Kiuchi went to the inn try their food. He promised Sato he would bring him some leftovers. As he was looking for a table, he felt the weight of the spirit world crash down on him. Thankfully, his training managed to gracefully fall to his knees.

Once he gets up, he realizes the spirits are pissed. His failure over the ritual yesterday haunts him still. But he manages to get into contact with the fire kami.

Once they are calmed, Kiuchi manages to inform them of his position, ensuring them that he will use his influence to put it right.

Disturbance in the Force Part 1: Etiquette/Reflexes | 6k3 ⇒ 30 (TN: 20)

Disturbance in the Force Part 2: Commune VOID | 6k4 ⇒ 33 (TN: 25) Forgot to put the 3 Raises in the description, but I did put the correct TN with them included.

Disturbance in the Force Part 3: Influence/Awa VOID | 6k4 ⇒ 53 (TN: 20)

Tomaru picks himself up from behind the table where he had been sitting. His lip is split, but he still manages to intone quiet prayers.

"Is everyone alright?" he asks, his voice warm with concern. "Any injuries?"

Kiuchi looks around. People seem more confused than anything.

He approaches the man. I think we were the only ones affected. He is unsure of who the man is, but he bows low. He looks like a high-ranking Imperial. "I am Yogo Kiuchi, shugenja of the Scorpion Clan. It is an honor to meet you."

Tomaru produces something like a handkerchief from inside his robes and dabs at his lip.

Having blotted away the blood, he returns the bow. "Seppun Tomaru," he says by way of reply. Then he smiles crookedly and adds "But I'd gather you knew that, young Scorpion."

"Well, I suspected. It truly is an honor to meet you. The Seppun are one of the few Families to appreciate warding magic as much as us Yogos." Tomaru was actually the first Seppun Kiuchi had ever met. "Though I wonder if our talents may be needed even the in the future." For now, it seemed to be just the shugenja, but if it starts happening to everyone?

Kiuchi considers, and decided it wouldn't show weakness to ask. "Seppun-sama, I was unable to figure out why the spirits were angry. Did you find an answer?"

"It took quite a bit of convincing to pacify them," Tomaru replies. "Something has gone drastically wrong, that much is clear. What would occasion such upset is less so."

He dabs at his lip again, grimaces.

"Perhaps it relates to yesterday's...entertainments?"

Tomaru may see the confusion Kiuchi's eyes. "I must admit, I'm not entirely sure what you mean. I know of a few things that might draw the ire," Kiuchi in particular, " but unlike the courtiers of my Clan, I do not know when a teacup spills over a province over. So, I am not sure if there was something else that happened." Court drama? The earthquake? None of those necessarily sounded like something that Tomaru, or at least what he heard of Tomaru, would call entertainments even euphemistically.

"Maybe a common source for multiple symptoms?" Tomaru suggests, then gives a shrug. "I've never been much adept a healer. But given how often the grandchildren skin their knees, maybe I ought to have learned some more, neh?"

He grins crookedly, then dabs at his lip again.

"I will keep that in mind for when I have children. I never really focused on it myself." Kiuchi wasn't sure what to do. Should he suggest he go get someone? Offer to escort the man? Would either of those be seen as insult by one who stood so far above him?

"We should check for others injured and for structural damages," Tomaru says. "Come with me, Yogo-san, if you would."

And he starts to look for the obvious signs of such things. It's a bit late to be invoking the kami, of course.

"Of course, Seppun-sama." Kiuchi joins him, though he is no engineer, so he's not quite sure what he's looking for in regard to the building.. But he also keeps eye out for anyone overly freaked out. Sometimes, people have sensitivities to the spirit realms and not even realize. Even if they avoided injury, they would likely be extremely anxious about what just happened.

There are, in the event, few injuries.

As far as structures go, the Inn seems to have done well. There's cosmetic damage, of course, but that's all it is, it seems.

Tomaru nods, pleased, and dabs at his lip again.

Sighing slightly, he says "I might think you'd wanted to talk with me, Yogo-san. A lot more people than usual have, these past days. I'll be happy to do so; we can walk now, or we can try to meet again once schedules clear.

"Which works for you, young Scorpion?"

"This was truly by chance, but I would love to meet with you in a few day." Kiuchi suggests breakfast on D8 not realizing how things would change.

"I shall look forward to it, then, Yogo-san," Tomaru says, bowing. "I believe I am off shift then."

Kiuchi bows. "I look forward to it Seppun-sama."

After the Seppun leaves, Kiuchi considers to himself. He, at least, doesn't seem to be gunning for the throne. If he is not chosen, there shouldn't be too much of a problem. But the Scorpion do not have a hold on deception. He'll do as his daimyo has said. He will watch.