Ryoma/Azama Support

C
Ryoma: (alone, closed eyes) ...
(Azama appears, normal expression)
Azama: Good afternoon, Lord Ryoma.
Ryoma: Good afternoon to you, Azama. What brings you to this clearing?
Azama: Oh, not much.
Azama: (smiling) It's not like the universe will end because you are an hour late to a strategy meeting!
Azama: But Lady Hinoka might take it that way.
Ryoma: (shouting) By the gods! I completely forgot!
Ryoma: Thank you for reminding me, Azama. I'll be going.
(Ryoma disappears)
Azama: (alone) Hm. Wonder why Lord Ryoma left all these papers behind...


B
Azama: Lord Ryoma.
Ryoma: Oh, hello Azama. Does Hinoka need me for something?
Azama: (laugh) Hahaha! Lady Hinoka only uses me for errands if there is literally no one else left that can help.
Azama: Anyway, I am here to return your poetry collection.
Ryoma: !!!
Ryoma: (sweating) H-how did you find them? I was looking for them everywhere!
Azama: (smiling) When you left for that strategy meeting in a hurry, you left them out in the open. It's a good thing I noticed and collected them all before they got lost!
Ryoma: And you...read them?
Azama: I had to! Otherwise I would have not known what they were or to whom they belonged.
Ryoma: (closed eyes) ...
Azama: (frown) I must say, your haikus are just awful. Your wording needs work.
Ryoma: (closed eyes, sweating) Ah, yes. I'm afraid I am still learning, Azama.
Ryoma: (still sweating) Say, since you seem to have a discerning eye for haiku, will you help me improve on my poetry?
Azama: (smiling) Oho, the high prince of Hoshido asking me for a favor?
Ryoma: (closed eyes) Only if you are willing.
Azama: Sure, why not. This might be fun...


A
Ryoma: The lightning blade sings / Its power held, not lightly / As the dark is cut.
Azama: (frown) The flow from the second and third line is awkward. And what do you mean by "the dark is cut"?
Ryoma: I wanted to write how the Raijinto is sometimes seen as a symbol of hope, a light cutting through the darkness.
Azama: Then you should simply write that, instead of whatever the second line is trying to do.
Ryoma: Oh, that second line is to express how carrying Raijinto is a heavy burden.
Azama: (frown) ...
Azama: Lord Ryoma, I feel like you are overthinking on the things you want to put in this haiku. Those two ideas you mentioned can be written into separate haikus, not one.
Ryoma: (closed eyes) ...I see. I shall try that next time.
Azama: You know, why do you subject yourself in writing haiku? As much as it is fun to see you struggle writing these, there are other Hoshidan poetry that are easier for you to write.
Ryoma: It's true, I could have picked something else. My father preferred tanka, and he encouraged me to read all kinds of poetry. The way haiku can express so much with so little words has always been appealing to me. A worthy challenge not too different from swordsmanship.
Azama: Ah, that's why my harsh critiques of your haiku have not broken your spirit! You sure are persistent, Lord Ryoma.
Ryoma: (smile) Hinoka did always talk about how blunt you are. Honestly, I've learned a lot from these haiku sessions. Thank you Azama.
Azama: Glad to be of help, I suppose.


S
Ryoma: Azama! I've been looking for you.
Azama: *yawn* Good morning, Lord Ryoma.
Ryoma: The sun is rising / A new day with much promise / I must talk to you.
Azama: ...
Azama: Greeting me in haiku? That is new! What is it? It is far too early for our usual poetry session.
Ryoma: (closed eyes, blushing) ...
Azama: Well?
Ryoma: My heart yearns for you / Before all my words falter / Azama, marry me.
Azama: (blushing, pained)...
Ryoma: (closed eyes, blushing)...
Azama: (blushing, smiling) Well, that's a five-seven-six. I thought you were better than that by now!
Ryoma: (blushing) ...Is that all you can say?
Azama: (blushing, laughing) Oh, I thought we were having me critique your haikus again.
Azama: (blushing, smiling) I don't think haikus are meant to be used for proposals, but I accept. Your way with words need a bit of work, but I do love your earnesty.
Ryoma: (smiling) There goes that sharp tongue of yours...
Azama: Hahaha! My tongue can do more than critique your haikus, you know!
Ryoma: (blushing, closed eyes) Azama!
Azama: (blushing, laugh) Oh this will be so much fun. I can't wait to see Lady Hinoka's face at this news!

Ending
Among King Ryoma's many
accomplishments, the haikus
dedicated to his consort
Azama became his most enduring
legacy. It inspired countless
Hoshidan poets for generations.