Compiled tidbits, ideas, aesthetics, and tales of adventure and romance from the Winter Court of the Yanagi, a Gan No Koe game. Content Warnings for language, violence, and sexual content may be applicable and will be used as necessary.
Credit to @EvilAFM for the header image.
Planning to get some L5R art done for the portfolio soon….
… so did some fanart to get myself in the mood.
Bayushi Shoju and Kachiko, and Shiba Ujimitsu… my favorite characters from the books.
Ranging from a tender meeting, a sweet courtship, then deeply erotic married bliss -- nothing vulgar, but incredibly candid in the best manner of Shosuro writers. Excerpts below.
Inside the tube-shaped golden silk bag bearing an embroidered magnolia flower, is a sheet of crisp wheat-colored paper with a subtle, even grain. The paper is unscented, and the black ink is deep and richly pigmented. The calligraphy is striking in its clarity and shape— the sharp turns are crisp, the curves silken.
[Symbol of Akodo]
A home to sharpen the mind
and refine the forms;
He asks not for gilded beams
and golden altars,
but for well-made intentions.
[5 Successes, 2 Opportunities: resplendent, evoke emotions of fond memories.]
Ayato sits, dressed in a fine kimono, yet not his finest kimono. He sips tea and waits, and while he waits, peruses a letter. It is a few lines on plain paper, yet his eyes are narrowed, as if trying to tease meaning from every character.
Tiny bells in time with her footsteps announce her arrival, and she sweeps into the yashiki with a surrus of maiden’s sleeves and layered kimono skirts. The rich, dark black contrasts sharply with the under layers of crimson and gold. She bows low with a dancer’s grace, warmth in her eyes as she greets the Ikoma. “Thank you for inviting me, Ikoma-sama.”
"Of course. You are always welcome here." He smiles, good-humoredly. "As Akodo-san has already made you aware."
"Please, sit." He gestures to a seat across the table from him. "Tea, Shosuro-san?"
She gives a small smile under her veil, dropping her eyes, a bit of color brushing her cheeks. "Thank you, tea would be lovely."
He sends for tea, then fills Etsuaya's cup before his own. "So. I must admit, that this is not /quite/ a visit for the pleasure of your company, luminous as that is."
"And what nefarious hidden motive would you have for requesting a conversation? Organizing musicians for the Imperial wedding?" she smiles mischievously. "Writing dirty poems to scatter through the gardens?"
He gives Etsuaya a very dry, amused look. "I do not believe, given certain qualities of the Garden, that it would be wise to do that. Amusing...but not wise." "No...I simply have not had the chance to talk to you about your impending marriage, given the conflict with the Unicorn, and my recovery after." Ayato's smile takes on a wry cast. "It appears to be something of a unique union."
"Unique?" she raised an eyebrow over her cup of tea, cradled in her intertwined fingers beneath her chin. She inhales deeply through her nose, enjoying the scent.
He chuckles softly. "A crippled Akodo marrying a Shosuro? Rare. To then be willing to join the Scorpion? Rarer." Ayato inhales, sighs, sets his cup down. "Do not mistake me. I am not opposed, at all. Politically and personally, it is an excellent match. But...it will not necessarily be /seen/ so, by some."
"My people aren't all courtiers, dastardly spies, or opium dealers," she replies dryly, rolling her eyes. "Our people appreciate scholars and admire those determined to make something of themselves, even after a great personal loss. Some may see girlish infatuation, perhaps, but /let them/. We've worked surprisingly well together in the closing weeks of negotiations, and I'm happy with being underestimated."
His eyes narrow, dangerously...and then Ayato smiles, warmly, taking another sip of his tea. "Excellent. You will need that confidence, dealing with my people. And...perhaps this will be good for Akodo-san. To his family, he is worse than useless--crippled, a drain." Softly, softly, for he speaks something close to heresy. "They would waste his mind, which is as sharp a blade as any he could carry. Your people, perhaps, will not." "But protect him, Shosuro-san. The Scorpion will fear and misunderstand him. And he will not necessarily be knowledgeable in how to defend himself from their wiles."
The deep anger in her eyes is hard to miss as Ayato speaks of the attitude of his family. "Those that believe he is a crippled failure, a liability," she hisses, "have poisoned his very soul, and I /cannot/ forgive them for the damage they have done to him."
He chuckles, softly. "Mmm. You /are/ well suited to be a Lion's bride. Add a little bit more of a growl, and you might well have been a Matsu, just then." Ayato sighs, softly, humor vanishing. "You may have to, Shosuro-san. Family is a bond that can never be cut, no matter what his name may become. Even by death." His eyes go distant for a moment, then refocus on Etsuaya. "He will always be Akodo, in his soul. Accept it, Shosuro-san, or your marriage will not have harmony."
"My Grandmother always said the Matsu would be more effective if they did not announce their intentions," she replies smoothly, eyes still fierce. "And she, and her mother, were more than a match for many such warriors. My people may be slow to trust, but I am quite sure my Susumu will win them over." "I have grown to know him fairly well these months, but what exactly do you mean... How would you and your people, deeply respected by even our Shosuro historians, describe what exactly it means to be an Akodo?"
Ayato blinks at the question, opens his mouth to give a quick answer--then narrows his eyes and bites at his lip instead, considering. After a long pause, he answers, slowly. "To be Akodo is to be born to command, and to duty. They are born to lead, yet they seek not glory, like the Matsu." A deep breath. "Their lives are made for duty and for sacrifice, Shosuro-
san. It is...it is like an invisible mempo, that one may never remove." He trails off, slowly. "I do not know if I can express it more concisely than that."
“Ours are not invisible,” she brushes the nearly-transparent veil not-quite masking her face from the tiny golden chain running from ear-to-ear across her nose, voice soft and somber. “There are many reasons why we mask, most say to remind others of our role as the Son of Heaven’s villains... but it also reminds us of the sacrifices we must make for the Empire’s good, sacrifices of body, soul, and honor itself. I know the Akodo soul is different, and I have promised him to learn, and to understand.”
"That is all that one can ask, then." He smiles a bit. "I spoke also to Yogo-san." He sighs, and his lips thin. "He seems intent upon his course of action."
"I know," she sighs and sips at her tea. "I am very fond of him, and I know he would do whatever he could to help my case -- but... There are a few things one /must/ know about Yogo-san."
"He is /unwavering/ in his devotion to right action, no matter how painful or personally taxing, or how good it may be, to himself or to those he calls a friend. /If only/ Ikoma-san had made her unhappiness clear to him before he left for the Winter Court, he would have added the dispensation to be married to the dispensation allowing him to attend Court."
"The mourning restrictions weigh on him, even while he performs his duties reliably; I wonder how much it will change him to be released from them?"
"Alas, that the situation has been allowed to fester by his family--his dedication to duty will fit him well among his new family." He grimaces, just a bit. "I fear that any appreciation is now soured, and will remain so. It suits the Ikoma to see him as a power-monger, as ambitious, and manipulative." Another sigh. "In his dutifulness, he is proving them correct, or at least seeming to."
“If you have any ideas on how to mitigate their unhappiness, or hers, do let me know. They both deserve some happiness, and I know Yufei-san will do his utmost to be a good husband. Just… the tiles he has been dealt are extremely unfortunate,” she shakes her head.
He shakes his head. "I am not sure. That he continues to fight the battle will not help. They are not Matsu, to be beloved of endless fighting." Ayato shrugs, fractionally. "He has chosen his course."
“Which will hopefully not impact mine overmuch,” she replies, only unable to hide a small amount of frustration. “And if Yufei-san’s brother bests him, he will dutifully apologize for the trouble and marry her immediately. He’s already authorized me to make preparations for the wedding. Do you know if such an admission will please her enough to sign off on my marriage?”
A slow frown. "I would not...count chickens before they hatch." "This situation has grown bitter. To make assumptions may inflame already sore senses of honor."
“She didn’t say outright that it was conditional upon there being no litigation before the aforementioned apology,” she frowns and sits back on her heels. “If she values his honor, she could not expect him to do otherwise. I would think that, of all people, a Lion would understand — but she still believes it is subterfuge?”
Ayato sighs, allowing just a hint of exasperation into his tone. "Look at it not as what we know, but what they do, Shosuro-san. The waiting period /has been/ excessive. Outwardly, much of Yogo-san is outrageous, or strange, right down to the mask." He smiles a bit, at that. "And now, here, with the Examination, he steps forward as a powerful player, ambitious, making many friends and many enemies." "Would not you, not knowing him, seeing not a friend but a potential enemy, be wary?"
"I would be flexible enough to re-evaluate my opinion given new information," she replies quickly. "Granted, I would also not announce my intentions and opinions before gathering that new information -- as she has no option to revise her opinion, given that she loudly announced it all over the city, and must now stand behind one formed on incorrect presumptions."
A slight tightening of the jawline. "Shosuro-san...three years, I believe it has been? Three." It's a flat statement. "If Akodo-san's family, for three years, had kept you from him, would you be quiet, demure, and calm?" A dry edge enters his tone. "Do not make assumptions about the Ikoma based upon your interactions with me, Shosuro-san. There is a reason that I am here, just like everyone else in these delegations."
"You will not catch me making the argument that three years is not excessive," the corner of her mouth tugs wryly. "I daresay it hangs like a millstone around Yogo-san's neck -- but again, he /always/ tries to do what is /right/, not what is good for him." "And, Ikoma-sama," the tug at her lip widens slightly. "Are you suggesting the lot of us are a basket of oddities?"
Both eyebrows go up in a slow arch, Ayato's expression distinctly amused. "By the kami, Shosuro-san, whyever would I suggest such a thing?"
"Because good samurai are both sincere and honest," she says in a deadpan voice.
Equally deadpan: "Ah, yes, sincerity and honesty. How could I have forgotten the Scorpion's legendary possession of such virtue?" He smiles, to show that the remark is not intended to sting. "Would you like to know a secret, Shosuro-san?"
Instead of being insulted, she laughs openly. "Oh, you know I would!"
"That our delegations are intended as failures and insults is not burden, but opportunity." He smiles, the expression...wolfish. "It is freedom, Shosuro-san, do you know why?" "Because the worst we can do is fail, as we are intended. As we are expected. In no other circumstance, would this group of people be allowed anywhere within the same province as power, glory, advancement." His smile, if anything, widens. "And yet here we are. Making decisions. Accumulating power. Within reach of that which, did they realize what they were doing...our Clans would regret greatly, I think."
"Ohh, I quickly came to that realization, and I quite agree with your assessment. I think they may have sent me here to be humbled from a few early victories. But I am as dedicated to the good of the Empire as any Scorpion should be, and I /refuse/ to let something that would be /so very good/ for the Empire die."
The smile that Ayato flashes, just for a moment, is not proper. It is not demure. And it contains far more of the idea of fangs than it probably should, before it fades to something rather more acceptable. "Oh, good. You understand, then." He leans back, refills his teacup. "They expected us to continue to be failures, I believe. That we would not grasp for more than the scraps of their approval." A thin smile, a lifting of the cup. "They did not expect us to change. And yet here we are."
She proffers her own cup in a small toast, "Here we are. Not unsuccessful. And good work done." She takes a sip of tea, quirking an eyebrow. "I should like your opinion on something, if you do not mind getting a mite political..."
"Indeed, what have we been doing here all this time, if not politics?" he says, dryly. "Please, ask.
She waves and hand and rolls her eyes. "It gladdens me to see so many of us attempting to keep matters outside these walls from interfering too much with our work within the walls. That said, matters that have been keeping us busy are completed, and we have a number of bushi with idle hands -- to say nothing of courtiers with too much time to do little more than gossip." "Is there anything at all that this one can do to /keep/ matters cool and civil between the delegates in the closing weeks of this Winter Court? Perhaps another special event?"
"Mmm. Perhaps another event might be wise. And I would not want to seem remiss in my duties..." He chews thoughtfully on the inside of his lip. "I shall consider this, though I do not have an immediate answer. Surely the spate of weddings shall help in some degree, but..." He gives a small shrug. "You are correct that this requires attention, however. Should I require it, may I count on your help?" A slight smile, eyes sparkling.
"The weddings are well-spaced out, there should be room for one more event," she grins. "And I would be well-pleased to help."
"Then I shall consider, and we shall see what transpires." He grins back. It feels...good.
"You see, this is the sort of plotting I enjoy most..." she taps her teacup with the tips of her fingers. "And I don't suppose Susumu is in?"
"I don't believe so?" He smiles a little...awkwardly. "I may have timed this conversation...specifically."
"Hmm, of course you did," she smiles and shakes her head softly, tiny bells tinkling. "I know there are still negotiations to be done, nevermind securing the final permissions, but... I hope you are assured that I care very much for him, and will do my utmost to equip him for... whatever lies ahead." Her words are all very proper, very sincere, but she doesn't take as much care hiding the depth or longing behind her words as she might to someone else. She'd grown to like Ayato, despite the clash of their very first meeting, and he'd shown a considerable amount of personal loyalty to her lover in his thoughtful line of inquiry.
He nods, briefly, and busies himself with his teacup, not quite meeting Etsuaya's gaze as he speaks. "My fears are assuaged, Shosuro-san, and my concerns answered. You have my gratitude."
"Is there anything else I might do for you?" she senses something else, but can't quite put her finger on it.
He smiles, and shakes his head. "No, Shosuro-san, you've done everything I could have asked for. Now, I won't keep you. I'm sure you have preparations to make."
She holds up a hand. "Please, in private you may address me by my personal name. I quite like you, and if you think of something else, do not hesitate to ask." She rises, a little smile on her lips, and gives him a bow. "Thank you for speaking with me."
He almost stutters a little bit, at that. "I...of course, Sh...Etsuaya-san." He smiles, a little. "Likewise, of course." Ayato bows in return. "You are very welcome. Thank you for beign so forthcoming."
"I don't bother with lies, too difficult to keep track of," she grins prettily, skirts sweeping around her ankles as she moves towards the door. "Ancestors smile upon your path, Ayato-san."
"And upon yours, Etsuaya-san." He settles back, a small smile on his face.
ARCHIVES - Scorpion Quarters - 2018-1-30
CW: This gets steamy toward the end.
Notebook open on the table, she sits nearby, koto across her lap. Her hand alternates between the strings and the brush, brow furrowed in concentration.
The usual thump of sound on the stairs. It is not quite as distinctive as her bells, but nearly so. When Susumu reaches the top, he bows as usual. "Good evening, my love. Has the day passed well?"
She bows, then glances out the door, shutting it firmly before wrapping her arms around him with a kiss. A brief one, anyway, as she pulls back a moment later sputtering and blowing her veil out of her face.
Susumu successfully bites back his laughter, while placing his hands against her back. "Forgive me, I...do not know if that means the day was very good, or very bad."
"It's been very productive, but my mind is still at least partially in my compositions," she laughs cheerily and slips her veil up above her nose to give him a proper kiss. "I think we have a guaranteed twenty minutes of the common room to ourselves, so if you're planning to ravish me here and now, you'd best get to it…"
Susumu raises an eyebrow. "While that is always very tempting, I do intend to allow Soshi-sama to maintain a tiny bit of decorum in this space, per our last conversation." His eyebrow goes flat again, and he looks at her directly. "Besides, there will always be time for that...later tonight."
Cheeks reddening, she gives a laugh low in her throat. "Excellent, more inspiration for my writing-- " and she kisses him again, long, slow, and sweet.
He lets the kiss linger for a bit, but once they part, he turns to her desk. "What are you working on? More letters, as the season ends?"
"Hmm, perhaps I should write a few more letters, but no--" she sweeps over to the table and picks up her sketchbook. Writing journal? Notebook? It serve all purposes. She flips through it, allowing Susumu a glimpse at its pages as she searches for something. Sketches in ink and charcoal, endless pages filled with writing -- writing that ranges from clerical script to running, and at least three different types of what appears to be gibberish -- ciphers? -- interspersed with the highly stylized calligraphy -- of poems he kept hidden away. "I've decided on writing a song..."
He glances over the notebook, and then turns to her. "Oh yes? What sort of song?"
"A love song, of course…" she murmurs, a little smile on her lips. "I've only gotten a few lines in, and have a vague idea of the melody. She flips to the proper page and shows him a mess of lines and dashes -- which would make much more sense if he could read music.
"This...I know little about writing music, of course, but it appears to be a substantial undertaking."
"And I have a few good lines thus far..." she flips a few more pages and reads out, "bend and sway my love -- we strike at strife with laughter, dance through troubled times..."
Susumu's eyes widen a bit. "That...it is a bold song, I take it, if that is a representative sample?"
"It's in the tradition of Fukuryu..." she explains with a shrug. "There's a few more lines I'm thinking about borrowing from this or that poem, but I think this may be the theme I center the song around," her voice is a bit nervous, but her eyes show the same sort of fire he's seen when she's up against a challenge. "I must admit though, I'm not accustomed to... sharing my work... at such early stages."
Susumu snorts. "I am hardly a qualified observer, here. There can be no judgement, truly, for I would not know what to judge."
She looks up at him sharply over her notebook. "You've got quite a tongue when you --" it begins as almost a reprimand, but it ends with a giggle.
Susumu raises an eyebrow. "Still, I am glad to see you are following your heart here as well. Hopefully the ancestors will inspire you."
"Indeed, I hope so; my ancestor whose name I bear wrote a wondrous work, of a quality I only hope to approach," she beams under her silken veil. "She was a great actress, a playwright, and writer of songs."
Susumu looks curious "Oh yes? How long ago did she write? Are her works still performed, in Scorpion lands?"
"She was my mother's grandmother, and yes, if you wish to reduce the audience to tears, a brave Shosuro troupe will perform a particular play of hers. It's the story of three sisters and three brothers…" she goes on to spin a lovely tale It is a story of three sisters, who waited on the beach for their father and husbands, gone on a long journey to fight in a war far from home. The three husbands, brothers, must face numerous perils and tests, and one must make the ultimate sacrifices to allow his brothers to return. The story ends with a bittersweet reunion, the lone sister waiting on the beach with her babe to say goodbye to her husband's spirit...
Susumu nods, and follows the story closely, although the emotional tone of the piece does seem to confuse him.
"It makes a good deal more sense when you see the play performed," she waves a hand dismissively. "There's something in it for everyone -- the bushi delight in the stories of glory, the sentimental pine with the sisters, there's even a humorous monologue given by an old night watchman. It is quite long, so there's a bit of a shift for relief before the build to the climax and emotional catharsis at the end..."
"Ah! I see, that makes sense then."
"Are you named for an ancestor or a family friend?" she inquires, taking a seat and pulling her koto over her knees.
Susumu looks a bit bashful "My grandfather died the year before my gempukku. There was...very little question that I would take my name from him."
[Another character enters, they talk poetry while Susumu awkwardly keeps company and chimes in a few useful ideas... ]
The room empty but for the two of them, she slips her fingers between those of his one hand, and tucks the other hand around his waist. "You needn't go quite so soon..."
Susumu smiles at her. "Perhaps not, and how could I deny another private moment with you?" He will lean in to kiss her on the forehead.
"Your hand in mine, I feel the sacred fires of Benten," she rises to her toes, body against his, whispering a recitation in his ear. "Giving vows with our bodies, your lips a cup I drink willingly..."
Susumu's breathing intensifies. He stands very still next to her.
"Come…" she whispers, holding him tightly. She throws a glance back towards her room, and he will allow her to lead him.
(Content Warning: Rated R or more Smut.)
The door shuts and she gives him a full-mouthed kiss -- "The only witness to a cautious heart," -- her mask goes into her sleeve -- "this unfamiliar dance, flash of a fan.." -- she grasps his face and leans in to press her lips against his, "-- wrapped in silk hardly breathing --" her hands dip to his obi "-- bid me to your side, giving vows with our bodies-- I never did thank you..."
"Nor I you, but what are you thinking of specifically?"
“I’ve not written this fast in my life… All those poetry seeds, thanks to you.”
He will kiss her. "I am glad that I can be such an inspiration, for you."
“Now if only I can get you to sing,” she laughs softly.
He smiles a saccharine smile. "Not today, unfortunately. But some day, perhaps."
She just pushes him gently to the wall, her obi falling away, little smirk on her lips. Her eyes flash a bit, was that a challenge?
She kisses him softly as she presses his shoulders to the wall, hands running down his chest and deepens the kiss, working on the ties of his hakama while he he will places a hand flat, fingers spread wide, against her back.
She plucked at the hakama knots, deliberately brushing a hand across the pleated front -- and there is a sharp intake of breath from him.
She allows him to hold her tight, but pulls back from the kiss enough to nip at his bottom lip, while pulling free the hakama’s ties. She slides her hands down his back to free him from the pesky garment.
Susumu will create a little bit of space to free himself of the rest of his garments: the hakama is, after all, the thing he struggles with the most when he must do it himself. That accomplished, he will pull her towards him again, into a close kiss.
She halts him before he can completely remove all of his clothing — “Let me...” — and she runs her hands along the inside of his kimono, along his flanks, trailing kisses down his torso and belly while sinking to her knees.
He is nearly still. His eyes are completely dilated. His breathing is shallow, expectant.
She presses a kiss below his navel, untying the last knots to bare his body to her, even her own silken garments slid off her shoulders and into the crooks of her arms. “Shall I..?” she gazes up at him, pupils wide, pretty mouth quirked.
Susumu stares at her, and nods. Speech seems to be entirely beyond him.
Gently, so gently, she runs her trail of kisses down him, soft mouth taking him in — clearly, she has been reading, and clearly looks terribly pleased with herself.
He holds on to the wall as she overwhelms his senses. Perhaps he has heard of this, but this still seems to be a very exciting surprise.
Slowly, deliberately, gently, she ministers to him, this new sort of lovemaking causing her to tremble excitedly again. She felt pleased, powerful, seeing him shake and cling to the wall. She wondered if he could take much more before throwing her to the bed and ravishing her, as some of the stories had mentioned. But patience, she endured her own desire with patience...
Shaking, he places a hand on her shoulder, and squeezes, but she keeps up her patient rhythm, and digs her nails into his hips, a shade to firm to be perfectly gentle.
He gasps, body spasming, panting roughly. After a long moment, he manages to find his voice, even though it is just a whisper. "What...what should I do? For, for you?"
“What pleases you, my love,” she hides her mouth behind her hand and sleeve, shrugging her bare shoulders. She pulls him down, pressing her brow to his. “You do have a clever tongue of your own, and my body aches for you...”
Susumu will slowly push her the rest of the way down to the mattress, lowering himself as carefully as he can, above her, his lips brushing against hers, then trailing down her body.
Is she purring? She pants softly before her world explodes in pure, white pleasure…
ARCHIVES - Lion Quarters - 2018-1-29
Yogo Yufei’s fiance from the Ikoma family has shown up, throwing the marriage proposal between the lovers into uncertainty.
Akodo Susumu is there, sitting at his usual chair. He had expected today to be one of more excitement, but Yogo Yufei's family drama had muted any potential celebration of the examination provisions. He has just set his brush aside, carefully balancing on the inkwell.
Light steps skipping up the stairs, an accompanying jingle of tiny bells announces her presence as well as any servant. She slides the door open herself and bows, glancing around the yashiki. "Hello, Susumu..." a little smile on her lips under the silken veil.
His reserve melts away, as he hears the now familiar sound of small bells. He is nearly beaming by the time she enters. "Etsuaya. It is... always so good to hear your approach."
She laughs warmly, openly, and wraps her arms around him. "There are many reasons why I wear that hair ornament, and I must confess that is one reason."
He returns her embrace, and tries to be funny. "Oh? Is another to terrify your enemies, at the sound of your approach?"
"You have me exactly!" she exclaims cheerily, savoring the double meaning, her knees touching his; him seated, her standing, she leans in and presses her nose against his. Her thin, nearly transparent veil tickles his lips.
He holds her close and places his head against her shoulder, giving a contented sigh. "So, what mischief shall we get up to tonight?"
"I'm sure we can come up with a few ideas." She moves her silken veil with a finger and--
"Susumu-san, I ha-" The quiet footfalls warn them too late as Shinjiro wanders into the common room, the majority of his attention is focused on a scrap of parchment in his off hand. His gaze lifts to find his fellow Lion and Etsuaya caught in a tender moment then quickly averts his eyes then bows low. "Ah, my apologies."
Susumu quickly sits bolt upright and folds his hands in his lap. "Akodo-san, my apologies. I had thought you were still on the grounds. But please, come in."
He shoots an amused glance over at Etsuaya. "Despite appearances, we still have a tiny bit of decorum left in us."
"Ahem," she blushes to her ears and takes a half step back and and gives a bow, both embarrassed and frustrated to be robbed of her kiss. To Susumu, "Please tell me you've mentioned something of the arrangement we're seeking to them...?"
Shinjiro holds his bow for a moment longer....then straightens. The young Lion's expression is an object study of polite serenity. "Arrangement?" Shinjiro inquires as he approaches Susumu and Etsuaya.
"Ah," she gives a little smile and laugh, hand over her mouth. "There has been a match proposed."
Susumu nods again. "We have engaged a nakodo to arrange a marriage for us. There are present affairs to resolve first, of course, but we engage each other's company in the mean time."
She can't help but give a little laugh at his last clause, but this time her fan is there to hide it. Is that what we're calling it now?
Shinjiro smiles then bows his head in a nod. "What better way to pass the time than to become better acquainted?"
Susumu snorts. "What indeed, Akodo-san?"
"Ah!" her face lights up. "Susumu, you missed the afternoon a few weeks back when Akodo-san came with the other two from your delegation. I never did find out, or ask, if you sang or played an instrument!"
"This is very important information." Shinjiro informs Susumu with feigned gravitas. "I was somewhat unprepared, but it was a rare opportunity to enjoy an evening of music."
Susumu shakes his head and then winks. "I never really learned. Should I suppose, now, that learning to play will be one of the conditions you set forth?"
She catches his wink and passes him one of her own. "I think you may be acquainted with an able teacher now, so a mandate may well be in order. It would break my dear Gran's heart if you didn't try." She thinks a moment. "Dear Jizo, I should probably draw out my family tree..." she mutters under her breath.
"Do you play yourself, Akodo-san? Or sing, perhaps?" Susumu asks.
Shinjiro shakes his head. "I do not. To be honest I hadn't much interest in music, save to perhaps from time to time listen and enjoy what is offered. He nods a little to Etsuaya. "My time here has given me cause to reconsider my stance."
She gives both men a winning smile. "Oh, but every child can sing. The adults, well, sometimes they need to be reminded to stand straight, open their hearts, and let the sound out freely."
"Hmph. Perhaps I shall learn to play a drum, then, or something of the sort, so that I can provide a background for you."
"Anyone who has ever given a halfway decent kiai is capable of carrying a tune, even an Akodo," she says mock-sternly. "Besides, with lips like yours -- a hichiriki? No, I think perhaps the shakuhachi flute. I always found the embrasure a bit tricky, but the shape of your mouth is more generous, and the fingering isn't terribly tricky to learn." The opinion on his lips /was/ a strictly professional assessment, but even so, her cheeks are touched with color.
Susumu also blushes a bit as Etsuaya describes his lip. "I will, ah, consider your assessment, Etsuaya-san." He then turns to Shinjiro. "She is good at making us reconsider things, isn't she? I am glad I am not completely alone in this."
"And," she holds up a small hands, wiggling slender fingers. "Both of you gentlemen's hands are so much larger than mine. The holes of that flute are so very wide apart..."
Shinjiro slightly quirks an amused brow at Etsuaya's statement. The young Lion opens his mouth to say something, pauses then chuckles a little before offering a short bow in acknowledgement of Shosuro's observation. "A truth, from what I have observed." then he turns his attention to Susumu. "As am I."
"Ah, but if it were only so easy to charm birds out of trees, or treaties out of the brushes of those who say they were enemies," she smiles prettily, demurring the compliment. "Music is food for the soul, and doubly nourishing for those who play it, an easy thing to persuade inclination toward."
"Every journey starts with a single step." Shinjiro says this almost by rote then smiles. "I think there are few true enemies within these walls." The young Lion offers a small, easy shrug. "But to convince them of that..? That would be a true feat worthy of song."
"I concur entirely," she nods with a small smile. "And perhaps I'll write your song?" "But I'm afraid I cannot linger, and must cross the garden for an appointment. Akodo-san, would you give me a moment to say my goodbyes?"
Shinjiro bows low to Etsuaya. "Of course." Turning to Susumu he offers him a bow as well before turning and exiting the room.
Once Shinjiro is gone, Susumu turns to Etsuaya. "More clan business, I suppose? Best of luck in a successful resolution tonight." He will place the tips of his fingers under her chin, brushing up slowly to lift her veil.
"Just making sure we have a solid strategy to sort this mourning and marriage dispute out swiftly," Her arms are around around him again and she kisses him -- long, vibrant, sweet and slow.
He returns her kiss. He says nothing, words are unnecessary. Eventually, they must part. "May the ancestors watch over you, Etsuaya."
"I'll see you soon," she pulls back, kisses his forehead softly and departs.
A koto across her lap, Etsuaya plays, slowly picking out a series of notes and chords, making notes in her little book -- composing, apparently. Distracting herself from the dire uncertainty of Soshi Aoi’s decision. Or lack thereof.
Akodo Susumu climbs the stairs to the Scorpion quarters, once again. This time, he has not formally let a servant lead the way. The sound of him climbing the stairs is certain to be warning enough. He enters with a bow, as is traditional, and sits in an available seat to listen to Etsuaya play -- and he relaxes.
Etsuaya holds up a finger as he enters, her eyes fixed intently on the notebook, bottom lip between her teeth, brush floating across the page. She finishes her notes and looks up at him, a shred of fear in her eyes. She slid the koto to the side and rose, face calm, and swept into an elegant bow. "Susumu, hello. Welcome."
"Hello, my dear Etsuaya. How are you tonight?"
She listens a moment, then glances around the yashiki. Etsu tilts her head to the side, a little smile on her lips as she softly pads across the floor. Rising to her toes, she tips up her veil to kiss him soundly on the lips. "Much better, with you."
He returns her kiss, and puts his left arm around her. After they break, he says "As I am with you. I am happy enough that most of my official work seems to be wrapping up for now... is the same true, for you?"
She gives a little laugh, "Ah, if only my official work outweighed my unofficial!"
He smiles "But hopefully more pleasant, on the whole?"
"I find great satisfaction in my work overall," she smiles back at him, draping her arms over his shoulders.
He will lean in to give her a slow kiss. "And I would not have met you had I not been assigned here, so it has certainly been worthwhile."
Returning from some errands, looking a little tired from a day out in the city, Soshi Aoi enters the room. She is not amused.
She had just risen to her toes to whisper a response in his ears, and catches the sound of Soshi on the stairs just in time to take a step -- half a step? -- backwards. "Soshi-sama, hello!"
While Shosuro was the one to speak first, it is the Akodo who has her attention in this moment.
Susumu's hands have dropped away from Etsuaya, and he turns and bows to Aoi, his face falling into a more neutral expression. "Good evening, Soshi-sama."
Soshi will bow to both. "A far better greeting than the last time I saw you two in similar meeting. Your hands are exactly where they should be." While she says this, she moves to sit across from the pair. "It is fortuitous to encounter you both."
She blushes and looks at the floor, returning to sit on the floor next to her koto. She touches the strings, but does not draw the instrument across her lap. "Would you like me to play for you, Soshi-sama?"
Soshi smiles and nods. "As long as I might talk to you while you play." She regards Akodo. "Both of you."
Susumu nods, and turns to face her. "Yes, our last encounter in this space was...unfortunate. For which I owe you an apology, Soshi-sama. You were the first, to my knowledge, to have observed our activity, and I did not know who you were. My reaction was, well, Lion manners. Inappropriate for the setting." He stops for a minute, eyes downcase. "But please, you have my attention. What do you wish to say?"
Etsuaya nods to Aoi, readying the koto and drawing her fingers across the strings meditatively. She plays softly, barely touching the strings so to allow for conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi3ZP3FDjAg
"You have given me very much to consider, Akodo-san, Shosuro-san. On my place in the Clan Scorpion. On my friendship with Shosuro Etsuaya. On the wisdom of the Lion Clan."
She pauses to listen to the song. "It has been an ever-enlightening meditation. Greater than the sum of its parts."
"The marriage proposal you seek will cause ripples in the relations between several Clans, I believe. My place in the considerations is not a thing I have taken lightly. I have a personal request..." She lets the question hang with a chance for one of the others to respond.
She continues playing, but speaks softly, "Of course, Soshi-sama."
Susumu also nods. "If there is something that I can do to assist you, Soshi-sama, I will see if it can be done."
Soshi takes on a severe edge to her tone. "My brother, called Nobu, died before he was able to complete his gempuku."
She bows her head, seemingly in remembrance, but then raises it with a slow smile. "I want you to name your first son after him. My letter to Otosan Uchi is sent, and I have supported your union."
"I-- " Her fingers halt, stunned into silence, heart nearly stoping in her chest. The rhetorical exercises, the examination of the match from every angle, confrontations, tears shed into her pillow… "Soshi-sama! I--" she glances to Susumu, words failing her.
Susumu's eyes look for Etsuaya as well. When he sees that she has done the same, he smiles, then bows deeply to Aoi, still smiling. "Thank you, Soshi-sama. Your support is, is welcome. I...I, yes, that is an understandable request. I will do my part to see that it is done."
"And, if I may," Soshi rises, bowing and allowing a slight gush of emotion, "Perhaps your next assignation should be done in a place where absolutely none may interfere. It would better suit everyone involved, I believe."
"That is a wonderful name, Soshi-sama, I would be honored…" Her cheeks color warmly and she bows deeply over her instrument and laughs nervously.
Susumu looks appropriately sheepish at Aoi's words. "Yes, um, we have not been the most discreet, have we? We will, unh, try to do better in the future."
Smile on her lips, Soshi exits to her room.
She looks dazedly at Susumu as Aoi makes her exit, mouth partly open, eyes blinking back tears.
Susumu will turn to Etsuaya, still flushed. "Would you... care to accompany me to my quarters, Etsuaya? Perhaps... There we can allow Soshi-sama her rest."
She lays her koto to the side and looks up at him, still a bit stunned. "Blessed Benten be praised, did she just say what I thought she said?"
Susumu smiles. "She did. She has sent her approval. There are still challenges before us, but she has joined our side."
She gives a little laugh and rises, showing a bit of canine teeth in her grin. "Oh, but I do enjoy this taste of victory and do not intend to be subverted on this mission. But... Let's go!"
Susumu stands quickly, and then has to stagger a bit to make sure that he catches himself on his cane before he falls over. He gathers up his traveling case. "Yes, I am eager to see victory in this mission as well." And he will head for the door.
Jan 23. Crisp paper, elegant and formal calligraphy, courteous and formal tone. An abstract painting of a rose, drawn incorporating the brush strokes of her name.
To the Most Treasured Soshi-sama,
May she be sheltered always by Fukurokujin-no-Kami and Ebisu-no-Kami, [etc., etc., formal prose.]
As winter is coming to a close, so is our task in Toshi Tenjikobutan. This one does not mean to challenge your decision, or lack thereof, or pester you further about the proposed betrothal, but time is running short and I beseech Tenjin-no-Kami for a blessing of clarity.
Time is running short and there has been little time to orient you to the nuances of courtly politics, what with your much more important role as intermediary to the kami. This one will attempt to clarify the timeline we find ourselves working with, in relation to the acquisition of this asset.
To summarize, when we leave Toshi Tenjikobutan in about two weeks, there is no guarantee we can retain the doctor Akodo Susumu, or that he will even remain in the same province.
It is quite likely that our delegation will be sent to Otosan Uchi, and it has not been determined if he will also be sent. There is a significant chance that he will not.
The Lion clan have struggled in the courts -- partly due to the unpopularity of their proposal, and partly due to the distractedness of their Ikoma courtier -- so there is the possibility of him being sent home for unsatisfactory completion of their delegation's goals.
Furthermore, the clan is not yet aware of his degree of skill. At the capitol, he will be in close proximity to his Lords, who will notice sooner rather than later. At this point, I am certain that two things will then happen -- aside from the price of acquiring him to the clan going up significantly.
Upon discovering his skill, he will be swiftly married to another of his clan -- and I am almost certain that he will not continue an affair -- and secondly, he will be reassigned and sent to a field hospital on either Crane or Unicorn battlefront -- geographically out of my reach.
And if we do not take his clan's side when the weather warms and the fighting season begins, he becomes an impossible asset to acquire.
This one hopes that the logic of my argument, along with the words of Akodo-san, have answered a number of questions and concerns.
While Benten-no-Kami has her hand upon me strongly, and it is she who makes me bold, it has been Fukurokujin-no-Kami whom I have pestered endlessly for wisdom involving this relationship with Akodo-san, from the very start. I had never intended this to move past subtle glances and teasing flirtation, but his passion for his art has ensnared me.
Should you decide to agree to my proposed match, I will also remind you of my warm relationships with those in the Unicorn delegation. They have offered a number of favors for my previous actions, one of which I can employ to carry your letter to Otosan Uchi requesting approval to proceed to marriage negotiations in half the time any other rider can travel.
May the blessings of our ancestors, the favor of the Kami and all Thousand Fortunes be upon you, regardless of your answer.
Both the lovers have taken the suggestion of a marriage alliance to their respective leaders in the city. Susumu’s Ikoma leader readily agrees, and sends off his recommendation to their Lord. The Scorpion envoy is... more hesitant.
Delegation head Soshi Aoi, a shugenja of Imperial ancestry, elegant and well-educated, requests an interview with them both. The others of their delegation wish to ask questions of their own. Yogo Yufei, the legal expert and duelist is a voice of moderation. Bayushi Saburo, who had been a student mentor to Etsuaya in her days at the courtier school, is more skeptical. Soshi, however, has the final say in the matter.
Scorpion Quarters - 2018-1-22
CW: For medical unpleasantness, manipulation/emotional abuse.
Soshi has had the furniture arranged into a formal meeting setting. She sits in a seat denoting authority, waiting for the rest of the party to arrive.
Etsuaya sweeps into the yashiki smelling of the rich temple incense, dressed in her best garments -- rich night-black kimono that hugs her curves and shows a bit of leg when her steps are too wide, small sprigs of pine joining her usual jasmine. She bows formally to the Soshi shugenja, face neutral and nerves firmly in check.
Soshi gestures to a seat at her side after a short bow. "Shosuro-san, welcome. This one has considered your request, and has some factors to consider. What is your final presentation of your case for marriage to the wounded Lion?"
Yufei slips in to the room, a half-folded paper crane, plain and white, pinched between his fingers. He bows silently, before slipping into a seat.
Soshi bows and gestures to the seat on the other side of her. The Scorpion all sit on one side of the table, the other side has three seats as well, for the Akodo.
Etsuaya’s voice is formal and matter-of-fact. She is reporting out to a superior, not making a case for love. "It is my opinion that the Clan, and specifically my family, will be well served by acquiring a man of exceptional memory and exceeding talent in the healing arts and manufacture of medicines, and depriving the Lion clan of such a man before they realize his full value -- for in the space of less than a year, he has grown his talent from basic field medicine to skills that rival most court physicians. One only need a brief survey of his notes, which I have asked him to bring.”
“Furthermore, he has a great knowledge of the workings of government bureaucracy, has not neglected his physical well-being after suffering such an injury, and -- having a curious mind -- diligently seeks out answers to puzzles and problems that present themselves. He also seems to have a mindset that will adapt well to our people, and he is open to finding a new life among those who respect his skills.”
“Lastly, we work well together," her voice warms ever-so-slightly, her own affection creeping out from behind her mask of reserve ever so slightly. "We compliment each other’s abilities. Our personalities work well together under pressure, both in the treatment of patients and in diplomatic actions. His affection to me has strengthened that working relationship, and I believe will reinforce his loyalty to our people." Finished with her statement, she bows respectfully to her superior and takes her seat.
Soshi's eyes narrow at the end of the report, the only part of her which is visible under the mask and unisex robes. "And if another were found to secure this marriage, aside from yourself, how might it impact the effort of acquiring this asset?"
"He loves me." Her voice does not shake, neither do her hands, and she bows her head respectfully. "The affection that drives those bonds of loyalty would not be present on his part to another, but he and I would do as our Lord commands."
Yufei taps the nose of his mask. " -- And, of course, without the pretense that we're making a love match, there would be no way to carry out negotiations without tipping off the Lion Clan as to the fellow's true value."
"That would not be an untrue assertion," Etsu replies to Yufei in a whisper.
"The Akodo wishes to leave his Clan, his dojo, his entire way of life to join the Clan which carries the burden of the darkest service to the Emperor and the Empire, save perhaps that of the Crab,” Soshi says smoothly. "Affection may not be enough to secure his deepest loyalty. If Shosuro-san were to no longer be a means of keeping his loyalty, by way of her immediate absence or perhaps death, what else is there to keep him?"
Saburo enters the room and bows. "Apologies for my lateness, I had business which kept me unavoidably detained." Turning to face Etsuaya "Soshi-Sama speaks correctly in this."
"He feels, and has been given the impression by his clan, that he is a burden. He has been given the impression and believes that he has failed his Akodo Lords," Etsu nods to Saburo. "I believe he feels that this could be a second chance for a new life in service to the Empire, with a people who value his skills."
Saburo sits with the others. "A belief he has failed is not a strong recommendation. He may be quite skilled, but if he does not possess the appropriate will what use are they to us?"
Etsu raises a hand. "I mentioned some of this earlier, I'm terribly sorry we were not delayed, so you would not have missed it. But in an attempt to reinvent himself, he threw himself into a new career -- which has not been respected or recognized by Akodo. Perhaps he would not feel this way if they valued physicians as they should -- as we do."
"Kintsugi -” Soshi muses. “A cup, once broken, will always bear the crack, even if fixed with gold. As much of an asset as a Lion doctor will certainly be, his feeling of failure will hound him for the rest of his days. He was not born to the Scorpion. This is not his birthright. His loyalty is to Shosuro-san, not to the Clan Scorpion. This one is concerned about that above all."
Yufei speaks. "Soshi-sama isn't wrong. He has the reasonable impression that Lion would get out of his way and let him work, so long as he is diligent. That Scorpion would do the same is not overmuch attraction." Yufei pauses. He gently unfolds the little origami bird he is holding, working it carefully apart.
"--He does, however, not lack for will,” Yufei continues. "He practices to the admiration of all at court. His work out of notice of most is considerable - he tests new practices and diagnoses, day in, day out, out in the burakumin encampment. He has even taken on an apprentice, an Asako. He is both ambitious and self-sacrificing."
"I believe his ultimate loyalty is as it should be, to the Empire," Etsuaya says simply. "That is, I think, an excellent foundation on which to build a loyalty to us. My family can be very charming, and perhaps the birth of a child would cement the matter."
Soshi nods. "A child would that indeed. Are you ready to commit to that within a year?"
Etsuaya doesn’t bat an eyelash. "I will try."
"Something tells me you shall do that indeed, Shosuro-san." A slight twinkle in Soshi’s eye shows a moment of a positive thrill, which Etsuaya catches, but this passes quickly.
Saburo turns his head to Yufei. "I see in that a will to do his work certainly, but if he was ordered to abandon it, do you believe he could?" Turning his mask to Etsuaya "If his loyalty were not to the empire we wouldn't be having this discussion. The question is would he be willing to put everything else aside, even you if ordered to?"
She considers for a moment, "I am unsure."
Yufei shrugs. "If you ordered Akodo Susumu to abandon medicine, or his Shosuro-san, he would request to perform the cuts. Bayushi-san, I would do similarly, were I ordered to abandon litigation. This is indeed a weakness, but I am loyal and useful still."
Saburo turns to Yufei. "Loyal and useful certainly, but you were not obtained with a cost. Etsuaya's hand may serve the clan better in a different match." Turning back to Etsuaya this time with a melancholy timber to his voice "Tell me, Chou, that you are thinking with your head, and not your heart."
She visibly bristles at the use of her childhood name and takes a long moment to give a measured response. "I am not the only Shosuro to recognize his value, but I am the first to recognize the extent of it. If we do not acquire him, someone else will, and I would prefer it to be Shosuro."
Soshi watches the others in their line of questioning, taking their discussion in.
Yufei taps a finger to his lip. "It'd be the Kitsuki otherwise, wouldn't they? Them and their grisly autopsies."
"That would be my guess," she replies.
"This is fairly clearly an earthly desire of our Shosuro-san,” Yufei observes. “But it is not so bad for our Clan either, and beyond his lover, Akodo-san's loyalty could easily and honestly be earned simply by inviting him into the ranks of esteemed scholars, letting him share in the community of thought and study of his art which Scorpion, mostly alone, is host to."
Yufei finishes flattening out the origami he had - it is just a sheet of creased paper, now. He rubs his fingers across it, as if the folds could be forgotten. "Shosuro-san could one day get another match. But this is the only match that Shosuro-san alone could get, this cheaply. Therefore, it wouldn't be unwise to approve it. Such is my judgement."
Soshi nods at the recommendation of the duelist. She looks to Bayushi for his thoughts.
Saburo's voice goes impassive reporting in a way not dissimilar to Etsuaya earlier: "All opportunities come with a cost. I am unconvinced this one is worth this price, when there may be ways to earn it more cheaply."
"Perhaps speaking with the young man may sway your opinion?" Etsu asks mildly, reflecting that same tone.
Saburo does not move as he speaks and his tone levels out further. "Perhaps."
Soshi looks to Shosuro. "And so these two recommend against. Their points are convincing. The value of the Akodo does not seem worth losing the opportunity you represent. Your personal interest in this matter is the biggest sticking point. The thrust of my questions will be to examine the strength of that."
Soshi casts her eyes down for a moment, collecting herself. "Send for the Akodo. We would speak with him."
The young Shosuro nods, and rises, calling for a servant outside the yashiki to call in her Akodo. She waits beside the door, eyes downcast.
A few short minutes later, the Scorpion begin to hear the slow, rhythmic thump as Akodo Susumu ascends the stairs. He enters dressed in his fine kimono, carrying his traveling case. His face is a careful mask, although there is a slight tug at one of the corners of his lips as he enters the room and sees Etsuaya -- but it quickly vanishes.
She meets his eyes for that brief moment and bows gracefully, then gestures to the Soshi, seated in the place of authority in the common room, and the others in a semicircle.
Susumu bows low to the table. "I am honored to be called before the assembled delegation of the loyal Scorpion clan, such that we may discuss the prospect of my betrothal to Shosuro Etsuaya-san. To mark such a propitious possibility, I have brought small gifts to share, that we may enjoy the hour more pleasantly."
Soshi Aoi rises at the entrance of the summoned guest Akodo. She wears a veil over her face, obscuring everything but her eyes by thick cloth. Her Shugenja robes obscure all sign of her gender. The effect is to show that she represents the Clan Scorpion, not herself or her family.
"Akodo Susumu, surely your presence is gift enough."
Saburo's mask tracks the Lion as he enters. He pointedly gives only the slightest of bows in return, and watches the proceedings with Aoi.
Yufei, of course, is here. A gentle little bow. He's comparatively quiet.
Susumu bows to each member of the table in turn, the lowest bow reserved for Aoi. "For such a blessed negotiation as this, I must politely disagree, Soshi-sama. I have no doubt that you will quite tire of my Lion manners by the end of the evening, and these may help mollify any unintended rudeness."
Soshi raises a single hand in graceful refusal. "Any potential lapses in grace would be better prevented than cured."
"I must persist, Soshi-sama. These gifts were designed specifically for your delegation, and it would be most unlucky to bestow them upon any others. It would be better that they were destroyed, in such a case."
Soshi nods. "Then we should not waste the efforts of the craftsmen. You may present the gifts."
Susumu bows. "Thank you, Soshi-sama. As there are some of you that I do not know, and I was uncertain of the appetites of all present, I have decided to obtain a few more than strictly necessary."
Opening his case on the table,onlookers can see some of the usual medical supplies he carries, but on top of that a pile of papers and a number of fairly small packages wrapped in cheap paper. It is these packages that he now takes out and begins to carefully unwrap on the table. As soon as he unwraps the first one it becomes clear what they are: they are intricate sugar candies, each individually wrapped. The first one he unwraps is a beautiful scorpion in miniature. There are others representing the other great clans, the 7 great Fortunes, and a few other more esoteric items: castle, a book, a cane, and a sword.
She flicks her fan in front of her lips, gasping softly, eyes fixed on the red rose, adorned with Benten's mark.
"For those who had the pleasure of joining me at the new year's celebration, I was intrigued by the work of a peasant artisan brought in for the occasion. I was able to find her location, and make appropriate arrangements to have this order picked up this morning. Please feel free to indulge yourself as the mood takes you." And Susumu will leave the group of candies, resting on their papers, in the middle of the table, ideally within easy reach of all. He will then take a seat at the far end of the table, facing the assembled Scorpion.
Soshi sits at her place of authority, choosing to take a simpler piece of confection, the book. "Such treats speak to a very enticing delight. May your words to come be so sweet to our ears."
She takes a moment for the others to also take a treat and eat.
Saburo's body remains as still as the mask over his face, still pointed at the Lion despite the intricate candy on display.
Yufei bows slightly. He plucks up the little candy depicting Ebisu, turns it in the lamplight, and plops it into his mouth.
She plucks up Benten's red rose, keeping her eyes downcast and taking small nibbles.
After the others have selected theirs, Saburo reaches out slowly and removes Fukurokujin from the table, and holds it in his hands.
After a pause to make sure that everyone who wants an initial treat has taken one, Susumu will take the lion candy, carefully bite off the edge of its flared mane, and then set the piece down. After all have had a few second to enjoy, he will speak again. "I am sure you have questions about this arrangement. I am here, for my part, to answer any questions you may have. I understand formal negotiations will take some time, in the usual way of things, but I am honored to have a chance to learn more about my future kinsman, especially those I have not had the pleasure of meeting, and they about me."
"Akodo Susumu, your Clan has presented yourself for marriage to our own Shosuro Etsuaya. We wish the best from this proposal, and while the betterment of the Empire are of foremost consideration, the furtherance of our Clan's duty is a priority. You are known to this one as a powerful mind, if a damaged body. Your skills as a doctor have been lauded, and your efforts to retain the strength of your limbs is respectable. Your dedication to our Clan, though, is a question." She lets that statement hang for a moment.
"Who are you?" Soshi asks the question simply, but her eyes cast the spell of the depth of answer she requires.
"I am Akodo Susumu. I was schooled in the Akodo commander school, under the tutelage of Akodo Kage-sensei. I have seen battle, and known hardship, in the service of my lord and clan.” He answers, voice steady. “Now, I seek to represent my clan in the courts, that they may show proper favor on the new examination ordered by his most Imperial Majesty. In the meantime, I have decided to render myself useful to my lord and the court by attempting to advance medical treatment, with the blessing of my esteemed hosts. I have even cared for members of several other delegations on a personal basis, albeit with insufficient success. I sit here now because I wish to be with one I have come to love, and know that she will be most unhappy, were our positions to be reversed."
"What would Shosuro Susumu be?" Soshi asks.
Sitting silently, her arms folded in her lap, Etsuaya has her hands tucked within her long maiden's sleeves -- eyes downcast, patient, silent, waiting.
Susumu flexes an eyebrow for a second before it returns to a neutral position. "I cannot yet say that I understand what his lord would require of Shosuro Susumu, therefore I find this an exceptionally difficult question to answer, Soshi-sama. I have been told that the way of the Scorpion clan is exceptionally perilous, and I will not pretend that embarking on such a path will not change who I am, if there is something in particular that my lord needs me to be."
He pauses a beat, voice turning wry. "Though I might recommend to such a lord against trying to retrain me as a bushi, or a duelist. The fortunes have been quite clear that my dharma lies elsewhere. If Shosuro Susumu's lord were to insist, I have some confidence that he would comply."
"Would Shosuro Susumu be willing to use his knowledge of the ways of the Lion against them?” Soshi asks. “Will Shosuro Susumu use his knowledge of medicine in ways which the honor of the Lion would find anathema? These are things a Scorpion Lord may ask. This one cannot speak the mind of the lords of her Clan, and so shall not. Your suggestion that your time as Bushi are done. The schools of the Scorprion for other methodologies are limited. To which end that the Scorpion are known, or feared, would you suggest to be trained?"
Etsuaya’s breath is even and steady, eyes firmly fixed to the low table in front of her.
"To the first point, yes, certainly,” Susumu answers. “I find it likely that the Scorpion clan already is aware of most, if not all, of Akodo's teachings as they are practiced in the Lion clan already. I would be willing to contribute what I know in that regard to my new lord's household. Of course, I might also council my lord that our houses stand stronger together than apart, but will ultimately bow to my lord's judgement in that regard."
Susumu smirks before responding to the second question. "My current practice is tolerated, at best, among the Lion leadership. I have no doubt that I could find a substantial portion of the Matsu bushi school that would say that my work already sullies my honor. I press on, regardless."
"As for the schools of your clan, I feel that you have several options. The easiest, perhaps, is to not educate me in your ways, or to keep me at arms' length from the dojo, especially at first. I have managed to succeed here without the benefits of most of my formal education, and I have confidence that I can continue to do so in future years. In medicine, as in many things, dedication to perfection will make its own success, in time. The other option would be to train me in one of your courtier schools. I would assume that of the Shosuro would be the most convenient, but I would leave such a question for my new lord to decide. Or perhaps it would be stipulated in the marriage contract. It matters little to me, at this stage."
"What does matter?" Soshi asks.
"Many things; I assume you would like to ask me what matters most, from where I take my direction?"
Soshi responds with a clinical silence, offering no insight.
There is a brief flit of Yufei's eyes behind his mask. Perhaps it's sympathy.
"You undersell yourself," Etsuaya says quietly, eyes still downcast. Still, she rises, sinks to a seat next to Susumu, and pulls out his casebook. She flips it open, thumbs through a few pages and places it on the table in front of Aoi and Saburo.
Saburo remains uncomfortably still, his nearly blank mask revealing nothing, the candy still held between his hands.
After the pause stretches, Susumu lets out a calculated sigh. "Very well. Honor matters. Beauty matters. History and culture matter. But the thing that matters above all else is the will of Heaven, as passed down to us through his most Exalted Highness, the Son of Heaven, and the Kami that were his siblings."
Soshi's eyes are daggers as Shosuro leaves her side to sit next to the Akodo. Her displeasure is barely hidden. "You speak as if you are a samurai and not a bushi, not a Lion, not a courtier or a Scorpion. Who are you?"
She raises her eyes to meet both Saburo's and Aoi's eyes defiantly, the first time in more than an hour. "In less time than it takes for a babe to come into the world, he has reinvented himself as a man of science and scholarship. He has gained more knowledge than a half-dozen doctors in the employ of the Shosuro damiyo, and even those patronized by the Otomo Yangai. This merits the attention of our people."
"Shosuro-san, if you are going to interrupt his testimony, it might be best for you to spend a moment outside."
Saburo speaks dryly after Yufei. "I believe he has our full attention in any case."
Etsuaya spares a particularly defiant glance to Saburo. "Among the finest of our generation, Bayushi-san, how many glances did I spare?" She bites back further comment and lowers her gaze to the table.
Soshi is ignoring Shosuro's continued outbursts, her eyes focused upon the Akodo.
Susumu continues calmly. "It is true that my experience places me outside of the neat categories of samurai society. That is, in some ways, an asset, as I have some cross training in matters of mutual interest. I also have unique skills that are useful to bushi and courtiers alike. However, I can reassure you that I am, for now, a Lion, regardless of your opinion of that matter, or of what the identity of a Lion should be. Should you wish for an independent verification of that, I would urge you to seek out Ikoma Ayato-san, who has been with me here at this court and can speak to my identity."
"It is the calling of the samurai to excel. Perfection is the unattainable goal, not diversity where nothing is superlative.” Soshi relies. "Yogo Yufei, this one would hear your thoughts at this time."
Yufei balances a half-folded paper bird on his finger, considering. "It is a little disingenuous to pick at the weakness in one phrase, and forgetting the whole. Akodo Susumu is an extremely admirable fellow, and perhaps the greatest mind at this court -- the lower court, of course. Working diligently, he has gained the respect of his peers, even across the harshest divides of outside politic." Yufei sets his half-finished origami down on the table, freeing his hands to adjust his mask.
"Yet he is very humble, and very cautious, in approaching these negotiations. I won't make him more bashful by saying why that's so. But," Yufei tips his head. "Akodo-san, do boast a little, if you don't mind. What's the latest of your research?"
Susumu's emotional mask slips as soon as he is asked about his research, and the annoyance is clearly visible. "Well, the thing I have been working on recently that has actually had some success has been working on a flexible, but sturdy, bandage for injuries around joints. You can see a prototype around the hand of Kakita Ishio-san, although I am trying to work on ways that that could be better, either in initial application, or at least in the changing of the dressing, since that needs to happen frequently. From there, I am hoping that will lead towards a more functional replacement for his missing fingers, but that is, unfortunately, some years in the future."
Soshi's bearing is nudged out of place at the mention of missing fingers. "Bayushi Saburo, your thoughts?"
After a moment of stillness Saburo sets the candy Fukurokujin aside, and leans forward. "I am still unconvinced, but I am not sure discussion can fully convince me." His head shifts to look at both Etsuaya and Susumu together, before turning to Aoi "I wish to propose a test."
Susumu looks amused at the proposal of a test, but Soshi gestures so to allow the Bayushi to continue.
"You are not my sensei any longer," she whispers to Saburo, but nods, conceding to Aoi. She stops breathing and buries her hands in her sleeves.
Yufei shrugs delicately. "A seven-colored jewel from a dragon's neck, or something like that?"
Saburo's mask turns back to the couple. "The test will be short. Do you both agree to do as I ask? If you pass, you will have my full support, if you fail you prove that you can't swim."
"This is no small thing." Soshi admonishes.
Susumu's expression is once again serious. "What is it that you ask?"
"Would you ask that question of your Scorpion Lord? Bayushi Saburo will not ask of you anything you are not capable of, nor will it violate your oaths to your Clans or to the Empire.
"Answer his question - will you do as he asks?"
She trembles slightly but nods shortly. Her eyes would beg Saburo for mercy, if she knew he would heed her request, instead she nods and softly breathes a soft prayer to Fukurokujin.
"That is part of the test." Saburo's voice almost waivers and he steadies his hands against the table. "Do you agree?"
"Saburo-san." Yufei speaks. "Has my cousin-school so fallen, that its students must make others swear play-oaths to take their measure?"
Susumu waits to see if either Aoi or Saburo responds to Yufei.
Soshi waits for Akodo's answer, but Saburo's head does not waiver from the couple. "Yufei, I'm sure Bushi study the Little Truths as well. 'Everyone lies. Even me' I know only one way to test if a man will do as he says." He pauses "Do you agree Akodo-san?"
Etsuaya sits, waiting, having consented. Mask impassive, hands in her sleeves.
Susumu sits back and sighs again. "Clearly there must be some mistake, Bayushi-san. You seem to believe that you are either my lord, or that you hold some other power over me. Neither of these are true. I have come here to negotiate, in mostly good faith, to unite two great houses to form a stronger bond of service to the empire. If you do not see the wisdom in this, well, perhaps your clan elders yet will. If there are any further questions, I will be happy to answer them, but if not, then I suppose that I shall be going."
Yufei rises. "Bayushi-san," He clicks his tongue. "I think you have not done your research on this man, and being in a position of weakness, you are seeking to satisfy your face and maintain appearances by making a show that serves no other purpose than vanity. A man can lie with his words, but he can lie with his actions also."
"Akodo Susumu, you are correct. We are not the final arbiters of this affair. This one, though, will have much to say of your initial impression. If this one were to ask the same question - that you do as this one asks, would it be different?"
Susumu shakes his head. "No, my answer would be the same. It is simply too easy that you, a relatively unknown quantity at this court, could suggest I do something that technically did not violate any of my oaths, but still compromised the Lion clan's ability to negotiate, especially in this critical final week before all proposals are due for the Imperial Examination. While I do look forward to potentially working with you all in the future, for right now I have a duty that I must uphold for the good of the Empire, even if that ends up delaying my betrothal and marriage.”
"You sound so sure of your destiny, Akodo Susumu. You should know by now that the best laid plans may fall beside the will of the kami.” Soshi says this with a tinge of personal angst, as if she is speaking of something which substantially altered her own path.
"Oh, of course.” Susumu replies. “I am well aware that the Kami can alter one's destiny at any time. Perhaps this is not to be. I am, however, deliberately choosing to speak optimistically."
Yufei taps his nose. The mask's, really. Tap, tap. "And we find ourselves turned to petulant game-playing simply because Bayushi-san thinks a man lies less with his actions than his words. Bold proclamations, absolute rules and harsh tests are the face-savings of those who did not perform the proper research, and Akodo-san would be right to take some offense at this. I would be a little irritated if I found myself facing litigation from this court's Matsu on this matter. There is a reason grooms are tested thusly in fairy tales mostly."
Susumu turns to Yufei. "Actually, Yogo-san, a word of caution, should you eventually join my clan. There will likely be someone, quite probably a Matsu, who will fill a position similar to what Bayushi-san has done here tonight. In such a circumstance, i would advise you to act as I have: attempt to negotiate, but stick to your principles and, if necessary, take the long way to earning their respect. It will likely come, in time. The particular may be different, but the function will likely be nearly identical." He nods to Saburo at the end.
Saburo remains unmoving as the discussion swells. Ignoring the comments around him, his mask is firmly pointed at Susumu. "I offer you this compromise then Akodo-san; You have my word that what I ask will not prevent you from doing your duty to your current lord. Will that satisfy your concern in that regard?"
Soshi’s voice is firm. "This is not a negotiation. The matchmakers will provide that service. This is an interview to earn the word of this one to show support or lack thereof, as ranking Scorpion of the delegation. Your hesitance to allow Bayushi Saburo's test is speaking to me. Soshuro Etsuaya appears to be willing. Are you two so different, then?"
Yufei looks between Aoi and Susumu. "A word of caution, Akodo-san, after you join my clan. The virtue of Scorpion is duty. That is the courage to touch what others wince at, which you have much of. But it is also the humility to abandon vain and purposeless things." Yufei looks down at the sweets. "But you'll have to pardon me, my esteemed clan fellows and Akodo-san also. Akodo-san's Lion manners are wearing on me terribly, so I shall have to beg your pardon." He has not seated, so he simply bows - "Soshi-sama. Shosuro-san. Bayushi-san." - and departs.
She continues looking steadily at the table, hands in her sleeves.
Soshi bows to release Yogo to his other affairs, but says nothing.
Susumu looks grave. "I would ask you to consider my position, Soshi-sama. I am not bound to the Scorpion clan - yet- and yet you are asking me to effectively allow you such. Would you allow another clan to you manipulate you, personally, in such a fashion? Even for love? And what would your current lord do if they became aware that you had allowed such? I doubt their reaction would be charitable, and yet you expect me to do such? If nothing else, consider this evidence that when I have sworn my oaths, I maintain my commitment to the spirit of them." Susumu will take another, substantial bite out of the Lion candy in front of him.
Saburo removes his hands from the table and leans back into his seat again. His voice is soft although it still carries throughout the room. "Very well Akodo-san. I will not ask you again. For what it is worth, I respect your choice even as I regret it." He turns to Etsuaya his voice turns casual almost conversational. "I will ask one question of you Etsuaya-san. If your clan ordered it, would you kill your husband, even if you loved him?"
Susumu turns his eyes directly ahead. His head makes the shadow of a nodding motion.
She shivers, but forces the answer out in a small voice, even and measured. "I reject the premise of the question. There is no cause, no reason, no purpose that I can imagine for the order to be be issued."
Susumu will turn to her, surprised. "I...Etsuaya...there may yet come a time when such is possibly, necessary. Please..." His words trail off.
"The gifts are certainly serving one of the purposes set forth." Soshi takes a small bite of her candy book.
"What time?" she turns to look at him, her voice tinged with anger. "Do you plan on making a deal with maho-tsukai? Giving your name to an Oni? I know you well enough to know that it is not in your character to betray."
Saburo shakes his head in response. His voice sounds weary. "You know better than this, Chou."
"It is a shame you did not bring any such gifts." Soshi’s eyes stab at Bayushi. Turning to the rest. "I am reminded that Shosuro Etsuaya has an appointment at the tea house."
Her anger rises further, the old name making her visibly bristle and she turns to Saburo with anger in her eyes. "You know as well as I that turning a target into an asset is far more effective than eliminating one. You are not my teacher. You have not been for a long time. We are of equal standing here."
Saburo goes still, not quite shocked but obviously surprised by Etsuaya's outburst. His voice is now completely worn down. "I clearly am not your teacher, for it appears I was unable to teach you anything."
"What more must I prove? Have I not shown my loyalty enough in blood and gut and steel?" Etsuaya shakes her head, anger draining with the color in her face.
Soshi remains silent as her Clanmates bicker and jab each other. The set of her jaw is visible through the pulse of tension near her temples, visible through her veil.
"Yes,” Etsuaya finally cries. "Yes, I would, if I was ordered. And then I would open my own jugular, for I could not continue to live in such a world where my Lord would give me such a disgraceful order." Her hands fly to her face, shocked at her own admission, and she buries her head in her lap, weeping.
"Shosuro Etsuaya, your appointment is waiting and deserving of your attention."
Saburo stands and bows politely to the couple. "Tonight you have both failed." He turns and bows to Soshi. "I will take my leave Soshi-sama. We should speak when it is convenient for you." Saburo will exit to his private quarters.
It takes a moment for her to cease sobbing into her lap, but after a deep breath she withdraws into the yashiki, looking at no one, moving at an unseemly fast pace -- but she lingers in the shadows of the yashiki's hallway, straining to listen.
Soshi bows to allow the Bayushi to leave. She does nothing in response to Shosuro's exit. Her eyes return to the Lion.
Susumu remains still, calm and collected. "Are there any further questions, Soshi-sama? If not, there is one more matter to discuss."
"This one still wishes to know who you are. Doctor, bushi, Lion. Benten's slave with Bisada's blessing. You show your loyalty now. The future holds an end to that loyalty and the beginning of another. I am now more certain that that loyalty will carry Bishamon's blessing. But why Shosuro Etsuaya? Would you seek our Clan without that flower in our garden?"
Susumu bows. "Likely not, Soshi-sama. She has seen things in me that others have not, or at least cannot see in the same way. She was friendly and supportive of me when I needed both of those things. Despite the numerous warnings I had received from family and friends within my own clan, her presence, aided by Yogo-san, allowed me to look past the darker aspects of your clan's reputation." Susumu sighs. "But it is also true that a match between us makes some political sense.”
“Whatever the general opinion of the Scorpion among the Lion, I trust that leadership knows that we need more allies, and marriage is the traditional way to gain them, even between those of such rank as ourselves."
"Furthermore, you clan has now reached what, so far as I know, the historical apex of its political power. Building ties with the Lion may allow you a measure of influence with them. If you can show you have more influence, or even control over the Lion, that would give your clan a strong claim that they should be the predominant power at the imperial court, rather than our mutual rivals, the Crane."
"Has this one begun to ask about the utility of this union?” Soshi corrects. “Your tangents do not speak to your ability to focus. This one asks about Susumu, whether Akodo or Shosuro, Doji or Hida, peasant or samurai.
“Why Etsu?" The woman’s abrupt change to such an intimacy might be seen as shocking.
Susumu merely raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Everything I have already said is absolutely true. I love her, for the reason I have already specified. Also, have you gotten a look at her? Or smelled her perfume? Daaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmnnnn. Maybe it does not work for you, but I think you know what I'm talking about." Susumu will take another bite of his candy.
She bites her sleeve to keep back quiet the soft sobs in the darkened hallway.
Soshi nods, her smile beneath her veil apparent as the corners of her eyes crease, just for a moment. "The delights of the senses fade as the seasons pass. Summer fades to Fall. You love her for her kindness while you are in the depths of despair. Do not mistake pity for love."
She looks over her shoulder to Shosuro's quarters. "A samurai's life is the length of a katana, or the breath which carries a rumor. When she has passed and you remain, what keeps Shosuro Susumu loyal to our Clan?"
Susumu nods, and relaxes. "The same thing that fundamentally binds every samurai: the oaths I have sworn. If I take this oath, if I surrender my daisho to the Hall of the Ancestors, I will do so for life, baring only the remote possibility that my lord betrays the will of heaven so obviously that I must ask to perform three cuts, or, failing that, cast myself to the waves in the depths of my dishonor."
"Less dramatically, I also believe that, should I serve for some time, I will develop relationships within the clan that will cement Shosuro Susumu's loyalty, if you have reason to doubt my word."
"You answer as a samurai honorable and true. Vague, but correct in every way. Could you be swayed to another Clan, either today or in the sad future which has no Shosuro Etsuaya? Why do you seek the Clan Scorpion? There are specific things I need you to say in response, or come close to, so your vagueries will not help you now."
"As to your first question, that will depend on the will of my lord. Perhaps, should such a terrible thing come to pass, my Shosuro lord would quickly tire of my Lion manners, and seek to see what value they could obtaining by marrying me outside the clan. In such a scenario, however hopefully unlikely, I would be called upon to serve another clan, and I would do so."
"As to your second question, many of the answers to such a question would cause me to dishonor either my sensei or my clan, and I will do neither. I humbly request this marriage because I believe it is in the best interest of Heaven's will, and will bind two great clans closer together, as well as two lovers."
"Etsuaya has convinced me that things will be better for us if I were to join the Scorpion than she the Lion, and I believe her. I am also aware that among your number at this court, Yogo-san is betrothed to join the Lion. While I do not know what provisions exist in his marriage contract, it seems a more balanced trade for the two of us to exchange positions than the Lion to govern both families."
Soshi closes her eyes in thought briefly, dancing the edge of discourtesy. She opens them and regards the Akodo. "This one thanks Akodo Susumu for his time, and wishes to thank him as well for the gifts already given and those which exist in a possible future. This one will now take the Akodo's words to her meditations, but will give a warning…”
"Your entire case is based upon your understanding of the blessing Benten has given you, as well as your capacity for adaptation to what other Fortunes have put in your path. You describe the Clans involved in terms which only say 'Anywhere but here.' The calling of the Scorpion is specific, and perilous, and you have not shown to this one you're understanding of that.”
"But you might yet," she murmurs.
Susumu smiles. "I am glad to see that I retain the chance to win your favor, Soshi-sama. Before this meeting, Etsuaya told me a very little about you, but enough to say that she trusts you. I will do the same for now." He cocks an eyebrow, and reaches into his case and produces a crude map. "Now, if you would like to have some fun, this map leads to a little surprise. Call it the more benign half of my "test", if you will. It is late now, but perhaps you may wish to look for it when the weather permits. I will certainly not hold it against you if you do not."
Soshi arches an eyebrow at the mystery, then regains her composure. "Akodo Susumu is dismissed for now, with the thanks of this one and her Clan for his time and effort to ourselves and to the Empire."
She rises and bows to further cement her dismissal.
Susumu will rise as well, bow, and see himself out. "Thank you, Soshi-sama. I look forward to working with you on matters of mutual interest in the coming days and years."
Soshi has an attending servant collect the candy gifts and set them aside for future consumption. She asks that Benten's rose remain on the table, half-eaten.
"Etsu..." She says, and hides the map in her sleeve, when she is sure that no others are nearby.
And the tiny Shosuro slips into the room on silent feet, after the servants leave. “I am so sorry for the outburst....” her voice is tiny, right, eyes reddened from crying.
"Such is expected when Benten plays." Soshi takes the rose candy in her hands and extends it to Shosuro. "When you have such a treat within reach, you should indulge."
"And... I would ask permission first, before carrying out what my Lord commanded me. Permission to kill myself. I would. Things just slipped out, out of order." she slumps to the floor, devoid her usual grace, accepting the treat gently, eyes fixed on the lovely little flower, hands still trembling.
'The order of things are as the kami have shaped them. Ours is to heed the omens and signs. Today, your love for the Akodo has created much strife. I would be remiss for not bringing that up. Yogo and Bayushi were at odds. You and Bayushi were at odds. You were all fighting over someone who feels love and has value both apparent and hidden, but has no direction." She lowers her hand to raise Shosuro's chin. "Use your love to fuel his fire. The Akodo will fight for you, die for you... for the Empire. If I see that he will do the same for our Clan, I will be satisfied. I could not face my Lord if asked without that. Show me that he knows what it means to swim."
“How?” she asks softly. “He has struck out on his own with no support from clan or family, become the most accomplished physician in this part of the Empire — all with not a single favor, not until I gave him one.” “How better can he demonstrate ingenuity, perseverance, and the ability to swim against a dire fate that would have killed a lesser man? And he remained here, speaking civilly, not striking out in anger, not snarling in rage when pressed, not threatening, but seeking honestly to demonstrate his sincerity while not compromising his existing oaths?”
"Could it be that he did those things out of a Lion's pride? The true test which a Scorpion must pass is not to succeed at all costs, but to fail where it will do the most good."
"He did that because he loves me. He trusts me when I told him that I believe he can do the most good for the Empire with our people," her voice cracks as she discards a small knife from the interior of her sleeve, a courtier's last line of defense. "And he remained cool when even /I/ wanted to thrust this into Bayushi-san's heart, even though I know he only wishes what is best for us."
"If Susumu can reinvent himself, practically on his own, then maintain his calm, in a room of strangers with the most dangerous reputation in Rokugan, to ask for the hand of the woman he loves, maintaining courtesy and charm, what else needs to be proven?"
"But why the Scorpion? Neither of you have answered that to my satisfaction. What about our Clan resonates with Susumu that he would thrive as Shosuro?" Soshi makes a few steps towards her room.
"We all want what is best for you. That may not be a marriage between you two. Such is the way of our caste. Move beyond his value. Move beyond your love for him. Without you, would be be a Scorpion? Think on this and let me know." She bows with perhaps too much respect for a woman fallen to the floor in shambles -- but then that is the point of the gesture -- and retreats.
“Because we make the medicines and the poisons that our clan needs to keep the Empire running.”’
Soshi pauses as Shosuro answers her first question. "Look beyond where he will succeed and ponder the ways he might fail. Will they serve the Empire, or will they only bring us all down? Take a night, a week, a month or a year if you must, to think on this." She continues with her departure.
Predawn light through Susumu’s shutters sees the couple waking in each other’s arms, sleepily making their way toward wakefulness. "I am so glad I discarded the demure maiden act..." she murmurs, yawning softly.
"So... So am I."
She grabs a pillow from where it had been thrown, rights herself and slips it under his head, then joins him, tossing an arm over his chest, then a naked ankle over his. For the first time there is light enough to notice the details as she looks around the room.
His wakizashi rests on a stand, the place for katana notably vacant. There are only a few sets of fairly drab clothes, and she has seen all of them by now. His desk is covered in a large quantity of miscellaneous notes, and a small bundle of notes beside the desk, carefully tied. Several brushes and a well used ink stone are in evidence on the desktop, and two well-known books on medicine, as well. An extra cane rests beside the desk. There is little else in the room, besides a simple bed.
She readjusts the borrowed brush controlling her hair so that it stops stabbing her in the shoulder. "My pillow smells of you."
He smiles. "I hope you like that."
"A bit frustrating, actually," she laughs a little.
He thinks. "Oh....yes, I suppose I could see that."
"Mmm," she nibbles on his ear. "But it is better to have the smell than nothing. And now perhaps you'll have a reminder of me when we're apart."
"I always have your memory."
She lies very still, very quiet.
He looks confused for a moment. "Have I not...explained my memory to you? I do not think it has ever failed me, when I have chosen to remember something. And I choose to remember you."
"I- I didn't know that. It's quite a gift. But, I -- no..." she replies, voice still quiet, her arms around him, almost clinging to him, looking for the words. Patiently, he waits for her to find them. She sighs, and shakes her head. "It's selfish to want more."
"I do not know what more I can give you that you would want."
"I... Don't want to be parted."
He sighs, and turns to her closely. "I know. But our time is not ours alone, is it? And for that, to… represent our clans, we must be apart."
"There might..." She hesitates again. "It's a risk for me to even mention; you might... not... like the idea."
His eyes go wide as he listens. "What...is it?"
She runs a hand along his cheek, speaking seriously, but cautiously. "There are extensive gardens in and around Shiro no Shosuro, and my family's holding lie between it and Ryoko Owari Toshi, along the River of Gold. The land there is valuable for growing many things, and with Shinomen Forest to the west, our lands are known for producing many medicinal herbs. Our mon is a loop of vines. And we value doctors."
His eyes are still wide. "Are you suggesting… something formal?"
She drops her eyes. "I am… amenable. I know, and I have always known that the chance of things lasting past Winter is slim, but… Time is running out. And if you wish to… But if you do not…"
He relaxes, and his eyes go far away. "I...thought about asking you something similar weeks ago. But then I realized you would be very, very unhappy among the Lion. It, it only occurred to me somewhat recently, that, uh, the reverse was a possibility. I…” He gulps, looking more vulnerable. "My family has little to offer, so, this is, such an arrangement the way you have suggested makes… makes the most sense."
The tension bleeds out from her and she starts to cry a little, and he gathers her in his arms.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," she gives a little laugh. "You've just -- this has been the happiest I have been in a very long time."
"I, uh, good. Yes. I hope...yes, this winter is much better than any of my previous as well, which I did not expect." He pauses for a second. "My apologies, my mind is already turning to the problems we will need to clear to handle this."
She wipes at her eyes. "I'll need to speak with Yogo-san, and maybe Uncle Hida -- the proposal may be better coming from him, though Yufei can write miles around most people I know."
She laughs again, "Did I tell you he was the one who told me to follow my heart?"
He stills at the mention of Yufei. "No, but I am glad he did. That… Yogo Yufei-san writing it likely would not go over well. He...is engaged to a Lion, an Ikoma, and she and her family are getting impatient." He looks apologetic. "I have been meaning to tell him, but have not found the time."
"Dear Jizo, I just learned his family are entering their third year of mourning -- that would explain why he nearly fled the room pleading tradition when Otomo-sama's marriage was discussed," she shakes her head. "You'll have to have tea with him, he mentioned something about dispensations, so he can at least receive the message."
"Yes, I will. He is on my list, after Kakita Ishio-san."
"I wonder how the boar hunt is going," the thought occurs to her.
Susumu starts suddenly. "I did not put the tea away. Actually, while I of course would like to stay here for an eternity with you, I would also like to have some more tea. Would you mind if I were to dress simply and go acquire some?"
She releases her hold on him and stretches her entire body, rather appealingly. "I do not mind."
He watches the stretch for a minute. Then blinks and says, half to himself. "Right. Tea."
She gives a merry little laugh as he goes to fetch tea.
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