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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 1, 2014 18:25:09 GMT
Kasumi had the distinction that his distaste for courtiers had some personal reason, but it was impolite to ask, so she didn't. "I will let you continue your exercise," she said, "but if you could join me afterwards for a cup of tea or some sake, it would be much obliged."
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jun 2, 2014 5:16:33 GMT
"I would be honored."
Clearly, this woman is toughening herself up for dismal conversation and social crudity via prolonged exposure. Finally, something I'm good at that doesn't involve violence!
He gave a formal bow, then turned to resume his run.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 2, 2014 13:04:38 GMT
Kasumi went back inside and ordered a servant to ready the tea and sake. Then she went into her study to review the financial state of the estate. Not something she really liked doing, but it was something which had to be done. Her husband did it most of the time, but she knew he didn't like it either, so she looked at it every time she was at home. Maybe with her new status as direct assistant of the Emerald Champion she could get a Karo to do those things for her. And she would also have to think about getting some Yoriki, although she first would have to see what she would get in the way of resources. It would be something to talk to Takeshi about tonight.
When a servant announced that Kaigen had arrived, she went to the main hall. "My apologies for arriving late," she said as he was already there, "I had to check a couple of things for the estate."
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jun 3, 2014 5:09:23 GMT
He gave a dismissive wave.
"I am in the Legions, Tsuruchi-san. I am accustomed to far longer waits, in far less agreeable surroundings. And for far worse reasons than managing one's lands."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 3, 2014 5:33:47 GMT
After giving him his choice of tea or sake and taking a cup of tea herself, she sat a bit more comfortable. "Tell me, Shiba-san" she said, "how did you get to become a member of the imperial legions?"
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jun 3, 2014 17:16:01 GMT
Kaigen sipped at his tea- which blend, he'd already forgotten.
It's not like they actually taste all that different.
"A matter of talent and circumstance. My father initially hoped for me to be a yojimbo, as he had been."
And how delightful that would have been.
"I proved a little less... reflexive... than the sensei would have liked for service as a yojimbo."
Something about the way they were usually able to behead the practice dummy I "guarded" before I could draw my weapon.
"But I had a talent for combat, and I excelled in small-unit skirmishes, so alternative were looked for."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 3, 2014 18:11:14 GMT
Kasumi nodded before sipping her tea. "The legions are very prestigious," she said, "your family can be very proud of you." She wasn't going to tell him that she had been a yojimbo as she did have the reflexes and the perception. In fact, most Tsuruchi had as it was a necessity for good archery. But most Tsuruchi didn't have the sword skills a yojimbo needed. Here she was the exception, a Tsuruchi who liked the sword as much as the bow.
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jun 4, 2014 5:35:29 GMT
"They don't seem to mind overmuch."
Well, father gets that disappointed look sometimes, and mother constantly despairs of my ever being fit for polite company, but they don't ever say anything.
"And putting aside all false modesty, I am a far better gunso than I ever was a yojimbo."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 4, 2014 7:00:45 GMT
"I was a good yojimbo," Kasumi said, "at least, my charge survived. And I actually defended a Phoenix shugenja once when his own yojimbo had fallen ill. But now we just have to see if I'm going to be a good magistrate."
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jun 4, 2014 17:25:44 GMT
"You appear to be doing all right."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 5, 2014 6:10:55 GMT
"They could either speak with me or with Hachi-sama," Kasumi said, "who would probably not be amused to have to take care of those things, so I think they prefered me. Well, one can only do ones duty to the best of ones ability. More tea?"
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jun 5, 2014 19:50:17 GMT
Kaigen wordlessly held his cup out.
"That may be, but the truth came out."
Well, most of it. There is no room full of Obsidian. Nope.
"And while Hachi-sama may no doubt have achieved the same result, it does not diminish your own success."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 6, 2014 5:59:59 GMT
"He has now given me a great responsibility and I hope I'm worthy of it," she said as she refilled his cup and hers. She still had her doubts, but she knew her duty. At least she would have assistants as it would be impossible to be everywhere. Then her husband arrived. He greeted Kaigen in a terse but polite way. It was clear that you could take a Crab of the wall, but you couldn't take the wall out of the Crab. "How was it today, Takeshi-kun," she asked. While she kept decorum with a guest present, it was clear she loved her husband. "There was the rumour that Tsuruchi children are born with a bow, Kasumi-chan," Takeshi said, "I start to believe it. I was giving some instruction with the naginata and although I'm no master with that weapon, but even at that age I was much better. It will take me some time I think. So, when do you leave tomorrow?" "At first light I think," she replied, "if that's okay with you, Shiba-san?"
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Post by Shiba Kaigen on Jun 6, 2014 11:32:37 GMT
Kaigen gave a lopsided grin in reply.
"Well, I suppose I can sleep in, as I'm in no particular hurry."
And it certainly beats watching the sun rise after having been on the march for four hours. Join the Legion. See the Empire. Hate every square inch of it.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 6, 2014 12:28:08 GMT
"Very well," Kasumi said. They made a bit more smalltalk before eating dinner. After dinner she read the children their bedtime story and she and her husband retreated early, claiming she needed enough sleep because the trip through the mountains would be difficult and they needed to be well rested.
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