(D15, Court) There is another

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji approached the new (to him) Dragon.

"Agasha-san, might I have a word? This one is Soshi-ke no kashin Miura Eiji. We have yet to speak, and while this is the final day, I don't see why that should keep us from meeting." he offered with a bow.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro returns the bow. "Soshi-san, Yes, I am pleased to make your acquaintance even at this late date. I have heard your stories in court and elsewhere and appreciate your gift. This one is Agasha-ke no Onodera Sanjuro."

[Soshi Eiji]

Sanjuro returns the bow. "Soshi-san, Yes, I am pleased to make your acquaintance even at this late date. I have heard your stories in court and elsewhere and appreciate your gift."

Eiji bowed.

"It is always good to know that my words have found favor with others." he says.

He looks back at the defeated court.

"Though I can't say I'll have a story about this. I'm not certain I can make it believable and not insulting. Do you have any thoughts on it, Agasha-san?"

[Agasha Sanjuro]

"Understandable, it may be best reflected once we have time to fully digest it.

Memories are like fireflies, flickering in the darkness of the past, illuminating moments both joyful and painful.

While we as mere mortals thought we could work toward one person to expedite what the Heavens want, how are we to know if we do not hear from them directly? We are but a cacophony of views unto our own understandings.

Shiba-sama was large on this day to put us back on the path.

What is your understanding, Shosi-san? "

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji considered that.

"Throughout the court, I've been looking at the various heirs, and wondering if they could truly be able to sit upon the throne. They've all shown good points, and bad points, but an Empress is by definition, infallible. Someone truly above all others in the Empire, our direct link to the Heavens themselves. And for the most part, I have not felt that in the candidates." he offered.


He shook his head.

"I have felt that Doji Noriko was the closest. And apparently many have felt so strongly that way that they would ignore the procedure laid out for them. But from what I know of Doji Noriko, she would not have wanted that....nor would she have the force to stop them from trying."

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro nods. "I think you are very observant, Soshi-san. My estimation is the same, but she is not ready yet and perhaps the Heavens are waiting for the time when she or another is, or waiting for the time for the right support to be in place. Trust among clans is not as it should be for such an event at this time. We will hope the parade will aid us in driving out some of this, but it will take more than that to overcome the perceived enmities.

Speaking of which, any ideas to bolster the spirits to chase the spirits out this evening? The fire as lowered in the lanterns."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji considered the question.

"Ah, for the Devil Chase this evening? Well that's....hm. Isn't the Phoenix clan the guardians of the implements for that tradition?" he said, seeing another impact of the Phoenix delegation leaving entirely.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

"Ah, yes. We will surely need blessings to be successful and I am sure with the help of those who remain we may still be able to succeed. I have every confidence in Agasha-san."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji took a moment to process which Agasha-san, Agasha-san was referring to, as he'd been forcefully reminded that Yuna was not a shugenja.

"Ah, well, I have been well impressed with all who bear the Agasha name this season." he offered.

Though he did shoot a much less appreciative glance at the Mirumoto Madman, quietly indicating which Dragon had not impressed him this season.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Soshi-san's look askance was subtle and understood. Jinkan was a force of chaos in an otherwise peaceful clan house. Yes, that one cost me some koku to fix the Dragon House. He knows how to make things interesting. Sanjuro nods slightly in recognition of Eiji's point.

"Thank you, and I misspoke. Asahina-san is who I meant, though there are other Agasha here he can help during the ceremony. Please forgive my mistake." The late nights are catching up with Sanjuro.

Sanjuro changes the trajectory. "Though I believe we both expected this outcome, perhaps not actually how it would come to pass. I truly hope no one is thinking the Phoenix are looking for a battle. It seems to me Shiba Higashime was only standing up for what is right under the law and preventing the court from taking any action that would be against the will of Heaven.

While we will move into uncertain times, our duties remain the same. Time is like the drummer keeping the beat and it is also the seer and adjudicator of all that transpires."

"What are your thoughts, Shosi-san?"

While awaiting Soshi Eiji's answer, Sanjuro reaches into his sack and extracts a scroll, all the while watching for his response.

[Soshi Eiji]

Soshi-san's look askance was subtle and understood. Jinkan was a force of chaos in an otherwise peaceful clan house. Yes, that one cost me some koku to fix the Dragon House. He knows how to make things interesting. Sanjuro nods slightly in recognition of Eiji's point.

"Thank you, and I misspoke. Asahina-san is who I meant, though there are other Agasha here he can help during the ceremony. Please forgive my mistake." The late nights are catching up with Sanjuro.

Sanjuro changes the trajectory. "Though I believe we both expected this outcome, perhaps not actually how it would come to pass. I truly hope no one is thinking the Phoenix are looking for a battle. It seems to me Shiba Higashime was only standing up for what is right under the law and preventing the court from taking any action that would be against the will of Heaven.

While we will move into uncertain times, our duties remain the same. Time is like the drummer keeping the beat and it is also the seer and adjudicator of all that transpires."

"What are your thoughts, Shosi-san?"

While awaiting Soshi Eiji's answer, Sanjuro reaches into his sack and extracts a scroll, all the while watching for his response.

Eiji tilted his head at the statement about the Phoenix.

"Hmm, they may not be looking for one, but they may have one regardless. The Lion signed peace accords with the Crane, Crab, and Scorpion this year. There is only so many directions they can march, I can see if being used as a useful pretext. This is their house the Phoenix are storming out of after all." he offered.

And everyone knew that in court it was the Lion who did the storming out.

He shook his head.

"I don't think Shiba-sama was wrong. No one wished for this conclusion, at least not directly. But, in a sense, we are all to blame. To move forward, the clans needed to come together in agreement. Yet whenever I spoke to people this court, there was little consensus, and very rarely were there any who said that if they did not get what they wanted, they would yield honorably to the wishes of others. Too many willing to fight and die on their mountain that truly is a molehill when considered agaist the vast history of the Empire." he said.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

"I have experienced much the same. I am happy to make the acquaintance of one so wise even if it is at this late date. It is good to know that there are more souls who advocate for what should be than for greed, pride or other divergent reasons."

Sanjuro produces the scroll and offers it to Soshi-san. I pray that your clansman who selflessly gave of himself last night finds an easy road to his reward. I offer this to you and your clan as a token of remembrance and appreciation for his actions and bravery."

A scroll on white stiff paper with clean strokes and tied with a chrysanthemum stem and petal is given.
Inside in a lovely scrawling hand:

The moon is waning
The river is being crossed
Refreshing the soul

Sanjuro notices the court is nearly empty. "My prayers for your safety and well-being in the coming days. I hope whenever court may resume, I could have the opportunity to see you there again if not in meantime."

[Soshi Eiji]

Given that it was in honor of the Yogo's sacrifice and was being bestowed upon his clan, the Game of Refusals seemed a poor choice to engage in right this moment.

So he accepted on behalf of his clan with a bow.

"Thank you Agasha-san. I will find a place for it within the clan. Not all who die for noble causes receive the memory that they deserve. Your prayers are very much appreciated."

He nodded.

"May our paths cross again in happier times."

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro bows in turn, knowing Eiji speaks the truth.

//scene