[Day 11 - Mid Afternoon] Close to the Sun

[Kuni Shiori]

"I do think that many have confidence in her skills as a ruler, although some may think that she is also opinionated as well. If she is to take the Throne, I imagine that it might result in some changes that some aren't used to," she said diplomatically on the matter. This was more based on what she heard in passing than any stronger opinions she might have on the matter.

"On that topic...I imagine that can't be the only spiritual response that might have happened with her passing. Has Moshi-dono experienced or witnessed any other occurrence since that disturbance in the kyuden?"

[Moshi Akane]

"There has been some strange...pulling?...in some acts of communion," Akane reports. "They have been indistinct, but felt as I have prayed."

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori nodded at that and felt a bit obligated as she reached into her satchel to pull out a loose bit of charcoal with some parchment to note a few things. "I see...was there anything more than that? Like a sort of entity or emotion tied to this feeling?"

[Moshi Akane]

"For myself, no," Akane says. "Although I have heard of feelings of anger and disgust.

"What are you writing, Kuni-san?"

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori gave a small bow before she put her parchment aside to explain. "I suppose I've been trying to note some of the spiritual curiosities around here. Some full disclosure on the matter, it's something that I've been doing with a few of the shugenja in attendance. Other than that disturbance we've all felt, I was told that there was much creeping in the background. Omens of prophecy and manifestations of figures in the past as the more blatant and troubling occurrences. I was wondering if Moshi-dono's experiences might be tied to that."

[Moshi Akane]

Akane nods.

"It does surpass belief that so many things would occur in such succession and not have any connection to one another," she says, "although causation remains a question."

[Kuni Shiori]

"I could believe that it could be the plane the Empire finds itself is suddenly on turbulent grounds without a ruler. Which would perhaps see for a need for an heir as soon as possible," she nodded at that, wondering if the solution would be so simple to a complex problem. "Does the name of the late Emperor, Hantei Ningi-heika, bring up any immediate thoughts, Moshi-dono?"

[Moshi Akane]

"He ruled before the founding of the Centipede," Akane replies. "His son, Hantei Bosai, did much to codify and complete his reforms and intentions. Our tax assessments were set then."

[Kuni Shiori]

"I had forgotten about Hantei Bosai and the good he did following his father's rule." Shiori nodded slowly at that and sighed internally as she followed up with her next point, "...and what if I told you there was supposedly a spirit of some sort roaming the kyuden claiming to be Hantei Ningi?"

[Moshi Akane]

Akane's eyes widen.

"I would be unpleasantly surprised," she says, "but I would not think you a liar."

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori nodded at that when it dawned on Akane. "It came as a shock to me as well, considering it's quite likely a gaki rather than a mere benevolent or penitent ghost. I've wanted to make you aware of the matter and also ask for any aid or insight on the matter. While we have more than a few capable shugenja in Court, I would imagine that those closest to Lady Sun might have some wisdom on best when it comes to handling something that is both tied to divinity yet corrupted."

[Moshi Akane]

"What can stand before the light of the Lady?" Akane asks.

"Even so, it would take an array of shugenja to address such a thing. I have not heard there is an Ishiken here, and one would be helpful."

[Kuni Shiori]

"The light of Lady Sun is quite pure, I imagine would be pivotal to such an effort. Also, I don't think I know of many fire-abled shugenja, Moshi-dono. If we could potentially call on your aid, that would be most appreciated," she said before dipping into a deep bow with that request.

"...you're also right about an ishiken, which I am surprised to hear. I would assume there would be one in attendance at the very least." She frowned pensively on the matter.

[Moshi Akane]

"There are times the Phoenix keep a tighter rein on them," Akane says. "This might be one such, but I do not speak for the Council."

[Kuni Shiori]

"I don't know if we could get someone here on time during the winter if we were to trade letters with the council," she said before looking at the ground in consideration. "It makes me wonder if there is a potential conduit of a substitute but the Void is hard to replicate or tap into for a good reason."

[Moshi Akane]

"Remember, Kuni-san," Akane says, "that the Void is the dance of the Elements and floor on which they dance. Having the power of an Ishiken will help, but a balance of the other Elements may still avail, I think."

[Kuni Shiori]

"Even then, I take it that trading letters and getting them here in time might be too much of a far shot." Shiori sighed softly and looked to the ground as she got to thinking. "Potentially, there must be someone with enough power that they could serve as a replacement or conduit of sorts."

[Moshi Akane]

"It would need more than one, most likely," Akane says. "The Empire is stronger when it stands together."

[Kuni Shiori]

"Of course, the same message that I hope most of the Clans take to their hearts. Especially, at such a time when there is no one on the Throne. I would hope the successor would see to the same legacy as the late Empress," she nodded on the matter. "Let us hope that what I spoke of is merely just the storm before the calm."

[Moshi Akane]

"I will pray for it," Akane says. "I will pray for it, indeed."