Sitting on the courtyard Shiba Ryushi played a somber melody. Perhaps this music would a peace the spirits and allow the Empress soul travel to Meido without any hicks.


//D5 ME Fluff perform Shamisen Agi 1CR just for acoustics | 7k3 ⇒ 43 (TN: 15)

As Yuna sat in Dragon House, working on a 3rd draft of a poem for the Empress, she heard the distinct and notably somber sound of a shamisen.

Oh! She loved shamisen music. She picked up her own shamisen from her small stack of possessions beside her bed mat, and walked out into the courtyard to listen.

She sat in reverent silence listening to the beautifully haunting tones. Oh! It said what words could not.

And wasn't this a Phoenix delegate?

Perhaps this was a chance to introduce herself when he was done playing. Maybe he'd even like to play a duet!

But first, she simply knelt near him. Letting the music wash over her.

Ryushi nodded to the Dragon acknowledging the lady. "Good evening, Dragon sama. I hope Inari has blessed you today."

She applauded for his song, and then bowed and introduced herself.

"Good evening, Shiba-san. I thank the Fortunes for all they do for each one of us. I have had my rice today, adn thank Inari for it."

"I am glad to have met another member of the Phoenix delegation here. I am Agasha-ke no kashin Ageki Yuna. I spent years in Kyoden Asoko training as a Loremaster. And we are very close to approving a treaty between the Dragon and Phoenix, sealed by a marriage that could include me."

"I am a librarian by training, but I do enjoy playing the shamisen as I have spare time. You far exceed my skill. It is a great pleasure to hear you play and a tune that so hauntingly reflects the moment of deep loss."

The Shiba gave a seated bow. "This one is Shiba-ke no kashin Michishita Ryushi. It is an honor to meet you Agasha sama. I come from the Aoijiroi province, where the Pale Oak Castle resides. But you probably know that as a scholar that studied in the Phoenix land." Ryushi nodded. "I like to play the shamisen to try and clear the mind and the heart."

She nodded, recognizing the name of Pale Oak castle. "West of the Isawa Woodlands, right? A place where a sacred oak grew from the ashes of ... of an Emperor. The bark has healing property?"

"I think I also read it is a frequent site of winter courts, when held in Phoenix lands. Have you been to a winter court before?"

"I... haven't. I tend to train in the harsh winters of the Phoenix land. While my enemy sleeps I train... or so I have heard that Leadership states." Ryushi is not much of a book worm but knows a thing or two granted that Fukurokujin doesn't favor the poor man.

"Training is important. It was the Little Teacher who said: “While you rest, your enemy practices.”

"Would you like to play together? A shamisen duet?"

The Shiba nodded. "It would be an honor Agasha sama." Ryushi is more an artist than he is a conversationalist. "I will follow your lead."

It was still a somber day.

She began playing a gentle quiet somber tune. The melody was a simple one. Easy enough to join or harmonize.

The Shiba followed the music keeping the respect needed for the day. He harmonized keeping pace with the Agasha.

She smiled. She simplified her portion so he could build something more complex against a steady predictable backdrop.

The Shiba started humming to add some complexity to the piece. It was a musical conversation between the two. It was a simple melody of sorrow and respect. One that spoke of sacrifice and honor.

She continued to play.

She took such joy in music - and in this fine collaboration - that it took some thought to keep her expression flat enough to support the sorrowful mode of the music.

But she knew how much music was conveyed by expression, how much it was - always - a performance, so she kept her thoughts anchored on their subject. Remembrance. Requiem.

The Tao came to her mind, as her fingers found the note. First we are enveloped by the womb; then we are enveloped by custom; finally we are enveloped by death. Death cannot be avoided. Only embraced. Ideas that were equally somber and serene.

The Shiba finished his harmony as the musical conversation came to an end. "I thank you Agasha sama in this piece." Ryushi looked at the sky and nodded. "Hopefully the music keep the spirits in peace."

She smiled. "It is a pleasure to play with you. Music rises in the air to Heaven. Honoring those who hear it."

She rose to her feet.

"Thanks again. It was so nice to meet you. I hope to see you again and perhaps have the chance to play again."

She bowed to him.

The Shiba nodded. "Hopefully we can. I thank you for your company Agasha sama." Ryushi smiled. "I would be honored if the fortune favors us in playing another duet."

(/scene? Thanks so much!)