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16:08 <Natural1> The first day at Kakita Tsuneko's court has been most eventful. The Crab Clan shamed and Kakita Sunao dishonoured, amongst other things. Even as the young Crane is escorted away by guards to have his wounds tended to and to face certain punishment for his actions, a few individuals amongst the spectators murmur to themselves. Smiling nervously, the speaker of the governess stepped in to
<Natural1> conclude the eventful contest.
16:10 <Natural1> "This victors of this day's contest are Toritaka Junpei, Doji Tamayori, Mirumoto Noboru and Suzume Jurian. The tournament shall continue on the third and fifth days - and on the sixth, the greatest contestants shall face one another to determine the greatest duelist amongst us."
16:12 <Natural1> "However, this day's contest has come to a close. Please enjoy the hospitality of Kanashi Uta no Shiro for the rest of the afternoon - dinner shall be served when evening arrives." With a polite bow, the speaker retreated to speak in hushed tones with the daimyo herself, leaving the attendees of the court to do as they wish.
* Yogo_Saki gossips slightly with her Moshi companion. "That was much more eventful than I had expected, I wonder what is to become of the hotheaded Kakita?"
16:15 <Natural1> A small frown crosses Hakuseki's lips behind her fan. "I would imagine that he should take his own life, Yogo-san. That is the only path for an honourable samurai to take after performing such a disgraceful act."
16:16 <Natural1> Meanwhile, the victor of that final contest approaches Toritaka Junpei, his expression a somber one. Suzume Jurian's words are hesitant. "I... did not such an outcome. However, I must congratulate you on your victory, Toritaka-san."
<Yogo_Saki> "One would think, but it would be quite the distraction to have seppuku at such an occasion. I suppose time shall tell. Shall I help you up, Moshi-san?"
* Isawa_Iwao frowns. Now that the contest is over, a walk might do him some good; it would give him a chance to admire the place and get his mind off Sunao's disgrace. He strides over to the Falcon and Sparrow.
16:17 * Doji_Tamayori shuffles awkwardly in place for several seconds then she turns her eyes to where the speaker and the Daimyo are conversing. She looks away and blinks. "Oh dear..."
16:18 * Toritaka_Junpei bows lightly. "And you on yours Suzume-san. It was... disconcerting, true enough." The Falcon rubs his chin in thought, the falcon on his shoulder mimicing his owner. "One can't help but be worried about the signs..." He looks over to Iwao at the Phoenix's approach, and bows. "Isawa-san."
* Mirumoto_Noboru also has his eyes on the speaker and the Daimyo curiously. He had a feeling he knew what it might be about.
<Isawa_Iwao> "Congratulations, both... of you." Iwao inclines his head towards the Sparrow. "A marvelous display of form, Suzume-san."
16:19 <Natural1> Moshi Hakuseki offers a polite smile, shaking her head. "Thank you for your kindness, Yogo-san - but I should be able to handle myself. As for Kakita Sunao's fate, I doubt he would choose seppuku. After all, it is the only path that an honourable samurai would take." That smile of hers curves into a faint smirk.
16:20 * Yogo_Saki raises her fan to hide a chuckle.
16:22 * Toritaka_Junpei inclines his head. "Thank you, Isawa-san. Though, yes, Suzume-san's form is much better than mine. I've spent little time practicing my Iaijutsu. There... was never much need, where I have been assigned."
<Natural1> "The signs, Toritaka-san? Forgive me if I do not understand, I am quite shaken after such a duel." Looking towards Isawa Iwao, the Sparrow pushed a jovial smile on to his lips. "Thank you, Isawa-san. I am surprised your yojimbo did not partake." He gestures towards the distant, ever-watching Shiba Asano.
16:25 <Toritaka_Junpei> "Perhaps I am simply seeing ghosts where there are none, Suzume-san," Junpei says, glancing around, his eyes following movement as a falcon tracks it's prey. "Perhaps I am wrong, and it is just people being people. Likely, I am. Still..."
16:26 * Yogo_Saki notes the Daimyo's movement, before turning. "We should head back to the main hall then, I suppose. Do you remember what the next event was to be?"
16:28 <Natural1> "I don't believe that there is to be another contest tonight... I believe she said that we shall eat when evening arrives, then we shall hopefully have the chance to rest, Yogo-san." While Hakuseki pushes herself to her feet, Bayushi Shogusha joins the two shugenja with a sour expression. "That was quite the spectacle."
<Yogo_Saki> "Ah, Bayushi-san. Your purse must be quite sore after that event."
16:30 <Natural1> "Never bet against a Yasuki, Yogo-san..." Casting a glance towards Hakuseki as she politely conceals her judgement with her fan, the Scorpion offers a polite bow. "Or rather, never bet at all. It is a dishonourable activity that we should be above."
<Natural1> "But sometimes, it is difficult not to indulge in a few... vices."
* Isawa_Iwao notes the Toritaka looking around, but noticing nothing himself, he says nothing about it.
16:31 * Yogo_Saki smiles. "Of course, Bayushi san. Perhaps the fortunes wished to teach a lesson. No matter, shall we return to the hall?"
<Natural1> Suzume Jurian simply nods. "Perhaps. It is better to be cautious than it is to be slothful... Isawa-san, you wished to explore this castle earlier?"
16:32 <Isawa_Iwao> "Hai, Suzume-san. A short walk... to clear our minds."
16:33 * Doji_Tamayori spares one last apprehensive glance at the departing Daimyo and the speaker trailing at her heels before she moves into the crowd to mingle.
16:34 * Toritaka_Junpei nods. "I may wish to join you, Isawa-san. Stretch my legs a bit, give Jin some time to fly before the evening meal, perhaps."
<Natural1> "Hai, Yogo-san." Hakuseki smiles and proceeds to step towards the exit, along with Shogusha. The Scorpion offers a small smile to Saki over his shoulder. The others are dispersing as well, to return to their own quarters, to return to the main hall or to explore the vast structure that they shall remain within for the next week.
16:35 * Mirumoto_Noboru seems lost in thought for a moment, or several rather. Eventually, thought, he notes the rapidly diminishing crowd and heads back into the main hall.
16:38 * Isawa_Iwao nods and prepares to leave. He then remembers... the daimyo and her speaker leaving. So that's what Toritaka-san was speaking about. "Let us see what this structure holds, then."
16:39 * Mirumoto_Noboru looks around as he makes his way out, seeming rather perplexed. Neverthless, he continues along to the Hall.
<Natural1> Having quickly recovered from the earlier duel, Jurian smiles. "Then let us be on our way! It is rare that I visit such magnificent places."
16:41 * Toritaka_Junpei nods. "Hai."
16:45 * Doji_Tamayori walks along sedately, following the other guests back to the main hall. As she walks, she peers interestedly at the other Samurai, taking care to be as discreet as possible, and at the interior decor of the Daimyo's castle.
16:49 <Natural1> Finally rejoining her guests, Kakita Tsuneko enters the main hall where the gifts were given without the usual fanfare or dramatics. Instead, the governess approaches Doji Tamayori, offering the samurai-ko a polite bow of her head. "I hope that I am not intruding, Doji-san?" That serene smile is still there - always there.
16:51 * Isawa_Iwao decides to visit the courtyard first, striding along with his somewhat unusual walking motion - somewhere between a patient, contemplative man and a statue having been brought to life. Sure to attract a few stares, but the imbalance of Earth within Iwao that causes such movements is something he has learned to endure.
16:52 * Yogo_Saki walks with Hakuseki and Shogusha, participating in light conversation in the main hall, before excusing herself to take a walk outside.
* Toritaka_Junpei follows Iwao, taking note of, but not commenting on, the Isawa's gait. He keeps an eye out on the surrondings, and once outside in the courtyard, Jin lifts from his shoulder to stretch his wings in flight.
* Doji_Tamayori nearly leaps away in fright at being addressed suddenly, but she manages to transform her reaction into a swift, but deep, bow. "Intruding? Hardly, Kakita-sama. Hardly."
<Natural1> Glancing towards the entrance of the daimyo, Hakuseki frowns behind her fan as she makes her leave with Yogo Saki and Bayushi Shogusha, quietly chattering with them as they move to enjoy the cool coastal air and the light of lowering Amaterasu.
16:54 * Mirumoto_Noboru looks about the area for anyone or anything particularly curious. His eyes seemed to rest on Tamayori for a moment, though he quickly looks away as Tsuneko approaches her.
16:56 <Natural1> Suzume Jurian watches the falcon as it takes flight, letting a grin cover his face. He doesn't seem to notice Iwao's stance, let alone comment on it as he observes the guarden. It's beautifully maintained, filled with rare and exotic flowers and perfectly groomed. As splendid as the courtyard is, it's hardly natural. "The Crane know how to make an impression upon their guests."
16:58 * Toritaka_Junpei nods. "Hai," he says, voice a bit neutral. "It does leave an impression, doesn't it?"
16:59 <Natural1> A glance was cast towards Mirumoto Noboru and the daimyo noted the young Dragon's gaze. Her expression did not change. "I am glad to hear it, Doji-san. You have performed well. You represent your family - and your school - with grace and dignity. Perhaps more than could be said for some." Her cold eyes watch Tamayori for a reaction.
17:02 <Isawa_Iwao> "Men consider Earth... to be a static, dull thing, incapable of much else but looming... mountains and sturdy fortresses." Iwao, with surprising grace, caresses the flowers in the garden. "But what Earth also breeds... are the colors within flowers, the patterns and shapes of plants, looming trees."
17:03 * Doji_Tamayori opens her mouth to reply, thinks better of it, and closes her mouth. She instead lowers her eyes modestly and bows deeply once again. "Thank you for your kind words, Kakita-sama. This one is greatly honored by your praise."
* Yogo_Saki walks along, chatting with her two companions. Soon, she comes across the three in the garden. "Ah, Toritaka-san, Suzume-san, Isawa-san. Enjoying the air outside as well?"
17:05 * Toritaka_Junpei bows to the Yogo and his companions. "Yogo-san, Moshi-san, Bayushi-san," he says. "We are. I have always preferred an open sky over my head when able."
17:06 <Isawa_Iwao> Iwao is about to continue his little speech, but when the Yogo walks into the courtyard, he stops and bows. "Moshi-san, Bayushi-san, Yogo-san. I... was about to commune... with the spirits of Earth within this garden. They have... come far, I suspect."
17:07 * Yogo_Saki smiles at the group. "Of course, Isawa-san. Don't stop on our account. I also wanted to congratulate Suzume-san and Toritaka-san on your successes today."
<Natural1> "A farmer's fields contain more splendor than any flower but there is beauty to be appreciated here, Toritaka-san... Ah! Moshi-san, Yogo-san, Bayushi-san. It's a pleasure to see you here." While Jurian performs a simple bow and Shogusha returns it quite stiffly, Hakuseki shows greater interest in Isawa Iwao.
17:08 * Isawa_Iwao bows to the others, his reaction time catching up to the rest
<Natural1> "Oh? Please, do not let us disturb you, Isawa-san. I have always wanted to see the shugenja of the Phoenix speak with the kami."
17:09 <Natural1> Soundlessly offering a bow and a polite smile to Yogo Saki, the Sparrow turns to watch the Phoenix's ritual.
17:11 * Toritaka_Junpei nods quitely. He's seen such rituals before, though rarely in such a peaceful place. "My thanks for your congradualations, Yogo-san," he offers simply.
* Isawa_Iwao smiles. "If you wish, I will begin, Moshi-san." Iwao takes a well-used scroll with the symbol of Earth inscribed on it from his scroll satchel... and then rummages around for what appears to be a little statue; a smooth, perfect sphere of stone on a flat base. Setting it down in front of him and seating himself lotus-style, Iwao begins to read.
17:12 <Natural1> Within the hall, the governess continues in a cool tone. "I am glad, Doji-san. It is best that you do not grow arrogant for my praise, for I would like you to continue to act with dignity and poise." She cares little for anyone who listens to her discussion with the samurai-ko. "Represent the beauty of our Clan where others fail to, Doji-san. That is all I ask of you."
17:17 * Doji_Tamayori bites down on her lower lip but the sudden jolt of pain does nothing to halt the hot blush that steals across her porcelain skin. The maiden hurriedly bows her head. "Your will be done, Kakita-sama."
17:22 <Natural1> The sound of friction fills the air, of earth sliding against earth. It sounds almost like a loud and long yawn, like a man awakening from a deep slumber. The ground stirs, grass shuddering and soil shifting as the kami awakens, disturbing the precise gardening. After a few moments the sounds and the movement cease, yet not out of failure. An impatient anticipation can be felt in the air,
<Natural1> as the Earth kami wait for the Isawa's words. Why was the Earth awakened, in a place of Air?
17:23 <Natural1> Moshi Hakuseki watches in fascination and Suzume Jurian is equally enthralled by the display. However, Bayushi Shogusha hardly seems interested - in fact, a little apprehensive. "Yogo-san, I believe I shall take my leave."
* Yogo_Saki smiles. "Of course, Bayushi-san. Enjoy yourself, but not too much."
17:24 <Natural1> He contains a chuckle as he steps away, trying to keep his tone quiet - he does not wish to anger the kami. "You know that I cannot promise that, Yogo-san."
17:26 * Yogo_Saki nods to the Bayushi, then turns to watch the Isawa some more.
17:27 <Natural1> Within the hall, Kakita Tsuneko bows her head one last time. "I am proud to have you represent the Crane Clan in this court, Doji-san. I wish you good fortune." With one last smile, the daimyo turned away to leave the blushing Crane behind.
17:31 <Doji_Tamayori> "Thank you, Kakita-sama." She musters as graceful a bow as she can manage under the given circumstances, holds it, then straightens back up to her full height.
17:34 * Doji_Tamayori watches the Daimyo take her leave then closes her eyes and exhales.
17:37 * Mirumoto_Noboru spends this time making survery of whatever else may be happening in the hall.
17:39 <Natural1> Several pairs of eyes follow Kakita Tsuneko - and then Doji Tamayori once the daimyo has left the hall. Servants are slowly oozing into the hall to prepare it for the evening meal while the injured participants from the earlier duels make their entrance - Yoritomo Nizomi, Matsu Reiha and Hida Manabu. Eventually, even Kakita Sunao enters the court, head bowed to conceal his expression from
17:40 <Natural1> any observer.
<Isawa_Iwao> Iwao's tone is low and steady, matching the (somewhat peeved, he notes - he is surprised that Air dominates here so well) Earth's tone. "Spirits of Earth, hear my words. The garden here is fertile, and there are many plants here, all of great beauty. Tell me, spirit, from whence do these plants originate?"
17:46 - Natural1 has quit IRC: Ping timeout
17:47 * Mirumoto_Noboru doesn't even look towards Sunao for long as he enters, seeing no point in berating him further with even a disapproving glance. Instead, his eyes drift back to Tamayori, whose performance he was much more impressed with. Not even bearing Kakita's name and wielding his style better than any he's encountered in his time. He'd think to approach her now if it didn't seem out of place...or frankly if it didn't terrify him.
17:48 - Joined: Tsi_Kenia ([email protected])
Tsi_Kenia is also in #L5Rooc and #l5rthursdaysooc
17:59 - Joined: Yoritomo_Koruda ([email protected])
Yoritomo_Koruda was previously here at 17:46 as Natural1