[MM, Open] Morning in the Thoroughfare

[Doji Hametsu]

"She is abrasive. Aggressively so." He frowned slightly. "Perhaps she means to prove a point of some kind? It has that sort of feeling to it. In any case, it does not do the legion's cohesion any favors."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

He knew the type. "Thank you for the warning, my apologies in advance if your duties require you to interact with them. Though as the logistics master of the legion, I would imagine they do not command a full kaisha."

[Doji Hametsu]

"No, fortunately. My interactions with her are limited to delivering requisition notices, which have been few and far between. I take it you have some experience soldiering? You seem almost to have expected one of her type about."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"I have heard of the Shosuro leading the 5th Kaisha, a man who was a yojimbo previously", Hikimasu said. Though unsurprising he had heard of a ranking officer that served the same lord. "I understand there is another Scorpion officer though, a Bayushi. Have you dealt with them before?"

[Doji Hametsu]

"Not extensively, I am afraid. Bayushi Najimi is an expert on literature, that much is widely known. You will know her instantly by the gilding she favors as a fashion statement. She eschews traditional elements of design."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

Oh, her. I remember hearing about her.

"I see, thank you again, Doji-san", Hikimasu bowed, a bit stiffly but he managed it without looking nervous. He'd suddenly recalled he was talking to someone he didn't know, and the conversation was going politely well, which was always cause for alarm. Still, he could chance continuing a bit.

"So will this be your first time marching across the Empire? I assume you've never been to Kaiu Kabe before."

[Doji Hametsu]

Hametsu returned the bow precisely, as though it were not simply a matter of routine, but a deeply important action all its own.

"It is my first time. My family is in negotiation for a marriage with a Kaiu family, so naturally there has been some cultural contact, but I have not had the pleasure of visiting just yet. Have you?"

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"The wall is not for those outside of the Crab", Hikimasu said with a small sigh. "They have an important duty, but it is their duty, and they are well-suited to it, their legions have a wealth of experience. Even their peasants do."

Which is exactly the opposite of the 42nd legion. Hikimasu hadn't heard of a single Crab among it's officer corps.

[Doji Hametsu]

"That follows. Certainly most clans have experience with their primary duties." Hametsu took quiet note of the firmness of the Scorpion's position on the Crab. If sincere, it might indeed be important later. "Are you something of a traveler, Shosuro-san?"

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"I've been some places", the Scorpion told him. "Primarily I travel scorpion lands as part of a patrol unit, outside of that I've been to Shiro Matsu, Kyuden Shika." He shrugged. "I was once a guest at Kyuden Doji according to my travel papers, but I was given a courier room in the castle town due to circumstances of my business there."

[Doji Hametsu]

"I am sorry that you did not get to experience it, but I share your misfortune. My mother is posted to Kosaten Shiro, and we seldom made the journey east, and never farther than Shiro Daidoji."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"Well, I can tell you it's as picturesque as it seems in the paintings, standing on a cliff like that", Hikimasu replied with a thoughtful nod, as if recalling the image. "Kosaten Shiro though, probably one of the least impressive castles of the Crane, but I'll hold the Lion accountable for that."

[Doji Hametsu]

"There can be a beauty in simplicity, and in the harmony of form and function, but of course Kosaten Shiro hardly qualifies in either respect. But your generosity of spirit is noted with gratitude." Hametsu smiled sardonically. Perhaps an overabundance of generosity, channeled somewhat differently, mind, provides an explanation for the Lion's repeated attempts to help us redecorate the castle?" He considered it. "One might like to think so."