Kiyashi was satisfied with his day. He had succeeded at two competitions and one test, and he felt he had succeeded everywhere that truly mattered thus far. He was optimistic for the following day, though he vowed he would do better. He would do better. There was no question about that, no acceptance of the possibility of failure. Failure was unacceptable, and would shame his entire family, and he would not allow that under any circumstances.
He was, however, disappointed in Hiruma Do. The Crab should make a better showing in these Crane lands. How else to prove the Crab superior over Crane manipulation? Kiyashi did have to admit that at least one crane had made an exceptional showing... The mark she had carved into the target on the way by in her horsemanship tournament had been impressive work, if a bit crass. Still, a Crane who was willing to be a bit crass and still succeed was worthy of some respect. Most of them were so worried about perceptions that they never understood reality.
He scanned the area and caught sight of Saburo, who was flushed and seemed to be remarkably distressed. Kiyashi headed in his direction, bellowed from a good distance away.
"Tsuruchi-san!"
He laughed as he approached, clapping the fellow samurai on the back as he came near.
"I saw you ride earlier. You do shoot well from horseback! One might almost think you a Unicorn... if we did not have one in this tournament already! Well done!"
KrataLightblade on
LEVEL 50 SWORD JUGGLER/WIZARD!
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
Reeling from the unexpected blow to his back, Tsuruchi righted himself quickly and smiled ruefully.
"Hida-san, hello! Unfortunately, that shot was the only bright spot in the horsemanship competition for me. You rode much better than I did by a fair margin, actually." Glancing quickly back the way the Phoenix had gone, he smiled and shook his head. "But enough of the past. What's done is done, and today's competition is definitely done and over with. Do you have any plans for the rest of the afternoon?"
"Not yet, Tsuruchi-san. But I expect that something will present itself... In the meantime, I was curious to see what some of our competition is up to for the afternoon. Perhaps we might gain insight into them, that we could not discern in one night of drinking and shouting, no? Care to join me?"
He threw an arm around the Wasp's shoulders, choosing not to really give him much choice, and started to wander off with him.
"Unless you'd rather test your manhood with drink again, ha!"
KrataLightblade on
LEVEL 50 SWORD JUGGLER/WIZARD!
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
"I...would love to accompany you, Hida-san. I think I saw one of the competitors go that way just a minute ago".
Why am I still blushing? he thought, still grinning. I mean, sure she's pretty, but she's also a competitor. What if I have to fight her tomorrow?
For some reason, he couldn't bring himself to dread the possibility. And so, the slightly dazed boy let himself be led off down the path, the pain in his ankle forgotten and still grinning like a fool.
Kiyashi dragged Saburo along, heading in fact in the direction he pointed out. Kiyashi's spirits were high, and he was determined to enjoy the remainder of the day.
A group of farmers walk up to Saburo and Kiyashi. "Honorable samurai, would you care to join us in our rice pounding contest. The winner gets sweet rice cakes! up ahead you can see Bayushi Denbe and Usagi Kamahime armed with rice pounding mallets. "Come now," the scorpion says, "Don't invite him, he's twice our size, we'd have no chance," he smiles, the comment is surely not meant to offend.
"No matter the size, this is one competition i intend to win," says Kamahime, she looks ready to relieve some of the days frustration."
Canada_jezus on
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
"Feel free to join them, Hida-san" said Saburo, looking dubiously at the mallets, "I think I will sit this one out though- the rice has not displeased me, so I feel no need to beat it with a carpenter's tool"
Kiyashi laughed aloud, and laid his hand into Saburo's back, then gave him a solid shove forwards, disregarding his desire to step out of the competition.
"The Wasp volunteers, as do I."
He probably would have refused himself, were he alone, and were the other two samurai not already joined, but that was mostly because it was generally not a good idea to be associated with peasant work. As it was, however, this would be a lively contest and would be interesting for all.
Harukichi turns to see Rika. She smiles to her, "The only impressive part of my horsemanship performance was the part where I was able to use my katana. I fear I am, forgive my pun, a one-trick pony. But I will admit that that part of my performance was... inspired." Harukichi bows her head slightly, as if to hide a slight blush.
"Your performance was far more impressive. You were paired against a Moto and no matter where he was in the course, you were right there with him. You may not have won, but it was imminently impressive nonetheless. It would be akin to a Crab holding his own in the court against a Crane or a Scorpion," Harukichi compliments Rika, "Not to mention your performance in the obstacle course was stellar. Never have I seen someone move through such obstacles as if they didn't even exist."
She looks around, all the other competitors are going their separate way, having something in mind for how to spend their evening. She has no such plans and was expecting simply to spend the evening alone, unsure if Rika would contact her. She turns back to Rika and lowers her voice slightly, as if she was sharing a secret, "I was thinking about walking about the gardens and..." You can't say what you're thinking out loud. "contemplating my performance and how I might improve. Would you care to join me?"
Rika blushed underneath her mask, her gaze remaining cool and collected as she glanced over the assorted competitors, noting which ones were leaving the field alone.
"You do me far too much credit, Harukichi-san. I barely made an impression on those assembled here. A trip to the gardens does sound relaxing, however. I would be honored to accompany you."
The Scorpion raised one hand to her face, tapping her porcelain cheek lightly. "And I must admit, I have often wished to see a Kakita duellist without their... blade." My ancestors are going to scorn me for eternity.
Rainfall on
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
Saburo looked at the mallet, and looked at the rice. You've got to be joking he thought ruefully. I mean, if the Shiba were here.... and coherent thought left Saburo for a while.
...And then he realized that the other samurai had started beating on rice, and were well into it while he stood there daydreaming. Halfheartedly he started on his own pile, blushing furiously, and when all was said and done the Kiyashi had finished all of his rice, while the other two had done well to keep close to him. Saburo's pile was still shamefully high.
"I...uhh...guess my mind wasn't really on the task at hand", said Saburo, grinning sheepishly. "Congratulations, Hida-san!"
uuuurrrrrrgah, Rika can hear her ancestor groan loudly in her ear YES WE ARE and then nothing. It would seem she has a moments repose. No one is paying any real attention to you both, besides what all contestants are getting.
"KI-YAA," Kamahime's mallet smashes into the rice a final time, "Heh, that went as well as the rest of the day did for me. Still, nice diversion."
"And you earned some lovely sweet rice cakes, hmm," says an old man handing some over, "The secret ingredient is love, teeheehee." He hands over two armloads to Kiyashi, "truly a prize worthy of a topaz champion." The man would strike some, as a tad feeble in the head, he gives everyone some sweet rice cakes.
"Ah it was a forgone conclusion this competition," Denbe adds, "I'm going to have a few drinks, would you honorable samurai care to join me?" he points to the house of laughing carp, "Hazu is getting some bottles right now."
Now it is her turn to blush, her gaze not remaining as collected as she looks down. She coyly replies to Rika's, "It is indeed a rare honour to see a Kakita duelist so..." she quieted significantly so as not to be overheard, "...naked, especially for a Scorpion. We Cranes are always so guarded around your Clan. But surely this would not be the first time." She knew it wasn't the first time; she was there for at least one other time. Good thing your father isn't here. He'd likely demand you commit seppuku for the very act of looking at her.
She turned slightly to face the path to the gardens and motioned to Rika. "Shall we then, Rika-san?" She begin to stroll towards the garden, Rika at her side, "If I may ask, what are your plans after you attain your gempukku?"
Kiyashi seemed remarkably satisfied with his work, but then, that wasn't a surprise. He gave the slightly off-kilter peasant the faintest of bows, and thanked him for sharing his work, then glanced at Denbe. There was a long moment's hesitation before he answered; he was not particularly enamoured of drinking with an honorless dog. And yet, he was in a good mood, and he was being invited by a true samurai, even if it was a Scorpion. And Kiyashi didn't really want to give offense at the moment; he wasn't in that sort of mood.
So he merely allowed a smile to blossom on his features, and nodded.
"Lead the way! Are you coming along as well, Tsuruchi-san?" Kiyashi gave him a sidelong glance. "Unless you feel you would get lost in whatever thoughts keep you from focusing again?"
KrataLightblade on
LEVEL 50 SWORD JUGGLER/WIZARD!
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
"It's a bit early for me to start drinking just yet, Hida-san. I think I might go off in search of something to focus on- my afternoon archery practice if I can manage nothing else." giving a bow to each Samurai (but not to the peasants), Saburo turned to head off after the Phoenix, glad that the Crab wasn't dragging him off to drink as well.
"Excellent Hida-san," the Bayushi says, "have you had the opportunity to meet Kamahime? Of the Hare clan famed, apparently, for their hunts of shadowland creatures that infiltrate Rokugan. You have something in common at least." The group smoothly sashays into the house of laughing carp. Hazu has set up a table and was waiting, apparently, for you all to arrive. "Ah i might need to get more drink," he says. "Ofcourse," Denbe says as he hands Hazu some more money, "I trust that will suffice."
"Ah lets take a seat, what are your feelings on the first day of competition Hida-san?" he asks.
Saburo easily finds Shiba Takako, who secluded herself from the main throng of villagers behind a house. "Oh hello, Tsuruchi Saburo was it?" she says walking towards you, "were you looking for me, Tsuruchi, Saburo?
Canada_jezus on
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
The boy stopped and stood there, quite visibly flustered.
"Oh, um... Shiba-sama. I...uh.... I was just trying to get some quiet time away from my Hida friend. He's quite likable, but he's very enthusiastic. We just finished pounding some rice for some farmers at his...umm...insistence." He looks down at his hand, surprised to find the spoils of that competition still gripped firmly there, and held the cake up tentatively "Err... Would you care to split this rice cake I was given in repayment with me?"
"Not hungry right now thanks," she replies. "I'm just eager for some..., diversion." The Shiba moves so close to Saburo as to pin you to the wall behind you. She takes off her masks and leans into you, "You could join me in my chambers and we could linger there for a while." She's not so much forward as ahead of you, by a mile orso. "There is just one thing you would have to do to, prove, your worthiness." Her smile could light up a room.
"Poison Hiruma Do." Suddenly there is a small vial of clear liquid in her hand. "Don't worry it won't kill him, just make him wish he was dead. He'll let you get close and no one would suspect someone as sweet as you."
Hida raised an eyebrow speculatively at Kamehime, then gave him a firm nod.
"Anyone willing to hunt the beasts of the Shadowlands in any capacity has my respect."
Kiyashi didn't answer the next question, for a long moment, as he watched the ronin go acquire more drinks. Had it been the Scorpion he'd spoken to last night? Kiyashi couldn't remember.
He looked back at Denbe and smiled.
"A good showing for most of us, Bayushi-san. The Unicorn especially is doing well, though I have to wonder at whether their gaijin... tendencies... have helped or hurt them. I am pleased with my showing thus far. I look forward to tomorrow! I expect there will be opportunities for each of us to show our worth."
Indeed.
KrataLightblade on
LEVEL 50 SWORD JUGGLER/WIZARD!
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
The boy stood there, pinned against the wall by the Shiba, a vial of poison somehow in his hand.
"Bu...w.... Sh... " composing himself, he tried again " ha...has the Hiruma done something to offend you, Shiba-san?"
He didn't move either to return the vial or pocket it, though- the vial remained in his hand between them, snuggled between their bodies. The Phoenix's body was suddenly occupying quite alot of Saburo's attention.
"Yes," Answered Shiba Takako, "He beat me in a contest today. This will get me even and allow me to test your worthiness at the same time." She smiles but doesn't release her grip on the vial just yet, just so you can't run off. "He'll be fine, he's got almost no chance of winning anyway and just imagine the fun we'll have watching him fail miserably. What's your answer."
"I wanted to hunt a Maho-tsukai for my gempukku but my family sent me here instead," the Usagi replies. Her leg is shaking nervously though she seems otherwise at ease. Hazu meanwhile has returned with the drink. "Hai it was the Moto's skill with the horse that put him ahead of the pack so to speak. Though i doubt the iaijutsu tournament will suit him quite so much." Bayushi Denbe says. As Hazu returns, Denbe asks "Suggestions for a toast?"
Hiruma Do meanwhile is mourning his lackluster performance in his own way, women and wine. He and some of his hangers on and friends are drinking riotously. The phoenix Agasha Hanori is doing the same with some of his compatriots.
"My family will send me to where I am most needed. I only hope that it is somewhere in Crane lands." Rika smiles down at the much shorter Crane duellist. "It's been far too long. I missed you."
"Iajutsu, I am afraid, is far from my forte. I wonder sometimes if the Crane keep the tradition alive so they can always point to a form of combat they are masters of."
He didn't sound bitter... at the moment. He sounded like any other samurai decrying opposing schools of combat. When Hazu returned, he inclined his head at the ronin, though only slightly, in thanks. He raised his own cup.
"To the Emperor."
KrataLightblade on
LEVEL 50 SWORD JUGGLER/WIZARD!
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
What do I do? thought Saburo. If she's serious and I decline, she might well kill me. But if I accept and she's testing me...
Getting ahold of himself, Saburo lets his gaze rise up to the Phoenix's eyes... And suddenly grins. "Although you are obviously a very formidable woman, I hadn't realized you chose your friends so carefully. There's no need to test me- I am not so hungry for a even a woman of your beauty's company that I'd risk dishonouring my family and potentially being thrown out of the competition for it."
Releasing the vial, he tried to gently extricate himself. "I would very much like to get to know you better, however, Shiba-san... Just not under these conditions. If, however, you'd be interested in a walk in the park let me know- I'd be happy to get to know you better, under less...contrived circumstances."
As they stroll through the gardens, Harukichi notices a distinct lack of people, probably owing to the various festivities and gatherings of all the various bushi. Harukichi is glad that the gardens are even more deserted than normal.
She lowers her gaze as Rika speaks, "Or the Lion lands." She nearly forgot about the betrothal to the Lion as punishment for her unseemly behaviour. As they reach her favourite spot in the gardens, she looks around and surreptitiously pulls Rika aside in to a small alcove, well concealed and out of sight of anyone who could possibly be watching.
She gazes up at Rika and lays a soft kiss on her lips; it is a simple kiss, but also one conveying a font of emotions. She pulls away from the kiss and speaks softly, in hushed intimate tones, "And I have missed you so as well, Rika."
"But there is something I must tell you. When my father caught us, he decided that I needed to be betrothed at once to put an end to such unseemly behaviour. I was betrothed to a samurai named Matsu Masaru. He required that I complete my gempukku before I was to be married, so I was entered in to the Topaz Championship." She bows her head, shamed and afraid of Rika's reaction, but knowing that Honesty must never be compromised; it is the most vital source of honour for a Kakita.
Rika choked. "M-married?" No, no, no ,no!
The fingers of one hand flew involuntarily to the hilt of her blade, still strapped across her back, even as her other arm wrapped around the slim waist of the beautiful Crane, pulling her in close.
"I am so sorry, Harukichi. Perhaps I could challenge him..."
The tall Scorpion bent down, sliding her mask off as she pressed her lips against those of the other. She is mine, I am hers, nobody may come between us.
The poison disappears into the folds of her clothes as soon as it popped out. "Fine. Such a disappointment." Takako says. She cups your chin in her hands, pushing back slightly. "Don't be so foolish as to accuse me of anything, you can't prove it. I'd be outraged at your lies and seek satisfaction immediately."
She releases you and starts to walk away. "Such a shame," she says without turning around.
Heavy drinking is going around, for many young samurai this is the first time in their life that has been under constant supervision. Hazu, though by far the eldest of the contestants also seems to like his wine. "Ah i'm going to get another bottle," he says rising. "Me too," says Kamahime. This leaves Kiyashi alone with Bayushi Denbe.
"Do you know why i am friendly to the ronin," he says without looking at you, "keep him in drink and treat him like a true samurai." His gaze wanders over to meet your eyes. "Someone must have sponsored his entry, someone with a great deal of political clout. Discovering who might lead to much more interesting information." The Bayushi smiles at his own cleverness, he's not drunk yet at all. So either he's seen fit to share his plans with you or he's lying.
Canada_jezus on
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
Jaw open, Saburo watched for a moment as the Shiba walked away.
"You're disappointed?!" Saburo hissed, the voice that carried so effortlessly across the inn now seeming to stop dead at the Phoenix's ears. Catching up to the girl easily, he stood in her path, annoyance clearly painted across his features.
"You ask me to put my standing in the tourney and my clan's honour in jeopardy on your word- a stranger's word- that I can bed you? You treat me as a man-child without a thought in his head other than sex and have the nerve to be disappointed in me when I refuse a request that no sane man would accept? I..." stopping himself abruptly, he looked into her eyes, and his anger faded away, as quickly as it had come.
"If you want my trust, you'll have to earn it- and I am not talking about bedding me. Have no fear I will tell anyone of what has happened, nor that I intend any ill will towards you. But... "pausing, he smiled briefly, "If... if you ever do want to take that walk in the park, I'm sure you'll have little difficulty finding me, Shiba-san." with a low bow, the boy started to walk away.
Harukichi sighing with contentment as she is once again close to Rika. She glows as Rika's lips press against hers and she returns the kiss. She pulls away and says softly, "No, my dear Rika, you must not endanger yourself or your reputation for me. If we cannot think of another way, I will flee. I can accept the fate of becoming a wave person." She laughs somewhat nervously, "Besides, if I'm a ronin, than I will not be beholden to go where my family sends me. I can ensure that I will be near you."
Harukichi sighs deeply, "I have always been taught that Honesty is the most important virtue of the Bushido. How can I expect to live if I cannot be Honest about my feelings. I would rather live as an outcast than compromise the principles with which I was raised and with which I do believe."
She looks in to Rika's eyes and whispers, "I love you. And that is the one truth that I have the most duty to." She kisses Rika's lips again.
"I would like a walk sometime young Saburo," The Shiba replies, "but i am very selective of my friends, fire in their souls and iron in their bellies." She storms away as well, determined to equal Saburo in making a point.
"Otakan, you puffed up peacock i know i saw you here somewhere i..." Kakita Shino just nearly walked into Rika and Harukichi. "Hmmph, i, apologies, my interruption was not intended, please forgive me." He seems quite annoyed at having walked in on this private moment and he had looked peeved to begin with. "I, hmm," Now the young crane just looks confused.
She hears the voice of someone else approaching and quickly pulls away from Rika. She realises she must be blushing profusely, which would certainly give them away without a doubt if she is seen. She looks down, hiding her cheeks as her bleached white hair falls, providing a curtain covering her face.
She breaths long and deep, hoping to return her heart beat to normal and get rid of her blush. She feels her racing heart slow and she looks up to see Shiba-san, one of her fellow students. She smiles to him, brushing the hair from in front of her face, "Hello, Shino-san. You did not interrupt anything; I was simply talking with one of our fellow competitors. How are you on this day?" Act pleasant, receive him eagerly, and he will not suspect you have something to hide. Any suspicions he will conjure in his mind he will simply dismiss as fantasies of his young mind.
Premier kakos on
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
Saburo continued walking away, his body nearly trembling with frustration. He could still feel her body against his, but he knew that she had tried to use him as well. Her parting shot implying that he hadn't a fire in his soul or iron in his belly stung too, especially after he had done everything to give her a chance to see his point of view.
She just wanted you to take risks for her, to do her dirty work- she doesn't really want to be your friend, much less get passionate with you. Forget her.
But the feel of her against him... her dark, beautiful eyes- he could so easily lose himself in them...
And so it was that a very conflicted boy walked back towards his room at the Carp, feeling in turn upset, confused and disappointed as he tried to come to grips with this most unexpected encounter.
Rika slid her mask over her face in one smooth motion, turning to face the new arrival. "Ah, Kakita-san. Do you require my aid with anything? As a guest in your lands it is the least I can do." He saw me with my mask off? Shame! I must be more careful... but it is hard to do around Harukichi.
She could feel her heartbeat racing, her breathing much more rapid than usual.
"Your gardens here are lovely. I must admit, I am honored to have seen them."
Kiyashi glanced at the Scorpion for a long moment. He... had a point.
"I will admit that I had wondered myself. But not enough to dishonor myself, nor to dishonor him further, by pretending friendship."
Kiyashi inclined his head, ever so slightly. Thought were playing in Kiyashi's mind. While there was no way he would ever trust a Scorpion farther than he could throw one, Kiyashi was a fairly large man, and might actually be able to throw this one some distance. And besides, the exchange was harmless enough.
And in addition... He wondered where the Scorpion would take this.
"Though perhaps it would not be so great a dishonor to either of us as I had thought."
He was not quite so foolish as to ask outright why Denbe had brought it up.
"Yes, i interrupted nothing, of course." Kakita Shino shakes his head, refocusing, "Yes yes, our gardens are quite lovely but i was looking for Mirumoto Otakan, if you see him, tell him i said: i've seen horses wield a katana better than him." He gives you a quick bow and starts moving away, eager to continue his search and leave you both be.
Tsuruchi Saburo, wanders downcast into the house of the laughing carp. "Ah join us," Hazu says running into him, "Your friend the Hida, Kamahime-san here and myself are having a drink with Bayushi Denbe. Relaxing after a hard day."
"Oh don't get me wrong , Hazu seems a good sort and is certainly likeable enough. I hardly need pretend anything. But still, ronin. Still i was curious." Bayushi Denbe says
Canada_jezus on
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
Saburo nods absently at the Ronin, obviously deep in thought.
The walk back had cooled him off a bit, but he still wasn't feeling his usual self. He'd performed poorly at the championship, and now he had a whole other set of cares - What if the Shiba tried to get back at him in retaliation for his refusal this afternoon? A poison could be slipped into his drink as easily as any, and he now knew that the Shiba was deeply dishonourable. Not that he cared how honourable she was, but he had a feeling she wouldn't want the fact bandied about.
Thoughts spinning, the Tsuruchi sat down at the table beside his Hida friend, unconsciously preparing for the inevitable blow to the back that would follow the Crab's recognizing him.
An interesting response from the Scorpion. Kiyashi resolved to keep an eye on him. Kiyashi also couldn't help but wonder whether the Scorpion was doing the same with him.
"I wonder how well he will perform tomorrow."
Kiyashi fell silent, after this, though that didn't last long, only until Saburo sat down, at which point Kiyashi raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you weren't coming, Tsuruchi-san!" The inevitable clap on the back indeed did come, though Kiyashi paused after.
"You look troubled! Should we get you another pile of rice?"
KrataLightblade on
LEVEL 50 SWORD JUGGLER/WIZARD!
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
The boy looked up at the much larger crab, looking confused. "Another pile of...? Oh, right. No, Hida-san. I don't think so. I'll just have a little something to drink before the festivities, and it'll be fine". With a sigh, the Wasp downed whatever beverage was put in front of him in one go and began contemplating the future instead of the past. The Emperor would no doubt be at dinner tonight, along with many notables.
I probably shouldn't drink too much now, if a slip-up later could be so costly. Pity... I could use a few drinks right now.
"Come now, Tsuruchi-san! You did not perform so terribly as to be saddened tonight! You will surely attain Gempukku, as will I. So what is there to be sad about?"
Kiyashi laughed again, and downed the last of his drink, glancing at the others, then back at Saburo.
"Save strong feelings for the battles ahead, and be happy tonight! We perform before the Emperor himself!"
KrataLightblade on
LEVEL 50 SWORD JUGGLER/WIZARD!
0
SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited December 2008
"Your're right, Hida-san. I shouldn't be unhappy at a time like this- let's forget our troubles and enjoy the festivities!" Brightening a bit, Saburo gives his best attempt at a smile and takes another drink. "So what were you all talking about before I so rudely interrupted?"
Posts
He was, however, disappointed in Hiruma Do. The Crab should make a better showing in these Crane lands. How else to prove the Crab superior over Crane manipulation? Kiyashi did have to admit that at least one crane had made an exceptional showing... The mark she had carved into the target on the way by in her horsemanship tournament had been impressive work, if a bit crass. Still, a Crane who was willing to be a bit crass and still succeed was worthy of some respect. Most of them were so worried about perceptions that they never understood reality.
He scanned the area and caught sight of Saburo, who was flushed and seemed to be remarkably distressed. Kiyashi headed in his direction, bellowed from a good distance away.
"Tsuruchi-san!"
He laughed as he approached, clapping the fellow samurai on the back as he came near.
"I saw you ride earlier. You do shoot well from horseback! One might almost think you a Unicorn... if we did not have one in this tournament already! Well done!"
"Hida-san, hello! Unfortunately, that shot was the only bright spot in the horsemanship competition for me. You rode much better than I did by a fair margin, actually." Glancing quickly back the way the Phoenix had gone, he smiled and shook his head. "But enough of the past. What's done is done, and today's competition is definitely done and over with. Do you have any plans for the rest of the afternoon?"
"Not yet, Tsuruchi-san. But I expect that something will present itself... In the meantime, I was curious to see what some of our competition is up to for the afternoon. Perhaps we might gain insight into them, that we could not discern in one night of drinking and shouting, no? Care to join me?"
He threw an arm around the Wasp's shoulders, choosing not to really give him much choice, and started to wander off with him.
"Unless you'd rather test your manhood with drink again, ha!"
Why am I still blushing? he thought, still grinning. I mean, sure she's pretty, but she's also a competitor. What if I have to fight her tomorrow?
For some reason, he couldn't bring himself to dread the possibility. And so, the slightly dazed boy let himself be led off down the path, the pain in his ankle forgotten and still grinning like a fool.
Kiyashi dragged Saburo along, heading in fact in the direction he pointed out. Kiyashi's spirits were high, and he was determined to enjoy the remainder of the day.
"Which one was it, do you recall?"
"No matter the size, this is one competition i intend to win," says Kamahime, she looks ready to relieve some of the days frustration."
"The Wasp volunteers, as do I."
He probably would have refused himself, were he alone, and were the other two samurai not already joined, but that was mostly because it was generally not a good idea to be associated with peasant work. As it was, however, this would be a lively contest and would be interesting for all.
"Shall we?"
"Your performance was far more impressive. You were paired against a Moto and no matter where he was in the course, you were right there with him. You may not have won, but it was imminently impressive nonetheless. It would be akin to a Crab holding his own in the court against a Crane or a Scorpion," Harukichi compliments Rika, "Not to mention your performance in the obstacle course was stellar. Never have I seen someone move through such obstacles as if they didn't even exist."
She looks around, all the other competitors are going their separate way, having something in mind for how to spend their evening. She has no such plans and was expecting simply to spend the evening alone, unsure if Rika would contact her. She turns back to Rika and lowers her voice slightly, as if she was sharing a secret, "I was thinking about walking about the gardens and..." You can't say what you're thinking out loud. "contemplating my performance and how I might improve. Would you care to join me?"
"You do me far too much credit, Harukichi-san. I barely made an impression on those assembled here. A trip to the gardens does sound relaxing, however. I would be honored to accompany you."
The Scorpion raised one hand to her face, tapping her porcelain cheek lightly. "And I must admit, I have often wished to see a Kakita duellist without their... blade." My ancestors are going to scorn me for eternity.
...And then he realized that the other samurai had started beating on rice, and were well into it while he stood there daydreaming. Halfheartedly he started on his own pile, blushing furiously, and when all was said and done the Kiyashi had finished all of his rice, while the other two had done well to keep close to him. Saburo's pile was still shamefully high.
"I...uhh...guess my mind wasn't really on the task at hand", said Saburo, grinning sheepishly. "Congratulations, Hida-san!"
"KI-YAA," Kamahime's mallet smashes into the rice a final time, "Heh, that went as well as the rest of the day did for me. Still, nice diversion."
"And you earned some lovely sweet rice cakes, hmm," says an old man handing some over, "The secret ingredient is love, teeheehee." He hands over two armloads to Kiyashi, "truly a prize worthy of a topaz champion." The man would strike some, as a tad feeble in the head, he gives everyone some sweet rice cakes.
"Ah it was a forgone conclusion this competition," Denbe adds, "I'm going to have a few drinks, would you honorable samurai care to join me?" he points to the house of laughing carp, "Hazu is getting some bottles right now."
She turned slightly to face the path to the gardens and motioned to Rika. "Shall we then, Rika-san?" She begin to stroll towards the garden, Rika at her side, "If I may ask, what are your plans after you attain your gempukku?"
So he merely allowed a smile to blossom on his features, and nodded.
"Lead the way! Are you coming along as well, Tsuruchi-san?" Kiyashi gave him a sidelong glance. "Unless you feel you would get lost in whatever thoughts keep you from focusing again?"
"Ah lets take a seat, what are your feelings on the first day of competition Hida-san?" he asks.
Saburo easily finds Shiba Takako, who secluded herself from the main throng of villagers behind a house. "Oh hello, Tsuruchi Saburo was it?" she says walking towards you, "were you looking for me, Tsuruchi, Saburo?
"Oh, um... Shiba-sama. I...uh.... I was just trying to get some quiet time away from my Hida friend. He's quite likable, but he's very enthusiastic. We just finished pounding some rice for some farmers at his...umm...insistence." He looks down at his hand, surprised to find the spoils of that competition still gripped firmly there, and held the cake up tentatively "Err... Would you care to split this rice cake I was given in repayment with me?"
"Poison Hiruma Do." Suddenly there is a small vial of clear liquid in her hand. "Don't worry it won't kill him, just make him wish he was dead. He'll let you get close and no one would suspect someone as sweet as you."
"Anyone willing to hunt the beasts of the Shadowlands in any capacity has my respect."
Kiyashi didn't answer the next question, for a long moment, as he watched the ronin go acquire more drinks. Had it been the Scorpion he'd spoken to last night? Kiyashi couldn't remember.
He looked back at Denbe and smiled.
"A good showing for most of us, Bayushi-san. The Unicorn especially is doing well, though I have to wonder at whether their gaijin... tendencies... have helped or hurt them. I am pleased with my showing thus far. I look forward to tomorrow! I expect there will be opportunities for each of us to show our worth."
Indeed.
"Bu...w.... Sh... " composing himself, he tried again " ha...has the Hiruma done something to offend you, Shiba-san?"
He didn't move either to return the vial or pocket it, though- the vial remained in his hand between them, snuggled between their bodies. The Phoenix's body was suddenly occupying quite alot of Saburo's attention.
"I wanted to hunt a Maho-tsukai for my gempukku but my family sent me here instead," the Usagi replies. Her leg is shaking nervously though she seems otherwise at ease. Hazu meanwhile has returned with the drink. "Hai it was the Moto's skill with the horse that put him ahead of the pack so to speak. Though i doubt the iaijutsu tournament will suit him quite so much." Bayushi Denbe says. As Hazu returns, Denbe asks "Suggestions for a toast?"
Hiruma Do meanwhile is mourning his lackluster performance in his own way, women and wine. He and some of his hangers on and friends are drinking riotously. The phoenix Agasha Hanori is doing the same with some of his compatriots.
"Iajutsu, I am afraid, is far from my forte. I wonder sometimes if the Crane keep the tradition alive so they can always point to a form of combat they are masters of."
He didn't sound bitter... at the moment. He sounded like any other samurai decrying opposing schools of combat. When Hazu returned, he inclined his head at the ronin, though only slightly, in thanks. He raised his own cup.
"To the Emperor."
Getting ahold of himself, Saburo lets his gaze rise up to the Phoenix's eyes... And suddenly grins. "Although you are obviously a very formidable woman, I hadn't realized you chose your friends so carefully. There's no need to test me- I am not so hungry for a even a woman of your beauty's company that I'd risk dishonouring my family and potentially being thrown out of the competition for it."
Releasing the vial, he tried to gently extricate himself. "I would very much like to get to know you better, however, Shiba-san... Just not under these conditions. If, however, you'd be interested in a walk in the park let me know- I'd be happy to get to know you better, under less...contrived circumstances."
She lowers her gaze as Rika speaks, "Or the Lion lands." She nearly forgot about the betrothal to the Lion as punishment for her unseemly behaviour. As they reach her favourite spot in the gardens, she looks around and surreptitiously pulls Rika aside in to a small alcove, well concealed and out of sight of anyone who could possibly be watching.
She gazes up at Rika and lays a soft kiss on her lips; it is a simple kiss, but also one conveying a font of emotions. She pulls away from the kiss and speaks softly, in hushed intimate tones, "And I have missed you so as well, Rika."
"But there is something I must tell you. When my father caught us, he decided that I needed to be betrothed at once to put an end to such unseemly behaviour. I was betrothed to a samurai named Matsu Masaru. He required that I complete my gempukku before I was to be married, so I was entered in to the Topaz Championship." She bows her head, shamed and afraid of Rika's reaction, but knowing that Honesty must never be compromised; it is the most vital source of honour for a Kakita.
No, no, no ,no!
The fingers of one hand flew involuntarily to the hilt of her blade, still strapped across her back, even as her other arm wrapped around the slim waist of the beautiful Crane, pulling her in close.
"I am so sorry, Harukichi. Perhaps I could challenge him..."
The tall Scorpion bent down, sliding her mask off as she pressed her lips against those of the other.
She is mine, I am hers, nobody may come between us.
She releases you and starts to walk away. "Such a shame," she says without turning around.
Heavy drinking is going around, for many young samurai this is the first time in their life that has been under constant supervision. Hazu, though by far the eldest of the contestants also seems to like his wine. "Ah i'm going to get another bottle," he says rising. "Me too," says Kamahime. This leaves Kiyashi alone with Bayushi Denbe.
"Do you know why i am friendly to the ronin," he says without looking at you, "keep him in drink and treat him like a true samurai." His gaze wanders over to meet your eyes. "Someone must have sponsored his entry, someone with a great deal of political clout. Discovering who might lead to much more interesting information." The Bayushi smiles at his own cleverness, he's not drunk yet at all. So either he's seen fit to share his plans with you or he's lying.
"You're disappointed?!" Saburo hissed, the voice that carried so effortlessly across the inn now seeming to stop dead at the Phoenix's ears. Catching up to the girl easily, he stood in her path, annoyance clearly painted across his features.
"You ask me to put my standing in the tourney and my clan's honour in jeopardy on your word- a stranger's word- that I can bed you? You treat me as a man-child without a thought in his head other than sex and have the nerve to be disappointed in me when I refuse a request that no sane man would accept? I..." stopping himself abruptly, he looked into her eyes, and his anger faded away, as quickly as it had come.
"If you want my trust, you'll have to earn it- and I am not talking about bedding me. Have no fear I will tell anyone of what has happened, nor that I intend any ill will towards you. But... "pausing, he smiled briefly, "If... if you ever do want to take that walk in the park, I'm sure you'll have little difficulty finding me, Shiba-san." with a low bow, the boy started to walk away.
Harukichi sighs deeply, "I have always been taught that Honesty is the most important virtue of the Bushido. How can I expect to live if I cannot be Honest about my feelings. I would rather live as an outcast than compromise the principles with which I was raised and with which I do believe."
She looks in to Rika's eyes and whispers, "I love you. And that is the one truth that I have the most duty to." She kisses Rika's lips again.
"Otakan, you puffed up peacock i know i saw you here somewhere i..." Kakita Shino just nearly walked into Rika and Harukichi. "Hmmph, i, apologies, my interruption was not intended, please forgive me." He seems quite annoyed at having walked in on this private moment and he had looked peeved to begin with. "I, hmm," Now the young crane just looks confused.
She breaths long and deep, hoping to return her heart beat to normal and get rid of her blush. She feels her racing heart slow and she looks up to see Shiba-san, one of her fellow students. She smiles to him, brushing the hair from in front of her face, "Hello, Shino-san. You did not interrupt anything; I was simply talking with one of our fellow competitors. How are you on this day?" Act pleasant, receive him eagerly, and he will not suspect you have something to hide. Any suspicions he will conjure in his mind he will simply dismiss as fantasies of his young mind.
She just wanted you to take risks for her, to do her dirty work- she doesn't really want to be your friend, much less get passionate with you. Forget her.
But the feel of her against him... her dark, beautiful eyes- he could so easily lose himself in them...
And so it was that a very conflicted boy walked back towards his room at the Carp, feeling in turn upset, confused and disappointed as he tried to come to grips with this most unexpected encounter.
He saw me with my mask off? Shame! I must be more careful... but it is hard to do around Harukichi.
She could feel her heartbeat racing, her breathing much more rapid than usual.
"Your gardens here are lovely. I must admit, I am honored to have seen them."
"I will admit that I had wondered myself. But not enough to dishonor myself, nor to dishonor him further, by pretending friendship."
Kiyashi inclined his head, ever so slightly. Thought were playing in Kiyashi's mind. While there was no way he would ever trust a Scorpion farther than he could throw one, Kiyashi was a fairly large man, and might actually be able to throw this one some distance. And besides, the exchange was harmless enough.
And in addition... He wondered where the Scorpion would take this.
"Though perhaps it would not be so great a dishonor to either of us as I had thought."
He was not quite so foolish as to ask outright why Denbe had brought it up.
Though it was a close thing.
Tsuruchi Saburo, wanders downcast into the house of the laughing carp. "Ah join us," Hazu says running into him, "Your friend the Hida, Kamahime-san here and myself are having a drink with Bayushi Denbe. Relaxing after a hard day."
"Oh don't get me wrong , Hazu seems a good sort and is certainly likeable enough. I hardly need pretend anything. But still, ronin. Still i was curious." Bayushi Denbe says
The walk back had cooled him off a bit, but he still wasn't feeling his usual self. He'd performed poorly at the championship, and now he had a whole other set of cares - What if the Shiba tried to get back at him in retaliation for his refusal this afternoon? A poison could be slipped into his drink as easily as any, and he now knew that the Shiba was deeply dishonourable. Not that he cared how honourable she was, but he had a feeling she wouldn't want the fact bandied about.
Thoughts spinning, the Tsuruchi sat down at the table beside his Hida friend, unconsciously preparing for the inevitable blow to the back that would follow the Crab's recognizing him.
"I wonder how well he will perform tomorrow."
Kiyashi fell silent, after this, though that didn't last long, only until Saburo sat down, at which point Kiyashi raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you weren't coming, Tsuruchi-san!" The inevitable clap on the back indeed did come, though Kiyashi paused after.
"You look troubled! Should we get you another pile of rice?"
I probably shouldn't drink too much now, if a slip-up later could be so costly. Pity... I could use a few drinks right now.
Kiyashi laughed again, and downed the last of his drink, glancing at the others, then back at Saburo.
"Save strong feelings for the battles ahead, and be happy tonight! We perform before the Emperor himself!"