In the middle of the garden, with her cloak pulled close around her and Hen by her side, Ryoshun Rei sat with her eyes closed. At first glance, she might appear to be meditating. But, a closer look would reveal a few drops of blood in the snow, suggesting this was something more.

She had an idea for an activity. Another evening of storytelling that would be a fun diversion for everyone. First, however, she needed to ensure the area she had in mind was safe. She felt confident that no spirits were roaming the castle grounds, but it was best to be certain.

- - -
Seeing Without Sight (EM, Day 3), Casting Sense Void with 3 CR for Range, TN 40: 7d10o10k4 30
Note: TN is 25. Range is increased to 40'.
4 wounds

Kuni saw the Bat and began to approach her until he noticed the blood. As she was obviously busy, he looked around the garden a bit. If she finished before he was done, he would approach her. This might have been a nice place for his show had it been summer.

Her eyes opened. She'd seen tge Spider approaching. She saw every living thing at the moment. It was the gaps, the empty spaces Rei was looking for. She was still looking, but that didn't mean she should ignore the man.

She quickly bandaged the cut she'd used to cast and rose to her feet.

"Good morning!" she called out.

He bowed, but to the degree someone meeting unfamiliar samurai would bow rather to an heir of a Clan. "Greetings, Bat-sama. I am Hisomu Kuni of the Spider Clan." Kuni attempted a friendly smile. "I have wanted to meet a Bat samurai for a long time now." Well, he had met Agasha if you consider saying hello as he walked by her.

She gave a short respectful bow. "I am Ryoshun Rei. It is nice to meet you, Hisomu-san. Is there something I could help you with."

Kuni bows again more appropriate for her station. He apparently recognized the name. "Forgive my casualness, Ryoshun-sama. I just was just hoping to strengthen the ties between our Clans." Kuni consider his delicacy. He preferred bluntness. But this is an heir. Maybe she didn't. He would try to be delicate for now.

"I am a researcher of the spirit realms. Specifically, the one that held Hisomu-kami captive. Naturally, I feel that strong cooperation between our two Clans would be a benefit to us both and would like to create such friendships." This was exhausting. He did his best not to show it, but he was above his head. He had meant to talk to a random Bat and set up some sort of meeting between their leaders. But if he could get the heir to listen.... Well, a Spider-Bat Alliance could be beneficial in the Empire's fight against Jigoku.

She smiled. "I agree. The spirit realms affect our world significantly, even those that seem friendly. It would be good to work together to safely understand them better."

Ryoshun Rei wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 12, 2021 8:58 pm

In the middle of the garden, with her cloak pulled close around her and Hen by her side, Ryoshun Rei sat with her eyes closed. At first glance, she might appear to be meditating. But, a closer look would reveal a few drops of blood in the snow, suggesting this was something more.

She had an idea for an activity. Another evening of storytelling that would be a fun diversion for everyone. First, however, she needed to ensure the area she had in mind was safe. She felt confident that no spirits were roaming the castle grounds, but it was best to be certain.

- - -
Seeing Without Sight (EM, Day 3), Casting Sense Void with 3 CR for Range, TN 40: 7d10o10k4 30
Note: TN is 25. Range is increased to 40'.
4 wounds

Everything seems clear

Kuni nods. "The Seekers of Jigoku brought me back news of Tainted spirits that I believe come from the other realms. Especially Gaki-do. Though I do have concerns. Shinsei talked about a Day of Thunder where the Empire would face Jigoku. Hisomu-kami was meant to be Jigoku's Champion. I have considered the possibilities of our rescue of him. I think either Jigoku will try to choose a new Champion or target a different spiritual realm try to conquer. I think the former is more likely, but I don't want to discount the latter."

"I think an an exchange of students would help us monitor the situation better and build our Clans' friendship." This was brutal. He had no idea if he was doing OK or somehow insulting her as he was just some Spider shugenja.

Lore: Shadowlands/Intelligence: 8d10o10k3 36

"My father has said something is coming." she nodded. "He defends meido and yomi. It would be best to prepare, however we can."

Well, that was ominous. But still, Kuni smiled. "It is good to know your father is protecting them and guiding your Clan still. The biggest concern I have is people will ignore the danger believing that after saving Hisomu-kami, that it is not less of a threat than it truly is."

"Agreed. But, I don't think it will be easy to convince everyone." she sighed. "We'd need a better idea of what to prepare for and how, regardless."

"I can arrange for all the information I have regarding Tainted spirits of the other Realms copied for the Bat Clan if you could Bat could do the same for us. Maybe the other will see what we ourselves miss."

"Of course." she nodded in agreement. "We have compiled a lot of information, between my mother, my sister and myself."

Kuni nods. "I look forward to seeing what you have discovered. I hope our work will be able to aid you as well." Kuni was sure he was. The Seekers were good at collecting hidden information. They probably found something the Bat haven't.

"You have likely focused on areas we have not." she said. "I feel certain that there is much we can learn from one another. I hope to host another evening of storytelling here in the garden in a few nights. Sharing kaidan, actually, tales of spirits and other unnatural dangers heard throughout the Empire. I hope you will be able to attend."

Kuni smiles. "That sounds like my kind of a get together." He begins going through his mind of stories he could share. "I will be there."

He considers for a moment. "If you're interested, in a few days, I plan on holding a contest of sorts. I am writing a book about the various fashions here at court from the various Clans. To see which I should put as the prominent trend, I plan to have a sort contest so people can compare and thus eliminate my bias." Part of Kuni felt a little foolish. Anything unrelated to his duty or family, always felt a little foolish to him. But he was told to get a hobby. And he did enjoy it.

"That would be an interesting diversion." she smiled. "What would it entail?"

"A kimono would have to be made. Then, there would be have to be someone model. And finally, there would need be someone who could explain the details and reasoning for choices to the audience. It all could be done by one person, though I expect multiple people will have to take part."

He then gives a more detailed explanation of how he expects it to work.

"Hmm... I may be able to craft something." she mused. "But, I am no artist. I'd be curious to see it all, regardless."