Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Hana nodded at that. "If Daidoji-san had been hearing rumors that a certain ronin had his position for..less than honorable reasons, allow me to settle the matter. While I cannot vouch for his behavior off of the battlefield, Osoroshii-sama, is quite the skilled warrior and ruthless tactician. Had t...

Hana spared the Daidoji a considering glance. "It certainly was, Kakita Hana and Isawa Hana had a lot to overcome, and there was little aid I could offer either of them. You would think the Crab could have spared a few of those tetsubos....though I'm not certain even I could convince Kakita Hana to ...

The big Crane waddled into the baths proper, carrying a fluffy white towel. "Please excuse me," Nobu said, bowing to the assembled flowers, before dropping the towel and stepping into the bath. Aware of his size, he was careful to slip into the water without creating a big splash. As per usual, Oto...

And as if the Crab had timed it, the last firework died out, leaving the camp in relative darkness. Hana rose, taking a moment to brush off any crumbs or dust from the impromptu picnic. "But at least we have the memory of the fireworks, Hida-san. We all must fade eventually, but we can be bright for...

Hana took a moment to stretch, and to offer a slight nod to Kakita Hana. She intended to see what the other two would ask first before making her own request.

The Otomo considered the Crab's analogy....soft-shelled crab indeed. "Lady Sun is kind, of course, Hida-san." she agreed. "But to borrow your analogy, would it not be fair to say then that it has been raining in the lands of the Crab since nearly the dawn of the Empire? When all of your ancestors kn...

"Being humble is no flaw, so long as one does not use it to avoid greater challenges." Yoshi feels on more stable ground. "If your ladyship's have a specific task that you feel might expand my horizons I would endeavor to please you" This provokes a small smile from the Otomo. "One task for three l...

The Otomo nods.

"I would say it is like swimming. You can swim swiftly or no, you can even float for awhile, but to stop is to drown." she offers.

Hana had given the Kitsuki space to work, though after awhile his monomanical interest in the Isawa's ribbons lost her interest. For some reason, it reminded her of that really terrible play with all the random bouts of people bouncing kemari balls in it. The Kitsuki was just kicking the ball up and...

Well, his responses thus far at least kept the Otomo mildly entertained.

"Only in this matter, Kasuga-san? Humble servant is a somewhat specialized servant if all he is willing to do is track down ronin rumors." she questioned.

Such a soft shelled Crab. I see why they sent you North. Hana thought. "I would say it is because we struggle against the nature of reality itself." she suggests. "Everything came from Nothing due to the three great sins: Fear, Desire, and Regret. With Heaven's literal guidance, we impose Order in ...

That got the Otomo's attention a little bit more. "Ah, one wonders if you've been hanging out with Kitsuki-san, Kasuga-san. Perhaps you intend the field of supplies to become a famous magistrate? I've heard Slow Tide Harbor could use a few more of those." she suggests. She took a bit of rice. "It's ...

This produced a soft laugh from the Imperial. "I've no delusions that I possess the soul of a Crab, Hida-san." she said amused. "I'd think a Daidoji would even be a stretch." She looked towards the Heavens as it was streaked with fire. "I suppose my take on it would be that I am leaving one kind of ...

Yoshiko considered the question. "Many are lost to the shadowlands. A good way to serve the empire is the protection of the Rokugani lands." She took out the taiyaki from the bag. "Taiyaki?" She offered the Otomo showing Hana the bag with the fish looking festival food. "That sounds lovely, Hida-sa...

Hana studied the back of her fan while she wondered if the Tortoise powered their ships via Yoshi's long-windedness. The other two had held their tongues long enough. The three had been together long enough that words weren't really needed to communicate her wishes. When she was bored, she'd either ...

The next firework was a bloom of silver and gold, sparking four seperate times.

"I see, that is interesting Hida-san. Most magistrates would not be so leinient. I assume that the magistrate did not execute them because of your clan's particular need to conserve manpower?" she questioned.

"Very well... We lived in a small fishing village near the river. My friends and I left to go and get some fish. On our way, we noted smoke near by and we became curious on what was happening." She ate a piece of her okomiyaki. "We found the fire and those who had made it as well. They had just rai...

Hana offered a bow. "Than I shall accept the gift in the spirit it is given. You have my thanks for all three Yogo-san, the conversation, the tea and now the gift." she offered. "However, all good things must come to an end. I have some people to go speak to about a certain Crab and a certain Yogo. ...

Hana cosidered her words. Perhaps she'd accept only after an insufficient two offers? "I would never cheapen Yogo-san's gift by suggesting it was given in the hopes of getting something in return. But you have provided me with excellent conversation and tea this day, I surely would be considered gre...

"I would not dream of having you go against her wishes to remain unidisturbed while you diligently execute her work, Kasuga-san." Hana assured with a small shake of the head. "I was merely curious. I've heard of her high standards for those who serve under her. If you have been meeting them so throu...