[D2, EA] Imperial Court, Part 1 (Open, Event)

[Nozomi]

Kyosei shakes his head. "I think we have split our trails. I meant both the old bird, and others from that trip so long ago, who might also be present for this winter."

She chuckled some and nodded. "Ah, fair then. I think there are a few trains of thought in our talk. You aren't right. We were quite the ... motley crew. So many different natures among us, all so very different, but without each... I have little doubt we risked failure." They'd needed everything.

[Kuu]

"Oh, of course. Teaching such simply to anyone doesn't speak to the heart of finding heroes. Anyone can be a hero, but not everyone will be. There need be villains for there to be heroes to oppose them, yes? It wouldn't do well to teach powerful techniques to those who might misuse them for personal gain and glory."

"It's less to do with that and more to do with the fact that such teachings could potentially be modified with enough study, experimentation, and trial and error to cause harm rather than help," he explains. "Plus, you do not need a villain to have a hero. Just a struggle that requires heroic effort to overcome. A person could be a hero by leading his village to strengthen a dam, so that their homes don't wash away in a rainstorm. The rain is not evil or villainous, but it is a danger to be overcome."

[Hadananzi]

"It's less to do with that and more to do with the fact that such teachings could potentially be modified with enough study, experimentation, and trial and error to cause harm rather than help," he explains. "Plus, you do not need a villain to have a hero. Just a struggle that requires heroic effort to overcome. A person could be a hero by leading his village to strengthen a dam, so that their homes don't wash away in a rainstorm. The rain is not evil or villainous, but it is a danger to be overcome."

Hadananzi nodded his understanding, though it was starting to get a bit lofty for his tastes. "I see, I see. You teach even now the lessons of your order to one such as I, with little understanding of the nature of heroism. I had narrowed my focus only to those who had adversaries to define themselves against, but it seems such need not be the case at all."

[Hisomu Matsu]

Spotting someone else feeling almost as uncomfortable as she did, the tall-but-not-nearly-as-tall-as-Matsu Dragon princess drifted over in the direction of the Spider warrior.

Oh my, yes, this had to be the Hisomu Matsu she had heard her mother talk abut. "You're the one they call the Thunder?" asked the teen with white flowing hair down her back.

The word seemed even more uncomfortable for her when someone else said it. She turned to fully face the Dragon Princess, and offered a small, if stoic smile. As if trying to shake off the weight of expectation.

"Some people have said that, yes. I'd like to think most will know me by my name, Matsu." Her voice was strong, a deep contralto, yet warm. "It's nice to meet you..." she didn't quite trail off, but more didn't want to assume anything.

[Isawa Kyosei]

She chuckled some and nodded. "Ah, fair then. I think there are a few trains of thought in our talk. You aren't right. We were quite the ... motley crew. So many different natures among us, all so very different, but without each... I have little doubt we risked failure." They'd needed everything.

"We did. It was balanced on the edge of a knife, several times, I think. But, it did succeed. And now, I think it is time for us both to head our separate ways for a bit, and spread the word a bit. And, for you, young lady, a bit of advice; listen to what your mother tells you, but listen more closely for what she doesn't tell you. That may be the most important part."

[Bayushi Kogi]

Kogi lurked--if so elegant a figure could really be said to lurk--near a side wall of the audience hall, observing the proceedings with fan in hand. Saru Yatsufusa's petition was very curious indeed; she wondered what Sasori would think of it. Or Masato, for that matter (whose interaction with Hsieh-Hsieh she had, perhaps fortunately for her nerves, missed).

If indeed she was stuck here for several more days, duty called for her to involve herself in this scene, but for the minute she allowed herself to think, I am looking before I leap, and to stay quiet a bit longer.

((AFK for the night now, but if you want to chat just quote or PM and I'll reply in the morning ))

[Viveki Doshi]

Vivaki enters court with her hair done up, dressed in a figure-hugging pink saree. As at the reception, she lingered near the rear of the room, seemingly amused as she watched everyone mill around and talk to each other. If nothing else, she had a chance to finally see this Emperor everyone had been talking about.

[Kakita]

Ah, look, an Ayeka. A new dark kimono, this time with a pattern reminiscent of several branches, though still with a dark jingasa and veil. She makes all appropriate bows before finding a corner to be out of the way.

Eventually another man found his way out of the way and stood a short distance away from the lurking Spider.

“You have the gait of a swordswoman Lady Spider. Mind if a fellow practitioner join you away from the attention?”

[Kuu]

Hadananzi nodded his understanding, though it was starting to get a bit lofty for his tastes. "I see, I see. You teach even now the lessons of your order to one such as I, with little understanding of the nature of heroism. I had narrowed my focus only to those who had adversaries to define themselves against, but it seems such need not be the case at all."

"But even if it's not necessary for there to be a threat from an enemy, the majority of dangers tend to be from such. People tend to be their own worst enemy. Before the kami, the tribes fought and banditry was a way of life for many. In recent times the Crab were ordered relocated after conflict with the Nezumi. Even with the guidance of the Kami there will be people that seek wealth or power at the expense of their neighbors. We give ourselves ample opportunity to rise above our faults, by virtue of having so many faults."

[Hantei Genji]

Vivaki enters court with her hair done up, dressed in a figure-hugging pink saree. As at the reception, she lingered near the rear of the room, seemingly amused as she watched everyone mill around and talk to each other. If nothing else, she had a chance to finally see this Emperor everyone had been talking about.

Genji approached the curious person, fan in hand. Bowing in what he thought was an appropriate depth (what in father's sunshine is appropriate for a foreigner?) he greeted her.

"Greetings Viveki-san. How are you enjoying the court so far?"

[Jiyo Sora]

She suppressed a laugh. "My sister and her family do enjoy documenting their research, in detail. She wanted me to bring another of her journals, but it was not complete when I left. As for our needs, any kaidan would be appreciated. We collect stories of spirits and other mysterious events ourselves, but I'm sure there's far more out there than what we have. Now that it is certain that my stay will be extended, I'm hoping to host an evening of sharing such tales."

"Huh, you know, time was, I wouldn't have had any- the Hikaru tribe didn't have much time for that sort of thing- But I think I could see about finding a few we've collected. My daughters love them."

[Hisomu Susumu]

Susumu arrives late, something that would have aggravated his parents. Reo, in particular was about exacting standards.

But you never realized that it tells people you want to see them. Arriving later changes their expectations and sets you as the more important party.

Susumu finds himself a seat, helping himself to some tea. The scuttlebutt is all about some dragon making a petition about magical creatures or something.

Interesting...

Susumu's eyes follow the shugenja that was pointed out, waiting to see the results.

(Pm if approached)

[Hisomu Ayeka]

Eventually another man found his way out of the way and stood a short distance away from the lurking Spider.

“You have the gait of a swordswoman Lady Spider. Mind if a fellow practitioner join you away from the attention?”

The woman turned and bowed to her impromptu companion, smiling ever so gently. "The chance to speak with another practitioner of the sword is always welcome. Please, do join me. I am Hisomu Ayeka."

[Jiyo Ayumu]

Lost somewhere within the crowd, dressed in his ordinary, nothing special uniform, Ayumu was quietly observing what transpired in the hall.

Court was busy, but still very much manageable, which was a relief. There had been some worry among the palace staff that things would turn hectic today with that many people suddenly finding themselves with nothing to do due to the paralyzing snow. No one loves to argue pointlessly as much as the bored man after all.

Actually, since things were going so well, he was wondering if he wouldn't be more useful by monitoring the outskirts of the palace for persons who might have underestimated the strength of the snowstorm.

[Hantei Kinsen]

-snip-

Kinsen notices someone she has to talk with and moves toward his direction. With a bow, she greets, "Jiyo-san. I hope you have had your rice today. May Lady Sun bless you a thousandfold. How have you been doing these years?"

[Kakita]

The woman turned and bowed to her impromptu companion, smiling ever so gently. "The chance to speak with another practitioner of the sword is always welcome. Please, do join me. I am Hisomu Ayeka."

“And I am Kakita. A pleasure to make your acquaintance Hisomu-san.” He replied with a polite bow of his head.

“Did you come for the wedding as well?”

[Hisomu Ayeka]

“And I am Kakita. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance Hisomu-san.” He replied with a polite bow of his head.

“Did you come for the wedding as well?”

"Indeed," she nods, "though it seems my presence has been lengthened by circumstance," a small laugh escaped her lips. "It is well that I had no pressing business elsewhere, else this snow would truly be a great inconvenience."

[Kakita]

"Indeed," she nods, "though it seems my presence has been lengthened by circumstance," a small laugh escaped her lips. "It is well that I had no pressing business elsewhere, else this snow would truly be a great inconvenience."

He nodded, "I find that most inconveniences can be turned into character building experiences given the right conditions... Most being the imperative word there."

He smiled, "It seems some power that is wishes to have us all cooped up here together in close proximity. I trust that it will work for the good."

[Hisomu Ayeka]

He nodded, "I find that most inconveniences can be turned into character building experiences given the right conditions... Most being the imperative word there."

He smiled, "It seems some power that is wishes to have us all cooped up here together in close proximity. I trust that it will work for the good."

"Your words remind me of one of my sensei," she responded with a muted laugh. "You think it not coincidence that we have been trapped here, then? Perhaps you are correct. This is quite the gathering of interesting and important people. I shall be glad to be witness to any momentous events that occur."

[Kakita]

"Your words remind me of one of my sensei," she responded with a muted laugh. "You think it not coincidence that we have been trapped here, then? Perhaps you are correct. This is quite the gathering of interesting and important people. I shall be glad to be witness to any momentous events that occur."

He nodded, "It seems that there are a number of events people have planned on the fly as a result of these conditions... Will you be taking part in the revelries later this evening?"