Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Osoroshii considers the Hare.

"Huh," he says, and shrugs.

"Keep your sword sharp, Usagi-san. I think it'll be needed soon."

He gives a nod.

"Carry the Fortunes."

"They'd hardly be worth whispering if they were reputable," Osoroshii quips. Then he takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. "But such is for younger men, anymore. Or it is for those who have no home port. Those who have such a thing should value it, truly, however brief a time they may be able ...

Osoroshii feigns a shudder.

"I'm not sad to have missed out on so many courts as I have," he says.

Then he grins, almost leering.

"That said, when I have gone, I've had quite the time. There've been...several...who've been...welcoming in the winter cold."

Osoroshii shrugs.

"Some might say that all sorts are needed," he says. "I know at least one who would make such a comment--but I'm not."

Another shrug.

"You'll be fit to fight if we need it? I've known some Kuni to be...vigorous in their questioning."

That gets a grunt of laughter. "Would that more saw it so," Osoroshii says. "But perhaps it is being here, knowing what may be coming--what is coming, whether sooner or later--has me being more...reflective than usual. "There are endings coming. Such often prompts introspection. At least for me, at ...

"It can be nice, truly," Osoroshii says. "I mean, I--"

He cuts himself off abruptly.

"Forgive an older man his ruminations, Usagi-san," he says.

"I take it her family and yours approve, then," Osoroshii continues. "I certainly hope so.

"The other way tends not to work out well."

"The marriage, you mean?" Osoroshii asks.

"Have you met your intended?"

His tone shifts, becoming a bit wistful.

"There're some who'd argue that losing one's mind or soul makes promotion more likely," Osoroshii replies. "So the coming days might be a help with it! "But, to be sure," he continues, "there are benefits to it. More choice of duty station's not seldom among them--and I know you've got a marriage in...

"It might not be as far away as you think, Usagi-san," Osoroshii replies. "Depending on how the battle goes, of course."

There's a shrug.

"Never can tell about that, to be sure."

"Many are the joys of command," Osoroshii replies, grinning wryly. "It's why I've so often sought it, myself."

"Usagi-san," comes the familiar voice of the Shireikan. "Didn't get a chance to tell you I appreciate you having that information handy for me."

Yogo Adoka wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 28, 2024 7:10 pm

tag

"That's...a pretty good idea, Yogo-san," Osoroshii says. "Keep at it."

"Thrice-damned shit-show, this," mutters Osoroshii under his breath before he draws a deep one that he holds for a heartbeat, two, and releases. "You," he says, knife-hand identifying one Legionnaire who happens to be nearby. "Start gathering up wounded, get 'em looked at, easiest to treat handled ...

"As far as dueling goes," Osoroshii replies, "there's standing orders that require sanction from, well, either myself of the Rikugunshokan. For purposes of service in the Legion, after all, he is your lord, and I might have to be." He gives a small shake of the head. "Nobody wants that. "Had we more...

The Shireikan stalks through, order following in his wake as he gives his orders. "Doesn't matter how it was done. Need it done this way. Now, please." Seeing the members of other kaisha assisting, he gives a brief nod, but that seems to be all there's time for as he continues. "You, gunso, which gu...

"Good!" Osoroshii says. "You'll need your strength for the march!

"But for now, you had ideas about interacting with the Crab, correct?"

The guard nods and admits the pair to the XO's tent. It is surpriringly neat and tidy, as is the shireikan who is finishing securing his daisho.

"Gentlefolk," Osoroshii says, giving a nod, "I hope you've eaten today."

"Oh, you'll like him," Osoroshii says. "I think you two'd get along famously, in fact."

He refills.

"Try the pickles. They're quite good."

Osoroshii does not know the future, of course, or it seems like he shouldn't, so he nods and swallows. "Well, see if you can catch up to me tomorrow on the march. I'm usually not too far from the Rikugunshokan, unless he's got me handling something for him." He grins. "You might even get to meet Sep...