As evidenced by inability to find time to post, I simply cannot provide the game the attention it deserves at the moment, with work and other pressures from the dreaded real world. I hope to catch you guys in the next one, but for now I must focus on the RL no Oni podlings that are chewing on my face.

Attempting to find a spoon to participate with.

"We are also historians." A dry chuckle.

He returned the bow. "I fear I must depart, however, so that I can prepare to take the record of court today. It has been an interesting morning - I always love to learn more of the ways of the clans."

"These things are true - and the cost of change is one that I am glad the Emperor considers - he has paced himself in ways many lesser men would not."

A soft sigh. "I have gotten the impression that the Crane are... not impressed easily." He attempted to be courteous.

"Well, I will wish you good fortune in your quest."

Masanori figured that would be acceptable.

"Perhaps when you find your answers, you might relate the tale to the Ongaku, so others can share in your insights."

"Huh. A book collection can be honest?" The veiled head tilts a little to one side. Then, rolling the hem of the fine cloth a little with her fingertips, "Oh, this? But I'm sure you know Lord Bayushi wore such a mask at the Tournament of the Kami, twenty years ago--if some of the mortal members of ...

"Intriguing... I hope he isn't in any danger." Masanori thought it sounded very strange - but perhaps this was another Scorpion eccentricity. They definitely seemed a clan to keep tabs on, as one likely to create many unique or unusual customs that would warrant documentation. Crossing his arms, he ...

"I see - the groom does seem rather imposing. Many Crane are quite cold - to my family at least, and I do sometimes wonder..." Masanori shrugged. "Not all people have greeted us warmly in the past, and perhaps there remains some bitterness about the tribe that once was - I cannot say." Stroking his ...

"The Ongaku, the half ogre tribe. I do not know many of your type, honestly, I would say you are the first one that I have met." The samurai-ko took a drink of her sake, finishing up the cup and looking around for another to get her hands on. A mother ogre, and a father farmer. Strange combination....

Lifting her own tea bowl to sample the aroma of the brew, Kogi shrugs slightly. "Then decide what lesson you want to convey, and select whatever examples suit it, ne? You can't write down everything... and I would guess most people who just do what is needful every day don't aspire to become legend...

"Yes... though I confess her explanations of it are lost on me thus far. Whatever she has gained, many of us don't seem to share... at least not yet." There was a somewhat strange quality to his tone, perhaps bordering on bitterness, though if it was, it was well suppressed. "We will do our utmost t...

His expression remained slightly puzzled, but he just nodded. Perhaps it was a magic thing? Or maybe some courtier trick? "I see... somewhat." He couldn't help but quirk one eyebrow as she said 'pet' in describing herself, but seemed torn on whether he wanted to question it. After a slightly elongat...

Apologies for very low activity, IRL is clubbing me over the head at the moment. I'll try and keep up my current threads, but probably won't join new ones until D4.

Kogi slides the first bowl of frothy whisked tea across the table toward him. "Is that what the records you're keeping are meant for? Rewarding the virtuous? If that's the reason for your chronicle, then just write about those people, I suppose. You have your reason already." It takes her only half...

"Well... we do ask that you co-operate with the caravans when they visit - it makes our duty much easier. Likewise, if the libraries are put to use, and each clan keeps their own contributions up to date, we can then return them to the capital." Masanori couldn't quite hide a dry smile. "Some clans ...

"Ranged?" He furrowed his brow. "It seems that after you did, you would be left bereft of a weapon." With a small shrug, he tucked his tonfa back into his sash. "I suppose it never hurts to have a trick up your sleeve. So might I ask what you are, if not a weapon expert? I myself am a courier, so I,...

"Ah yes... she has found the old gifts - it led her to her place now." Masanori looked pensive. "I fear we are not all as otherworldly - yet we do try to follow her example." With a small shrug, he added, "She has been rather busy of late trying to deal with the remaining Takemori tribesmen - they a...

"A job that can be done by anyone still has to be done by someone ." Kogi's narrow hands carry on with the very familiar set of tasks before her, measuring the powdered tea with the casual precision of a pharmacist. "Not everything needed is glorious, and not everything glorious is needful." "Strip...

"Maybe the kami decided to help me in this day, especially after yesterday's failure at gaining the favor in the court. I guess it would not be expected on a Crab, especially when people pay more attention to her faults wondering where such a scar could come from." The mask on the woman was barely ...

Masanori believes he would make a poor princess, and thus opts bemusedly to be the prince of the ball.