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(D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2025 7:03 pm
by Soshi Eiji
Eiji didn't consider himself a particularly pious samurai. This might fool Lions who might stalk him because it was the third day in a row he was going to the temple complex. But ti seemed to hold true there were no aethists in foxholes. With all the ill omens at court and a literal earthquake, Eiji probably wasn't going to be the only samurai offering up a prayer today.....just in case.
He washed and offered a prayer, not to Kyufoki, but to Hamanri. Stability in all things was definitely needed.
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 7:01 pm
by Asahina Hoshiko
Not so far away, a priestess in muted blues offered prayers to Kenro-ji-jin to intercede with Kyufoki and offer some of the Fortune of Soil's usually laid-back nature to the angry spirit. She had already burned notes to her favorite scribes with warning of the influx of souls wandering toward Meido, and an offering to Emma-O in apology for the increase in workload.
Hamanri was on her circuit, however. While there wasn't currently a regency, this moment where the Empire wobbled with an Empress near her last days, and no declared heir was one that could use his attention. Finding Eiji there, she paused instead, letting his prayers run their course.
When he has finished, she politely caught his attention. "Soshi-san?" She was fairly certain she remembered the mask correctly from the other day's gift-giving. "I'd hoped to meet you before we were too far into the winter." She offers a bow and introduction, "Asahina Hoshiko of the Yamada."
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2025 7:10 pm
by Soshi Eiji
Asahina Hoshiko wrote: ↑Sun Jan 12, 2025 7:01 pm
Not so far away, a priestess in muted blues offered prayers to Kenro-ji-jin to intercede with Kyufoki and offer some of the Fortune of Soil's usually laid-back nature to the angry spirit. She had already burned notes to her favorite scribes with warning of the influx of souls wandering toward Meido, and an offering to Emma-O in apology for the increase in workload.
Hamanri was on her circuit, however. While there wasn't currently a regency, this moment where the Empire wobbled with an Empress near her last days, and no declared heir was one that could use his attention. Finding Eiji there, she paused instead, letting his prayers run their course.
When he has finished, she politely caught his attention. "Soshi-san?" She was fairly certain she remembered the mask correctly from the other day's gift-giving. "I'd hoped to meet you before we were too far into the winter." She offers a bow and introduction, "Asahina Hoshiko of the Yamada."
Said Soshi arose and bowed politely.
"Ah, I see you are as discerning in real life as you are in correspondance, Asahina-san. I am, indeed, Soshi-ke no kashin Miura Eiji. It is my distinct pleasure to meet you. It is a bright moment in an otherwise worrying day." he offered.
"I trust the day finds you well?"
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2025 5:56 am
by Asahina Hoshiko
"Well as may be with the commotion this morning," she says with a small tightening about the eyes. "Emma-O's doors will be crowded today."
"I hope it finds you at least as well, Soshi-san." Her hands rest before her, left over right, head tilted as grey eyes look carefully. "You piqued some curiosity with your letter, and perhaps that was its purpose. But I can't know unless I ask what the purpose of it was."
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2025 6:13 am
by Soshi Eiji
Asahina Hoshiko wrote: ↑Mon Jan 13, 2025 5:56 am
"Well as may be with the commotion this morning," she says with a small tightening about the eyes. "Emma-O's doors will be crowded today."
"I hope it finds you at least as well, Soshi-san." Her hands rest before her, left over right, head tilted as grey eyes look carefully. "You piqued some curiosity with your letter, and perhaps that was its purpose. But I can't know unless I ask what the purpose of it was."
Eiij nodded.
"May the Lion rescue so many of those in need that the seats around Emma-O's banquet table are more empty than full." he said, adding his own twist on the mythos.
He considered the question briefly.
"That is one purpose, Asahina-san, not the original, nor the last, but one of them." he admits. "Originally, my thought was that people often collaborate on poetry with each other, alternating lines or one person beginning and another finishing. So I thought it might be interestng to see if people would be willing to do the same with written stories."
He shrugs a bit.
"Of course, none of them did. I should have seen it coming really. Without knowing that was my intention, and with a winter court to prepare for, not a single one continued the story that I sent to them. A few didn't even deign to send a reply at all."
A slightly rueful shake of the head at that.
"However, those who did respond, each gave me something in return. Warmer greetings when I met them for the first time in person, a charming little straw crawfish, Asahina-san's insightful review. It didn't do what I planned, but I've certainly spent my time in worse ways."
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2025 6:09 am
by Asahina Hoshiko
She nods agreement with his hope for the lives saved
"Hmm...I admit I didn't recognize it as the start of story. It felt more like one of the monk's parables." She smiles, "I'll guess that the straw crayfish was Yasuki Masaki. We trained together," she offers by way of explaining how she'd place that so quickly.
"I do think such a story-building game would work, but the rules would need setting out up front, or even a 'how would you continue the tale?' Those poetry games have developed over quite a long time, but I think a storytelling one might be similarly created." She ponders. "Why not start one through the game of letters?"
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2025 6:36 am
by Soshi Eiji
Asahina Hoshiko wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 6:09 am
She nods agreement with his hope for the lives saved
"Hmm...I admit I didn't recognize it as the start of story. It felt more like one of the monk's parables." She smiles, "I'll guess that the straw crayfish was Yasuki Masaki. We trained together," she offers by way of explaining how she'd place that so quickly.
"I do think such a story-building game would work, but the rules would need setting out up front, or even a 'how would you continue the tale?' Those poetry games have developed over quite a long time, but I think a storytelling one might be similarly created." She ponders. "Why not start one through the game of letters?"
"Quite the delight, Yasuki-san is." he offered with a smile. "As for the story I sent you, ah well, a story needs to be told to the right sort of audience, ne? A rousing tale of Lion warfare accomplishments isn't likely to be well received in Kyuden Asahina. I gathered what whispers I could of what sort of tale might interest you, and crafted accordingly."
He considered her suggestion, but ended up shaking his head.
"Not a bad suggestion, Asahina-san, but it would suffer from the same problem as my letters. You'd have courtiers boggled at it, reading it and tossing it aside in utter confusion muttering, 'That wasn't 5-7-5!' " he offered with a melodramtic flourish of his sleeve to his face, the shock so great.
He had a thought as he pondered his sleeve.
"It
might work if some people particularly interested in art wanted it to be a thing. With pre-established rules to deal with multiple people replying to the same letter, people taking the story in a particularly unpleasant direction, or stories going days without replies as people lost interest or were consumed by their duties." he admitted.
He smiled a bit behind his sleeve.
"But where would you find a group of people interested in artistic expression, and skilled at laying down accepted guidelines for artistic expression?" he asked.
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2025 6:59 am
by Asahina Hoshiko
"Where indeed," the Crane says with a small smile. "I expect, like most things, it can be done with a bit of creativity set to the task. And there's context on your side there, you see. People don't expect to solve a puzzle for the usual sort of letter, but that's part of the point of the letters passed around at Court."
She gestures around at the temple complex, "you might also ask that the fortunes grant your fellow writers inspiration and curiosity."
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2025 7:44 am
by Soshi Eiji
Asahina Hoshiko wrote: ↑Thu Jan 16, 2025 6:59 am
"Where indeed," the Crane says with a small smile. "I expect, like most things, it can be done with a bit of creativity set to the task. And there's context on your side there, you see. People don't expect to solve a puzzle for the usual sort of letter, but that's part of the point of the letters passed around at Court."
She gestures around at the temple complex, "you might also ask that the fortunes grant your fellow writers inspiration and curiosity."
Eiji nodded.
"I suppose with so many praying to fortunes for relief from the earthquake, perhaps Sadahako may be feeling a bit underappreciated. Perhaps she'd be pleased for a little attention." he offered.
Of course, the next day the news that her child was on their way to court to compete as a fifth wind was completely coincidental. Or was it?
"Thank you Asahina-san. I knew from your letter you were quite the perceptive samurai. Hopefully the Crane are able to take full advantage of your insight this season. I haven't gotten to meet very many of them yet, but Doji Noriko-sama has certainly been quite inspirational in court." he offered respectfully.
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2025 7:33 am
by Asahina Hoshiko
"She was quite striking, wasn't she? Almost martial in her defense of Seppun-sama." She shakes her head with half a smile, "and definitely said what I was thinking."
"If they're willing to go after even another Imperial," she says, brows drawing down in a slight frown, " I have to imagine they have a plan to attack Doji-sama as well." OK, somebody already did try a physical attack, without much luck. "It's horribly blatant when the decision belongs to the Empress alone. I suppose it does demonstrate before her that he has allies to lean on. And that Doji-sama can be counted on to do the right thing, even for a rival."
She glances around the shrines and markers, trying to determine which direction Sadahako's might be in. "Never hurts for an artist to offer at Sadahako's feet. It's strange thinking that she's elevated recently enough that some here might have known her."
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2025 7:54 am
by Soshi Eiji
Asahina Hoshiko wrote: ↑Fri Jan 17, 2025 7:33 am
"She was quite striking, wasn't she? Almost martial in her defense of Seppun-sama." She shakes her head with half a smile, "and definitely said what I was thinking."
"If they're willing to go after even another Imperial," she says, brows drawing down in a slight frown, " I have to imagine they have a plan to attack Doji-sama as well." OK, somebody already did try a physical attack, without much luck. "It's horribly blatant when the decision belongs to the Empress alone. I suppose it does demonstrate before her that he has allies to lean on. And that Doji-sama can be counted on to do the right thing, even for a rival."
She glances around the shrines and markers, trying to determine which direction Sadahako's might be in. "Never hurts for an artist to offer at Sadahako's feet. It's strange thinking that she's elevated recently enough that some here might have known her."
Eiji nodded.
"You and Doji-sama are certainly not alone in your assessment of the situation. To turn the honor of someone so respected into a topic for debate, to accuse them of theoretical impropiety....it is not just." he said with conviction.
"Our champion impressed upon her delegation on the first day how right those words are, Asahina-san. This is a decision to be made by the Empress alone. Those who think they can...haggle their way into the throne...I wish Lady Bayushi had authority over them. She would correct such delusions with the speed of a hawk." he added, with equal fervor. Haggle wasn't quite the right word here, but it had enough negative connotation to fit without outright accusing people of blasphemy.
He did frown at the mention of the Crane break-in. He was less onboard with the Crane having brought it up in court, and felt the secondhand embarrassment of the Lion.
"May the Lion swiftly bring those who would harm the Empress's own guests to justice." he said.
Not the Crane and the Lion. The Lion.
But the topic of Sadahako was a safe enough one.
"Indeed, can you imagine serving in the Imperial court when she was elevated? It is another reminder of why the Throne is not just another kind of lord. By virtue of their word alone, the Throne can elevate a mere mortal into a Fortune. That is.....an awesome power...one you would not wish to see granted to the foolish or greedy." he concluded, as they searched about for where to give an offering.
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2025 8:24 am
by Asahina Hoshiko
Given the Akodo daimyo's tastes, they might have found a more substantial shrine at Shiro Akodo. Here, it was a tablet, far newer than many, given the relatively recent ascension of the Fortune. There were a few offerings, no doubt reflecting the influx of artists for the winter hoping to impress.
She made no comment on the distinction. Heading off attempts to use the incident to slander the Lion by commending their fast action was never going to be an entirely successful maneuver since it still drew attention to the failure of security. Particularly when the only way to entirely keep sneaky midnight operatives from operating was solid rings of guards around each delegation's winter home here. Or...something to definitely not say aloud...maybe just around the Scorpion's?
So yes, Sadahako. Hoshiko points out the shrine with a pause and small nod. Though her conversation continues to follow the Winds. "I don't think any of this lot seem foolish, do they? At least not by reputation. Greedy can be harder to assess. Those in power are often rather greedy for that, if nothing else."
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2025 9:00 am
by Soshi Eiji
Asahina Hoshiko wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 8:24 am
Given the Akodo daimyo's tastes, they might have found a more substantial shrine at Shiro Akodo. Here, it was a tablet, far newer than many, given the relatively recent ascension of the Fortune. There were a few offerings, no doubt reflecting the influx of artists for the winter hoping to impress.
She made no comment on the distinction. Heading off attempts to use the incident to slander the Lion by commending their fast action was never going to be an entirely successful maneuver since it still drew attention to the failure of security. Particularly when the only way to entirely keep sneaky midnight operatives from operating was solid rings of guards around each delegation's winter home here. Or...something to definitely not say aloud...maybe just around the Scorpion's?
So yes, Sadahako. Hoshiko points out the shrine with a pause and small nod. Though her conversation continues to follow the Winds. "I don't think any of this lot seem foolish, do they? At least not by reputation. Greedy can be harder to assess. Those in power are often rather greedy for that, if nothing else."
Eiji coughed.
Even if three or four of them would never sit the Throne, these were still incredibly powerful samurai. Going around openly calling them foolish OR greedy was a great way to end up dead or worse tending a sparrow farm.
He shook his head vigrously.
"Not at all, Asahina-san. All of them are clearly worthy of the Empress's consideration." he said emphatically.
"My pardon for the confusion, Asahina-san, I was thinking historically as I am wont to do. People like Doji Raigu, Bayushi Atsuki and Shiba Gaijushiko. Two clan champions and an Imperial Scribe who dreamt themselves wiser than the Hantei, more fit to rule the Empire. Corruption and crime flourished as the Empire turned away from the path laid out to us by the Heavens. Until we were saved by the sword of Hantei Yugozohime. " he explained with a note of pride as a former Lion.
"But sadly, treachery itself did not die with Raigu and Atsuki. The path of Honor is very difficult to walk, and there will always be those who hear the call of power, and dream themselves the true power behind the Throne. That is who I was talking about."
He turned to the Crane.
"I'm curious, Asahina-san. Doji Noriko has been...very respectful of the Empress's authority and that the decision is Her right. Perhaps you do not know her mind, but I am curious if you have any insight as to what Doji Noriko might want to achieve as Empress were she so named."
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2025 10:38 pm
by Asahina Hoshiko
Hoshiko's lip may have twitched to acknowledge the unsaid. "I think even those three dressed up their treachery with words of concern and care for the Empire and Emperor. Which does not exonerate them in the least, but shows how easy it can be to dress greed in other clothes." She thinks of Keihime, already trying to step in, and wonders how much she deemed herself the power behind the ailing Empress..
"As for lady Noriko..." Hoshiko thinks as she turns a bit to rummage in her satchel. "I don't know her terribly well personally. She's been a calm and focused presence within the delegation. And as you saw in court, she's not a coward. Forceful and skilled enough to use that force well. Quick thinking, I understand from the night of the attempted attack." She leaves that in the air for a moment as she draws out a well made little koi fish, that's also obviously a prototype made of somewhat crinkly paper.
"I think of what I intend, as heir to my House. Safety for my lands and people, prosperity to keep them fed within that. A house that maintains their power serves to secure safety. But scaled up to an Empire? Particularly in the current moment, I have to imagine stability and safety are concerns. Her first thought in the attack was protecting her children. The Empire has lived through the upheavels of those treacheries you mentioned, and now the stirring unease of this succession issue. There's the earthquake and other things pointing to some spiritual imbalance. These are all things she's aware of, so I have to imagine addressing them for the Empire's safety is on her mind."
Facing the Fortune's tablet she finishes. "But I really can't know for sure. There's no reason for any of the heirs to defy the Empress and go trying to find support with promises of what they intend to do with that power, if they get it." She dips to set the little koi before the plaque, and claps her hands twice before offering a short prayer.
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2025 5:52 am
by Soshi Eiji
Asahina Hoshiko wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 10:38 pm
Hoshiko's lip may have twitched to acknowledge the unsaid. "I think even those three dressed up their treachery with words of concern and care for the Empire and Emperor. Which does not exonerate them in the least, but shows how easy it can be to dress greed in other clothes." She thinks of Keihime, already trying to step in, and wonders how much she deemed herself the power behind the ailing Empress..
"As for lady Noriko..." Hoshiko thinks as she turns a bit to rummage in her satchel. "I don't know her terribly well personally. She's been a calm and focused presence within the delegation. And as you saw in court, she's not a coward. Forceful and skilled enough to use that force well. Quick thinking, I understand from the night of the attempted attack." She leaves that in the air for a moment as she draws out a well made little koi fish, that's also obviously a prototype made of somewhat crinkly paper.
"I think of what I intend, as heir to my House. Safety for my lands and people, prosperity to keep them fed within that. A house that maintains their power serves to secure safety. But scaled up to an Empire? Particularly in the current moment, I have to imagine stability and safety are concerns. Her first thought in the attack was protecting her children. The Empire has lived through the upheavels of those treacheries you mentioned, and now the stirring unease of this succession issue. There's the earthquake and other things pointing to some spiritual imbalance. These are all things she's aware of, so I have to imagine addressing them for the Empire's safety is on her mind."
Facing the Fortune's tablet she finishes. "But I really can't know for sure. There's no reason for any of the heirs to defy the Empress and go trying to find support with promises of what they intend to do with that power, if they get it." She dips to set the little koi before the plaque, and claps her hands twice before offering a short prayer.
How easy it can be to dress greed in other clothes....I should use that.
He admired the Crane's origami offerings before lighting incense and offering his own prayers to Sadahako.
Her words are Noriko were quite reasonable...but he did wonder why she kept bringing up the attack on the Crane. Perhaps she was merely afraid? That seemed unlikely, she was too sharp for that. Did she think Eiji was involved somehow? Again, her own sharpness seemed to make that an unlikely answer. After all, Eiji's extent of knowledge was what had been openly announced in court, he knew no more than any of the other attendees. Perhaps she was merely fishing, seeing if the Lion turned Scorpion had greater insight...some secret knowledge of what had happened?
It was a worrying question, but not one Eiji could see an easy way to talk about politely.
"It's truly been a pleasure to get to meet you, Asahina-san. I should probably get moving towards where Duty calls me next, but I hope to have many more such enlightening conversations with you before court is over." he offered. with a bow.
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2025 6:50 am
by Asahina Hoshiko
Hoshiko nods. "It has been. Pleased to find you are as interesting to talk to as that letter led me to believe." She offers a parting bow. "Go with the Fortunes, Soshi-san."
/scene? (thank you very much!)
Re: (D3, LA) Praying for the court
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2025 7:16 am
by Soshi Eiji
/scene! (Thank you!)