Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XL: The Crane's Winter Court===
:>We arrived home with no difficulty, and I allowed Daiko and Tetsute to bowl me over as they charged out of the house.
:>Tetsute looked over at Naomi and held up his arms.
:>Without reservation, Naomi joined in on the hug pile.
:>Mantis-san shook his head
:>You spoil them far too much, Ishigaki-san.
:>I ignored him. We were missing one, and I called out for him to be brought to us.
:>Akiko came out, bringing Tsuyosa with her.
:>There we go, now the family hug pile is complete.
:>Everyone else filed in to my home, politely ignoring this public display.
:>Ohh, I think he's gotten heavier!
:>Naomi took Tsuyosa from me.
:>You're right!
:>Daiko grinned up at us.
:>I got to feed him!
:>He's such a piggy!
:>I gave her a little boop on the nose.
:>You were no better, at that age.
:>Giggles from the kids, and a nostalgic smile from Naomi.
:>After some time we headed back inside.
:>Shino bowed to us.
:>And held out a letter.
:>Hooo? What's this now?
:>I took the letter and unfolded it.
:>Artful calligraphy on fine quality rice paper, so thin you could almost see through it.
:>I rolled my eyes and handed it off to Naomi as soon as I saw all that frippery.
:>No doubt whatever was written there was in some courtly cipher I would never understand.
:>She chuckled softly as she read the letter.
:>Oh my
:>It is a request and invitation to a Winter court.
:>She looked up at me.
:>From Kakita Ren.
:>I searched my memory for a bit.
:>Oh right. The little Crane Lord...
:>We went and sat with the others, getting tea and a meal, while Naomi told everyone about the letter.
:>It seems the Emperor has put his foot down at last.
:>In light of the Bloodspeaker threat he has declared all conflict between the Clans halt.
:>There will be peace next summer.
:>So the Clans will be negotiating the particulars of the various peace treaties this winter.
:>Kakita Ren wants us to attend his court this year.
:>In part because he fears the Bloodspeakers may try something.

:>Naomi insisted everyone take some family time, what with both Mantis-san and Monkey expecting their third and second child respectively.
:>Toshiro protested this though.
:>Naomi-san, if you leave me with no assistants I can't work...
:>I am aware Toshiro-san. That is another reason we must take time off: you have marriage interviews to attend.
:>Actually, that's a very good reason why I should work until I drop.
:>Naomi smiled at him.
:>I am certain it will not be as bad as you think.
:>And I am certain you're just doing that whole propagate life thing the water kami love.
:>There, you see? You DO want to get married after all.
:>Already thinking ahead to children and you have yet to attend one interview!
:>Toshiro, much to my surprise and amusement, had no retort to that.
:>We spent the rest of the summer and fall tending to our homes and families.
:>Well, Kitsuki-san probably didn't.
:>Honestly, I'm not sure WHAT he did when the rest of us took time for these things.
:>Something to do with shipping, I'll bet.
:>I played with Tetsute and Daiko as much as I could.
:>I had less time with Daiko, as she was beginning her lessons in earnest under Naomi's guidance.
:>Quickly enough she grew very pouty when it was time to practice her calligraphy.
:>See, Tetsute? I told you you wouldn't really want one of those calligraphy sets.
:>He nodded somberly while Daiko tried to tell Naomi her wrist hurt too much for practice.
:>Naomi simply took hold of Daiko's wrist and chanted a quick prayer.
:>A blue light enveloped my daughter's wrist.
:>There now, no more pain... right?
:>... hai mother...
:>Naomi smiled sweetly.
:>Good. Now pick up your brush dear.
:>... hai.
:>I taught Daiko too, in my own way.
:>I played memory games with her.
:>Describing various oni and having her try to remember their names, or their weaknesses.
:>Especially their weaknesses.
:>When she was right, I gave her sweets to reward her.
:>Tetsute insisted on being allowed to join in on this game as well, so I allowed them to compete with one another.

:>Toshiro stopped by after a month back at his place.
:>Three days later, the nakodo caught up with him.
:>I rolled my eyes as she introduced herself to me and explained why she was here.
:>He's back there, cowering.
:>Ah, I see. Thank you very much Hida-san.
:>I heard a door open.
:>Then.
:>DAMN YOU ISHIGAKI!
:>I yelled back.
:>Oh just get it over with!
:>I heard Tsuyosa start to fuss, so I picked him up.
:>He settled down immediately.
:>Ah, he just wanted some company.
:>I took him out into the garden for some fresh air.
:>Naomi was tending to the flowers, adding in another patch of those blue ones she liked so much.
:>I rocked Tsuyosa, but he squirmed so I stopped.
:>He was staring at my punching rock.
:>Thump.
:>Drag.
:>Thump.
:>Drag.
:>Hey! How could you jus...
:>I glanced up.
:>Toshiro was staring at my punching rock.
:>Naomi-san... you should probably make another offering soon...
:>Naomi looked up from the flowers.
:>Oh?
:>She tilted her head, and looked over to the rock.
:>Oh you are right!
:>Thank you Toshiro, I do not hear the earth kami as well as you do.
:>Not a problem, it's only a slight grumble right now anyway.
:>I looked down at Tsuyosa.
:>He was still staring intently at the punching rock.
:>I tried moving Tsuyosa.
:>He just turned his head, keeping his gaze fixed.
:>Umm... Toshiro...?
:>Oh yeah, what's the big idea letting her in you traitor?
:>Toshiro, look at this.
:>I moved Tsuyosa again.
:>Toshiro blinked.
:>Give him here a moment...
:>I did so.
:>Toshiro muttered some prayers, and laid a hand on my son's chest.
:>Then Toshiro walked around the garden holding Tsuyosa.
:>Naomi clapped her hands twice, finishing up the offering for... whichever spirit the shrine she had made out of my punching rock was for.
:>Then she came over to me.
:>What is Toshiro doing?
:>I dunno. Shugenja stuff, I think.
:>Naomi looked at me, pursing her lips and pulling one side up in an almost smirk.
:>Well, that is very helpful Ishigaki-kun. Thank you for clearing that up for me.
:>Tsuyosa was staring at the punching rock shrine thing.
:>Eh?

:>Naomi... does that mean what I think it means?
:>She shook her head.
:>That is just impossible, he is far too young to be...
:>Toshiro thumpdragged up to us.
:>I know what you're about to say, but you're wrong, Naomi-san.
:>Eh? EH? EEHHH?
:>I was looking back and forth between the two, hoping someone would clarify for me.
:>Toshiro did.
:>You don't usually start seeing the signs that a child has an affinity with the Kami until they're about Tetsute's age...
:>But Tsuyosa is clearly sensitive to the earth kami.
:>So, what? You're saying he's a genius at earth magic or something?
:>Nothing of the sort, though it's likely he could be...
:>Naomi spoke up.
:>Of course. While I am a water tensai, our family has produced many shugenja with an affinity for earth...
:>I blinked.
:>So you're saying that he's at least getting started early because of his ancestry?
:>It seems that way...
:>Perhaps a divination is in order, Naomi-san?
:>She nodded and went over to the Koi pond.
:>Divination is a part of everyday life for the Rokugani.
:>All is according to heaven's decree, and Heaven will leave clues for those that can decipher them.
:>I didn't personally place much stock in divination.
:>Not that I doubted Heaven made it's will known.
:>Rather I doubted most people who claimed to know what the signs meant.
:>Naomi herself, a water tensai, was wary of over reliance on reading portents.
:>Read the signs wrong, and you could be going against Heavens will.
:>And of course, there were plenty of stories about diviners trying to stop some calamity they foresaw only for their actions to bring about that very calamity.
:>But this was a simple matter; a yes or no question.
:>Will Tsuyosa have an affinity for the earth kami?
:>Naomi chanted her prayer, and asked her question.
:>She looked up at us both.
:>And nodded.
:>I looked up at Toshiro.
:>Well, how about that, Toshiro-sensei?
:>I amazed at... waitwhat...
:>Sensei? ME?!
:>Naomi smiled.
:>Yes, you. I can think of no one better.

:>As we packed up our things to head to Kakita Ren's winter court, Naomi surprised me by packing up clothing for the kids.
:>Hey, aren't we supposed to be keeping an eye out for Bloodspeakers?
:>Naomi just waved a hand and continued to pack.
:>Oh that? It is just an excuse for Ren-sama to see us again, silly.
:>The Emperor has demanded peace, specifically because of the Bloodspeakers.
:>Really? Huh.
:>I shrugged and helped her pack.
:>Six Crabs, three adults and three children set out from Ishigaki Mura.
:>We arrived and were warmly greeted first by Daidoji Hideo.
:>He'd added a few lines around his eyes since I had seen him last, but was otherwise as I remembered.
:>Complete with that Kaiu armor of his.
:>I could only imagine how much adding all that ornamentation had pained the smith who made it.
:>One day I was going to have to find out what the hell Hideo did to get a gift like that.
:>Hideo then passed us off to Kakita Tanaka, Ren-sama's cousin and the new Karo.
:>Overdressed.
:>That would be the first word I thought of to describe Tanaka.
:>It looked like his outfit had no less than seven layers to it, complete with that silly court hat.
:>I almost expected him to be duel wielding fans, but out of respect for his ancestors technique he stuck to a single weapon.
:>The second word I would use to describe Tanaka would be 'empty'.
:>In that empty formalities and polite lines regurgitated thousands of times already were all the conversation he was good for.
:>So, a model courtier in other words.
:>I managed not to fall asleep.
:>Finally we were shown to the young lord.
:>Who had sprouted up like weed in the years since.
:>But he was not quite an adult yet.
:>Though he kept his manners, barely, it was clear from his speech he thought of us as friends.
:>And he was just bursting with questions.
:>As we talked, the others trickled in one by one.
:>We spent out first day in Ren's company almost exclusively, even dining together as everyone caught up.

:>... so it's the best situation, really.
:>Having Ginchiyo means that she won't even be in consideration for any inheritance, since she'll be marrying into another family at some point.
:>Mantis-san sighed.
:>Though THAT did start a fight. Kaori wanted to get in touch with a nadoko right away, but Tatsuki didn't want that for Ginchiyo.
:>Ren leaned in closely, deeply interested.
:>So... what did you do Daigo-san?
:>I took a hint from the way Crabs do things.
:>Ginchiyo has until she's 25 to find her own husband.
:>After that, we find a nadoko ourselves.
:>Ren nodded intently.
:>Well, he was a lord. So an arranged marriage, a concubine or three, and the issues that come with that were to be expected for someone of his status.
:>Had to produce plenty of heirs, after all.
:>You never know when one will get their face eaten by a zombie after all.
:>Anyway, enough about me, how did things go for you, Monkey?
:>He grinned.
:>Another boy! I named him Masanori!
:>He kinda reminds me of some of Ishigaki's kids, the way he eats!
:>Naomi blushed a bit, and I grinned.
:>That's good Monkey, You want them to eat a lot when they're young so they grow up to be a proper size.
:>Not like all you damn chibis running around.
:>Monkey chuckled.
:>Nah, it's your fault for being such an overgrown monster Ishigaki! If you were a proper size you wouldn't keep smashing your head on doorways!
:>Laughter ensued.
:>Kitsuki-san just looked over at Toshiro.
:>Toshiro sipped his sake.
:>Crabs have terrible nakodo, if they can be outrun so often by a man with only one good leg.
:>Ren perked up.
:>Oh, you are looking for a wife at last Toshiro-san?
:>No, not re-
:>That is excellent news!
:>But...
:>You're right though, a Crab nakodo just won't do.
:>Uh, so lik-
:>Oh! I know! I shall put forth a request for several nakodo to come and bring prospective brides for you!
:>No, see, you really don't ha-
:>Yes, yes. That's it! We Crane have the best connections when it comes to marriage arrangements, after all.

:>Are you even listi-
:>Yes, I will offer favors to the one that produces a worthy bride for my friend and savior!
:>Sav...?
:>I had been worried about how I would repay my debt to you all, but this is perfect!
:>I WILL find you a good wife Toshiro, just you wait!
:>... help me.
:>Mantis-san snorted with laughter.
:>If it bugs you that much you should have just saved up your stipends and bought a geisha for yourself.
:>Geisha are expensive!
:>I know. Why do you think I stole one from a Bog Hag instead of buying one?
:>... We've been over this, Daigo-san.
:>You don't do dry wit.
:>I do when you're blushing so hard I can see it through your facepaint.
:>Toshiro didn't have a comeback for that.
:>Ren was looking back and forth between the two, out of the loop.
:>He was almost bouncing with eagerness to hear more.
:>So Kitsuki-san filled him in on what we had been doing just before our first meeting with Ren.
:>He hung on every word.
:>When it was over he sighed.
:>Life can get so... tedious, in this castle at times.
:>Sometimes I wish I had been born into the buke, so I could have such wonderful stories to tell!
:>The stories are fun to listen too, Kakita Ren-sama, but they are not nearly as fun to be IN.
:>Lots of sleepless nights, being cold and dirty, long periods of uncertainty...
:>Hmm. I suppose that's true though.
:>It really is.
:>I told him all about the unexpected difficulties of getting Jinzo's Kaiu blade back to his family, and the weeks of torment I had to endure.
:>Wow! Such a simple thing became such a grand adventure?
:>Yeah, almost as bad as that time I went Looking for Hida.
:>Ah, but it's late, and that's a long story.
:>The candles around the room burned low, and would need to be replaced very soon.
:>For that matter, Naomi was nodding off and jerking her head back up and nodding off again.
:>I'll share that one another time, Ren-sama.
:>Please do!
:>Ren clapped his hands, and some servants showed us to our rooms.

:>Unfortunately for Ren, the next day his schedule was packed full.
:>Most of the delegations had arrived already and the opening rounds of this years winter court were beginning.
:>Everyone knew the final outcome, of course.
:>The Emperor had decreed the wars would cease, and so they would.
:>But which clans were able to profit from the wars and the peace which followed, and by how much they did so, would be decided this season by the skill of their courtiers.
:>Kitsuki-san approached the Dragon delegation and was deep in conversation with them already.
:>He had revealed to us that he was now one of seven to know the secret of Kitsuki's final teaching.
:>A secret SIXTH technique that may one day be the starting point for a new school for exceptional students, similar to the Defender of the Wall.
:>Though he had not offered any information on what his technique did, we knew that it marked him forever as a paragon of his family, a true master of Kitsuki's Method.
:>As I watched him converse with the Dragon, offering up the great insights he no doubt already had gleaned, I was struck with the realization of just how far each of us had come since that day so long ago when we first met.
:>We were all masters of our schools, the figures of legend that would inspire future generations.
:>I was the oldest of all of us, and not even thirty yet.
:>I guess it's true what they say: A minute of real battle is worth more than an hour of training.
:>Ah! Are you, perhaps, Hida Ishigaki-san?
:>I turned to look.
:>A big fellow in a blue and black silken Kimono was looking expectantly at me.
:>The mon of the Kaiu was emblazoned on his Haori.
:>I am, and you are...?
:>I am Kaiu Terumune, and I lead the Crab delegation to the court of Kakita Ren-sama.
:>Do you have a moment to talk?
:>Of course.
:>He led me outside, to stroll through one of the innumerable gardens.
:>I looked about, eyeing each flower suspiciously.
:>Since I always checked my riceballs for ninjas it's possible they had taken to hiding in flowers.

:>Is something wrong, Ishigaki-san?
:>No, just keeping an eye out for ninjas.
:>Terumune chuckled.
:>Ninja do not exist, Ishigaki-san. You still believe in children stories?
:>I looked at him evenly.
:>You'll be sorry you think that when a ninja jumps out of your riceball and kills you.
:>...
:>Ahahahahahaha! Good one, Ishigaki! You had me going there for a moment.
:>I sighed inwardly.
:>If I told him I was serious he'd think me insane.
:>Anyhow, to business, Ishigaki-san.
:>I understand that you spent much of yesterday with the young lord?
:>I did.
:>May I ask what the nature of your relationship is with him?
:>His former Karo turned out to be a bloodspeaker, we found out in the course of investigating why his father's body rose up at it's own funeral.
:>Terumune blinked at that.
:>Hah... and this is why we behead our dead.
:>That's exactly what I thought when I heard it the first time too.
:>So then, Kakita Ren-sama favors you, does he?
:>A bit yes.
:>I could see where this was going.
:>Good, good! Then you could speak to him on behalf of the Clan!
:>I sighed.
:>It... may not be that easy, Kaiu-san.
:>Oh?
:>He likes ALL of us. Not just me, but Toshiro and Naomi... as well as the Dragon and Mantis in our group.
:>But that should not really be an issue, should it?
:>It's not as though these talks are going to be divided up along the same lines as the alliance was.
:>I blinked.
:>Terumune chuckled.
:>THAT is the reason court is so much more dangerous than a battlefield, Ishigaki-san!
:>Alliances can change with the wind, and with less warning as well!
:>I see. So it can be hard to watch for a knife in the back when everyone is concealing knives?
:>An apt way of putting it, yes!
:>Very well, I will speak to Ren-sama.
:>He clapped me on the back.
:>Yosh! Wonderfully! I look forward to a favorable reply!
:>I turned to leave.
:>And saw my father-in-law.

:>I froze.
:>He hadn't noticed me yet.
:>Instead he was in conversation with another Phoenix.
:>They were too far away for me to hear what they were saying, but it looked to me like the woman speaking to Shoji was quite agitated.
:>Well, speaking to Shoji will do that to just about anyone.
:>I slipped around behind Shoji before they finished and found Kitsuki-san.
:>When I looked back the Phoenix woman had stormed away.
:>Oi, Kitsuki-san.
:>I kept my back to her and pointed, using my body to hide my gesture.
:>You know who that is?
:>He let his gaze track over the room, not resting on any one person, before looking back to me.
:>Asako Yuie, head of the Phoenix delegation.
:>I blinked.
:>Head? Can't imagine Shoji likes that.
:>What? Shoji? You're father-in-law is here?!
:>Yeah. Looks like he's still got the Clan fooled as to whose fault everything is.
:>Ishigaki-san...Shoji is NOT a part of the Phoenix delegation.
:>If he is here, then he is here for his own reasons.
:>...
:>Kitsuki-san...
:>Could it be possible for someone to know that Naomi and I would be here?
:>I can think of several ways I could have uncovered such information.
:>Would it be possible for a normal person to find that out though?
:>Kitsuki-san chuckled.
:>Thank you for the compliment, but I can still think a few very simple methods, yes.
:>You think he's here for you?
:>It wouldn't surprise me. He's so used to getting his way that anytime he doesn't it's like a personal insult that he simply MUST avenge.
:>Well then, I'll keep an eye on him. Find out who is connected to at this court.
:>Thanks. I'd like to get out ahead of whatever scheme he's cooking up.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded in agreement.
:>I went to find Naomi.
:>It was best if she heard it from me, instead of just seeing him unexpectedly.
:>I found her by following the sound of coughing out into the hallway.
:>She was leaning on a wall, doubled over.
:>I took hold of her, and eased her down into a sitting position.
:>Then I yelled to a passing servant to bring me a tea set.

:>I rubbed Naomi's back to soothe her until the servant came back, then brewed up her tea.
:>Naomi took a few sips, then several breaths.
:>At last she relaxed.
:>Thank you, Ishigaki-kun. Those backrubs always help.
:>Sip.
:>I watched her drink her tea, saying nothing.
:>If she hadn't seen him, I didn't want to shock her just now.
:>She waited patiently until I looked up, and caught my eyes with hers.
:>I saw him.
:>She said it the way someone would say they saw a rock.
:>Why is it that strain on your mind and soul always seems to bring out these fits, when that is only an illness of your body?
:>The mind, body and soul are linked, Ishigaki-kun.
:>Just like how an injury to the body weakens the grip of the soul, a wound to the soul can harm the body.
:>The taint works that way, as well, for it damages the soul, and in so doing warps and twists the body.
:>So your father is like the taint... I can believe that.
:>She smiled.
:>A sad one; her eyes were still half lidded and looking down.
:>... I can too...
:>It was a whisper; I was sitting right next to her and I could barely hear her.
:>But she said it all the same.
:>I hated watching my Hana-chan lose her innocence.
:>Every time, it was like watching a single petal fall from a beautiful flower.
:>Samurai were supposed to like things like that.
:>But I am not a very good samurai.
:>I got her up and took her back to the room Ren had arranged for us.
:>Tsuyosa was there napping.
:>As soon as we entered, he woke up and started to bawl.
:>I scooped him up.
:>He stopped crying, looked up at me, then started bawling again.
:>Um.
:>I passed him to Naomi.
:>Tsuyosa then began to nuzzle against her chest.
:>Ah, so that's it!
:>Not for the first time, I had to chastise myself for feeling jealous of my own children for hogging my wife's breasts.
:>I sat with them while Tsuyosa ate, enjoying the serene look on Naomi's face.
:>If I didn't know any better I'd swear the boy did that just to help calm his mother down.

:>I tore up a few tiny strips of chicken for Tsuyosa, to finish of his meal
:>He was being weaned after all.
:>I wiggled the chicken under his nose, and he let go of Naomi so he could have his solids.
:>There you go. Eat up.
:>Tsuyosa gobbled up the chicken greedily, burped all on his own, and then settled into Naomi's arms to resume his nap with a nice full tummy.
:>I straightened up her kimono for her, since her hands were full of tiny crab, then gave her hair a few strokes.
:>You stay here and rest with him. I'll go check on the other two.
:>Hai.
:>As I left Naomi began to sing softly to Tsuyosa, easing him off to sleep.
:>She really did love to dote on the children.
:>I eventually found the other two, playing with all the other children their age.
:>Daiko and Tetsute had taught the other children Strongwall.
:>The two of them stood, daring the other kids to knock them down.
:>A roughhousing game that left the attendant servants in a small panic.
:>Clearly worried about what would happen to them if one of the children got hurt, and equally worried about the idea of trying to restrain the terror twins, as they were also samurai.
:>Relief flooded the face of one of the servants when they recognized me as the father of the two little demon children.
:>Great Samurai, please forgive this one for speaking out of turn!
:>But your children...
:>Someone could get hurt!
:>I nodded.
:>I'll handle it, don't worry.
:>Oh, thank you great samurai!
:>Oi! You two!
:>The roughhousing broke up as I came over, Daiko and Tetsute staring up at me.
:>For that matter, all the other kids did too.
:>I was probably the biggest person they'd ever seen.
:>I leaned down to look my children in the eyes.
:>You'd better win, okay?
:>They broke out into grins, and Daiko thrust her tiny fist into the air.
:>HAI!
:>As for the rest of you...
:>I turned to look at the other children.
:>... You're going to have to work together if you hope to have any chance against these two.
:>I walked past the dumbstruck servants.
:>That should do it.

:>I turned my head as I left, and spoke over my shoulder.
:>But if anyone does raise a stink, just tell them to come whine at me.
:>... though I suppose you shouldn't phrase it quite like that.
:>Well, you'll figure it out.
:>I headed back to the rooms where the courtiers were gathering.
:>I wanted to learn what the hell Shoji was doing here.
:>I found Kitsuki-san, talking with a Scorpion woman wearing a scroll satchel.
:>Ah, Hida Ishigaki-san!
:>Hello, Kitsuki-san.
:>I turned to look at the Scorpion.
:>And this must be...
:>... Soshi Mariko.
:>I bowed a greeting to her.
:>Have you had rice today, Soshi-san?
:>Yes, I have thank you.
:>She read my mood quickly and excused herself.
:>As she walked past me she whispered.
:>Not yet.
:>I arched an eyebrow at her, but she walked on.
:>Did you hear that?
:>He nodded.
:>What was that about?
:>Well, most Scorpion really do hold to bushido, Ishigaki-san, despite what your Clan and the Lion think of them.
:>It's just that they are willing to dirty their hands in times of great need.
:>Not unlike the Crab, I think.
:>Don't insult my clan like that, Kitsuki-san.
:>You're my friend so I can let that slide, but if another Crab heard you say that it would mean a duel.
:>You know perfectly well I can hold my own in a duel.
:>I know. I said that for the sake of my kinsmen.
:>Anyway, I have need of those all seeing eyes of yours.
:>Oh?
:>Yeah, I want to find out what Shoji is even doing here, so I figured I'd just ask that Asako.
:>And I want you to watch. You know, do your thing.
:>Of course, Ishigaki-san.
:>He shook his head.
:>Always so direct, aren't you?
:>I shrugged.
:>It works for me.
:>He nodded agreement.
:>I went and found Asako Yuie, while Kitsuki-san hovered about nearby.
:>Hey, I need to speak with you.
:>She faced me, wrinkling her nose a bit at my brusque manner.
:>I do not believe I have the pleasure...?
:>Hida Ishigaki.
:>She tilted her head, eyes unfocusing while she thought for a moment.
:>Ah! You are the Husband of Isawa Shoji's daughter!
:>I nodded.

:>I understand he's not part of the delegation the Phoenix sent though.
:>Yuie got out her fan and hid behind it at that.
:>Naomi had confessed to me once that the Phoenix Clan is it's own worst enemy.
:>Isawa's actions left a deep, permanent rift between the families of the Clan.
:>But this is NOT widely known, because the Clan closes ranks whenever an outsider approaches.
:>Not unlike the Empire as a whole, constantly fighting one another...
:>... right up until some external threat rears it's ugly head.
:>I wondered if the reaction was simple reflex, or if she was trying to hide something from me.
:>I didn't waste time thinking about it too much.
:>That's why I asked for Kitsuki-san's help after all.
:>Yes, Hida-san, it is true that Shoji is here on his own business.
:>However, if you wish to know what that might be, I am afraid I cannot help you.
:>I simply do not know.
:>If you will excuse me.
:>Huh.
:>I rejoined Kitsuki-san.
:>She really doesn't know why he's here.
:>However, I get the feeling he has finally lost the trust of the Phoenix Clan.
:>At the very least, she is very upset by his presence.
:>I see.
:>Well, at least the Phoenix have come to the damn senses about him at least.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded firmly
:>We can hope. He's likely still too well connected for them to ask him to retire early, but if I'm right we can at least expect they will not trust him with any more important duties.

:>The Mantis were late.
:>People were beginning to whisper, wondering if the Mantis were doing that on purpose.
:>Some sort of protest?
:>Mantis-san became quite a popular fellow suddenly, despite his repeated protests that he had no clue what was holding up his Clan's delegates.
:>It was in the middle of this drama Ren decided to hold a game of Kemari.
:>He insisted I join in.
:>I seized my opportunity.
:>Ren-sama, I've never worn the full court attire before. Would you be so kind as to help me with it?
:>Of course!
:>Alright, good work me.
:>Getting him alone to talk had been proving more difficult then I had anticipated.
:>Friend or not, there was a large gulf in our status.
:>But now I had an excuse.
:>Ren helped me out, wrapping me up in layer upon layer of clothing.
:>This is the minimum level of dress acceptable for meeting with the Emperor, you know, Ishigaki-san.
:>I chuckled.
:>It's so hard to move in all these clothes I can only think that it's for the Emperor's safety!
:>He laughed along with me.
:>You may be right.
:>Then he looked at me seriously.
:>You truly find it difficult to move in all these clothes, but not that massive armor you always wear?
:>I rolled a shoulder around.
:>It's a different kind of constriction.
:>My armor only weighs about 50 pounds, and all the straps and bindings distribute the weight.
:>Plus, we train in our armor nonstop. Our armor really is a second skin to us Crabs.
:>He nodded.
:>Speaking off us Crabs, Ren-sama.
:>You know we're not all that good in court...
:>He looked at me, eyebrows shooting up.
:>He recovered quickly though, and pinched his chin between thumb and forefinger.
:>Hmmm. Sensei is handling most of the business for the Clan at this court, I'm just the host...
:>I was curious when he said Sensei, but I said nothing, lest I sidetrack him.
:>Still, I think I may be at least able to make things a bit easier on your delegation. Kaiu... Terumune, was it?
:>Hai.
:>He smiled at me.
:>I shall see what I can do for your Clan Ishigaki-san.

:>Thank you Ren-sama, I am indebted to you.
:>Not at all Ishigaki-san!
:>I took the opportunity to change the subject.
:>So, you said your Sensei is here?
:>Yes. Tanaka-san handles much of the day to day, but there are still plenty of things I have to be present for... so Sensei came here to train me.
:>I see.
:>I have to pay attention to every little thing while Tanaka is handling affairs, because I should be able to do those things as well.
:>Between trying to learn how to run this city and Sensei's lessons on court life I am at my wits end!
:>There is so much to learn!
:>I put a hand on his shoulder.
:>You'll be fine.
:>Will I, though?
:>Of course!
:>Look, no one is surprised when a Crab fights with a heavy weapon, that's expected.
:>Just like it's expected for a Crane to know how to draw his blade quickly, or a Lion to be good at Shogi.
:>Because these are the things they were born to do; the weight of history and tradition makes it so.
:>YOU were born to administer the Emperor's lands on his behalf.
:>I know it seems like there's a lot to take in now, I felt the same way when I first arrived at Sunda Mizu!
:>But it will come in time. Just apply yourself diligently.
:>He smiled, allowing my words to reassure him.
:>Then he looked at me.
:>Ishigaki-san...
:>You folded the wrong side of the Kimono over here.
:>HUH?
:>Get undressed; we have to start over.