[D3 EM] The Dawn will come

[Hantei Genji]

Genji reddened....

"Hime-chan..." He sighed. "I recall when you tried to do your own hair. How much had to be cut off? Or burnt off, if I remember right?" He tried teasing back.

"As for the more mature topic at hand...that is certainly true Bayushi-san. I never have thought of it that way, but then again, I was born into what my father and his siblings' built. Yet they did build it, in harmony with their own nature and in harmony with the nature of this realm. Or at least that is how I envision it, but I am speaking of a loftier position most."

He hesitated slightly. "I also enjoy the company of such august samurai, Bayushi-san."

[Doji Dojihime]

Dojihime was caught off guard by the retort if only briefly and for a moment was incensed but allowed herself a smile and said, “As you say, dearest cousin.”

She wanted to strike back with venom but in the end, she relented that she may have pushed too far… not a failing mind you, just not utilizing her humor in the right moment. In fact, it was a strength to draw out his steel in front of a potential paramour… though she hoped otherwise. The Crab was much more palatable and useful to her goals.

In a way this played out better than she expected. Just as intended. She added to Genji’s words, “We will build a beautiful realm worthy of our forebears and our children will make it ever more perfect. That is the Duty and burden of children, and we our most filial piety by building on what has come before and honoring our ancestors.”

[Bayushi Kogi]

Kogi raises her hand gracefully in front of her mouth as she observes the tense (or, hopefully, mock-tense) exchange between the two cousins--a reflexive gesture that might perhaps have been hiding an inconveniently amused smile, if her veil wasn't already there.

"The Protected Lands and the people living here really were fortunate to be chosen by Fate in such a way," she says. "At least, I must think so, since none of the three of us would be here otherwise. I'm glad I can be alive on this day, enjoying this lovely garden."

[Doji Dojihime]

"It is a lovely place," she agreed.

[Hantei Genji]

"I am certainly glad we are all here, Hime-chan and Bayushi-san." He smiled trying to ease the sudden tension.

"What tribe are you originally from Bayushi-san, may I ask?"

[Bayushi Kogi]

"Mm." She hesitates for a half moment. "The place where... I was born wasn't part of a big tribe. Every valley has its little village up there--the south tip of the Spine of the World--and they know the villages east and west of them, and that's all. Not really like the mighty Hikaru who were once some way north of there, or the Chinsei to the south who already joined my lord Bayushi early on. But truthfully, I really don't remember very much about any of it. I've been in Lord Bayushi's house many years now."

One would have to be rather good at reading people to notice the signs that this simple recitation might be brushing over some scars.

--

I decided to roll and see how convincing this slight deflection managed to be. I really was just using Orokos as a sort of mood randomizer, you guys needn't actually roll Investigation against it (unless you seriously want to, in which case I guess BC rank 1 would apply, haha).

Absolutely fluff Deceit from prior day. "I don't remember" instead of "remembering is uncomfortable": 5d10r1o10k4 38

[Hantei Genji]

"Ah, I see. I have not spent much time there, I believe. It must be a beautiful place."

Genji was oblivious of any falsehood. must be the hormones.

"What is the name of your village Bayushi-san?"

[Bayushi Kogi]

A slight pause. "It used to be called Larks' Valley, but there's no village there any longer. I think the people in Spruce Peak have reclaimed some of the old fields down there now. As I said... it's been some time."

She shakes her head a little, dislodging a few mental cobwebs. "That region grows tea plants well--high, cool slopes with mild winters. Now that my lord has secured the mountain paths, the people up there are getting more prosperous from tea-making."

[Doji Dojihime]

Dojihime listened as she looked over the garden, enjoying the scenery.

[Hantei Genji]

A slight pause. "It used to be called Larks' Valley, but there's no village there any longer. I think the people in Spruce Peak have reclaimed some of the old fields down there now. As I said... it's been some time."

She shakes her head a little, dislodging a few mental cobwebs. "That region grows tea plants well--high, cool slopes with mild winters. Now that my lord has secured the mountain paths, the people up there are getting more prosperous from tea-making."

"Well, I shall certainly look forward to trying some Scorpion tea blends then." He smiled, in what he hoped was a non-creepy manner. "Do you see yourself ever revisiting that place? Perhaps reestablishing your village?"

[Bayushi Kogi]

"I don't think so, no." She shakes her head smoothly, the ends of her scarf fluttering in another gust of chilly wind. "The past is... in the past. Let someone else make new memories there, if they want to."

[Hantei Genji]

"That is an attitude I can understand. We are, after all, at the dawn of the Empire of Shiba." He smiled, his eyes catching on the scarf. "Any particular memories you wish to make, Bayushi-san?"

[Bayushi Kogi]

"That is an attitude I can understand. We are, after all, at the dawn of the Empire of Shiba." He smiled, his eyes catching on the scarf. "Any particular memories you wish to make, Bayushi-san?"

"Hm. If Hantei-sama means happy memories, I think I'd rather wish to be surprised? Within reason, anyway." She catches the end of the scarf with one hand and winds it between her fingers for a few moments. "Comparing each moment of an experience to some idea I already have in my head... the actual event might not be very memorable compared to the planning."

[Hantei Genji]

"Hm. If Hantei-sama means happy memories, I think I'd rather wish to be surprised? Within reason, anyway." She catches the end of the scarf with one hand and winds it between her fingers for a few moments. "Comparing each moment of an experience to some idea I already have in my head... the actual event might not be very memorable compared to the planning."

"Ah, I see. Certainly, planned memories are not the same as one's spontaneous ones." He pondered for a moment, glancing at Hime-chan. "Though perhaps, there is always something in between a plan and a surprise. A wish, perhaps?"