This place is for describing your arrival, your position within the court room, and your reactions to business happening on the Floor. You may also use this thread to approach others to engage in conversation. If your approach is accepted, please make another thread in the court area for that conversation and link to it from your post in this thread. That will keep this thread clean and readable by everyone looking to chat. Thank you!

The following NPCs are approachable in Court today
Doji Noriko, The Courtier, 1st Cousin of the Empress
Otomo Tooru, Otomo Family Daimyo
Miya Hachi, Miya Family Daimyo, Imperial Herald.
Otomo Mariko, the Imperial Matchmaker.
Crab Clan: Kaiu Masahiko, Daimyo of the Kaiu Family
Crane Clan: Doji Minehime, Champion of the Crane
Dragon Clan: Togashi Mizohachi, Champion of the Dragon
Lion Clan: Akodo Sanae, Champion of the Lion,
Matsu Tsuruyo, Daimyo of the Matsu
Ikoma Ryota, Daimyo of the Ikoma
Scorpion Clan: Bayushi Kaguya, Champion of the Scorpion
Phoenix Clan: Shiba Higashime, Champion of the Phoenix
Badger Clan: Ichiro Himari, Ambassador of the Badger
Boar Clan: Heichi Batsuda, Daimyo of the Boar
Centipede Clan: Moshi Akane, Daimyo of the Centipede
Fox Clan: Kitsune Aiko, Regent of the Fox
Mantis Clan: Gusai Rioshida, Daimyo of the Mantis
Sparrow Clan: Suzume Ryobu, Ambassador of the Sparrow
Tortoise Clan: Kasuga Izumi, Ambassador of the Tortoise
Chou-sin, Abbot of the Four Temples
Do, Abbot of the Plains of Thunder Monastery of the Order of Osano-wo

At the Empress's terse announcement, Shinnosuke's brows arc upward and his eyes widen in surprise, his whole body betraying some excited agitation. Never mind the Fifth Wind thing--Sadahako had a child? A human son who's still living? For someone who's venerated that Fortune since he was a young boy (her departure from the human realm had long predated his own arrival in it, after all), this is really astonishing, almost magical news. What could Sadahako's son be like? Is he really coming here?

All right, and the existence of a fifth heir is pretty remarkable news, too. But Sadahako!

(Poke to interact, Shin will otherwise be standing here poleaxed for a bit.)

Jihen silently took in the news of a fifth heir as court began.

Five... an auspicious number.

He remained quiet and privately glanced around the room, observing as his master had instructed him from the beginning.

Kenichi frowned at the news. What news!

He eyed a familiar figure he wanted to speak to in a good while, slowly approwching the Ikoma daimyo.

He bowed deeply, waiting for an audience.

Asako Kenichi wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2025 7:31 pm

Kenichi frowned at the news. What news!

He eyed a familiar figure he wanted to speak to in a good while, slowly approwching the Ikoma daimyo.

He bowed deeply, waiting for an audience.

It takes a good while for Ryota to shake out of his momentary fugue state over the Empress' announcement. Turning slowly, he fixes Kenichi with a look. "Can I help you?"

Agasha Yuna was present. She tried to keep her 'on' at the news. Another potential heir? The child of a Fortune? The Fortune of artists and geisha. Surprising, for sure.

Today she wore an olive green kimono with golden embroidery of one dragon curling around her back, looking at a second golden dragon at the hem looking up.

https://collections.mfa.org/objects/126 ... fe&idx=160

She glanced around, taking stock of who was present, and who she hoped to speak to.

Well, isn't that an interesting... wrinkle.

Still, Ryusei- having yet to speak to most of the Winds they already knew about- just considered it as a new variable.

There would be time, Her Majesty would make her choice, and all would be well.

But that said... he surveyed the Court.

Well. Yuna was there, outshining everyone else in attendance as usual.

And the nakodo was right over there...

Doji Shinnosuke wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2025 7:07 pm

At the Empress's terse announcement, Shinnosuke's brows arc upward and his eyes widen in surprise, his whole body betraying some excited agitation. Never mind the Fifth Wind thing--Sadahako had a child? A human son who's still living? For someone who's venerated that Fortune since he was a young boy (her departure from the human realm had long predated his own arrival in it, after all), this is really astonishing, almost magical news. What could Sadahako's son be like? Is he really coming here?

All right, and the existence of a fifth heir is pretty remarkable news, too. But Sadahako!

(Poke to interact, Shin will otherwise be standing here poleaxed for a bit.)

The Crane had certainly proven them a force this court. In generations past, that would have been similar to saying the sky was blue. But they'd been on a rough patch for....oh pretty much the Empress's entire reign. Still, that certanly seemed to not be the case these days, and so Eiji thought perhaps he should meet a few more.

And so he approached the Crane, waiting to be acknowledged.....

and waiting....

and waiting....

Finally, Eiji coughed slightly into his sleeve.

Shiba Ryusei wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2025 12:16 am

Well, isn't that an interesting... wrinkle.

Still, Ryusei- having yet to speak to most of the Winds they already knew about- just considered it as a new variable.

There would be time, Her Majesty would make her choice, and all would be well.

But that said... he surveyed the Court.

Well. Yuna was there, outshining everyone else in attendance as usual.

And the nakodo was right over there...

Yuna smiled shyly at Shiba-san.

And oh yes, he could see that she was glancing over at Otomo Mariko, the Imperial Matchmaker, also.

As there was a break in court activity, she glanced at Shiba-san again, and then took a step towards Otomo-sama. Hoping he would join her, and they could approach her together.

It seemed wise to engage the matchmaker. To seek her blessing. To invite her to be a co-conspirator, in great courteous respect of her role.

Daichi was once again is Court day, wearing a simple kimono of navy blue matched by a pair of dark grey Hakama. The clothing was simple, the cut a bit utilitarian but well made enough not to offend anyone's sensibilities.

He took his previous spot closer to the back of the room where he could keep a watchful eye on the members of his delegation.

Shiori would make her entrance to the court soon after Daichi, perhaps in a show of Clan solidarity or just mere coincidence. The Kuni is nothing but consistent in her fashion, even if it use a little spicing up by now. She appeared in a furisode kimono with floral motifs and black hakama, perhaps trying to make a fashion statement of being utilitarian too.

Once inside, she would give Daichi a small bow to excuse herself and give up the appropriate space while she moved off to observe the day's proceeding and potentially mingle.

The Mirumoto smiled at his Clan Champion after the announcement from the Empress. Then he moved swiftly, setting an elliptical path that took him around a couple of groups before stopping a proper distance from a red splash of courtiers.

"Bayushi-ue, this humble servant of the Dragon wishes to partake of your company if you would deign to look kindly upon him." Jinkan gave a smart bow and then waited, still bowed.

A fifth heir? Even if his existence has been hidden I wonder if their are documents mentioning anything on Sadahako, the Emperor's relationship to her, or anything else that might make for an interesting read on the history of Sadahako that might make for interesting research.

The earthquake and other recent events threw Ebiko off so it was time for what she knew best, after court she'd be scouring the library. To the scrolls!

Ryusei fell in step with Yuna.

And tried not to be so amused by the happenings before the Court.

The Crane fluttered about a lack of marriages in our trade with the Crab, then try to arrange a marriage without even naming anyone without consulting the nakodo?

Tsk.

Since she's speaking on the floor today, Hoshiko is certainly here. Very intrigued at the idea of an heir descended from a Fortune. What would it be like to be raised in that sort of presence?

Yuna stood beside Shiba-san.

Hmm... Otomo-sama was presently busy. And might return in ... not the best mood.

But surely two earnest young samurai eagerly seeking her blessing would please her, regardless?

And they could always just politely request an appointment if the noble woman wanted to keep her attention firmly fixed on the proceedings.

At the proper time, when Otomo-sama is not busy, she will bow deeply to her. Shiba-san at her side.

"Otomo-sama, might we have a moment of your time? Perhaps to arrange a time to speak at your convenience? We seek your wisdom and insight on the topic of marriage."

Shiba Ryushi just watched the presiding, keeping a watchful eye. The Shiba kept any comments to himself.


//quote or PM if approached