Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

The fullness of the day finds Hametsu, sans armor but still spotless, winding his way through the crowds around the principal teahouse of Museru Mura. He has not chosen a prominent table, but rather sits alone, nursing his tea while watching the other patrons enjoy themselves.

An Otomo maiden dressed in her festival best made her way to a tea shop for a bit of morning refreshment. She smiled a bit upon seeing the Doji attache, and made her way to his table with a small bow.

"Expecting someone for tea, Doji-san?" she inquired.

"I am not, Otomo-sama. Would you like to share the table?" Hametsu's on is well-formed at this point in the morning, but the Otomo would be able to feel a certain tension in the air--a tension emanating from among the patrons. You know, honestly, it was probably the couple ronin staring daggers at Hametsu from across the common room.

She certainly didn't seem to react to the ronin stares.

"Of course Doji-san. Who would not delight in sharing tea this fine morning with a noble son of the house of Doji? No samurai worth their swords would pass up such an opportunity." she said not bothering to hide her words while joining the man.

Just as it was as certain that she had noted them.

Hametsu opened his mouth the reply...

D5 Carouse with the Locals roll (Skulduggery/Water), spending void for extra ring die to mitigate the Whispers of Cruelty adversity. | TN: 2 | Success: 0 / Opportunity: 3 / Strife: 1


...But the ronin was faster.

Ronin: "Otomo-sama would not say such things if she knew Doji-sama like we do."

Hametsu shut his mouth and his face became blank as his on descended.

Ronin: "You see, Otomo-sama. Doji-sama, here, gets his jollies wrecking reputations and getting good men thrown into the street, he does."

Hana drew out her fine silk fan and took a moment to fan herself a bit.

She smiled at the Doji.

"My apologies, Doji-san, these tea houses can be SO noisy sometimes. I do believe I missed what you were saying. Perhaps your opinion on what sort of tea is best in the house?" she said sweetly.

Her gaze and words were solely for Hametsu...though the lack of gaze and words for the ronin was as deliberate and powerful a message as a slap.

(OOC: Hit the wrong die to keep. So 3 clean successes to tell the ronin to buzz off, but no opportunities for Fanning the flames: https://sakkaku.org/r/14119 Stupid thick headed ronin.)

The ronin's eyes bugged out. Slamming down his drink, he turned to his friends. "Let's get out of here. They'll serve anybody." And the troop bustled out into the street, but not without a parting glare Hametsu's way.

For his part, Hametsu inclined his head. "I hear the golden blossom blend is appreciated in Mura Sabishii Toshi, if Otomo-sama is feeling adventurous."

Hana favored him with a smile.

"Every day is an adventure, is it not, Doji-san? But I find with the right people and the right tea, it is an adventure worth having." she replied, paying no mind to the trash taking itself out.

"Have you had a chance to visit Mura Sabishii Toshi in the past?"

"No, my mother would not hear of such a journey. Our duties were to the north, and in the north we were meant to stay." He smiled at the irony of saying this on the border of Crab lands. "I heard the recommendation from a young man from the Mura Sabishii Toshi that I served with at Lord Daidoji's winter court."

Hana nodded.

"Winter Court is such a wonderful time is it not? A chance to meet people that one would not normally encounter. Of course, we also have such an opportunity in the Legion but it is much more difficult to find the time to socialize properly, given our purpose. "

A moment was stolen to order said tea.

"Was that last season you were at Lord Daidoji's Winter Court, Doji-san, or a previous one?"

"My mother was a regular attendee, and as the child designated to follow in her footsteps, I was also a regular guest of Lord Daidoji until I was invited to join the Legion. Now it is legionary business, whatever the season, and I am seldom away from the capital." He smiled. "I wish Otomo-sama to be spared such a fate. The season is a thing to be missed."

Hana nodded.

"Although, who is to say what the future is to hold? Should Doji-san climb the ranks as quite a few expect, he may find himself in the Imperial Winter Court as a well respected representive of the Emerald Legions. The current instability in the capital cannot last. Eventually the throne will be occupied once more by the Son of Heaven. I would expect quite a few positions to be vacated and filled as suits the eventual Emperor. Who is to say where either of us will be this time next year?" she remarked as the tea arrived.

"If I am to climb the ranks, I had better do it quickly. Future winters may see me more of a fixture of Lord Kaiu's court than Kyuden Ikoma or Morning Glory Castle."

He tilted his head. "They are a well-meaning people, certainly, but I shudder to think how long it takes for news of Lady Doji's courtly ensemble to reach them."

Doji Hametsu wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 24, 2024 3:49 am

"If I am to climb the ranks, I had better do it quickly. Future winters may see me more of a fixture of Lord Kaiu's court than Kyuden Ikoma or Morning Glory Castle."

He tilted his head. "They are a well-meaning people, certainly, but I shudder to think how long it takes for news of Lady Doji's courtly ensemble to reach them."

Hana considered the Crane over her tea cup.

"Well, I suppose there is more than distance to consider in how fast such news spreads. It will most assuredly reach Pale Oak Castle long before it reaches Kyuden Suzume." she ponders.

She takes a sip of tea.

"Of course, I suppose it very much matters where your lord needs you ultimately, Doji-san. Kaiu Shiro is not a bad posting, certainly preferrable to Kyuden Hida. Well, except in the unlikely event Kyuden Hida is chosen for the Imperial Winter Court. I'm not a bad student of history, but I do believe that is one of those places that could, in theory, host such an event, but has never done so. Kaiu Shiro is not bad if Doji-san's interests lie heavily in smithing and architecture...though it feels to me like Shiro Kaotsuki no Higashi would possibly better suit Doji-san's talents...at least from what I've been able to observe in our time together." she reasoned.

"This one has many talents, and though it is gratifying to be of service anywhere, one must acknowledge one's ambition. And one's determination to attain it. It would be more difficult from Face of the East Castle, but if the Kaiu expect me to gladly check figures and play his demure little wife, they will be in for a serious surprise."

He smiled primly.

"I have tasted battle, Otomo-sama, and I have found it very good."

Hana considered the Crane before her while taking in a moment to savor the aroma of the tea.

"Well, then let us hope they have more sense tha that." she commented. "It sounds to me like you are exactly where you are supposed to be. A pleasing thing in ikebana, a pleasing thing in life."

Hametsu nodded. "Just so."