[Day 7 - LM] The Princess Court

[Oturi Yuahime]

Oturi Yuahime has called for court to deal with some lingering questions before she returns to the Capitol on the day after the wedding. The Crab have graciously allowed her to hold court in the Courtyard and discuss perhaps what could be the future of the Empire. Seated on the raised dais she has opted for her armor, minus her kabuto which rests next to her. On her right is Ikeda Hiro and to her left is Ikeda Ishi both wearing armor as well.

Seated on a lower dais is Otomo Yusuke and the Crab higher ups including Fuboshi and Kitusuchi and a full squad of Hida bushi number ten in total. This gives the court a feeling more of a military strategy meeting than a courtly affair. Weapons besides those of the Empress honor guard are strictly prohibited.

Those with a keen eye will notice that the Crab have added the personal mon of Oturi Yuahime to their kimono or back banners.

[Ikoma Ren]

Ren had promised to show up, and he makes a point of arriving on time, well groomed and with a distinct lack of a hangover.

It's strange, in a way, not having her by my side. It was only for what, five days, and I'm already missing it

He looks back up at the dias, trying to get a look at his new-companion-turned-crown-princess.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

Hifumi, with Dango, walked over to stand beside the Ikoma.

[Ikoma Ren]

"Did you see this one coming Fuzake-san?" Ren quips with a grin, and then pauses. "Oh yeah...I think you kind of did"

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"Hai." she nodded. "It is what comes next that I wonder about."

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Shouji arrived before long, dressed in a fine kimono in the color of his clan. It wasn't often he got to dress really well, and it seemed he had taken advantage of the opportunity.

It didn't match well with the more militaristic vide of the court, but thats how things went sometimes. He took a moment to glance around the area before making his way to a table for tea.

[Yoko]

With a heart of doubt, Yoko certainly woke early enough to consider seeing if there was any welcome here for her. Regardless of the opinions of an important few she was after all a ronin at the end of each and start of every day. Still, it was always worth a shot when you're used to getting chased off.

[Toritaka Hanatsuko]

Hanatsuko was back to her normal attire to attend the court. Sari was no where to be seen. Kuma was perched on a branch of a nearby tree.

[Hiruma Roger]

Roger arrives at court, his daughter and her nanny falling in behind him. The nine year old constantly moving around to get a better look at the new Empress.

[Ikoma Ren]

With a heart of doubt, Yoko certainly woke early enough to consider seeing if there was any welcome here for her. Regardless of the opinions of an important few she was after all a ronin at the end of each and start of every day. Still, it was always worth a shot when you're used to getting chased off.

Seeing her, Ren waves enthusiastically. "Yoko-san, over here"

He grins, "Man, this escalated quickly!"

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane nikutai, in a plain blue kimono and unsettled at having his katana with the polishers for the first time in a long time, looks more like his courtier friends today. It is somewhat clear that he does not approve this look.

(Please PM or quote to engage. Happy to chat.)

[Asahina Sanaharu]

Sanaharu arrived, dressed as always — which was stupidly well. He knew how much he could handle without looking like a doll, and this was already both his formal and casual (but not the very casual). In a different kimono, yes, as always.

He looks at Masao's plain blue kimono and cries internally. Seems like today would be face-saving duty again.

(Reply if approach, probably engaging with anyone soon)

[Hida Daichi]

Daichi wandered into court feeling a bit refreshed after his morning bath. If the princess was holding court he would have to at least see what was going down. He wasn't one for all the politicking and discussion but how often does a black sheep Hida warrior get to go to a court with the soon to be empress presiding.
It promised to be a novel experience which was something Daichi couldn't miss.

The big Crab stood toward the back of the courtyard in his normal formal wear, slightly above average quality kimono. He had his normal grin on his lips as his eyes scanned the crowd.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Daichi wandered into court feeling a bit refreshed after his morning bath. If the princess was holding court he would have to at least see what was going down. He wasn't one for all the politicking and discussion but how often does a black sheep Hida warrior get to go to a court with the soon to be empress presiding.
It promised to be a novel experience which was something Daichi couldn't miss.

The big Crab stood toward the back of the courtyard in his normal formal wear, slightly above average quality kimono. He had his normal grin on his lips as his eyes scanned the crowd.

Spotting the big crab in the Crowd, Shouji made his way over a warm smile making it's way onto his lips. He wasn't the first that the Mantis considered approaching, but he seemed the wisest choice. Offering the man a polite bow he gestured back towards his table.

"Hida-san." He offered warmly. "I was wondering of you'd like to join me for some tea."

[Kakita Konohamaru]

The magistrate himself is in attendance, of course. This would be the Empress' first court, after all.

And by fortunes or fate, a magistrate like himself was in attendance. What worried him was the wording - apparently they would be her council going forward, which meant the fate of the empire rested on everyone here.

That many moving parts could only be a mistake.

"Asahina-san, a moment if you'd please."

[Yoko]

Seeing her, Ren waves enthusiastically. "Yoko-san, over here"

He grins, "Man, this escalated quickly!"

With no blocking from doing so, Yoko would answer the wave and find herself by Ren and Hifumi. Giving a quick dip of her head, "Yea," she said, her lip dragged as she smirked a little.

"You've been well, I hope, Ikoma-sama?" she asked, quirking her brow.

[Asahina Sanaharu]

The magistrate himself is in attendance, of course. This would be the Empress' first court, after all.

And by fortunes or fate, a magistrate like himself was in attendance. What worried him was the wording - apparently they would be her council going forward, which meant the fate of the empire rested on everyone here.

That many moving parts could only be a mistake.

"Asahina-san, a moment if you'd please."

He nods, bowing deeply to the magistrate. "Have you eaten your portion of rice today, Kakita-bugyo? I'm the most honored I'm worthy of your attention." Last day was friendly. The lunch came to his mind... "Do you wish to speak in private? Too many people can overhear here."

[Oturi Yuahime]

“Good morning, this one is Oturi Yuahime,” she said rising to address the court.

“I struggled with calling this court but ultimately we all have a Duty to protect and ensure the longevity of the Empire and resist the spiral into chaos. I intend to return to the Capitol and enact the last will and testament of my mother, Empress Oturi, may she rest peacefully with my ancestors.”

“I do not believe there will be a need for conflict but there may be forces at work within the Capitol that seek conflict and it would be naïve to believe that they would not choose the path of resistance when cornered. I will do what must be done, not just for my own claims but because it is right and just.”

She finished with, “The floor is open for discussion or if you wish to offer your support to my cause.” She was hardly an orator but felt she has said what she needed to and took a seat.

OOC: Players are free to discuss the topic or offer their support to the Crown Princess, they can also speak on behalf of their clan if they so choose with an Etiquette (Bureaucracy) + Awareness roll versus a TN of 45 reduced by 5 per rank of Status and by 1 per rank of Glory, the TN is increased by 2 per rank of Infamy and Darling of the Court applies. If a character has an Honor score of 7 or higher, they gain a Free Raise on this check.

[Hida Fuboshi]

“The house of Fuboshi of the Crab stands behind you, Oturi-denka. Your enemies are our enemies, and we will follow you into Jigoku itself at your command. I can’t speak for the Crab as a whole but we have relayed your request to our Lord and are confident in a positive response. This old soldier is ready for your command,” Fuboshi said after bowing low.

Having been accepted she returned to her seat.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

He nods, bowing deeply to the magistrate. "Have you eaten your portion of rice today, Kakita-bugyo? I'm the most honored I'm worthy of your attention." Last day was friendly. The lunch came to his mind... "Do you wish to speak in private? Too many people can overhear here."

"I.. actually, I forgot breakfast. But no, a private talk won't be necessary."

He slid a small note to Sanaharu.

As the Empress opens council, he turns back to Sanaharu to gauge his reaction.

Kono seems perfectly undaunted by this, almost as if he knew something like this would happen.

[Asahina Sanaharu]

He listens to Fuboshi and the Empress with attention. He had a good on, so his expression was peacefully neutral. But it was not perfect, and he was stiff.

He takes the note and opens it behind his fan, much like a student hiding they are using a cellphone in a school, as if he was lowering his head in a sheepish manner.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

It was time to choose.

For them, perhaps - his choice had already been made. He looked to Sanaharu and Yuuwaku, to see if they would join him, then rose to his feet.

((OOC: If Sanaharu and Yuuwaku are willing, I'd like to make a Co-op roll for this with their aid.))

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku, dressed in her finest, with fan in her hand and jewel on her forehead glistening in the light, stands with her Clan-mates, taking a position on Konohamaru's left after she bows herself in.

She says to the magistrate--quietly so as not to disturb, but not hiding it--"This one is with you, Kakita-bugyo."

Small as she is, she stands proudly, meeting the gaze of any who look her way--except Yuahime, for whom she looks down in deference, should it happen.

OOC: Aiding Konohamaru.

[Asahina Sanaharu]

He folds the paper delicately, the agility he did so reminiscently of an origami folder — well, he had some training on those — putting it on his netsuke. He was not influential enough to help the imperial throne and barely had a chance now to be influential enough with this empress. To follow her or to watch from afar and secure was not a choice if one could not do the second.

He nods to the magistrate upon Yuuwaku's words, changing his posture as well to a more confident one.

OOC: Aiding Konohamaru.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

With a nod to both, he rises and kneels in front of the Empress. Not as a courtier seeking service, but as a warrior before his lord. Naturally, the flock would assume an arrow formation alongside.

"The heart of the Empire is its Empress. When we as Rokugan have strayed from that fact, we have become lost and strife has followed. If the curse that took this town was not proof enough, that its clearing heralded your return to the Imperial fold is. And our decision was made by the Heavens when they chose a Union between Crane and Crab to throne you."

He thought to their first conversation together, how she wanted to hide, wanted to continue her journey as a warrior rather than return to the throne.

"The Heavens saw fit to demand a Warrior on the throne. Not because a journey must end, but because a new warrior's Journey must begin - one where the Empire itself must learn, grow, and cultivate together. We will be your hand, on sword or fan, as you require it."

Then he thought to his clan, and those he joined, and those he worked with. He thought to their luncheon yesterday.

"I swear my loyalty to you. The Crane clan swears its loyalty to you. And whatever path Rokugan takes, may it swear loyalty to you too. We will be by your side when it does."

To himself, he hoped that Sanaharu would approve of his words, or their wording. But that they stand with him was proof enough.

Etiquette/Awa - 2 assists - 1 void, TN28 - 45, success