[Day 7 - LM] The Princess Court

[Ikoma Ren]

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.

"Well, I will not lie to you Yoko-san, it has been a bit of a strange few days. I did not think that being stuck in a time loop caused by a dysfunctional ghost family would be the second most surprising turn to happen in one week, but I have to say, Ikoma will get quite a few stories out of this." Ren grins back at her. "Still looking for work? I hear that there is a new faction that is looking for people to follow." He motions to the dias. "Speaking of which."

When there is a gap, Ren steps forward, clearing his throat. "Due to the unexpected nature of events, I appear to find myself as the sole member of the Lion Clan present today. Others, wiser samurai would likely be standing in my place today, but in this extraordinary time, the honor falls to myself. The Lion know all too well the bitter cost that is paid in battles for a contested throne. We misjudged the Will of the Heavens once before, and at terrible cost. In this case, I have no doubt of what the Will of Heaven is. I pledge my support to Oturi Yuahime-sama, long may she reign." Ren had wanted to try to speak for the Ikoma, but as hard as he could try, he found his standing and knowledge lacking. "And I pledge that I will do all in my ability to convince my Clan of such"

The Princess Court-Pledge Lion to Yuahime: TN 45, minus 10 for status 2, minus 1 for Glory for 34-ettiqiete/Awareness-VP spent: 6d10o10k5 21

[Ichiro Taiki]

Once again, the Badger showed up - in a proper Kimono, even if its colours and style are a bit bland and outdated - but stayed far from the thick of the crowd, observing the happenings from the side.

Those who looked at him could see him nodding, perhaps absent-mindedly, as first Yuahime, then Fuboshi said their pieces.

He was definitely no courtier. He hardly could say much that would matter, other than speaking out the support his look and movements had already made evident.

And there were more important people to speak before him. If he had the chance, he would just say to the ex-ronin that he was behind her. He was almost sure - but more than anything hoped - his small clan as a whole would be. But he could only speak for himself.

And that could wait.

[Oturi Yuahime]

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

“This one is humbled by the commitment of the Crane to their Duty, to the wedding, and finally to my Empire. I accept these words and expect the Crane to fulfill such obligation with Honor and Grace as befitting the inheritors of Doji-no-kami’s legacy,” she responded before turning her attention to the Ikoma.

When there is a gap, Ren steps forward, clearing his throat. "Due to the unexpected nature of events, I appear to find myself as the sole member of the Lion Clan present today. Others, wiser samurai would likely be standing in my place today, but in this extraordinary time, the honor falls to myself. The Lion know all too well the bitter cost that is paid in battles for a contested throne. We misjudged the Will of the Heavens once before, and at terrible cost. In this case, I have no doubt of what the Will of Heaven is. I pledge my support to Oturi Yuahime-sama, long may she reign." Ren had wanted to try to speak for the Ikoma, but as hard as he could try, he found his standing and knowledge lacking. "And I pledge that I will do all in my ability to convince my Clan of such"

The Princess Court-Pledge Lion to Yuahime: TN 45, minus 10 for status 2, minus 1 for Glory for 34-ettiqiete/Awareness-VP spent: 6d10o10k5 21

“Ikoma Ren, your Compassion and friendship has never been in doubt, perhaps in time the Lion will follow your example. I pray they do and see that we are stronger united. You are welcome in my court, and I look forward to the tales you will spin in the days to come,” she said in a kind manner.

[Yoko]

From the time Ren left her side, she still had Hifumi near but Yoko was anywhere else but totally present. Instead stuck with the pit welling up in her stomach. Finding her nerve as she clenched her hand a little. Inhaling deep, holding it when she saw her opportunity and exhaling it slow. Rising from where Ren was sat she would flash him, and Hifumi, a smirk. Not bothering to look out over the rest to find Shouji, she needed her nerve now and scanning all the other faces was certain to lose it.

Walking up she approached the dais, but stopped before she fully got there. Looking ahead, always ahead. Swallowing down what felt a lump in her throat, she hooked her thumbs on either side of her hip into her obi as to steady herself a little. Speaking as to not offend, her eyes cast below as to not meet any others. Due deference had it's perks for assisting against nerves.

"May I continue to approach and speak?"

[Ikeda Ishi]

Ikeda Ishi spoke and said, "You may approach, Yoko-san."

[Yoko]

Hearing that voice brought a small smile, confidence, with another breath she was ready. With a slight roll of her shoulder she stood a bit more proud, but didn't assert it. Stepping forward fully she came upon the dais and placed herself down before it as was proper. Taking one last moment before she spoke.

"I am only a ronin. A woman content with the fate I have because it was one I chose to accept. One given to me by the woman who raised me, who taught me to be a samurai. From that woman I learned how to be a samurai, and how to serve others beyond myself, even if I had no lord. Helping the lowest of the Empire, the most humble, those who are often forgotten and left behind. Doing what I could to live by what I knew to be right. I have seen the worst in the best, and the best in the worst," she says, her voice steady and even.

"That life brought me here, to another place that I was sure I would find who needed me and where I needed to be, what I needed to do," she shook her head a little. "I didn't know what it had in store, but I was certain I would find it, and I did," she broke the evenness, chuckles a little, "I did," she shook her head. "I tell you this because I need to tell you the story of a woman I met when I was here. When we met it was a matter of convenience, of relieving myself of the pressures of the evening. Yet, I spoke that night with a woman that in a few short moments had me questioning if I'd done enough, if I was doing enough. She was humble and kind, but held resolute to doing what was best, same as I thought I did. That woman's name was Sutorenja, and ever since that evening when we spoke I have wondered on what it means to live a good life. At the time I was certain mom wished for me to live well, and to be happy, but.. after the events I have witnessed, the lives I have come into contact with I know now I was misguiding myself."

"I have thought long and hard on what it means to live a good life and I realized I always had the answer. By only looking to the woman who sacrificed so much for me, I find my answer in her example. To risk my life, and to offer it in service of helping others, for a greater good, it is what I am meant to do as a samurai. What I have always done and risked. Aiding the lives of all those I can."

"As a ronin I have held the freedom to learn for myself what makes a person most deserving of being remembered and honored, of being followed. In truth.. I have only met a few in my years I would consider, but the woman Sutorenja was, is, one of the few I have felt this strongest."

"I would be content to walk from this village and live the life I have lived, to help those that I can help in passing and time. But," she emphasizes with a pause, "if in any way I might use this one life to aid you and your cause I believe I will be using it to help many more than I could ever hope to aid otherwise."

"It is but one life, one few would find merit in, but if it is a life you consider worthy, I offer it fully."

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane nikutai looks more comfortable after the strong presentation from his kin, and the empress' favorable response. She knows not to trust us, like her mother did. Grandmother? We shall see. Your friends have done what must be for now. Our champion may know more than we do.

As he sees Yoko approach the dais, Masao's fan whips open in front of his face. Without realizing, he takes a step toward her. Oh don't start that again. You... Really?

[Oturi Yuahime]

Yuahime listened carefully and then responded once it seemed the words were done with, “My mother led an extraordinary life, but her greatest acts came when she was at her lowest. If you seek to aid my cause, then I will have it and do not take such an oath lightly. You are welcome at my side Yoko-san.”

[Yoko]

"I will prove myself of the honor, that I promise," she says, making her last parting gesture and departing from the central stage.

[Oturi Yuahime]

"I will prove myself of the honor, that I promise," she says, making her last parting gesture and departing from the central stage.

"You may begin now," she said rising and held out her hand to a Crab holding her standard and then offered it to the ronin.

"See that flies high, Yoko-san."

[Yoko]

Yoko approached, looked from the woman to the banner and nodded. Taking it up she replaced the Crab who once held it, there wasn't need for a further word from her.

[Hiruma Roger]

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The Crab Shugenja starts as his small ward breaks away from her nanny's grasp and steps forward, she bows low and says, "You have my sword, Oturi Sama-Domo? Well when I get one, if you still need it then? I notice you don't have any Hidden Guard with you" she pauses and looks suspiciously around the room "Unless they're /really/ Hidden that is." She smiles, "My dad...he is really good at Warding if you need any protections while you are staying here." She looks back at her father.

"Oturi Domo, I must apologize, " Hiruma Roger drops onto his face in embarrassment at his daughters outburst.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Others may have been worried for Yoko, or perhaps doubting her in some other way. Shouji had watched the young woman approach the stage a warm smile coming to his lips. One he had not covered with his fan though it was held in his hand. As The Princess accepted the Ronin's service, Shouji rose to his feet to take the stage as it were.

His voice rang clear as he addressed the heiress and the rest of the small court. "I have already pledged myself and my ship to you, Oturi-denka." Shouji offered with a deep bow. "Now it is time to do so openly in a place for all to hear. The Mantis are another matter though, but I am confident in saying that my clan won't let the Crane stand by your side on their own.

"Our cause is joined to yours and you will have our aide in whatever ways you need it." He finished deciding to avoid flowery speeched and and an abudnace of words as he declared hsi clan for Yuahime.

ettiquette/awarness. Day 7 Lm Pledging the Mantis tn 45- 16 from status/glory +6 from status, void final tn 29: 5d10o10k4+6 32

Fluff Oratory day 7 Lm: 5d10o10k4 21

[Ikoma Ren]

"I will prove myself of the honor, that I promise," she says, making her last parting gesture and departing from the central stage.

"I second the motion. Yoko-san has shown herself to be honorable and a forthright companion. I am thrilled to have her at my side working for your Highness." Ren offers a twinkle of an eye

You did great he mouths to Yoko.

After all, if there needed to be a blade to gather ronin behind how, he had found it.

[Oturi Yuahime]

The Crab child brought a collective gasp but Yuahime did not seem surprised. "You have keen eyes, and when the time comes I would be glad to see you serve where you are best needed," she said kindly to the girl.

"Your Courage will be needed, and gives me strength. Hiruma-san, there is nothing to apologize for, please rise."

Others may have been worried for Yoko, or perhaps doubting her in some other way. Shouji had watched the young woman approach the stage a warm smile coming to his lips. One he had not covered with his fan though it was held in his hand. As The Princess accepted the Ronin's service, Shouji rose to his feet to take the stage as it were.

His voice rang clear as he addressed the heiress and the rest of the small court. "I have already pledged myself and my ship to you, Oturi-denka." Shouji offered with a deep bow. "Now it is time to do so openly in a place for all to hear. The Mantis are another matter though, but I am confident in saying that my clan won't let the Crane stand by your side on their own.

"Our cause is joined to yours and you will have our aide in whatever ways you need it." He finished deciding to avoid flowery speeched and and an abudnace of words as he declared hsi clan for Yuahime.

ettiquette/awarness. Day 7 Lm Pledging the Mantis tn 45- 16 from status/glory +6 from status, void final tn 29: 5d10o10k4+6 32

Fluff Oratory day 7 Lm: 5d10o10k4 21

“It is no secret I have relied on the Mantis and your crew in these last few days, and find it fitting that arrangement should continue. The Throne will not forget that the Mantis were ready to do their Duty when their Empress to be called,” she responded.

“Know the children blessed by Osano-wo know have earned my favor this day.”

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

That was more then he could ask for and the Captain offered a deep bow to the dias before retreating to where he was.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

“This one is humbled by the commitment of the Crane to their Duty, to the wedding, and finally to my Empire. I accept these words and expect the Crane to fulfill such obligation with Honor and Grace as befitting the inheritors of Doji-no-kami’s legacy,” she responded before turning her attention to the Ikoma.

There was no more to be said. Silently, he bowed again and returned to his position.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

Hifumi glanced over at the Badger, guessing at his thoughts. She gave him a nod, encouraging him to speak up, if he wished. She would soon be speaking for herself, but she couldn't speak for others.

[Toritaka Hanatsuko]

Hanatsuko wondered if she as well speak for the Falcon since the clans represented weren't all actually allied. She looked at the Ichiro and the Fukaze and gave a puzzled shrug.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Hanatsuko wondered if she as well speak for the Falcon since the clans represented weren't all actually allied. She looked at the Ichiro and the Fukaze and gave a puzzled shrug.

The puzzled shrug wasn't missed and with a whisper of cloth, There was a wasp by the falcon's side. His fan was in hand and open, gentle movements sending air towards his face, while covering his lips. He didn't look towards the Falcon as he spoke, eyes towards the dias. "My advice may be unwelcome, but if you wish to speak i'd say do so soon." The Captain offered quietly. "But for only yourself, if I what I saw last evening was any indication, you may not be Toritaka Hanatsuko much longer." The last was said with a touch of amusement in his tone.

"If not say nothing, but try not to shrug... This Court isn't dangerous as some but such things are witnessed and remembered." With that, Shouji moved along letting the Falcon come to her decision as he went to a tea to finally collect a cup of tea.

[Toritaka Hanatsuko]

Hanatsuko nodded and smiled to Wasp. "You are right Tsuruchi sama." She whispered. "I shall find my words and approach the Dais when proper."

[Bayushi Ijihime]

The Scorpion duelist approached the dais and bowed deeply and said, "May this humble servant speak?"

[Ikeda Ishi]

Ikeda Ishi nodded and said, "You may approach."

[Bayushi Ijihime]

“I cannot speak for the Scorpion, but without hesitation Oturi-denka, my sword and my life are yours to command. The Empire endures because of the guidance of the Daughter of Heaven, this is a singular truth.”

She kept her eyes lowered and added, “But there is conflict on the horizon and blood will beget more blood, some are stuck in their ways unable to resist the draw of tradition and the past. This humble servant offers a potential compromise that fortuitously presented itself for Oturi-denka. If the bloodlines of Oturi and Hantei were to become one, under the name of the Oturi dynasty then it could assuage those that feel the tug of the past while looking to the future.”

“I could not fathom what path Oturi-denka will take but if she seeks to mend the schism, then Otomo Saisei, one of the last to carry the sacred blood of the Hantei would be a most honored consort. A hero that has sacrificed nearly all for the good of the village and serves the Empire with no thought to himself, only for the greater good.”

OOC: Bayushi Ijihime Courtier + Awareness + Void: 7d10o10k4 33, actually 35 with Status bonus.

[Oturi Yuahime]

Yuahime was genuinely surprised at the words and said, "I will take such words under advisement, though I wonder how Otomo-san feels about your appeal."

"Regardless, I am honored to have your service, Bayushi-san."

OOC: Oturi Yuahime Etiquette + Willpower: 5d10o10k3+16 44