Pain. Pain and burning were all Hadananzi could feel for a long, drawn out eternity. Then reality came rushing back and the truth struck the demon...jade. Kakita knew and had used jade on his weapon. A roar erupted from the man's throat even as a jagged gash across his torso began to crackle and bur...

Hadananzi's eyes narrow just the slightest amount at his enemy.

_____

Focus, HoV, Inheritance, SoM, Nanzi Bushi: 10d10o10k9+10 60

Hadananzi gaze settles on Kakita steadily, watching him like a hawk... or another sort of bird.

_____

Initiative + Strength of Madness: 9d10o10k6+10 97

Iaijutsu/Assessment: 10d10o10k6 57

[Hadananzi's Reflexes is 5]

Hadananzi arrived, wearing a functional but fine silk kimono and a finely crafted sword at his hip. His face was just as stony and emotionless as that of the emperor, towards whom he offered a deep bow. Another bow was afforded to his wife, and to the shrine itself, as if asking for the heavens' ble...

"That would be most delightful, dear sister."

/scene

"I am ever at the service of the Crane, but you and my beloved wife in particular hold a special place for me. My attention and devotion are at your beck and call." He smiled and added a formal bow to his words just for extra effect.

"Hmm, light and approachable. Plenty will want to approach you after the play is concluded, so you'll want to broadcast openness to that."

"Oh, yes, I most certainly did." Hadananzi tried to mask his smile, but was only partially successful. "I'll not let it become an issue again in the future."

"But it's a poor brother who drags those burdens back to the surface." Hadananzi bowed softly in apology. "She will pull through." He paused for a moment, then said. "Is there any other matter which you'd like to discuss?"

/scene

Hadananzi nodded solemnly. "Yes, she will resist." He shook his head as if to clear it. "I am sorry to bring such back to your attention, I am certain you've heard enough on the matter for your tastes."

"Certainly." He hands the block over to Ayano. "Just be very gentle, you want to apply enough to protect your work without smudging it."

"That doesn't do much to ease my concerns." He sighed and put the picture away. "I do hope she recovers soon."

"I'm not sure, but I haven't seen your mother since the affliction took hold. I'm not so certain that I could accurately recreate her appearance just from extrapolation alone." He shook his head again. "I just don't know."

Hadananzi sighed, then produced the portrait he'd painted the other day, with Doji looking worn and haggard. "Only your sister has gotten a close look at this portrait. Makime Ayano-san saw it from a distance, but not close enough to see the odd details. Ananzihime believes I painted my unspoken con...

"Perhaps so. It would be a smart match, certainly." Hadananzi frowned for a moment. "There was one other thing, a painting I made of your mother that didn't turn out how I intended."

"I was delighted to do it. She even means to make a gift of the portrait she painted to the one she portrayed, Doji Misaki." Hadananzi laughed. "She seemed embarrassed by her own boldness in that choice."

"Fruitful." He said, simply. "As I suspected she has a knack for artistic expression, but lacks the environment to foster it properly. You wouldn't have guessed her first painting was done by an amateur at all, especially from memory. It was quite remarkable."

"Not yet, no. The matter was barely decided a few hours ago, and I responded to your summons immediately. She isn't even aware yet that her fan has been recovered."

Hadananzi put a hand over Dojihime's and squeezed it softly in thanks. "All minor things, dear sister, and nothing I could not endure further were it necessary to do so. Still, I am glad to have your support."