Kenson Gakka: Arrival

Near the year 540, as judged by the Isawa Calendar

1120, Month of the Goat

Traveling is much easier when traveling with the Emperor's niece. She has her own bodyguard - four Seppun yojimbo plus another fifteen Seppun guards while she is traveling - and another two dozen guards are provided by the clan whose territories she is traveling through. The companions of the Princess' fiancee are left without any true duties, other than guarding the two lacquer boxes that contain the remains and personal effects of Matsu Ohigachu and Matsu Awara. This leaves them time for their studies. The shugenja and Kadokawa spend much of their time meditating, and the samurai spend their time practicing what kata they can atop a horse or wagon. Otomo Jin spends most of his day speaking with his bride-to-be.

Leaving Phoenix lands during the Cherry Blossom Festivals, the Imperial entourage traveled southwards through the lands of the Phoenix and the Lion, arriving at Kenson Gakka on the evening of the 5th day of the Goat. The city is heavily fortified and guarded. As Akodo Aramoro explains to his companions, not only is the stronghold on the border of Scorpion lands and the site of a humiliating Scorpion defeat, but the next day, the city will be celebrating the Festival of the Humble Turtle - the annual celebration of the taking of the city from Scorpion hands. No doubt, the guards are heavier now than at most times during the year.

The Seppun and Akodo guards traveling with the caravan make entrance to the city relatively painless for all involved. The caravan rides through the city and to the daimyo's palace, a beautiful two-story building designed to house the city's nobility and honored guests. It does not look anything like Shiro no Meiyo - the imposing five-story fortress built into the steep face of a hill on the opposite side of the city.

At the steps of the palace, several people in Lion clan colors come out to meet the samurai, as Otomo Yoroshiku steps down from her carriage. "Greetings and welcome," the man in front of the group says, bowing, "I am Matsu Kioma, daimyo of Kenson Gakka. We are most privileged to have the pleasure of your presence, Otomo Yoroshiku-sama."

Yoroshiku smiles behind her fan. "Thank you for your hospitality, Matsu Kioma-san. It is an honor to enjoy the hospitality of the Lion while on my journey. Please allow me to introduce my companions, Asako Shitasu, Isawa Roshii, Doji Kadokawa, Agasha Nyoko, Hida Katsu, Hiruma Toshidaka, Otaku Ku Shi, Toritaka Pajaro, Akodo Aramoro, and my betrothed, Otomo Jin," she says, and each samurai bows when introduced.

"Hai," Kioma says, facing the Dragon, "Nyoko-san I would have known without an introduction. In six hundred years, the Matsu have not forgotten the valiant deeds of Agasha Takena. It is an honor for his descendant to grace our city with her presence," he says, bowing to Nyoko.

"The honor was Takena's, I am sure, Kioma-sama," Nyoko bows to Kioma, lower as is proper. "The Dragon have long cherished all their friendships with the other clans, and I am honored to represent a small part of that today." Nothing, of course, is said of the earlier battle of Beiden Pass, where the Dragon helped the Scorpion against the Lion. "If I can beg a favor from you, honored host, I would please ask you to inform my friend Matsu Ketsui I am here. It has been far too long since we spoke."

"If it were possible, I would, Nyoko-san, but I am afraid she is not here," Kioma replies. "I presume that she is in Shiro Matsu or its surroundings. This time of year, most of my family spends training their armies after the long winter. The only reason Ikare-san allows the troops here to participate in the festival is because of the martial aspects of the competitions."

"And Jin-san," he says, turning to the Otomo, "your reputation precedes you as well. Congratulations to both of you on this joyous occasion."

"And certainly Aramoro-san," he says, turning to his fellow Lion, "We have received word of the burden you bear. The loss of Matsu Ohigachu-sama is a blow to us all, although we know that his spirit will continue to guide our clan."

With solemn seriousness, Aramoro bows as low to Kioma as he did to Ohigachu. "Hai, Matsu-sama. I knew Commander Ohigachu-sama for far too short a time. He inspired me and I am honored to bear this burden."

"Aramoro-san, Ohigachu-sama wrote of his respect for you in his journal. I am certain his spirit will continue to inspire you."

On an impulse, Aramoro offers Kioma a gift. "Matsu-sama, I have a small gift that I would give to Ohigachu-sama's lord, as a remembrance of him."

"Aramoro-san, you need not give gifts to earn respect or inspiration. Please keep your gift."

"Matsu-sama, I offer the gift in admiration of a distinguished soldier. His respect and inspiration are certainly greater treasures than this."

"Aramoro-san, if your gift is a remembrance of Ohigachu-sama, it would be best kept near the memory that goes with it. Your effort in his name is gift enough for the Matsu."

"Kioma-sama, indeed I do carry this and many other memories of Ohigachu-sama. Please accept this gift and the story that goes with it, that you may remember the commander as I do: An exceptional tactician both on and off the fields of battle."

Kioma has become gradually more curious as the ritual went on and now is glad to see what the young Lion soldier has brought. "Thank you for your generosity as well as your praise Aramoro-san. I will accept your gift. You may tell its story in the morning."

Finally Aramoro reaches over into his horse's saddle bag and pulls out a porcelain doll of Hida-kami that he has carried since Shiro Gisu. "Among Ohigachu-sama's belongings you will find a blue paper fan. That goes along with this doll." Aramoro gives the trinket to Kioma.

Doji Kadokawa bows to the Lion Lord Before him. "Kioma-sama we are honored to find ourselves in the land of the Lion." He smiles ever so slightly. "I would be honored to participate in your kenjutsu challenge tomorrow."

"And we are honored to have you join us, Kadokawa-san. It will be a privledge for our students to be able to test their blades against those of the Kakita."

Kadowkawa bows again and sits back enjoying the idea of honing his blade in the land of the Lion. It would please his daimyo if he were to show a few of the Matsu how to use a katana. And after the disgrace that was Yoroshiku's courtship, he could use a bit of bolstering in his daimyo's eyes.

Roshii bows low to his host. "It is an honor to be here, Kioma-sama," he says.

Kioma politely bows in return. "Roshii-san, it is an honor to have the chance to host you and your most august company."

While drifting in and out of attention to the Lion speaking, Katsu hears of the challenges and begins to anticipate his opportunity to prove his mettle in the wrestling event.

Ku Shi allows the grooms to take her horse out of respect, but is cautious in doing so. Never having traveled to the edge of the Lion's territory, Ku Shi walks around the castle and tries to size up her competitors for the events to come, feeling a little cocky about her skills while mounted.

"Very well," Kioma finally says, "it is late, and you must be tired. This is my karo, Matsu Jikama," he says, motioning for a samurai standing behind him to come forward. "He will show you to your suites, as well as address any questions or concerns you might have."

After the introductions, grooms are summoned to tend to the horses, and the Lion and Seppun guards depart for the garrison. The samurai are shown to their rooms within the castle, where baths and beds await them after their long journey.

Kadokawa awoke Early in the Hour of the Tiger. As was his custom before any test of his blade, he put himself through his usual time of meditation and training.

First he steadied his hands. For the rest of the hour of the tiger, Kadokawa practiced his tea ceremony. He drew out the movements and meditated constantly in the midst of the ceremony. He did not finish until he had completed the ceremony completely and without one false movement.

Next he steadied his mind. Kadokawa meditated deeply. He begged the fortunes to aid him in his day. He offered the elements sacrifices, paying close attention to the element of fire, but negelecting none. He completed his meditation by reciting the Tao.

When Kadokawa had finished his meditation, there was a knock on the door to his room. It was nearing the morning court. Kadokawa was just in time.

The 6th day of the Goat

Due to the fact the the festival roughly follows the events of the Battle for Kenson Gakka, court is held with the rising sun in the Hour of the Hare. The morning air is crisp and the sounds of spring can be heard from beyond the city walls. All is calm, as much of the populace wil not rise until the festival begins in the Hour of the Dragon. Until then, the roughly 100 people in court are left to themselves.

Court is held in the city's Civic Hall, and the tone is very subdued. The rooms are a quiet drone of stately conversation, and the gentle chords of three biwa can be heard throughout. There is not a great deal of space within, though the building is used to such a gathering. Everywhere, there are private chambers and corridors for independent conversations, and the grand ballroom on the second floor opens up onto four tremendous balconies facing the three walls of the city and Shiro no Meiyo.

Being escorted in with the Princess, her maids, and her bodyguard (who respectfully wait at the entrance), the samurai make quite a scene at their entrance. They are quickly greeted by Matsu Kioma and a small crowd of courtiers. "I am again honored by your presence, Otomo-sama," he says, bowing to Yoroshiku, "and that of your esteemed company."

"The honor is ours," Yoroshiku replies, returning his bow. "Your hospitality has been extrordinary, and we look forward to the events of the day."

"Thank you, Yoroshiku-sama, your words are too kind."

As the two are exchanging pleasantries, the group is approached by a small woman in a kimono being followed by a rather fierce-looking bushi in full armor. The woman looks very pleased to be at court, but the bushi seems to desire to be anywhere but. His face is terribly gruff-looking, and his eyes constantly drift away from the courtiers and through the windowws of the room to the parade grounds, just down the street, where the Lion armies are already preparing for the events of the day.

"Yoroshiku-sama," the woman says as she approaches and bows low, "It is such an honor to have you here with us today. You are a very popular topic of conversation among my guests this morning."

"Your guests?" Yoroshiku asks, returning her bow. "Kioma-san, this is your wife, then?"

The Matsu chuckles slightly. "No, Yoroshiku-sama, I am not married. This is Akodo Miko, and the bushi with her is Akodo Ikare, her husband and commander of the troops here at Kenson Gakka." Ikare bows as he is introduced, but still remains silent.

"As I have no wife," Kioma continues, "Lady Miko often takes it upon herself to look after the well-being of our guests."

"A role I am more than happy to fill, until Kimoa-sama finds his match," Miko chimes in with a smile. The samurai are not terribly sure if Akodo Ikare just rollled his eyes at his wife, or if he was simply looking out towards the parade grounds again. He is obviously a man much more at home on a battlefield than in a court.

"Now, Aramoro-san," Kioma says, tactfully changing the subject, "our resident sodan-senzo says that Matsu Ohigachu's spirit speaks rather highly of you, but he will not tell us the significance of the doll and the fan, instead saying that the story is yours to tell. So please, how are these two items connected?"

As he had at the Winter Court, Aramoro is dressed in his better yellow and gold kimono. He addresses the gathering as he might an audience in a theater. "The blue paper fan is an identical match to a fan carried even now by Doji Mitsugotsu... as far as I know. He has it because I thought that I could outsmart Matsu Ohigachu."

Aramoro relates the tale of his twin fan ruse. He explained the game of gifts and how he realized his advantage when his friend Iruko had his match. Aramoro did not have to exaggerate his astonishment when Commander Ohigachu saw through the scheme. As he gets into the story, Aramoro expresses his respect for Ohigachu when he let the younger solder have a question anyway in return for trying to trade his fan with Mitsugotsu. In the story, Aramoro's bargain with Mitsugotsu for the doll of Hida was more difficult to obtain than it actually had been, though this is likely due to his anxiety at the time. When he draws the story to a close, Aramoro expresses one regret, "I never found out, and now will likely never will find out, exactly what question Ohigachu put to Mitsugotsu. I suppose I could ask Doji Mitsugotsu-sama-" He stops abruptly. "No no. I was right the first time. I will likely never find out what the question was."

Aramoro speaks to an audience of intent faces, listening to every word about their fallen hero. At the end, his story is met with a round of polite laughter from the assembled courtiers. "Aramoro-san," Matsu Kioma finally says, "thank you for your gift of the doll and your gift of the story. I will make sure that the doll and the fan are interred with Ohigachu-sama's other effects in the Hall of Ancestors. You have done us all a great favor by bringing not only his belongings, but also his memory."

Kioma glances quickly past Aramoro. "Ah, if you will all excuse me please, it appears that Daidoji Handen, our ambassador from Crane lands has just arrived, and I must go greet him."

Until the challenges begin, Katsu spends his day with the two Phoenix with whom he has begun a rather odd friendship. Katsu also takes time to impress the fine ladies with his new-found talent in poetry. Most of his poems being rather distasteful to the general public, he waits to find a woman who truly understands the nature of the battlefield.

Roshii, for his part, spends his time with Katsu, observing the Crab and trying to learn how to impress the women of the court. Most of his other companions wonder why Roshii picked Katsu as the focus of his study.

While wandering through the court, Katsu rehearses in his mind his new poem, and he grows anxious for a chance to test it out. Without looking terribly far, Katsu walks over to a young Matsu samurai-ko, looks into her eyes, and says,

Stars in the Heavens
cannot compare in beauty
with your young bright eyes.

The Matsu looks down quickly to attempt to hide the crimson in her cheeks. "Thank you, Hida-san," she says, looking at her feet. "You do me great honor. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Nyoko, standing nearby, blends in with the rest of the festivities. She takes to wearing a sleeveless kimono (such as in style with the Crane from time to time), to show off the intricate tattoos up and down her arms of dragons and lions intertwined. Nyoko doesn't boast of it, as some might, like all things it simply... is. The fire shugenja moves about the Lion easily, telling them humorous riddles before wandering to the next small gathering.

But seeing an opportunity, she cannot help but tease the hapless Katsu a bit. After he recites his haiku (which Nyoko liked, if it was a bit much), she grins at the blushing Matsu samurai-ko and says, "You're lucky, Lion-san. He never speaks that way to me. Why is that, do you think?"

The Lion simply waits for an answer from Katsu. Perhaps she is hoping that he will answer both questions.

Katsu looks a bit flustered at Nyoko's question and tries to find an answer that will not embarass himself as well as the dragon. After a short pause, he looks at the young samurai-ko and shows a slight smile, "Perhaps not all are quite as beautiful as my new friend. As for you Lion-san, the pleasure is all mine; of this I am sure. Please let us take a walk, you can show me the sights and speak all kinds of words that will ring in my head until the end of time, for your voice is the sweetest sound I have and will ever hear."

The Matsu looks up at Katsu. "I doubt your flattery, but a walk would be nice. Let me show you the gardens," she says, as she begins to lead Katsu away.

Katsu looks with a slight bit of confusion at the Lion. "How could you doubt the flattery of a Crab? For it is used so rarely that when it is said, it must be true. Now young lady, please tell me of yourself so I may know all about your hopes and dreams."

As Roshii watches Katsu leave, he smiles and thinks, "I wonder how long that will last," then goes to find some place to meditate.

Picking up some of the fruit arrayed for breakfast, Aramoro is slightly surprised by a voice behind him. "And another fine Lion gets dragged into court."

Turning, Aramoro is surprised to find Akodo Ikare walking towards him. The general comes to the table and begins making his own plate. "To maintain an army, you need strength in the court, and to maintain a court presence, you need a strong army. Two sides of the same koku, and yet two worlds so incredibly different. Which do you prefer, Aramoro?"

For an awkward moment Aramoro hesitates with a plate in his hand and his natural inclination to bow to the general. He manages to recover and thinks a moment before turning back to the morning meal. "You have already pointed out the necessity of both skills, Ikare-sama. Perhaps my preference does not matter as much as my ability. But to be clear, I have no real combat experience. Aside from the training at Shiro sano Ken Hayai I have seen battle only once." He lowers his voice somewhat. "We were ambushed under Sleeping Thunder Mountain in Dragon lands. The result was... disgraceful."

Aramoro pushes the memory of Iuchi Tiaga's charred corpse out of his mind and continues. "No doubt you have heard that we have come from the Winter Court at Shiro Gisu. For the most part I found the experience to be entertaining. But what about you Ikare-sama? Where do you prefer exercise your skills?" Aramoro asks the question innocently, but he's positive the general would always choose the field of battle.

"There are those that say the two are the same. That court is simply another field on which to wet one's blade. Bah! A lifetime of doubletalk, never knowing truly if you have accomplished what you set out to do. No, give me an actual battlefield any day, where you can see your enemy lying at your feet. That is accomplishment."

"The strength of the army is not in the presence of the court, but in the will of those fighting," interrupts a third voice. The two Lion look over to see Otaku Ku Shi, who bows at the general. "I am sorry to interrupt, but I could not help overhearing. Training before a battle is not the only preparation, but finding courage to live through it and the desire to fight again, that is where strength lies!"

Ikare smiles. "Spoken like a true warrior," he says, returning Ku Shi's bow. "Strength alone is meaningless, without the courage to use it."

The three samurai move their conversation to a table and talk between bites of fruit and rice. "Ikare-sama, how large is your army? How well is it provided?" Aramoro listens courteously. He is curious to know the size of the force gathered at this place so close to Scorpion lands.

"There are 2,000 men stationed at Kenson Gakka," Ikare replies. "Because of the historic significance of the city, provisions are not difficult to obtain. The Matsu are very diligent in their efforts to maintain this city, for it is one of their greatest accomplishments, ever."

After Ikare answers, Aramoro replies, "That is an imposing force, general-sama. You are fortunate that Matsu Kioma-sama was able to gain approval for such an army. He must find great satisfaction in looking out over the troops to see the result of his work at court."

"Kioma and approval have little to do with it, honestly. Kenson Gakka is the only stronghold between Kyuden Ikoma and Shiro Matsu. Without this city, the center of Lion territory would be almost defenseless, all the way across to Shiro Akodo. The Matsu may have their pride compelling them to maintain this city, but all of the families recognize its importance for our defense."

"Ikare, may I ask, where do you find your courage?" the Unicorn asks, returning to the previous topic. "Is it found in your victories? Is it seeing the fear in others that you draw your strength? I'm interested in learning more from a true warrior," Ku Shi says, hoping to hearing some battle stories that he might be willing to tell.

At this point, Aramoro thinks he made a mistake trying show that even an accomplished general needs courtiers and politics to back him up. Perhaps Ikare was correct. Maybe the courts are a waste of time and effort. Except of course that they do have an effect on the events of Rokugan. He decides to hear what Akodo Ikare has to say, "Yes Ikare-sama, please enlighten us. I’m sure there is much we could learn from your experience."

"Strength is drawn from courage," the general replies, "for without courage to use it, a man that could move a mountain is no stronger than an invalid. For example," he says, a smile growing on his face, "once, when I was younger, I was in an army marching on the Doji plains. When we arrived, we found a batallion of Crane troops entrenched, awaiting us. Not to be deterred, we--"

"There you are!" exclaims a voice behind Ikare. Ikare's now-grinning face quickly takes on a much more subdued tone as his wife approaches. "Kihou-sama, we must return to our guests. Thank you for entertaining my husband," Miko says to Aramoro and Ku Shi, "but we really must return to our guests."

"Hai, Aisai. I am coming." Ikare rose from the table. "I trust I will see you later, in the competition," he said to the two samurai as he wlaked away, following his wife.

When Ikare and Miko are out of the room, Aramoro frowns thoughtfully. "For a 'true warrior,' the general does not put up much resistance to his wife. Do the Unicorn generals have the same vulnerability to their spouses, Ku Shi-san?"

The Unicorn gives the Lion a snide look. Hm, Ku Shi thinks to herself, I was really looking forward to some good stories. Oh well. She eats the rest of her fruit and looks around to see what people were doing. Giving it a quick thought, she decides to go check on her horse. Maybe I'll go practice for a little bit.

Jin, not content to be a complete bystander, meanders about greeting all of the people at the court. His face always glowing with a simple smile, knowing that his presence adds a wonderful finishing touch to the whole atmosphere of the tournaments and festival. He speaks loudly and often of his newly acquired wife-to-be. "She is one of the stars of heaven, plucked to give light here, on earth, to those of us who need to be enlightened," he says to Tonbo Okayu, a Dragonfly courtier visiting the Lion lands.

"She certainly is," Okayu replies. "Bless Mother Amaterasu for allowing her Shining Prince to have such a wonderful niece. And how fortunate you must be, Jin-sama, to have garnered such a position of authority, marrying into the family of the Emperor himself."

Akodo Aramoro comes up from behind Otomo Jin. "You scarcely know how fortunate he is Tonbo-sama." The smile in his voice is unmistakable. "Though he will not tell us how well Princess Yoroshiku-sama has enlightened him so far."

Aramoro faces Jin now and bows respectfully. "Please pardon my interruption Jin-sama. I know that the princess is well attended by her maids and guards. I came to find you and make sure that you are also having no troubles." Somehow Aramoro can’t seem to stop himself from acting as yojimbo around his courtier friend.

Jin bows low and thanks Otomo Okayu. "Domo arigato. I truly am blessed beyond my greatest dreams." With this Jin smiles and thinks to himself, This woman truly sees how wonderful I am! Good for her! Jin again bows low and says, "My most gracious madam, I must go now, but if you are in need of anything, please do not hesitate to draw my attention to it."

"Otomo Jin," Okayu replies, bowing, "I assure you that I will. Arigato."

"Do itashimashite," Jin says as he bows and walks off, greeting others and smiling broadly.

Walking through the court, Nyoko is a little surprised to spot a kimono a shade of gold closer to hers than the Lions' ochre-tinted ones. Intrigued, she walks over to find an older man in a slightly-worn gold kimono bearing the Agasha mon and leaning on a staff speaking to an elderly monk. "And after that," Nyoko began to hear the Dragon saying, "it became clear to the poor soul that he would never find Kyuden Togashi, no matter how long he tried or how far he climbed, which was a complete devastation to him, as it made his entire ten-year quest uncompletable, and-- Oh!" he exclaims, realizing there is another set of ears now listening to his story.

The elder Dragon turns and bows to Nyoko. "Why, Agasha Nyoko, I believe it is. Tamori's niece, if I am not mistaken? I am Agasha Todaro, bard, storyteller, and shugenja. I had heard that you might be attending this festival as well. It is, of course, a pleasure to meet you."

Nyoko is indeed surprised, and shows it in the most blatant manner the Dragon has - she pauses briefly and blinks. When she grew tired of tormenting hapless Crab bushi, this is certainly not what she'd thought she'd find when she sought out more entertainment. "Todaro-san," she bows at the shoulders, showing respect for an equal. "It pains me to find my Clan turning into chattering magpies like our Crane cousins. Are my actions really so closely watched?" There is no hint of pride in her voice, simply wry amusement. No offense is intended by her words.

"Oh, it's not that at all, Nyoko-sama," the Dragon replies. "I simply heard that the niece of Tamori-sama had arrived last night in the company of Otomo Yoroshiku-sama. Between your family and the company you keep, word of you does travel, though. Now please, allow me introduce my companion, Noshin, sensei of Shinden Yaruki Jukko, the nearby temple."

The monk bows to Nyoko as well. "I assumed you could be no other, holding the scrolls and the katana. Your reputation precedes you, Nyoko-san." The monk's voice carries no inflection, and his eyes are almost unnervingly level.

The shugenja bows at the same level, using the motion to take a centering breath. She suddenly feels as if she's back at the Mountain Home dojo, not even past her gempukku. It's not a pleasant sensation. The Little Master said all life is a dojo, with something to learn everywhere, but this is ridiculous. "Noshin-sa-sama. Even among the brotherhood I am known?" Dragons do not seek recognition. When it comes, they are often unprepared.

"Kenson Gakka sees many pilgrims from Dragon lands, retracing the steps of their ancestors who fought here. Many samurai spend time in my monastery. Many bushi talk too much. Your training with the kami and the swords is seen by many as headstrong, although I am sure that this is no secret from you. It matters not to me, however; many say much worse of a man who takes the name 'Noshin' for himself." "Noshin," Nyoko knows, is a title for those who have achieved enlightenment within their lifetimes. Most would say that to claim it for oneself demonstrates that the person does not deserve it.

Famous Dragons, Nyoko muses inwardly. Really. What is the Empire coming to? Any day now, the name of the Mirumoto daimyo will be on everyone's lips. The thought draws a silent laugh, then a mental shaking of her head. It is not the Way of the Dragon, like their cousins the Scorpion, to be known. Albeit, for different reasons...

Nyoko's head tilts, and her eyes take on their customary playful glint. "I am, of course, interested in how you came by your name," she says with a truncated bow, "Though I know it matters not. I will certainly not come by it the same way you did."

"Somehow, I doubt that you will, Nyoko-san," he says, with almost a hint of amusement in his voice. "Years ago, I was called by the kami from across Rokugan to come here to Yaruki Jukko. Once I arrived, I found that the shinpu of the temple was... a former sensei of mine. He was dying and did not believe that any of his students were worthy of taking up his position at the temple, so he again began training me.

"After he joined our ancestors and I became shinpu of the temple, I was approached by a spirit called Shanshien, the spirit of an ancient shinpu of the temple. Shanshien showed me the depths of the Void and led me into enlightenment. I believe that Shansien desires for me to find a resolution between the Crane, Lion, and Scorpion clans, and that I was granted my enlightenment to aid me in this quest."

A faint smile actually touches Noshin's lips. "So, Nyoko-san, you can see why I believe you will find your enlightnement differently than I."

As they watch Katsu leave, Roshii and Shitasu are greeted suddenly by another man in orange and red. Roshii recognizes him from early in his training. his name is Isawa Riju, and although trained as a shugenja, Riju takes great pains to study the heavens in attempts to divine the future. "Greetings, fellow Phoenix!" he says to them. "The celestial patterns told me that two Phoenix would join me, and here you are. I am Isawa Riju," he says, bowing, "astrologer of the Phoenix."

Roshii returns Riju's bow. "What would you like us to do, Riju?"

"Oh, I desire nothing from you. I merely felt I would be remiss to not greet two of my clansmen, brought to the same city. No, I am merely here to observe the events. The celestial patterns brought me here. They say that an event of great importance will be occurring within the week."

Roshii looks at Riju questioningly. "What kind of event? Do you know that?"

"I'm afraid not. The stars rarely speak in great detail. But the alignment of the wanderers and the constellations cannot be wrong. The Scorpion passed through the Lion's Shadow on the night of the new moon. Since this city was once the Lion's Shadow and the Scorpion once controlled it, and especially since this month is the anniversary of its fall, the portent must be pointing to here."

Court is not Pajaro's strong suit. He walks through the room, paying little attention to the conversations surrounding him. As he wanders the room, he eventually realizes that one conversation seems to be following him, because he has heard the same two voices for the past several minutes.

"But Tikao-sama," says the voice of a young woman, "you should not say such things. Surely he does not intend to abandon all tradition of your family. By studying new techniques, would he not advance the knowledge of your clan in these areas?"

"Bah!" says the voice of an old man. "The Crane? They know nothing of our ways, nor our duty." The voice is very familiar to Pajaro. "They have fancy ways of drawing their swords. Have you ever heard of one of my family being an iaijutsu master? It does not happen!" The voice is haunting Pajaro, but he cannot quite place it. "We refuse to learn the art. The Falcon believe in defense, not worthless attack!"

Suddenly realizing who was speaking, Pajaro spins around to see a slight Lion shugenja speaking to a glowing figure that Pajaro could see through. "Grandfather?!"

"Yes, Pajaro," the ghost says. "What, did you think I had left? Hardly likely! Not while you're still considering this fool's notion!"

"Grandfather, I knew you had not left. That is not your way. I see you were speaking with a Lion shugenja? It is good you're keeping yourself busy. So, a fool's notion? Grandfather, Grandfather, have you ever stopped to consider that our brothers are not known by the Empire as well as we would like? This fool's notion, as you call it, could benefit our clan in the long run. You will see."

"Bah! it will not benefit our clan because it will never happen, Pajaro!" the shiryo screams at him. "The Falcon are not fighters! We defend against yorei! Tell me, how will an iaijutsu duel aid you in defeating a gaki? Is it going to stand there while you play with your sword? Is it even going to feel your sword? Of course not! It will eat your soul before you have a chance to draw! You are a fool for pursuing this, Pajaro! If you continue, mark my words, you will be Falcon no longer!"

"Tikao-sama," the Kitsu says to the ghost, blushing behind a rice paper fan, "please, we are in my daimyo's court."

The ghost chuckles. "My apologies Nitsuko-chan. In life I was never much of a courtier, and being dead these past fifteen years has not helped my skills any. On top of that, this is the first time anyone outside my family has ever been able to speak with me. I apologize for my tone," he says, suddenly facing Pajaro again and his face turning grave once more. "But not my words."

Pajaro turns from his grandfather to the Kitsu. "My apologies Nitsuko-chan, sometimes my Grandfather and I don't always see eye to eye on things. If I may, I shall take my leave now." With that said, he makes his way to the door, heading back to his room to retrieve his falcon before the competitions.

Jin, with Aramoro following, decided to introduce himself to the Crane ambassador. Finding Daidoji Handen and his yojimbo by themselves, Jin walks up and bows to the ambassador, with Aramoro following suit. "Greetings from our Glorious Emperor! I am Otomo Jin, servant of the Shining Prince, and betrothed of his glorious niece, Otomo Yoroshiku-hime. This is my companion, Akodo Aramoro, son of Akodo One-Eye and protector of Rokugan."

Handen returns Jin's bow. "Greetings, Otomo Jin and Akodo Aramoro, I am Daidoji Handen, son of the Lady Doji, student of the Iron Crane, and also a servant of our Glorious Emperor. I have been sent here by my daimyo to be a liaison to the Lion, but I am curious as to your presence here. I had heard that Yoroshiku-hime traveled to the Asako to find a husband by the spring, and yet here she is, on the far side of Lion lands. I trust there was no trouble that caused your detour?"

For an Iron Crane, Daidoji Handen both speaks and looks like a trained courtier.

Aramoro answers, "Certainly you have heard, Daidoji-sama, there was trouble; great trouble during Winter Court. The princess Yoroshiku did find a husband while she was there. Out of many suitors she chose him for his cunning intellect and true bravery as well as his more romantic sensitivities." As he continues, his voice switches to the clear tone Aramoro uses to tell stories, "You see her husband-to-be rushed to her aid when she became the target of a mad ronin. The ronin had kidnapped her. You may also have learned of the terrible loss of Matsu Ohigachu. His death at Shro Gisu was a part of the same series of tragic events. The remains needed to be transported here, to his daimyo. Yoroshiku-sama's fiancé is a part of the company of samurai who had the honor to accompany Ohigachu-sama on his final journey. I am confidant one day Yoroshiku-sama's betrothed will nearly as well known and admired as his Gloriousness, the Emperor."

Handen's expression is difficult to read, but he does seem anxious for the story to end. "You are certainly impressed with this man, Aramoro-san. But you have yet to tell me the name of this hero."

A smile forces its way on to Aramoro's face, despite attempts to keep it straight. "Well, I'm talking about Otomo Jin-sama of course." Aramoro smiles at his friend.

"Well Handen-sama, you know now why we are here. What about yourself?" Aramoro asks. "What do you hope to fulfill at Kenson Gakka?"

"Certainly you understand the need for the Crane to have representation at court, young Lion. Perhaps courtly activity is not your clan's strong point but I'm sure you know that it is ours," Handen replies matter-of-factly. There is no malice or sarcasm in his voice.

Aramoro nods, "You are correct Crane-sama. I am aware of the courtly skill of the Emperor's Left Hand. In point of fact, just a little while ago I finished explaining to Akodo Ikare that I rather enjoyed my time at the Winter Court at Shiro Gisu. I learned a great deal while I was there." Handen raises an eyebrow, expressing his curiosity. "However, my surprise is not so much at meeting a Crane in Lion lands, but in meeting an 'Iron Crane' in court. If my understanding of the Iron Crane is correct I would expect to see you out among the guardsmen and trading war stories with the commanders."

A small chuckle escapes from Handen's lips. "I see the Akodo War School is still stereotyping the rest of Rokugan. You are too young yet to realize this, but not every samurai is a peg to fit neatly into the holes carved by his Clan and his family. Some of us have additional shapes. While at war I do fit the shape of a soldier," As he speaks he assumes a ready stance as if he was surrounded by enemies and expected to fight them in the next moment. "While there is peace I prefer the shape of a courtier such as your Otomo Jin." Handen resumes his previous relaxed posture and gives a bow to Jin.

Unsure of what to think about this display, Aramoro simply nods. He realizes that Handen never answered his original question and is about to ask it again but Handen speaks first, "Tell me Aramoro-san, why did you enjoy the Winter Court so well? You have already told me there was murder and kidnapping there."

"Once again you are correct. However the events surrounding these troubles took place in less than two weeks. The rest of the time I was able to meet inspiring people and participate in an intricate game arranged by Asako Kagetsu-sama. I believe that I found a skill at court I was not previously aware of. Nearly all the events at court were educational and all the lessons I learned are valuable."

"Aramoro-san," Handen says with a small smile, "I believe what you are saying is that you have already come to learn exactly what I have just been saying. The place of a true warrior is not necessarily on the battlefield. It is where ever he is required."