[D2, ME] Fresh aire (expecting)

[Kakita Masao]

Feeling the weight of a busy day, Masao finds his way back to the Blue Bird House, but can't quite bring himself to call it a day yet. His flute, as so often, casts a siren song to take time to play. With a smile, he takes up the flute and walks out to sit in the grass and watch the sun lazily drift down to the horizon.

After a time, Masao begins to play a light, slow song -- almost a lullaby for the sun -- and his muscles begin to ease, even though the tiredness is still fully felt.

[Moshi Meiko]

Feeling the weight of a busy day, Masao finds his way back to the Blue Bird House, but can't quite bring himself to call it a day yet. His flute, as so often, casts a siren song to take time to play. With a smile, he takes up the flute and walks out to sit in the grass and watch the sun lazily drift down to the horizon.

After a time, Masao begins to play a light, slow song -- almost a lullaby for the sun -- and his muscles begin to ease, even though the tiredness is still fully felt.

After a few minutes there's a scuttling sound out from the darkness, like tiny feet sprinting around and a vaguely human shaped form sticks its head out from behind a tree. It looks like some kind of....Moshi?

She's clearly listening entranced to the flute music.

[Kakita Masao]

The quiet footsteps might go unnoticed by other musicians in mid song, but Masao has a soldier's hearing and interest in not being surprised. He raises an eyebrow and tries to catch sight of the sound's source. Is that... a little girl by that tree?

Abbreviating his song, the Crane plays out a twisting stream of notes that then settle across the scene, a bit like a large snake falling asleep, with coils of music coming gently to rest around them.

Without turning, he calls out, "A hidden audience is not typically preferred, but you're welcome to stay there if you like." His first guess is that it's cousin Kio, overestimating her stealthiness, as children often do.

[Moshi Meiko]

The quiet footsteps might go unnoticed by other musicians in mid song, but Masao has a soldier's hearing and interest in not being surprised. He raises an eyebrow and tries to catch sight of the sound's source. Is that... a little girl by that tree?

Abbreviating his song, the Crane plays out a twisting stream of notes that then settle across the scene, a bit like a large snake falling asleep, with coils of music coming gently to rest around them.

Without turning, he calls out, "A hidden audience is not typically preferred, but you're welcome to stay there if you like." His first guess is that it's cousin Kio, overestimating her stealthiness, as children often do.

"Oh! I didn't want to interrupt, your song was lovely, like we'd play in the evenings back home!"
More scuttling and the small figure turns out not to be a child...by a couple inches! It's in fact a short Moshi who hurries out of the darkness and bows with a smile on her face.

"I was passing by and heard the song and then I had to find out where it was coming from so I came over and I ran into a bush once but then backed up and run over again. I'm Meiko of the Moshi!"
Bow

[Kakita Masao]

Masao is filled with questions for the speedy Moshi, but decides to start more simply. He stands, appreciating exactly what size Meiko is, and bows a little deeper than is necessary, given his status.

"Meiko of the Moshi, I am Masao of the Kakita. I am honored by meeting you and by your kind words about my song," he smiles, a little more laughter in his eyes than usual. "I'd be happy to play more, if I'm not keeping you from anything?"

[Moshi Meiko]

Masao is filled with questions for the speedy Moshi, but decides to start more simply. He stands, appreciating exactly what size Meiko is, and bows a little deeper than is necessary, given his status.

"Meiko of the Moshi, I am Masao of the Kakita. I am honored by meeting you and by your kind words about my song," he smiles, a little more laughter in his eyes than usual. "I'd be happy to play more, if I'm not keeping you from anything?"

Wow! A real life Kakita, just like in the stories!

"Wow! A real life Kakita, just like in the stories!" Meiko vibrates excitedly "Not at all Kakita-sama, I'm not due back on the ship for a little while yet."
Meiko hops up on a tree stump and watches on expectantly, feet kicking with excitement.

[Kakita Masao]

Masao laughs a little, the small woman's positive energy absolutely infectious. "I assure you that there are no stories about me. Well. No stories you'd be interested in. No stories related to this..." He begins a song that starts boisterous -- No, just loud. No redeeming qualities to it -- then slows and almost seems to be slipping away, before coming to an end with an optimistic note, like the sun breaking through after a serious storm.

[Moshi Meiko]

Masao laughs a little, the small woman's positive energy absolutely infectious. "I assure you that there are no stories about me. Well. No stories you'd be interested in. No stories related to this..." He begins a song that starts boisterous -- No, just loud. No redeeming qualities to it -- then slows and almost seems to be slipping away, before coming to an end with an optimistic note, like the sun breaking through after a serious storm.

Enthusiastic Moshi applause

“That was excellent! I could feel the sun’s warmth on my face at the end, which for my family is doubly important! I knew all Kakita were warriors and artisans and now you’ve proved it.... hopefully I can use this to convince someone else on the boat to take up a hobby other than gambling.”

Meiko thinks for a few minutes
“I’m not as talented as you, but I know a song I could sing? It’s an old one my family first composed when we were setting the valley. It even has clapping and stomping so you can join in!”

[Kakita Masao]

Masao actually shows a flash of embarrassment at the praise, knowing it wasn't his best work, but how could he argue with the Moshi anyway? Are you seriously--

"Moshi-san is too kind in her words, but if I can be of help in encouraging others to pursue an artistic skill -- my honored grandmother often said that a samurai should be strong in war and strong in art: a valued servant in all seasons. I would be honored to encourage others to follow that example." Yes, that's more like it. Showing our superior--

"And I would be honored by your song. I'm not always much for, uh, clapping and stomping, but I will give it a try." Wha... Oh no. Please don't.

[Moshi Meiko]

Masao actually shows a flash of embarrassment at the praise, knowing it wasn't his best work, but how could he argue with the Moshi anyway? Are you seriously--

"Moshi-san is too kind in her words, but if I can be of help in encouraging others to pursue an artistic skill -- my honored grandmother often said that a samurai should be strong in war and strong in art: a valued servant in all seasons. I would be honored to encourage others to follow that example." Yes, that's more like it. Showing our superior--

"And I would be honored by your song. I'm not always much for, uh, clapping and stomping, but I will give it a try." Wha... Oh no. Please don't.

“Great!”
Meiko jumps up on her stump and starts clapping.
“Just follow along with me!”

Clearing her throat
“As I went down in the valley to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good sun, show me the way!

O mothers lets go down
Let’s go down, come on down!
O mothers lets go down
Down in the valley to pray
In the valley to pray!”

Meiko continues enthusiastically as the verses continue extolling listeners to come down to the valley to play.

It’s respectable, but more a country folk tune than a proper court song.

Day 2 fluff singing roll: 4d10o10k3 23

[Kakita Masao]

As with everything Meiko does, the enthusiasm makes resistance futile, and Masao claps along to the pleasant rhythm, as simplistic as it may be. The Moshi's gusto gets Masao's foot tapping, generating some of the same positive energy of the pepper festival earlier in the day.

After her song concludes, Masao applauds as Meiko applauded him, though the action feels strange to a samurai used to courtly productions that are less raucous.

"A lovely performance, Moshi-san. I am surprised that your crewmates aren't more excited to expand their skills when there's so much enjoyment to be had--and you're a shining example of it." The Crane smiles rather proudly, perhaps feeling a solidarity with the Mantis as a fellow performer.

[Moshi Meiko]

As with everything Meiko does, the enthusiasm makes resistance futile, and Masao claps along to the pleasant rhythm, as simplistic as it may be. The Moshi's gusto gets Masao's foot tapping, generating some of the same positive energy of the pepper festival earlier in the day.

After her song concludes, Masao applauds as Meiko applauded him, though the action feels strange to a samurai used to courtly productions that are less raucous.

"A lovely performance, Moshi-san. I am surprised that your crewmates aren't more excited to expand their skills when there's so much enjoyment to be had--and you're a shining example of it." The Crane smiles rather proudly, perhaps feeling a solidarity with the Mantis as a fellow performer.

Meiko absolutely beams with happiness. Both at Masao joining in and at the comments from a real life Kakita.

“Oh thank you so much! It’s nothing special, just a tune we all sang in the valley back home. The crew sing plenty too, but lots of their songs involve... uh”
Furrowing her brow “Things not fit for our delicate surrounds!”
Gesturing at the pleasant garden

“Can I ask you some questions?”
Not even pausing to draw breath
“ What’s the bride like? I hear she’s a perfect Crane lady! Have you ever been in a duel? what are the Crane lands like? Have you ever composed a poem on a battlefield.”
It seems the Moshi has many... many questions.

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane stands amid the whirlwind of Meiko's thoughts and questions, and takes a deep breath before trying to respond to each in turn.

"Moshi-san, I appreciate your concern about delicacy, but a front-line soldier like me is hard to trouble with... indelicacy." He pauses to give her time to process that.

"With regard to my cousin, Daidoji Yushoko-sama, I would say without hesitation that she is a proper Crane lady. Our family is honored to include her, and honored that she was selected to bring the Crab and Crane closer together. Bringing an end to the border war is a most glorious duty." Masao smiles as he talks about his cousin, though his smile turns sad as he shifts to talking about the war. He takes a deep breath to correct himself.

"As for me, I may not live up to Moshi-san's hopes. I have only been in two duels, neither to the death, and I am no poet, on or off the battlefield. As you've seen, I can play the flute, and I am a passable singer, but primarily I am just a soldier." He looks at her apologetically, feeling a bit like he's stealing a child's dreams by telling her the truth.

[Moshi Meiko]

The Crane stands amid the whirlwind of Meiko's thoughts and questions, and takes a deep breath before trying to respond to each in turn.

"Moshi-san, I appreciate your concern about delicacy, but a front-line soldier like me is hard to trouble with... indelicacy." He pauses to give her time to process that.

"With regard to my cousin, Daidoji Yushoko-sama, I would say without hesitation that she is a proper Crane lady. Our family is honored to include her, and honored that she was selected to bring the Crab and Crane closer together. Bringing an end to the border war is a most glorious duty." Masao smiles as he talks about his cousin, though his smile turns sad as he shifts to talking about the war. He takes a deep breath to correct himself.

"As for me, I may not live up to Moshi-san's hopes. I have only been in two duels, neither to the death, and I am no poet, on or off the battlefield. As you've seen, I can play the flute, and I am a passable singer, but primarily I am just a soldier." He looks at her apologetically, feeling a bit like he's stealing a child's dreams by telling her the truth.

“Oh..... well that’s alright! All the greatest samurai are modest! I think you’re great Kakita-sama. You’ve fought in two whole duels and you care for you family and you’re a musician while still being a soldier!”

Nearly jumping up and down
“Does that mean you’re an ‘Iron Warrior’? That must be a lot to live up to, I hear the dojo is tough! I’ve never met an iron warrior before, and I’d definitely remember!”
It seems that Meiko was determined to see the absolute best in anyone.

[Kakita Masao]

Masao doesn't enjoy having the spotlight on him, but somewhat grudgingly he shares, "I am an Iron Warrior, friend Mantis. A squad leader, actually. And my brother is an Iron Warrior like me, and we fought side-by-side several times in the war against the Crab." He hesitates a moment, even more uncomfortable now. When he speaks, it's just loud enough for Meiko to hear at her distance: "I even had to carry him from the battlefield, a few months ago, when he was badly wounded. Which... is just what you do when you're an Iron Warrior. You protect people."

[Moshi Meiko]

Masao doesn't enjoy having the spotlight on him, but somewhat grudgingly he shares, "I am an Iron Warrior, friend Mantis. A squad leader, actually. And my brother is an Iron Warrior like me, and we fought side-by-side several times in the war against the Crab." He hesitates a moment, even more uncomfortable now. When he speaks, it's just loud enough for Meiko to hear at her distance: "I even had to carry him from the battlefield, a few months ago, when he was badly wounded. Which... is just what you do when you're an Iron Warrior. You protect people."

“So you’re a hero! I hope your brother is okay Kakita-sama. That was very brave of you. I’m not even sure I could carry someone if I had to!”
dropping her own voice
“I’m sorry you had to fight the Crab, I know those battles are not uncommon. But hopefully Daidoji-Sama’s wedding can end them!”

[Kakita Masao]

Masao's face looks pained. Then things get worse: You knew she'd say that. You told her because you wanted to hear it. All of these little-- "No."

His head drops and he closes his eyes, alternately shaking his head and taking deep breaths. One hand rubs his temple as he continues to breathe heavily.

It takes several moments before the Crane seems to have recovered himself, and only then does he open his eyes -- slowly, cautiously, as though he doesn't know what he'll see when he opens them.

Finally his eyes reach Meiko, and he freezes. His first attempt at words is just a croak. Finally he manages to stammer, "I, ah, Moshi-san, I'm sorry."

[Moshi Meiko]

Masao's face looks pained. Then things get worse: You knew she'd say that. You told her because you wanted to hear it. All of these little-- "No."

His head drops and he closes his eyes, alternately shaking his head and taking deep breaths. One hand rubs his temple as he continues to breathe heavily.

It takes several moments before the Crane seems to have recovered himself, and only then does he open his eyes -- slowly, cautiously, as though he doesn't know what he'll see when he opens them.

Finally his eyes reach Meiko, and he freezes. His first attempt at words is just a croak. Finally he manages to stammer, "I, ah, Moshi-san, I'm sorry."

Meiko's eyes are full of concern and she has one hand on her scroll satchel
"Kakita-sama! Are you okay? It must have been something I said, I'm so sorry! Can I get someone? Or maybe some water? Tea?"
The Moshi hovers around nervously.

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane shakes his head, hard, then takes a deep breath. "No, thank you, I'm..." Another deep breath. "I am just feeling the weight of this day a bit. And, ah, not your doing, I assure you. But I appreciate your concern."

"Perhaps to put any possible concern to rest, you would see me inside -- just to the sitting room -- to see that I have some tea and am well? Only, of course, if I'm not delaying you from your duty," he says sincerely, already aghast that she'd seen him so distressed.

[Moshi Meiko]

The Crane shakes his head, hard, then takes a deep breath. "No, thank you, I'm..." Another deep breath. "I am just feeling the weight of this day a bit. And, ah, not your doing, I assure you. But I appreciate your concern."

"Perhaps to put any possible concern to rest, you would see me inside -- just to the sitting room -- to see that I have some tea and am well? Only, of course, if I'm not delaying you from your duty," he says sincerely, already aghast that she'd seen him so distressed.

"Of course! Want me to support you? I can stand on my tip-toes!"
Meiko's whole being seemed focused on getting Maso safely to the sitting room
"I'll get you there Kakita-sama! And we'll get you some tea!"

[Kakita Masao]

The thought had never entered Masao's mind -- that she might touch him -- but as his face starts looking pale as a result, he's really in no condition to resist as she takes his arm and leads him inside.

His eyes close tightly as he hears that voice return to his head: What have you done to this poor girl? ME? If you weren't screaming inside my head then she'd never have needed to be concerned. And if you hadn't been trying--I wasn't trying anything! I didn't even think she'd touch me! Masao's free hand rubs the bridge of his nose as he trusts Meiko to guide him inside safely. Even crashing on the way there didn't sound like a bad option amidst the noise in the bushi's mind.

[Moshi Meiko]

The thought had never entered Masao's mind -- that she might touch him -- but as his face starts looking pale as a result, he's really in no condition to resist as she takes his arm and leads him inside.

His eyes close tightly as he hears that voice return to his head: What have you done to this poor girl? ME? If you weren't screaming inside my head then she'd never have needed to be concerned. And if you hadn't been trying--I wasn't trying anything! I didn't even think she'd touch me! Masao's free hand rubs the bridge of his nose as he trusts Meiko to guide him inside safely. Even crashing on the way there didn't sound like a bad option amidst the noise in the bushi's mind.

Meiko determined leads/pulls Masao into the building, telling the first servant to get in the way to
"Fetch tea for Kakita-sama at once! He's parched! Parched!"
And on she goes until they reach the living room and she firmly settles Masao on a cushion before hurring over to pull a blanket from a nearby couchh and drape it over him.
"Drinks will be here any minute, are you feeling better? I can call on the kami if it is an emergency, I won't let anything bad happen if I can help it!"

[Kakita Masao]

Kakita Masao, as deadeyed courageous in battle as any Iron Crane, was sitting in Blue Bird House, being attended by a beautiful if rambunctious Moshi shugenja, and grappling with the very real possibility that he was afraid. Not of the angry voice in his head, which was beginning to trail off as it ran out of new ways to phrase its anger, but of what the tiny, doting Mantis might feel compelled to do to care for him.

With a deep breath and a shake of his head, the Crane finally clears his mind.

"Ah, Moshi Meiko-san, thank you," he says, his voice a touch unsteady as his brain tries to navigate this situation. "Ah, you know what might help, besides the tea? A song, maybe? Something slower, or at least quieter. Something to help wish Lady Sun a good night?"

[Moshi Meiko]

Kakita Masao, as deadeyed courageous in battle as any Iron Crane, was sitting in Blue Bird House, being attended by a beautiful if rambunctious Moshi shugenja, and grappling with the very real possibility that he was afraid. Not of the angry voice in his head, which was beginning to trail off as it ran out of new ways to phrase its anger, but of what the tiny, doting Mantis might feel compelled to do to care for him.

With a deep breath and a shake of his head, the Crane finally clears his mind.

"Ah, Moshi Meiko-san, thank you," he says, his voice a touch unsteady as his brain tries to navigate this situation. "Ah, you know what might help, besides the tea? A song, maybe? Something slower, or at least quieter. Something to help wish Lady Sun a good night?"

"I know just the thing! You just sit back and relax Kakita-sama. This is a lullaby my father would sing to be back home, it will do just the trick!"
Softening her voice and focusing for a few moments

"Here comes the sun, do, dun, do, do
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right
Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, do, dun, do, do
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right
Little darling, the smile's returning to their faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here"

As she sings the tea arrives and Meiko carefully pours a full cup for Masao and places it gently in his hand, smiling sweetly all the while.

[Kakita Masao]

Masao closes his eyes and smiles, enjoying her voice as well as the fact that his plan had worked.

As the pleasant tune calms him -- and, truth be told, makes him feel ready to fall asleep immediately -- Masao opens his eyes and begins to drink the tea gingerly.

As the song concludes: "The tea and the song both really hit the mark, Moshi-san, thank you." Masao says sincerely. "I am fortunate to have had someone so kind by my side just now. I am feeling better, and I'm sure I'll be all better with a good night's sleep. You won't be too worried about me will you?" He asks, genuinely concerned about her.