[x] Humbly explain that the tales must have grown in the telling, for no monster we slew was past eight feet high and the number of Lost we encountered could be counted on a single hand. While our part may have been key in discovering the threat, the greatest deeds of martial accomplishment were done by others, during the battle proper. Then inquire as to what has brought Kitsu-san here, so far from her homelands.
Willpower Roll to resist Brash: 3k3+6=31
A scowl crosses your face as you contemplate Himawari's words. Her own smile only makes the fires of indignation in your heart grow ever hotter. That stories of this battle, full of brave men and women fighting against the enemies of all who live, would be so poorly relayed makes your recently loosened muscles tighten up. In a way, it's an insult to both you and all involved in that conflict.
And then you force yourself to relax. Now is not the time or place for an outburst. You stand as a guest within another Clan, and that means a certain amount of restraint is required. Losing your temper and making a scene is the last thing you need, and in truth Himawari is not deserving of your ire.
You don't blame the Lion woman for these embellishments, not really. It isn't her fault she's received such exaggerated rubbish. In truth, it's likely not anyone's fault. You know full well the power of stories, and you're learning here how the details can slip away when they stray far from their source.
Best to ensure everything is cleared up.
"I fear the stories of my part in that battle have grown in the telling," you respond. "No monster I fought was over eight feet tall, and the number of Lost I encountered could be counted on one hand."
"I figured that was the case," Himawari says with a nod. "I mean no offense, Hiruma-san, but I know how stories are. The Ikoma also live in Lion lands, after all. One notices certain patterns after so much exposure."
"I experienced some of their tales when we traveled through Kyuden Ikoma," you reply, smiling. "The Bards are true masters, and I very much enjoyed my time there." You pause, remembering Matsu Benka and the incident with the peasant. "For the most part."
"I'm glad, Hiruma-san," Himawari says. "The Ikoma are quite hospitable, and their lands beautiful."
"I thought much the same during my visit," you say back. "But as to the Battle of Skulking Shadows, while I played a part in discovering the threat, the greatest deeds of martial accomplishment were performed by others during the battle proper."
"You shouldn't diminish your own importance, Hiruma-san!" Hanabi speaks up, leaning forward. She edges close to Himawari, but stays just a few inches from pushing the larger woman out of the way. "Without you, wouldn't that conflict have ended much differently?"
"Perhaps," you answer. "But we of the Crab are used to constant assaults, many of them quite large. Even if the enemy had gained ground, we would have beaten them back eventually. Our duty demands no less of us."
"Well spoken!" Himawari says with a wide grin, seemingly uncaring of how close Hanabi was sitting to her. "I'm pleased you feel that way, Hiruma-san. To stand resolute against implacable enemies… Ah, it is a fine thing indeed."
You take a moment to examine the Lion woman, properly observing her. She's quite beautiful, even with the sharp edges of her face. In fact, that seems only to accentuate her charm. To your mind she resembles nothing so much as a drawn sword, her edges gleaming in the light. Such things are alluring, yet also deadly.
Which is fitting for one of the Lion, you suppose. They are, after all, amongst the most martial of the Clans. In fact, you're quite certain that next to the Crab, the Lion are the most dedicated in the Empire to the art of war. Their generals are brilliant on the battlefield, and their warriors strong in both arm and spirit.
Even those of the Kitsu, the Lion's smallest Family, seem to grow quite large and healthy. Himawari is almost as tall as you are, standing maybe an inch or so shorter. She absolutely towers over Hanabi, something you think the Dragon woman resents as she glares at Himawari from the corner of her eye.
"My thanks for the compliment, Kitsu-san," you reply. "If you don't mind my asking, what brings you amongst the Dragon, so far from your homelands?"
"I don't mind at all, Hiruma-san. It's a natural question," Himawari responds. "I've been given leave from my Lord to go on a pilgrimage, wandering the Empire to learn about its inhabitants and further explore my potential." She rubs the back of her neck and smiles sheepishly. "I'm not that far along into it yet, but I thought visiting the Dragon would be a good beginning to journeying beyond the lands of the Lion."
[] Write in.
