Two Ronin and a Court (7EA)

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Previously on Two Ronin and a Court:

A familiar face approached them after they stepped down from Tatsuya and Ryunosuke's introduction to the Court.

"I'm glad to see you this morning, Ikoma-san... Tatsuya-san, and Ryunosuke-san," said Ryoichi. The Yasuki was no longer wearing the armor he wore in Ryoko Owari, and was now back in a blue court kimono with colorful embroidered fish swimming around the hem.

"How is Kyuden Ikoma treating you so far?" he asked with a friendly smile. "No ninja attacks in the night, I hope? Or perhaps there were, and Ikoma-san saw them off."

"No one has been aggressive yet, which is better than I expected. But not too many friendly faces, either"

"I'm glad to hear no one has caused trouble," Ryoichi said. "But hopefully Ikoma-san and I will count as friendly faces."

"I imagine you might not have been to many formal courts before, though. Do you have any questions about it?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka had bowed and given the Yasuki a smile at the approach.

"With me residing at the temple also none would dare consider it" she offered with a smile "good morning Yasuki-sama."

[Tatsuya]

"I understand that most everyone is quite powerful, but I know none of these people by sight save the Emerald Champion and Lady Bayushi...oh, and the Kitsune Aiko. I knew her brother, for a time. But who commands whom? And who do I need to be worried about?"

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Well, perhaps I can be of some assistance," Ryoichi said in a soft voice. He began to point out notables with small, inconspicuous motions of his fan. "Otomo Keihime, the Imperial Adviser, and a possible heir. She is very powerful and supported by the Otomo daimyo, over there. I shouldn't like to cross her."

"Doji Noriko, another possible heir. She is not herself that fearsome, but she has the support of most or all of that huge group of Crane."

"The Lion Champion, over there. Ikoma-san's lord rules this castle, but the Lion Champion stands above him."

"Over there is my boss, Lord Kaiu. I'm sure I could introduce you to him if you'd like, but I'd understand if this is too many people too quickly."

"There's lots of others, of course, but perhaps that's enough names for now. What do you think, Ikoma-san?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka had taken a small look around.

"The champions of all the great clans are in attendance. For a first day in the court it may be better to observe and listen in general than approach, as I suspect all are interested in speaking with you. However if I were to recommend one to speak to, at least in private rather than in public, it would Doji Noriko-sama. As Yasuki-sama said she is another possible heir but she is a kind soul. I've spoken with her before and I believe the two of you would get along well. As for ones to avoid..."

There was a thoughtful look, before she added quietly "it may be worth avoiding the attention of Otomo Mariko for now, she is the Imperial Matchmaker and I imagine may have many questions that you may not be ready to answer yet" there was a small look at Ryunosuke then back at Tatsuya.

[Tatsuya]

"Oh. Well, that story's not exactly going to go away. But perhaps I will speak to this Doji Noriko, and see what the lay of the land is. This Keihime sounds like a problem."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"I can arrange an introduction if you wish Tatsuya-san, I was hoping to arrange tea with Doji-sama soon but she has been quite busy."

There was a small look to the floor, and for the briefest moments a frown appeared before it vanished.

"Forgive me a moment, I will be back" she gave the two Ronin and Ryoichi a bow and then made her way to the floor...

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Oh. Well, that story's not exactly going to go away. But perhaps I will speak to this Doji Noriko, and see what the lay of the land is. This Keihime sounds like a problem."

"Seeing the lay of the land is the choice of a wise commander," Ryoichi agreed. "There are two others with some claim to the Imperial blood that I don't see here, but I should mention: Seppun Tomaru, a very serious fellow in the Hidden Guard, and Otomo Gorobei, a trained warrior who has ended up in the Imperial Bureaucracy. Gorobei went through a musha-shugyo pilgrimage so might have more sympathy to a ronin than most. I'd venture that neither of them has quite as much support as the first two I mentioned, though."

"Perhaps that may change with time; I think there will be a lot of pressure for the various notables here to line up behind one candidate or another."

[Ryunosuke]

Ryunosuke stared long at each Wind in turn. "Heavy names." he pronounced at last.

[Tatsuya]

"Hai, and more attractive than a pair of ronin. But maybe we can come away from this a little better than where we started. We'll just need to be judicious, is all."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I must admit to some responsibility for bringing you two here," Ryoichi admitted in a low voice. "I... I had thought things would be different. But if you need to get out, to find a safer place.... Well, I can now honestly claim some experience at relocating ronin to new locations." He grinned sheepishly.

[Ikoma Honoka]

Honoka returned, giving the three a bow.

"Forgive me, I had something I needed to do" she offered quietly, a smile on her face still but her thoughts were distracted.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Forgive me, I had something I needed to do" she offered quietly, a smile on her face still but her thoughts were distracted.

"Of course, Ikoma-san," Ryoichi said, returning the bow. "I'm, well, shocked to hear that the Agasha have not been dealing fairly with the Lion. You're quite right not to tolerate such behavior."

[Tatsuya]

"I must admit to some responsibility for bringing you two here," Ryoichi admitted in a low voice. "I... I had thought things would be different. But if you need to get out, to find a safer place.... Well, I can now honestly claim some experience at relocating ronin to new locations." He grinned sheepishly.

"I'm not ready to turn tail and flee just yet, Yasuki-sama," Tatsuya said. "It seems right to make a go of things if I can."

[Ikoma Honoka]

"I was just as surprised as you to learn it Yasuki-sama" Honoka confirmed before looking back to Tatsuya. Curious what they were referring to

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"We were just talking about how Tatsuya-san is faring at Court so far, and whether he would be better off somewhere far away from our courtly machinations," Ryoichi admitted. "I admire Tatsuya's resolve in 'making a go of it' here. What do you think, Ikoma-san?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

"Ah I see! I must agree with Yasuki-sama on this" Honoka gave Tatsuya then Ryunosuke a smile "both of you in fact. I understand there were reservations but the resolve to face all this shows the strength and conviction that could inspire others."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Ah I see! I must agree with Yasuki-sama on this" Honoka gave Tatsuya then Ryunosuke a smile "both of you in fact. I understand there were reservations but the resolve to face all this shows the strength and conviction that could inspire others."

"What do you think about both of us giving Tatsuya-san a little help steering through the waters of Imperial Court, Ikoma-san?" Ryoichi suggested behind his fan. "I know you've already committed to protecting his personal safety. But aren't the political dangers to him even greater?"

[Ikoma Honoka]

There was a nod.

"I spent some time in the morning giving Tatsuya-san and Ryunosuke-san a rundown of some things to expect from court but I'm sure they would both welcome your expertise also."

[Tatsuya]

Tatsuya nodded slowly.