary gain. I would merely consider it a favor. To be repaid in time." Jin nods and takes the doll. The courtier stands and approaches the dais, bowing and holding out the doll. The courtiers applaud at the trap the Princess is now caught in. She smiles and laughs politely. "One question, my friend." "My lady," Jin says, "I wish only to know, what are the attributes that you think a woman should look for in a prospective husband?" "The strength of his arm, the beauty of his heart, and the purity of his soul," Yoroshiku replies. There is applause as Yoroshiku answers, and Asako Kagetsu stands. "And what better way to judge the beauty of one's heart and the purity of one's soul than through a poetry competition this evening, by the fine members of this court. The topic of the poems will be, of course, the Princess." Again there is applause, and Yoroshiku smiles behind her fan.
Day 12, Night Many of the men in Shiro Gisu spend the time after the feast preparing a poem in tribute of the Princess. Jin, Shitasu, and even Katsu all prepare haiku to present. Katsu, however, decides not to present his. He has the feeling that his Crab haiku may not be completely accepted in Phoenix lands: Prettier than troll.
The poems are to be judged by Matsu Ohigachu, Asako Kagetsu, and, of course, Otomo Yoroshiku. During the competitions, many of the suitors read poems. They are met with moderate levels of success. As Hiruma Ryuden rises to speak, however, he is interrupted by Shiba Himitsu, who has been rather quiet and brooding all night. He has been drinking sake, and his face seems angered and bitter. As Himitsu begins speaking, Ryuden's face turns an angry, unpleasant shade of red, and there is a furious light in his eyes. Although Himitsu's words are angry, his tone is pleasant and polite. He offers a poem in tribute of the Princess of the Hantei: A blighted flower,
On the dais, there are gasps, and Yoroshiku turns white. Several of the suitors start to cyr out in protest, and Asako Kagetsu stands angrily at the breach of ettiquette. Nearby, the Lion guards reach for their katans and leap to their feet. Matsu Ohigachu rises, and his old voice quickly brings order to the gathering. "What is the meaning of this?" Ohigachu says in low tones. "The meaning?" Himitsu sneers. "The meaning you will see for yourself. Tomorrow at sunset." Ryuden, enraged, steps between Himitsu and the dais. "I formally challenge you to a duel, samurai," he says. "Your bad manners and impudent tongue have cost you your life. Himitsu nods. "Tomorrow. At sunset. Then, I will produce my testimony about this..." The guards tense. "Weed." He lowers in a curt bow to all assembeled, fire in his eyes, and leaves. As Himitsu began speaking, Koan began to look very uncomfortable. His apprentice, Uisako, leans over and whispers something in his ear. Koan shakes his head ruefully, then they both turn and watch Himitsu stride from the hall. A moment later, the two of them stand to leave. Otaku Yasuko attempts to follow, but she loses the pair as they turn a corner. Shortly afterwards, the Imperial Theater Troupe takes the stage to try to ease the tension in the room. Those paying close attention to the play notice that there are only five acors on stage, not the usual six. Shortly after the play begins, Otomo Yoroshiku and her three maids retire quietly, without disturbing the performance. Whispers say the Princess has had a very stressful evening, and is likely to have an even more difficult day tomorrow. After the play, the household retires with a strange mix of eager anticipation and dread over the next day's events.
Hiruma Ryuden calls Hida Katsu to his chambers shortly after the play. Hiruma Toshidaka had decided to spend the next several days at the Shrine of the Ki-Rin meditating, and Ryuden had begun to call on Katsu as a yojimbo and a sounding board. This evening, Ryuden is preparing for the duel, drinking heavily, and wondering if Himitsu's words about Yoroshiku are true. After all, if Ryuden is wed to Yoroshiku, and then it is revealed that the Princess is not of the Hantei line, Ryuden will be shamed, and his marriage will be useless. At the end of the conversation, Ryuden is still aggrivated, irrational, and angry. He dismisses Katsu sharply, muttering that he will have Katsu's head, either way. |