The Drive to Survive (D1, Serpent/LM)

[Otomo Hana]

"Well, the smith's art also includes maintenance and care. Creation is the only aspect that takes an exorbitant amount of time. We also do stuff to improve fit and to protect gear while traveling. A nice layer of oil on a blade or armor will keep it moving smoothly and protected from water or dust damage," Daikumo points out.

His tone becomes somewhat contemplative as he gathers his thoughts to share them. He mostly keeps his emotions in check when sharing his view and what the dragon are experiencing right now. "As to how things are going among the dragon, They are much the same as they usually are. Information trickles from the champion While we continue going about our day-to-day lives. We contemplate and we consider as individuals and in discussions the knowledge that is shared with us. And we await orders while going about our lives. It is certainly a time of mourning and upheaval, we recognize, but we look to the sky and see that Lord Moon has not stopped chasing Lady Sun, the stars continue to shine, and the enemies of the empire continue to create problems. It would not honor the legacy of the emperor to fall into chaos, and so we do our best to continue on the path that lies before us by our ancestors. And we will be dragons, in all that that entails. Whether that means showing wisdom when necessary or ferocity if needed. But I believe that the general consensus among many dragon is likely as complex as it is in the rest of the empire at this moment, I imagine. Although I feel like I haven't truly answered what you were trying to learn."

For her part, Hana simply listens intently as the Agasha speaks. She does shake her head a bit at the last statement though.

"Not at all, Agasha-san. I've learned quite a bit from what you've said, having now seen the Dragon's wisdom to match with the Dragon's wrath." she offers.

She taps her fan a bit.

"But I wouldn't want you to feel unsatisfied with your offering. You did mention honoring the legacy of the Emperor, may he find peace." she says taking a respectful pause for the former Emperor. "Have you any thoughts about his sons?"

[Agasha Daikumo]

"Bayushi Shoju and Aramoro followed the template by which the empire has transferred power peacefully through generations did they not? I find myself wondering about the wisdom of a man that elects to follow tradition when it favors himself but ignores it when it would apply to others. It seems a bit selective to me. But I am also not him so I don't know what he knows or doesn't. At the end of the day, the tradition of the eldest inheriting positions of power has served the empire well in most cases, so I would stand with tradition in this case as well if my opinion meant anything to those making such decisions," Daikumo replies. "But that is a personal belief and I don't speak on behalf of my clan in that regard. Only our champion and his appointed diplomats can do so."

[Otomo Hana]

"Bayushi Shoju and Aramoro followed the template by which the empire has transferred power peacefully through generations did they not? I find myself wondering about the wisdom of a man that elects to follow tradition when it favors himself but ignores it when it would apply to others. It seems a bit selective to me. But I am also not him so I don't know what he knows or doesn't. At the end of the day, the tradition of the eldest inheriting positions of power has served the empire well in most cases, so I would stand with tradition in this case as well if my opinion meant anything to those making such decisions," Daikumo replies. "But that is a personal belief and I don't speak on behalf of my clan in that regard. Only our champion and his appointed diplomats can do so."

Hana nodded.

"Oh of course not, Agasha-san. There is no doubt in my mind that once the throne is occupied, you will dutifully serve whomever is there. After all, ultimately our loyalty is to the position rather than the person, I'm sure you would agree. It is simply an interesting point of history to find ourselves within Who knows how many generations will pass before such a moment comes again?" she replied.

She offered a polite bow to the Agasha.

"But as enlightening as our conversation has been, I have other duties I should attend to. It will be a long day I am sure."

[Agasha Daikumo]

"Of course. Not every transition has been according to tradition and the empire is still here, so whoever our Emperor is, they will of course be my Emperor. My opinion is about as impactful on the outcome as a spilled cup of water in Crab lands impacts a bird in Dragon lands. At the end of this situation, I will have an emperor and I will serve that Emperor. Possibly by taking vengeance on any posts they find disagreeable. It is a specialty of mine," Daikumo replies with a bow.

[Otomo Hana]

"Of course. Not every transition has been according to tradition and the empire is still here, so whoever our Emperor is, they will of course be my Emperor. My opinion is about as impactful on the outcome as a spilled cup of water in Crab lands impacts a bird in Dragon lands. At the end of this situation, I will have an emperor and I will serve that Emperor. Possibly by taking vengeance on any posts they find disagreeable. It is a specialty of mine," Daikumo replies with a bow.

That drew a small smile from the Otomo.

"Well then, I will let you get back to your never-ending quest for vengence upon the wood that has so gravely wronged you, Agasha-san. May Hofukushu be pleased with you." she offered before heading off to continue her day.

/exit!

[Utaku Mukai]

"So, peacekeeping", the Scorpion nodded. "Not an unlucky posting, but sometimes without excitement." He seemed to ponder it a bit, then decided that it was likely incredibly troublesome. "Any good stories?"

She pauses to consider, "Many beautiful sights but they don't lend much to telling, at least not by me, ain't exactly a poet nor a painter. As for excitement there were a few times the dangerous animals walked on two legs."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

She pauses to consider, "Many beautiful sights but they don't lend much to telling, at least not by me, ain't exactly a poet nor a painter. As for excitement there were a few times the dangerous animals walked on two legs."

"Bears do that", the Scorpion nodded, though his mask was pushed up along his cheeks in the suggestion of a smile, his flat eyes didn't exactly let on he was joking.

[Utaku Mukai]

"Bears do that", the Scorpion nodded, though his mask was pushed up along his cheeks in the suggestion of a smile, his flat eyes didn't exactly let on he was joking.

"Though tend to be more courteous, when they do, than the beasts in question." Not that she was much of one to speak to courtesy.

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"Though tend to be more courteous, when they do, than the beasts in question." Not that she was much of one to speak to courtesy.

A slow nod. "Bandits do tend to be more rude than bears, the fortunes smiled as you are still in once piece. My own duty seemed to revolve around certain rude company as well, though they were quite feathery."

[Utaku Mukai]

A slow nod. "Bandits do tend to be more rude than bears, the fortunes smiled as you are still in once piece. My own duty seemed to revolve around certain rude company as well, though they were quite feathery."

Crane? Phoenix? There's a slight crease to her brow. She knew the Scorpion were often at odds with either, or both, but she didn't know of any recent engagements.

A mental shrug as she decides it doesn't really matter.

"It seems you, too, must have emerged victorious and hopefully unscathed."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

Crane? Phoenix? There's a slight crease to her brow. She knew the Scorpion were often at odds with either, or both, but she didn't know of any recent engagements.

A mental shrug as she decides it doesn't really matter.

"It seems you, too, must have emerged victorious and hopefully unscathed."

"I wouldn't call it a victory, or necessarily escaping unscathed, but I am alive", the Shosuro allowed. "Perhaps later we can compare horse gear. I've been blessed with a Unicorn's opinion before, but more advice is always welcome."

[Utaku Mukai]

"I wouldn't call it a victory, or necessarily escaping unscathed, but I am alive", the Shosuro allowed. "Perhaps later we can compare horse gear. I've been blessed with a Unicorn's opinion before, but more advice is always welcome."

"Sometimes all one can ask for I suppose." This time the shrug was physical though she brightens up somewhat at the following topic, "Always happy to make sure a mount is being treated right. Good gear's as vital for them as it is for us."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"Sometimes all one can ask for I suppose." This time the shrug was physical though she brightens up somewhat at the following topic, "Always happy to make sure a mount is being treated right. Good gear's as vital for them as it is for us."

The Unicorn Clan, minna-sama.

"Then perhaps before we depart."

[Utaku Mukai]

The Unicorn Clan, minna-sama.

"Then perhaps before we depart."

A nod, "Sounds good. Just let me know a time and, as long as duty doesn't prevent, we'll see it through."

[Yogo Adoka]

Adoka was taking a swim.

Clarification: he was swimming through the earth.

He thought he heard people talking. He positioned his self thus that his ear(still inside his hood) was close enough to be able to hear.

[ Ooc: Currently on phone, I will add the casting roll once I get more familiar with Sakaku on mobile. Whoever wishes can spot the sudden piece of a hood that appeared within the los of Hikimasu.]