Asako Emiko wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 12, 2024 11:20 pm

Whoa, what a presence! Lady Shiba doesn't even need the fire kami; I feel like I'm burning up right now!

Emiko’s grandmother had included in her instructions an entire scroll on how she was to comport herself in this ceremony. She knew for sure that her hands weren’t supposed to be shaking like this, and the lump in her throat was worrying—sudden onset goiter? A curse from Jurojin, perhaps? But there was no time to get it seen to, because Lady Shiba had finished her gift and she was next!

Daidoji Sae wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 04, 2025 12:20 am

"While I appreciate the instincts, setting me on fire would make our subsequent interactions somewhat heated."

Akodo Myorin wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 04, 2025 12:05 am

Akodo Myorin was present and watchful, looking for any in the crowd who might prove useful to advancing the Lion's agenda. Which probably meant having to dig up information on the Crane...perhaps she could uncover the next artistic trend the powder blue was planning on pushing. Outflank them at the seam as it were.

Yasuki Ryoichi wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:26 pm

Yasuki Ryoichi was next in line, bearing a bolt of fine silk, dyed a midnight blue and printed with a subtle pattern of stars over a castle.

Remember to mention your House, he reminded himself. This ceremony is VERY important to the House!

“Lord Ikoma,” he said, bowing deeply to the Lion lord. “I am called Yasuki Ryoichi, of House Shiozaki, and I offer the grateful appreciation of House Shiozaki for this opportunity to attend court. Please permit me to present this small token of House Shiozaki’s thanks.”

“Thank you, Yasuki-san,” the Ikoma lord said, accepting the silk rather perfunctorily.

“This cloth was especially selected by the lady of House Shiozaki, from the finest silk woven by the crafters of House Shiozaki,” Ryoichi continued on. “The pattern depicts the autumn stars as seen from the seat of House Shiozaki on the festival night of….”

“Thank you, Yasuki-san,” the Ikoma said again, in a more acerbic tone.

Taking the hint, Ryoichi fell silent and bowed deeply, before withdrawing.

That could’ve gone better, he reflected. Well, at least I remembered to mention my House name.

Soshi Eiji wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 09, 2025 4:28 pm

Egret Beak

Yasuki-san has killed two samurai in open court.

Gusai Rioshida wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 10, 2025 3:32 am

"Ah. I take your point. Reminds of when we were running turtles out of Ginger Cove. Cheap turtles, but made a killing on the ornamental boxes and the special food. Tip for free: you come up with a name for the food that smacks of magic. Something like "Kappa kibble," people like the k-sound, and then they get the idea that that's the only food that'll do. It's a beauty of a deal."

Doji Shinnosuke wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 10, 2025 7:53 pm

An aggrieved white comet bursts through the closed paper screen door of Shinnosuke's room, barking furiously in a surprisingly deep voice and probably barreling into someone's ankles.

(Its master is still groggily on his way out of his quilts and won't appear quite yet.)

Daidoji Ryu wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 11, 2025 11:28 pm

Ryu made sure to get a firm grip on his tea before stepping close to one of the supports for the house. An earthquake was one disaster, spilled tea would be another.

Yasuki Ryoichi wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2025 10:49 pm

I'm pretty sure rebuffing the inspector is governed not by Benten, but instead by Karen, the Fortune of Do You Know Who I Am, You Pipsqueak.

Daidoji Sae wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2025 10:19 pm

"Agreed, you may be of close age to his child. It could work in your favour."

Bayushi Kaguya wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 16, 2025 1:33 am

Bayushi Kaguya blinked, then articulated slowly. "This conversation is over."

And she made her exit.

Bayushi Kaguya wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2025 8:42 pm

Kaguya looks from one face to another. "And is this not the basis of our relationship? I have brought here one of those that has wronged you. I have kept the other, as he has wronged me. Tokens of their passing have been sent to the Emerald Magistrate, or rather to her yoriki, which, conveniently for some, may well mollify the wrath of the Lion."

She extends her left hand widely--the arm holding the bag does not move.

"Have I not done well? Have I not solved all of your problems?"

Ikoma Ryota wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 16, 2025 7:50 pm

He grimaced. "Gorobei's a fool, Keihime is vile, Tomaru's an anarchist, and Noriko's a Crane. What's not to love?"