Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Hana nods.

"I can add that, as a commander, he was stern but fair, and for all the talk about his exploits, he was never less than upright and honorable with those under his direction."

"Such a shame that it had to be done, of course," Hana says. "Even if it was done well."

Hana glances up and down, then gives a slight smile.

"Indeed, it looks like the rumors about you are true, Daidoji-san."

Hana gives a small shake of her head and a little sigh.

She eats a bit more, as well. One must keep up one's strength.

Hana grins.

"Tortoises are noted to move, shall we say, deliberately," she quips.

Hana smiles tightly.

"That might account for the humility, though," she says. "Knowing one's limitations would certainly be 'humble.'"

Hana offers her assistance with skill. Also aplomb.

Hana, looking haggard--the Sixth is her kaisha, after all--arrives, sent thence by a harried Matsu Oishi. She bows to the assembled, deeper to Mari.

Hana shakes her head and sighs ever so slightly.

Hana says "Kasuga-san is clever. One wonders what that other reason might be."

She smiles a little at him, then delicately takes another bite of her meal.

Lunchtime is lunchtime, after all.

"Yes," Hana says. "Do tell."

Hana eats a bit more, looking with continued curiosity at the Tortoise.

Hana's eyes flicker over him, assessing him curiously.

Hana looks at the Kakita.

"When did you see them spar?" she asks.

Hana nods. "Makes sense," she agrees. "Although one wonders why this promotion? After all, the second here has shown every sign of actual loyalty throughout, if the...more experienced participants are to be believed. And they gain little if anything from saying so, so..." She shrugs. "An outside for...

Hana giggles for a moment. She collects herself, though. "It is a possible problem," she notes. "We're not exactly going sightseeing here, after all. And it does seem there are some...issues...with information getting to command. One might almost wonder if somebody sees a threat in some high places."

"If it's who I think you mean," Hana replies, "then I'm getting some of that experience, too."

She grins.

"Of course, I can get away with stabbing people a little bit."

Isawa Hana sits with her rations, looking back at the dust as it settles sullenly in the Legion's wake.

"Itadakimasu," she says, clapping her hands and bowing her head in prayer for a moment.

Utaku Mukai wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 16, 2024 9:28 pm

"I suppose one can't get a new assignment if this one doesn't finish first. Thank you for the advice, Isawa-san."

"Any time," Hana says as she makes her /exit, with thanks.

Mari nods along politely, while trying not to think more about the ritual aspects (intellectually interesting) vs. who they were devoted to (disquieting). "Ah, so you've a good deal of practical knowledge of keeping working rituals intact. Pale Oak Castle would be an excellent spot for that." Glanc...