Kyuden Bayushi, Month of the Rat 4th day
It was confusing returning to castle that had its entire layout changed yet again. A part of you knew that it was just how the Scorpion did things, half because they liked messing with people, and half because it made them safer. It was still confusing, at least however it was drawing your mind away from the other thing suffusing the castle.
That is to say a large group of attractive, talented priestesses who were vying for your hand. Bayushi Paneki had said that if he caught anyone, that there would be hell to pay. On the other hand he was not a shugenja right?
In retrospect, the Kuni had kind of been asking for it when she walled up the Crane apartments with earth kami. Probably should not have tossed her out a window though, Hida Kuon was going to be pissed again. Well that was not your problem...yet.
With that memorable demonstration, things had settled down, mostly. Every time you went to the shrines a bevy of shugenja maidens hoping to impress you with their piety were there. Every time you went into the gardens, they were there communing with the kami to create vibrant artistic displays
It was a subtle thing and if you did not know it was happening you might have been charmed. At least after the third time that poor Kitsu's red hair turned pink for some reason.
Which brought you to where you were right now. Taking tea with Bayushi Paneki, the man has silver in his hair now, odds are that he will retire a few years after you, waiting until his son settles in before he goes away completely.
The rich luxury of Kyuden Bayushi always tread the line between gauche and tasteful and that has not changed at all. Nor has Paneki's ability to be a chameleon.
"I do hope you enjoy this blend, it is from the south, one of my own particular favourites" He says.
"Its delicious" You say. "However, I find that focusing on only one blend leads to my palette becoming stale, and unable to discern the myriad flavours in other blends.
"That is understandable, the Scorpion focus below the Spine of the world, and our tea blends are not so different from those of the Crab, or the Crane or the Mantis...but you have to focus on the north as well. Is there a particular blend you enjoy as a cleanser of Scorpion?" Paneki asks.
Do you intend to marry one of the northern clans?
That is not the question asked, but its what he means.
"No, I find myself enjoying a variety of blends, it depends on which one suits the atmosphere, but thank you for your kind consideration" You reply.
You both understood why you were not going to marry a Scorpion, with Ayumi already pregnant with twins. Twins...you had taken a long time to have Minoru and longer for Yumisa, not even a year and...you push the thought away. Regardless a Scorpion bride and concubine was bit much. Leaving aside how literally everyone would jump on the Scorpion the minute something happened to Minoru. Sometimes a reputation for being villains was a hindrance who knew?
"Of course, but if you have a preference, I would naturally as your host, go out of my way to obtain it for you."
"You are too generous Bayushi-san, welcoming me into your home and flattering me so. " You say with an easy humor.
"Ah for the Son of Heaven is anything too generous? Particularly one that has been quite kind to my Clan as we did our work"
"We all need loyal and competent servants Bayushi-san. Just as am I blessed with the skill of your clan, so I am in many matters."
"Including Otosan Uchi it seems. Truthfully, your foresight in giving custody to the Brotherhood was surprising, considering what they found" Paneki says.
Slowly you sip your tea. Yes, you had been lucky, the Brotherhood had gone over the Forbidden City with a monk's patience to properly sanctify it to the glory of the Founding Kami. In doing so they had found hidden deep in the vaults, the sleeping elemental terror of fire. It had taken many lives to put it down, but put it down they had, emerging as the undisputed rulers of the city for the effort.
Even now Sohei from the Orders of Osano-wo, Bishamon, Hachiman, and Megumi patrolled the streets of Otosan Uchi and kept order amongst the clans. A part of you wonders what the long term consequences of this will be, but for now your dynasty is safe, and nothing exploded so you are going to consider that win.
The sound of thunder cracking in the distance.
"It seems that Mantis-san has discovered who interfered with her presentation on storms with me." You comment mildly.
"Indeed, it seems so, I will have to reprimand them both naturally."
"I believe that it may be a taryu jiai duel."
"Likely, but that still needs my permission" Paneki says lightly. "In any event when we next meet for tea what blend would you like to have?"
[] Name a blend from the Unicorn lands
[] Name a blend from the Lion lands
[] Name a blend from the Crane lands
[] Name a blend from the Dragon lands
[] Name a blend from the Crab lands
[] Name a blend from the Phoenix lands
[] Name a blend from the Scorpion lands after all
[] Name a blend from one of the Minor Clans.
(GM rolls 1d10: 1 Fox, 2 Badger, 3 Sparrow, 4 Hare, 5 Oriole, 6 Tortoise, 7 Dragonfly, 8 Ox, 9 Bat Clan, 10 Mantis Clan)
[] You are not sure. (GM rolls 1d7: Number same as above for Great Clans)
AN: This is actually going to decide which clan you favour brides from, choosing Unicorn would have you meet a number of Unicorn Shugenja, Choosing Phoenix the same ect. Minor Clan rolls would only have you meet one of their shugenja, so the number is smaller, but they are not serious competitors so it can be a way of putting it off for a bit to see who emerges from the scuffle as the Front Runners from each Great Clan
The toturi have the best Retirement Exploits. 
