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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 17, 2014 16:52:17 GMT
[OOC] This is a semi closed thread. It is the journey of Moeru from Winter Court, back to the dragon lands. If you feel that you would have a reason to be involved in this thread, PLEASE PM ME FIRST.
I'm not opposed to traveler's accompanying Moeru home, but there are a few character development ideas happening in this thread. [/OOC]
Moeru and the Dragon retinue spent the final day of winter court preparing for their journey home. Servants moved to and fro, preparing the cart for the first leg of the journey, Kyuden Tonbo. For the first time in his life, Moeru was returning home with more than he had left. A few Kimono, a group of other Dragon, an aide, and a young boy. Even before the war, Moeru had been particular about making sure that he traveled as simply as possible. A few Hakama, an Obi, and Overcoat, and his bo. He had always relied on the Empire to provide what he would need past that.
But this trip would require more than that.
Moeru could no longer just go on what the empire may or may not do for an Ise Zumi. With the eyes of the Dragon Retinue falling on Moeru more and more with each passing day, the burden of leadership was becoming apparent, even to a blind man.
With the Dragon ready to leave Kyuden Meiyo, Shinko, Takai, and Moeru set off with the dragon retinue. After a stop in Kyuden Tonbo, they would make their way to Shiro Mirumoto, Shiro Kitsuki, and finally, the final trio of Dragon would end up at the High House of Light. The idea of going home was sounding more and more appealing to Moeru. He desperately sought council with his mentor, Togashi Mitsu, and then he knew he would have an audience with Satsu-dono.
But, the journey came first. And the first day of the Journey, took the Dragon to the edge of Lion Lands, and a small crossroads type village, where the Dragon stayed for the evening. The day had been quiet. Many of the Dragon had enjoyed the change of pace, and the solitude of travelling compared to the hustle and bustle of the time at court.
Moeru had spent time riding, with, and talking, and sometimes carrying, Takai. The young boy was well advanced for his age. His great destiny was evident to any who took the time to see. When the boy wasn't occupying his time with the monk, he rode with Shinko, who watched the Monk and the boy interact, and the bond between them was growing fast. It made her admiration, and infatuation with the monk grow even more.
When they reached the inn, the young boy was asleep, his legs wrapped around the neck of Moeru, who had carried him the last few miles. Several of the servants, and even the young Tamori Shugenja had offered to care for the boy to give Moeru a rest, but he had declined.
In the inn, Moeru laid the boy on the Futon, and plopped down across from the sleeping child. Shinko had prepared tea, and then joined him in the room, and sat as well. "The boy seems quite fond of you, Moeru-sama."
Moeru grinned "I'm fond of him as well. I do believe that he will be a great asset to Rokugan one day."
Shinko nodded as she placed the tea cup in Moeru's hands. "Tell me Moeru-sama, how much longer until we reach your home?"
Moeru sipped at his tea, and rubbed at his chin for a moment. "Well, We should be to Kyuden Tonbo tomorrow. If I can escape the city without running into my sister, we should be to Shiro Mirumoto and then Shiro Kitsuki the day after. I'd assume we will have a few things to attend to, and then we will make way to the High House of the Light in three days."
The boy stirred on the futon, and Moeru yawned and stretched out his arms. He was exhausted from the activity of the day. He sipped at his tea, and fell asleep. Shinko had curled up on the other end of the futon, watching him sleep, and she too, fell asleep.
[To be Continued]
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 18, 2014 16:20:21 GMT
The night went peacefully. They trio simply slept through the night on the futons where they had crashed the night before. Moeru dreams were sporadic. First he was ascending the peaks outside the High House of Light, then he was deep in the heart of the shadowlands, all alone, and searching for something. Then he was in the tattoo chamber receiving his dragon tattoo. They were equal parts memories, and dream, but nothing that would trouble him.
When he awoke, Takai was stirring on the futon, and Shinko was preparing for their journey. Soon, they were all assmebled, and the Dragon Retinue was on the road again, traveling towards Kyuden Tonbo.
Takai was inquisitive throughout the day. He asked many questions, as only a child could. Why they traveled so far, why the mountain grew in front of them. And finally, why Moeru covered his face. This quesiton, was the loud enough that all the travelers could hear it. Moeru chuckled, and told the boy the tale of the final battle in the Shadowlands. He kept the tale as heroic as he could, leaving out his personal feelings of regret, and dishonor, and finished the tale with a man becoming as fierce as a great dragon, and the power of the dragon burned him, and his enemies.
The young boy was enthralled by the story. He hung on every word, and clapped excitedly as the heroes succeeded in beating back the shadowlands. As Moeru spoke of the man who became a dragon, Takai covered his mouth in surprise. When Moeru finished, the boy put his hands on Moeru's face. "You make great dragon, sama."
Moeru nodded at the boy, who seemed pleased, and less inquisitive. As the interaction finished, Moeru lifted his head in the air, and smiled. "Kyuden Tonbo is not far now. I can smell the spices from their tea." He rubbed his belly, and spoke absently. "Welcome, to the place of my birth Takai-san."
The boy turned and looked, and could see the keep rising in the distance. He clapped and babbled on excited. Moeru smiled at the boy, but his own mind turned. If he could make it through a trip to Kyuden Tonbo without seeing Azula, he'd count it as a happy day indeed.
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 18, 2014 23:00:44 GMT
AS the Dragon Retinue entered Kyuden Tonbo, few paid heed to their arrival. Dragon Travelers often stopped in Dragonfly lands before ascending or descending the mountains to Dragon lands. But, as the group dismounted, a voice sent a wave of cold down Moeru's Spine.
"Well, well... My brother returns." The voice was sarcastic, and slightly condescending. "My little Mo-mo has been gone... FAR too long!" The voice was in full mocking tone now, as the woman stepped towards the Dragon travelers.
A Mirumoto Bushi moved towards the woman, hand at the ready. "You will speak to the Hatamoto of Togashi Satsu-dono with respect. Peasant." The last word was almost spit from his mouth, and his face showed a desire to cut the woman down where she stood.
The woman laughed. "Aw.. Mo-Mo, your guard..."
"That's enough, Azula." Moeru interrupted her, and walked towards the standoff between her, and the guard. "Ujimo-san, Pay no mind to this one." Moeru's voice was firm, and dismissive. "She is my sister. And I will deal with her insults... in my own way." Moeru was now in full view of his sister, who seemed to tower over the monk.
It was now, for the first time, Azula had seen her brother since the end of the war. She had heard stories, but had given them a customary yawn, thinking the stories of her brother's injuries were overblown. Now, seeing him here, with the blindfold wrapped around his eyes, she knew that it was true. "So, the Dragon has taken your sight? Was it not enough that they took you from your family?" Her voice was less sarcastic, and more bitter.
Moeru shook his head no. "It was the my own actions that blinded me."
Azula sighed. "And Hatamoto? My, my, Mo-Mo. You have done well for yourself." Her tone shifted back to biting sarcasm. "And you just couldn't be bothered to visit until now, could you?"
Moeru winced a bit at the last remark. It had been far too long since he visited his family. His parents, old and frail, had not seen the Monk since before the war. Sadly, Moeru had far too many dealings with his sister throughout the war. "They knew, when I left I may never be back." His tone was solemn.
Azula huffed. "Well, You're staying with them for the night. I wont take no for an answer. The Dragon's will have the finest quarters in MY inn." Her voice became a little boastful.
Moeru nodded. "Lead the way."
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 19, 2014 19:30:10 GMT
The Dragon, and their merchant escort moved through a couple of streets, The Dragons mostly silent. Azula spoke at great lengths about the shops in the village that she had become a... "partner" in. Moeru knew his sister was of questionable honor, and her partnership with the towns in the village had confirmed his suspicions. She was definitely part, of a larger element within the merchant class of Rokugan. She spoke at great lengths about the revitalization of the Dragonfly's merchants, and how she hoped one day, that people would look at this village, as a place to find the best wares Rokugan had to offer. Moeru nodded, listened, and followed.
Shinko held onto Moeru's arm, acting as a guide, and it was truly acting. Moeru knew these streets better than any, save Azula herself, in the group. She could see in Moeru's expression he wasn't happy to be here, with her. She was sure there was more to the story.
Young Takai held tightly to Shinko's other hand, ooing, and ahhing at things as they passed. This village was much different than anything he had ever seen in his young life.
"Welcome, Masters of the Mountain, to the Emerald isle. The finest inn within the lands of the Dragonfly." Azula's voice showed great pride towards her inn. It was not the inn that Moeru remembered his parents running as a child, but that wasn't a surprise given the information that Azula had already shared.
Azula pushed through the door, and into the great room of the inn. It was overly opulent, almost garish in its decor. It fit Azula's personality. It fit everything that she had revealed about herself so far. She was a big deal, and she wanted everyone to know it. From the ornate carvings, to the gems adorning various sculptures, to the carpet, everything was exquisite.
Shinko gasped slightly, as she entered. It was the most extravagant Inn she'd ever seen.
Azula turned, with a crooked grin. "Yes, it is breath taking isn't it?" Her voice still beaming with pride.
Shinko nodded, "Yes Azula-san, it is truly a marvel."
Azula began talking about all the pieces in the room, seating from Unicorn Lands, lighting from the Burning Sands, Stone Carvings from great Crane Artisans, even a monolithic monument from a Kaiu Engineer, who had retired to become an artisan of stone. Each piece, described in intricate detail, and great pride. No one could argue that this was a hole in the wall.
Moeru had heard his sister prattle on before. When they were children, she talked forever, telling any and every story their father had ever told her, over, and over. During the war, He had been called upon to deal with her for a resupply deal, because the merchants just couldn't handle her. Moeru came in, brokered the deal with his sister, and got her out of Crab lands as quickly as he could.
It was a product of how they were raised. Azula had always favored her father. A shrewd businessman, and a great traveler, he had always seen his daughter as the heir to the family business. Moeru, had favored their practical mother. She valued life, and finding happiness in the world around her. Mirror reflections of their parents, was the best way to look at them.
Azula noticed that Moeru's attention was wandering. "Mo-Mo, my dear brother, what's on your mind?"
Moeru frowned at the nickname. She'd called him that ever since they were children. Unlike others, Moeru did not take a new name at his gempukku. He was proud of where, and from whom, he had come from, and kept his own name. "Azula, this seems to be a great establishment, and you have honored our parents with your... success." Moeru had to search for the right word. "But, I wonder, if my Dragon Brethren and I could trouble you for a meal." Moeru's stomach was growling, and he was certain, if Takai didn't eat soon, he would begin to mention it too. "And tea, Azula-san."
Azula's face curled into a slight frown. Her brother, the consummate bore, she thought to herself. "Of course, Why don't you come this way, you can take leave with our parents, I'm sure they would love to have your company." Her words were biting, as she hoped to draw a reaction from him. He hadn't seen them in such a long time, she hoped he would feel some fear, in seeing the family he had, in her mind at least, neglected.
Moeru simply bowed. "It would be an honor to introduce them to the Dragon."
Azula, could see there was no shaming her brother. Something had changed in him. She couldn't tell what it was, but she could see that he was not the same person that she had dealt with in the Crab Lands. Doing her best to hide her frustration with the unflappable nature her brother displayed, she held her arm outstretched towards a hallway. "Well, follow me."
As they entered a chamber, a couple that looked more like grandparents than parents were seated. Azula, marched in, back straight, shoulders squared. "Togashi-sama, may I present to you: Haro and Riko." Azula bowed, as the Dragon party entered the room. The aged old man stood, and helped his wife to her feet, and they bowed.
Moeru walked in, with his companions behind him, and bowed. "Mother. Father. It is good to be in your company again."
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 21, 2014 16:49:09 GMT
The elderly company straightened. Haro's eyes welling with tears, and Riko moving towards her son in a hurry. She reached him, and wrapped her arms around him, and squeezed. "I thought you dead." Her words muffled against the shoulder of his overcoat.
She pulled back from him, looking into his face, at the blindfold. She moved her hands towards the blindfold, and Moeru put his hands on hers, and shook his head no. "You'll find no peace in that, mother." His words were pleading with her. He had no idea what his face looked like, but he knew what it felt like, and he knew he didn't want his mother to see what he could feel.
She sobbed a little, and nodded her head. "It is good to see you, I trust you can at least stay for dinner?" Now she pleaded.
Moeru nodded his head in agreement. "Indeed." He turned and held an outstretched hand towards his party. "Haro, Riko, May I introduce to you, Tamori Hema, Mirumoto Dai, and Kitsuki Gonji." Moeru then put his hand on Shinko's shoulder, and moved her towards the front. "This is my aide, Shinko." Moeru, put his hand down low, and searched for the boy. When he found he, he put his hand on his back, and nudged him towards the front. "And this, is Takai, Descendent of Hida, on his way to learn in the High House of Light." Moeru smiled and tussled the boys hair.
He looked down at Takai, and motioned towards the elderly woman in front of him. "Takai-san, this is my mother, Riko. And the man standing by the table? He is my Father, Haro."
Takai ambled over to the woman, and bowed deep. "Reeeeeee ko saaaama" He stood, and ran over towards the elderly man. "Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa rooo Sama" and bowed again.
The rest of the Dragons paid appropriate respect to the mother and father of their Hatamoto, and moved towards the table. Azula sat at the head of the table, obviously looking for a way to get back into the limelight of the conversation. "So, Mo-mo, Why don't you enlighten us with what has kept you away for so long."
Riko gave an elderly glare towards her daughter, who paid no attention.
Moeru had found tea while they were being seated, took a sip, and smiled. "Well, After the war, I was brought home...."
Azula interrupted "You mean, to the mountain."
Moeru nodded. "yes. To my home, in the mountains. When I was fully recovered from my injuries, Togashi Satsu-dono, put me on the quest of enlightenment."
"A blind. enlightened. peasant. monk. That's what Rokugan needs." Azula's tone dripping with sarcasm.
Haro exhaled, and stared down his daughter, his irritation written all over his weathered face.
"I'm sorry, Mo-Mo. continue" Azula sighed.
Moeru didn't pay too much attention to his sister's barbs. She had always been this way. "I traveled the empire, communing with the fortunes at Shrines and temples across Rokugan. From the plains of the Unicorn, to the shores of the Mantis Isles. As I reached Phoenix Lands, I received word, that Satsu-dono wished for me to be his personal representative at Empress Toturi's First Winter Court." Moeru sipped more tea, waiting to see if his sister would toss another barb at him.
Azula sat, listening, quiet.
So Moeru continued. "At Winter Court, Satsu-dono showed complete confidence in me, and has charged me with being his hatamoto. Winter Court went as well as we could have expected, and I come home, to Dragon Lands, with Takai-san, the son of a dear friend. She wishes him to be educated away from the wall while the Crab work to rebuild in the wake of the war."
At this, Azula snickered. "babysitter." She said under her breath.
Haro stood, and began to utter something, but someone beat him to it.
"You miserable wretch." The voice was female, and its fury was unabated. "You have no idea of who this man is in front of you! You have no idea what he has sacrificed, what he has... done. You have know nothing about him, yet you treat him like a dog."
The assembled people in the room turned and looked. Of all the people in the room to have spoken up, it was the least obvious. Shinko.
She stood, and moved towards where Azula was seated, Azula's mouth had dropped open in surprise. "You have no respect for anyone. You want this to be about you, and how you are the better sibling. You think the two of you are still... are still.... CHILDREN!"
Azula stood, and walked towards Shinko. "You have no right to talk to me like that, Servant girl." She pulled her hand back to strike Shinko.
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 25, 2014 20:18:03 GMT
The Dragon yojimbo around the table stood, attempting to get in between Shinko and Azula. Shinko was not samurai, but she was Dragon, and Azula hadn't exactly ingratiated herself to the Dragon. Sadly, they were too slow, and Azula's strike struck Shinko across the face, knocking the girl to the ground. The guards drew swords, and all stood staring at each other. Did they really mean to strike down a woman for striking a servant?
"STOP." Moeru's voice was firm, and louder than any of the dragon had heard before. It echoed off the walls, and everyone stopped and turned, seeing the dragon standing, his face showing more anger than any in the room had seen.
He moved towards Shinko and lifted her from the floor. When he had her standing he whispered in her ear, and she nodded. She then took a seat again, tears streaming from her eyes, while Moeru turned and walked towards his sister. "Azula, You have dishonored and shamed yourself in front of our parents." He voice grew low, his anger ready to boil over. "You should count yourself lucky to not be a samurai this day, Azula." He cocked his head. "I'd demand your Seppuku, as atonement for dishonoring an esteemed member of the Dragon's Winter Court."
Azula started cackling. "Esteemed?!" Even her laugh could be condescending. "Mo-Mo! She. IS. A. PEASANT. She is no more important than I am." She had stopped laughing, and settled her eyes on the girl, who still wept at the table. "Look at her. She's crying. She's no Samurai." Azula could see that her words agitated her brother. "But, I bet..." She nodded. "Yep. I bet she's more than that to you, isn't she?"
Moeru flushed at his sister's accusation. "She is my personal aide."
"Oh, I bet she aides you." Azula snapped back.
Moeru had yet again fallen into a verbal sparring match with his sister. And she had beat him. Again. As he came to a stop in front of her, he spoke in a low voice. "You, Azula-san, have lost a brother today."
Moeru turned, and walked to his mother, who stood. He hugged her, whispered in her ear, and then moved to his father.
He exchanged bows with his father, who looked bewildered by the behavior of the daughter he had always favored. "Moeru-san, I am so sorry."
Azula looked furious. "Why, are you apologizing to.... to HIM!?" She was astonished.
The old man turned and looked at his daughter. "Because I realize now what a spiteful, resentful daughter I raised by indulging you."
Moeru leaned in, and whispered to his father, who nodded. He then moved around the table, held his arm out for Shinko to grab on to.
As Shinko stood, Moeru turned to face his parents. "It was an honor to see you both. May the fortunes smile upon you." The dragon party fell in behind him, bowed to his parents, and followed Moeru's lead, as he began to leave.
"Wait! You can't leave. You miserable excuse for a man!" Azula was shrieking as the Dragon left. "You'll regret this Mo-Mo!"
Moeru and the dragon never broke stride. As they reached their caravan, the Dragonfly had taken care of the supplies they had brought, and the group prepared for the journey ahead of them.
Takai, who had been surprisingly quiet throughout the tense dinner piped up now, excited to see dusk, and Lady Moon rising over the land. "Home, Moooooeru-sama."
Moeru smiled, and nodded. "Home, Takai-san."
As the Dragon caravan left Kyuden Tonbo, Azula watched, tears streaming down her face, rage, hate, and murder burning in her eyes.
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 27, 2014 21:14:15 GMT
As the Dragon pushed through dusk, and into night on their way to Shiro Mirumoto, the party was silent. Takai had fallen asleep on Moeru's shoulders, Shinko rubbed at her face, where a bruise had already formed, and the other Dragon stared at the Blind monk, who walked, head down, deep in thought.
In Kyuden Tonbo, Azula sat in her chamber, staring into a candle. Every piece of her being hated her brother, and her parents for the injustice, and disrespect that they showed her today. She stewed over it, for hours. Deep in the night, blood washed over the room of her parents. Their deaths were quick. She vowed to make her brother's death take days.
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Feb 28, 2014 21:23:01 GMT
In Kyuden Tonbo Azula sat in her parents bed chamber. They looked.... peaceful. lying in bed, the blood pooling in the linens. It had always been apparent growing up that her brother had been the favored child of her mother's. But it wasn't until today... when her father betrayed her so, that she realized they both felt he had succeeded, while she had failed.
Just a peasant merchant. That's all she was to them. Just following in daddy's footsteps. Just nothing more. Of course... SHE knew that she was more than that. She knew the true nature of her dealings in Kyuden Tonbo, and Kyuden Kasuga, and the Mantis Isles. She knew that she controlled vast amounts of wealth, with men who would do whatever she asked. But they didn't know that. And she was glad that she never told them just what she had been up to, or just how she had been able to afford to get herself involved in so many businesses.
A gentle rap came at the door. She stood, smoothed her kimono, and moved to open the door. A large gaijin man, and a shrewd looking woman were there. she let them in, and slid the door closed behind them. It would be best to make sure that none of the guests at the inn saw what transpired here.
She walked over to the bed, and looked down at her parents, a smile on her face, as if she were staring at two children. "No one, can find them. Ever[/i]".
The Gaijin man bowed, and the shrewd woman nodded. Azula moved to the wall, and pressed against a panel. The wall moved, and gave way, opening up to a set of stairs that went underground. The Gaijin removed his vest, and placed it on a chair. He hefted the bleeding body of her father over his shoulder, and disappeared down the steps. moments later, he came back, and did the same with her mother. The Shrewd woman set about cleaning the chamber. When she was done, no one would ever know that someone had died here, let alone, that two people had been viciously murdered in their sleep.
Azula slid out the normal door to the inn, and went back to her chamber. Oh, there were letters to write, and contacts to be made. If one were to murder the hatamoto of an almost divine being, they would need to set the perfect trap.
At the gates of Shiro Kitsuki
It had been a long night of travel through the foothills of the Dragon Mountains. It was nearing the hour of the Ox by the time that the Dragon party finally reached the gates of their home. Most of them, were all but asleep in the saddles of their horses.
When the guards saw the group coming, Kitsuki Iweko herself met them at the gates. She bowed to Moeru. "Konichiwa, Togashi-san, I was under the impression that you were spending time with your family in Kyuden Tonbo?" Her voice was inquisitive. She knew of Moeru's family ties, and knew more about his sister, than probably he himself knew.
He nodded. "Sometimes, the most dangerous animals are those you think your friend." his voice was tinged with regret.
Iweko nodded, and looked at the little boy that Moeru had cradled against his shoulder. "Moeru-san, he's a little young to join the order don't you think?"
Moeru grinned a little. "This, is Takai, and his destiny is great."
Iweko thought best not to prod too deep at that tonight, and just nodded. "Come, let us find you suitable quarters, rest. We can delay a welcome home ceremony to ensure that our Winter Court Attendees have ample time to rest after a difficult journey."
The Kitsuki Palaces, were probably the most "ornamental" of the Dragon's keeps. Since this was the first stop in Dragon Lands, it was normally as far as most would reach in their mountainous region. The party was placed in great rooms, and the keep was quiet.
Moeru tried to sleep, but couldn't. He was troubled by his interaction with his sister earlier in the day. She had bested him in verbal sparring again, she had gained knowledge that could be levied against him. She had made a mockery of his family in front of the Dragon. If Moeru were a Scorpion, she would be dead by morning.
After failed time resting, Moeru eased himself out of bed, and moved to the floor. Shinko, was asleep in the front room, with Takai. Moeru could see their auras resting peacefully. He sat on the floor, and crossed his legs, and began to meditate. Peace found him, and he entered a trance like state. He thought back to the night at winter court, in the cave, and the khadi artifact. He thought of his interactions with his sister. He thought about all she had boasted about in Kyuden Tonbo. And he thought about the peasant unrest he had heard about in Lion Lands. Something felt amiss. He had seen the underbelly of the Empire, and all of its foulness over the past week.
As dawn broke, Moeru's meditation was interrupted, by a sound he was unfamiliar with. As he returned back to a normal state of conscious, he realized that Takai was in the room with him, seated in front of him. Moeru cocked his head to the side, and grinned slightly. "And, what is Takai-san doing up so early?"
Takai giggled again, and Moeru realized that was what broke his concentration. "Moooeru-sama sits." He giggled again. "So I sit too."
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Post by Togashi Moeru on Mar 10, 2014 19:02:11 GMT
Moeru smiled at the boy, and his stomach grumbled, to which Takai giggled again. "Mooooeru-sama's belly speaks!" he laughed.
"Indeed, Takai-san. Let's get breakfast." Moeru stood, and walked towards a chair, pulling his vest off the back, and putting it on.
They walked out into the common room of the apartment, and Shinko greeted them both, while giving Takai a frown. She had warned him about disturbing Moeru during his meditation, but it hadn't mattered. The trio sat down, and looked at the breakfast that had been prepared for them. Shinko was relieved to have a morning where breakfast had been prepared for her. It had been a long time since that had happened, at least... When it was meant for her.
They sat, and sipped tea, and ate lightly for a short time. As the servants were clearing the meal, a rap sounded at the door. Shinko stood, and opened the door. Two large Dragon Samurai stood outside, filling the whole of the door frame. One of them looked at her, and spoke in a deep voice.
"We've come to see Togashi Moeru-sama, Hatamoto of Togashi Satsu-Dono."
Moeru stood, and moved silently to the door, and bowed. "I am Moeru, Mirumoto-san. What can I do for you this fine morning?"
A voice from behind them spoke. "I have come to see my enlightened Hatamoto, and his new charge, Takai-san."
Moeru bowed deeply. "Greetings, Togashi Satsu-Dono. I am honored, and humbled by your presence."
The two samurai moved into the room, and the Champion of the Dragon, Grandson of a Kami stepped in. He was dressed in a fine green Kimono, with embroidered flames at the cuffs of the sleeves. His head bald, and his moustache was immaculate. He gave a cursory glance over Shinko, and the boy, and stepped forward, and reciprocated Moeru's bow.
Satsu then turned, and whispered to a guard, who walked to Shinko. "If you could please, Shinko-san, I am to take you to prepare for the ceremony." Shinko's face was puzzled, and a little worried, as the Samurai ushered her out of the room. The other samurai stepped outside, and slid the door shut. Moeru and his champion were alone.
Satsu and the Champion spoke for the rest of the morning. They spoke about the troubles with the peasants in the Lion Lands, Moeru's sister, and the ill fated meeting in Kyuden Tonbo, they spoke of Winter Court. They spoke of the bloodspeaker activity, the cave in the ravine, the Khadi's heart, the injuries to the Moto, and finally; Takai.
Through the conversation, Moeru was hesitant. He didn't know how much his champion knew, but he figured that the rumors about Shinko and he's drunken night had to have reached his champion's ears. It was, in Moeru's mind, another failure in his long list of failures.
But it never came up. As the two spoke, Takai moved through the common room, enjoying his time, and babbling about two fire breathing dragons in the same room! The plans for the boy were finalized, and Moeru heaved a sigh of relief.
"You seem troubled, Moeru-san." The champion spoke at ease.
Moeru nodded. "Indeed, Togashi-Dono. I... hoped, that throughout my journeys, I would come to feel differently. That the sting of my shame, and my own shortcomings would fade. That I would feel worthy of your faith in me." Moeru sighed again. "Alas, I just find myself wondering; why?"
Satsu smiled, and clapped his hand on the back of the Hatamoto. "If a Rock, could question the Kami about why it was put in a stream, could the rock comprehend the flood that it averted by being there?" With that, Satsu stood, bowed, and left.
Moeru sat for a moment puzzled, before a broad smile came across his face.
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