Despair and Wisdom: Imperial March

Hametsu had almost made it to the lumber wholesalers when he was swept away by the tide of humanity heading out to the fields for the kite battle. Sputtering and trying to make his way back, he was alarmed to find a kite string shoved into his hands and the grinning villager scampering to release his cutter. Well, one could not let the kite go while in the public eye, so he figured that he'd been well and truly dragooned.

Squaring his shoulders to protect himself from the well of upset that surged within him at this most unwelcome turn of events, Hametsu resolved to get this all over with quickly, flying his kite not smoothly but with surprising aggression. He cut a brutal swathe, but was alarmed to discover that his reward was the gaudy kite, clashing colors and all.

Drat, he thought, as it was shoved ceremoniously back into his hands with the commendations of the peasants around him. What in Tengoku's name am I going to do with this?

D5 Combat Kite roll. Games 1/Air 3. Perfectionist triggered. Spending Void. | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 2 / Strife: 2

The Kitsuki had eagerly joined the tide of enthusiast entering the field to fly their kites. He had expect3d to simply watch, but a striking emerald and gold kite was handed to him. Excitedly, he launched it into the sky. He waved to Hametsu, as he successfully defended his kite and turned it to take down others.

He was delighted when the kitemaker insisted he keep it.

Shaking himself out of his horror, Hametsu returned the wave. And then, not wanting to seem standoffish in spite of his profound desire to get rid of the monstrosity he now owned, he made his way over to Edogawa.

He snapped off a bow. "Congratulations on your victory, Kitsuki-san," he said, gesturing at Edogawa's kite.

"And to you, Doji-sama." He looked over the Crane's kite. "A well made and worthy warrior."

Hametsu had to give him that. "Certainly an effective one,..." but he still wasn't sold. "...but it is a fierce thing, and I wonder if it will be friendly with my tent's palette."

"It is made to seem imposing in the sky." he nodded. "Art often takes on a different aesthetic when seen in a different environment, does it not?"

"Hai, but a kite cannot always fly." He frowned. "How will you be storing yours?"

"I believe, if I'm careful, I can separate the washi from the bamboo spars.and disassemble the frame." he answered. "At the least, I'll learn more about how they are constructed."

"That is very sensible, Kitsuki-san. I shall have to endeavor to do the same." He nodded, a little more secure in his new acquisition. "How has Kitsuki-san found his time in the Legion thus far?'

"So far, it is largely as I expected." he answered. "If things to come are as our comrades from the Crab suggest, however, we may not be ready."

That was an alarming observation.

"Kitsuki-san is not satisfied with the Legion's preparedness? Can I ask for his considered opinion?"

"I think we are prepared to face anything we may exoect." he shook her head. "The Legion is strong and disciplined. My concern is that I believe much of what we may face will be unexpected."

"Ah, yes. The perennial problem. It is moments like those that good bushi need something to fall back on. It is why I am such a stickler for the grooming standard; it stops the men fretting about things beyond their control...and gives them something safe to grumble about."

"It is a good approach." he nodded. "But, I still wonder what we will find at the Wall."

"If my...possible fiance speaks the truth, I expect a great deal of violence. Violence we can deal with, in the end, costly though it may be. I also would not assume that the Crab will be happy to see us. That could be far more damaging."

"That likely depends on how we present ourselves." he shrugged. "If we seem useful and don't get in the way, they may be amicable enough. I haven't spent much time with the Crab, though."

"They have the same pride in their duty that other clans do. Sometimes it can be difficult to accept assistance, no matter how well-intentioned. We will have to demonstrate effectiveness, and, crucially, put up with any abuse they may choose to throw at us."

"If the stories they've told are only half true, the abuse they might give would be welcome if it guards us from the horrors they face." he said.

That does not entirely compute for Hametsu.

"An ogre's club will kill the body, but if just one legionnaire goes for his katana when slighted by a Crab, that will do a mortal injury to the whole legion."

"Agreed." he nodded. "We should all learn to adapt to Crab culture, but that may not come easily."