Glory of the Emerald Empire (Legend of the 5 Rings Quest)
- Thread starter Winged Knight
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- Iceland
change
[x] gman 391
-[x] nod reassuringly - perhaps even approvingly.
-[x] If necessary, adjust your own words to ensure that both women are included in the conversation, and neither is slighted.
[x] gman 391
-[x] nod reassuringly - perhaps even approvingly.
-[x] If necessary, adjust your own words to ensure that both women are included in the conversation, and neither is slighted.
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] Do what the Tiny squid in your head tells you to do.
3.45
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[x] Gman listening to the wise council of Tiny Squids.
You nod at Hanabi as she straightens, making sure to smile. In truth, an apology is what should have been expected after such a shameful display, but you keep those thoughts hidden. Hanabi seems… easily excitable. Yes, that's a good way to put it. Best to encourage her to take the proper course of behavior. With luck and patience, it will hopefully bear fruit.
In the meantime, you are left with two women sitting with you at a meal. You observe them both as they return to their seats. Hanabi is fidgeting in her seat, avoiding Himawari's gaze while smiling in response to your nod. Himawari, meanwhile, is also not looking at Hanabi. Instead, she's looking at you with a raised eyebrow, her expression thoughtful.
So, it seems while the apology has been made and accepted, the two of them still do not care for each other. Frankly, that only makes sense. After such a scene as this, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone that would be completely at ease. This is likely the best you can hope for right now.
Which means you need to do your best to avoid sparking another confrontation. It's unlikely to happen now so soon after the incident, but it always pays to be careful. Charging on ahead without taking stock of the surroundings has gotten more than one foolish Samurai killed on the Wall.
"Moving back on to the previous conversation a bit," you say, still looking at Hanabi. "While it's true we do not produce an abundance of food in Crab lands, we do have ample supplies of tea."
"The Crab supply a great deal of Rokugan's tea, do they not?" Hanabi asks, eagerly latching on to the subject. "I've even heard that one cup out of four is made with tea from your Clan."
"I've heard as high as half, myself," Himawari says. "The Wall Above the Ocean mountain range are good territory for growing it, by all indications."
"This is true," you respond, holding back a relived sigh that both women seem to be enjoying the subject. "We've many plantations there, along with many iron mines."
"I suppose your miners must always be refreshed then, Hiruma-san!" Hanabi says. "To have such a treat close by would certainly make digging in the earth much easier."
Your thoughts turn to the Mujina, the inhabitants of Sakkaku who the Kuni have bound to work many of the mines in Crab lands. Those denizens of the Realm of Mischief are ugly with their demonic appearances, but they hold no true malice. They simply like to play pranks. Sometimes, unfortunately, those pranks get out of hand. The little schemers learned quickly enough the Crab were not ones to be trifled with, not when there is such an important duty as guarding the Wall.
But this would not make for good conversation, so you do not mention the spirits.
"I'm sure all those who partake in the tea enjoy it greatly," you reply. "On that subject, what is your favorite tea?"
"I'm quite fond of black tea," Hanabi says. "I enjoy the bold flavor."
"I've a liking for Jasmine, myself," Himawari says. "It's as much a treat to smell as it is to drink."
"And you, Hiruma-san?" Hanabi asks. "What tea do you favor?"
[] I'm a simple man, at heart. A good green tea serves me best.
[] Write in.
You nod at Hanabi as she straightens, making sure to smile. In truth, an apology is what should have been expected after such a shameful display, but you keep those thoughts hidden. Hanabi seems… easily excitable. Yes, that's a good way to put it. Best to encourage her to take the proper course of behavior. With luck and patience, it will hopefully bear fruit.
In the meantime, you are left with two women sitting with you at a meal. You observe them both as they return to their seats. Hanabi is fidgeting in her seat, avoiding Himawari's gaze while smiling in response to your nod. Himawari, meanwhile, is also not looking at Hanabi. Instead, she's looking at you with a raised eyebrow, her expression thoughtful.
So, it seems while the apology has been made and accepted, the two of them still do not care for each other. Frankly, that only makes sense. After such a scene as this, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone that would be completely at ease. This is likely the best you can hope for right now.
Which means you need to do your best to avoid sparking another confrontation. It's unlikely to happen now so soon after the incident, but it always pays to be careful. Charging on ahead without taking stock of the surroundings has gotten more than one foolish Samurai killed on the Wall.
"Moving back on to the previous conversation a bit," you say, still looking at Hanabi. "While it's true we do not produce an abundance of food in Crab lands, we do have ample supplies of tea."
"The Crab supply a great deal of Rokugan's tea, do they not?" Hanabi asks, eagerly latching on to the subject. "I've even heard that one cup out of four is made with tea from your Clan."
"I've heard as high as half, myself," Himawari says. "The Wall Above the Ocean mountain range are good territory for growing it, by all indications."
"This is true," you respond, holding back a relived sigh that both women seem to be enjoying the subject. "We've many plantations there, along with many iron mines."
"I suppose your miners must always be refreshed then, Hiruma-san!" Hanabi says. "To have such a treat close by would certainly make digging in the earth much easier."
Your thoughts turn to the Mujina, the inhabitants of Sakkaku who the Kuni have bound to work many of the mines in Crab lands. Those denizens of the Realm of Mischief are ugly with their demonic appearances, but they hold no true malice. They simply like to play pranks. Sometimes, unfortunately, those pranks get out of hand. The little schemers learned quickly enough the Crab were not ones to be trifled with, not when there is such an important duty as guarding the Wall.
But this would not make for good conversation, so you do not mention the spirits.
"I'm sure all those who partake in the tea enjoy it greatly," you reply. "On that subject, what is your favorite tea?"
"I'm quite fond of black tea," Hanabi says. "I enjoy the bold flavor."
"I've a liking for Jasmine, myself," Himawari says. "It's as much a treat to smell as it is to drink."
"And you, Hiruma-san?" Hanabi asks. "What tea do you favor?"
[] I'm a simple man, at heart. A good green tea serves me best.
[] Write in.
Last edited:
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
[X] I'm a simple man, at heart. A good green tea serves me best.
Okay, things are going well for now...
Okay, things are going well for now...
- Location
- Iceland
[X] black tea
Joyful_Overkill
satisfaction in knowing your enemy won't survive.
[X] I'm a simple man, at heart. A good green tea serves me best.
EtchedSteel
*mumble mumble*
- Location
- Lima. Peru
Big fan of Jasmine tea here, but this time.
[X] I'm a simple man, at heart. A good green tea serves me best.
[X] I'm a simple man, at heart. A good green tea serves me best.
[X] I'm a simple man, at heart. A good green tea serves me best.
cokerpilot
Here comes the rain.
[x]
Ridiculously Average Guy
I'm you, but stronger
- Location
-
[X] Earl Grey. Hot.
Yes, I realize it shouldn't exist here.
Yes, I realize it shouldn't exist here.
3.46
Winged Knight
Still just a crazy man with a wolf on his head
- Location
- Texas
[X] I'm a simple man, at heart. A good green tea serves me best.
"At heart, I'm a simple man," you respond. "A good green tea serves me best."
"You would not be alone in giving it your favor," Himawari says. "Though I must admit I'm curious as to your reasons."
You blink. Himawari wants to know your reasons for liking green tea? It's such an odd request you simply stare at her for a few seconds. On her part, Himawari simply looks at you inquisitively. There's no mockery in her words that you can detect. She seems honestly curious.
"It's a refreshing drink," you finally respond. "Green tea focuses the mind and brings wakefulness, both of which are useful on the Wall. The fact that it tastes good as well is an added benefit."
"A good, straightforward reason," Himawari says, nodding. "In fact, I would go so far as to say it fits the mentality of the Crab Clan."
"I think it's a fine reason," Hanabi says, gracing you with a smile. "After all, there's so much to enjoy with tea. Whatever pleasure or use one finds in the drink, it's just as valid as anyone else's views."
"I wasn't giving critique," Himawari responds. "I was merely commenting that Hiruma-san's views on drinking tea resembled what I have noticed of his Clan's attitudes."
"Would you care to explain, Kitsu-san?" you ask, doing your best to head off another possible confrontation. "I must admit I'm not understanding."
"You view tea in a very practical, direct manner. It's a useful, and enjoyable, tool," Himawari answers. "I think this is understandable with what I have seen of the Crab Clan." She leans forward, pitching her voice low. "Your people fight day in and day out against terrible monsters, abominations that lack honor on every conceivable level. It only makes sense that pragmatism has become so prominent in your lives."
Your eyes widen, though only by a hair. Himawari's words surprise you, though not as much as her tone. For many in the Empire, tea is considered something close to sacred. Entire rituals have been built of its preparation and serving. Many would consider being so forthright in its consumption to be boorish, just like so many consider the Crab Clan's focus on pragmatism to be uncivilized.
But there's no judgement in Himawari's voice. Her expression is open and inquisitive, honestly curious as to your thoughts. You're touching on matters that many do not wish to speak of save in the most roundabout manner, and yet here you are discussing your Clan's function openly.
All that from the subject of tea… Truly, the twists and turns of conversation could be strange.
"It is inevitable," you respond. "The Crab must do whatever is necessary to uphold our duty." You take a deep breath. "Failure is not an option. Not ever. If we fall, so too shall the Empire. The Wall must always stand."
"One might think," Himawari begins, still speaking quietly. "That such a focus on practicality might distract from the pursuit of honor." She taps her chin, considering you with those deep green eyes. "But I find myself wondering if this is truly the case."
"What are you implying?" Hanabi asks, glaring at Himawari. "Hiruma-san has a reputation for upholding to honorable action!"
"Peace, Mirumoto-san," Himawari responds as she holds up her hands to placate the smaller woman. "I mean no insult. In fact, it is Hiruma-san's honorable reputation that has peaked my interest." She looks back at you. "I hope you will forgive any impertinence in my asking this, Hiruma-san, but what is your opinion of Bushido? Few have the burdens you do, and I find myself curious as to your thoughts on honor when confronted with the horrors so close to your gates."
[] Write in.
"At heart, I'm a simple man," you respond. "A good green tea serves me best."
"You would not be alone in giving it your favor," Himawari says. "Though I must admit I'm curious as to your reasons."
You blink. Himawari wants to know your reasons for liking green tea? It's such an odd request you simply stare at her for a few seconds. On her part, Himawari simply looks at you inquisitively. There's no mockery in her words that you can detect. She seems honestly curious.
"It's a refreshing drink," you finally respond. "Green tea focuses the mind and brings wakefulness, both of which are useful on the Wall. The fact that it tastes good as well is an added benefit."
"A good, straightforward reason," Himawari says, nodding. "In fact, I would go so far as to say it fits the mentality of the Crab Clan."
"I think it's a fine reason," Hanabi says, gracing you with a smile. "After all, there's so much to enjoy with tea. Whatever pleasure or use one finds in the drink, it's just as valid as anyone else's views."
"I wasn't giving critique," Himawari responds. "I was merely commenting that Hiruma-san's views on drinking tea resembled what I have noticed of his Clan's attitudes."
"Would you care to explain, Kitsu-san?" you ask, doing your best to head off another possible confrontation. "I must admit I'm not understanding."
"You view tea in a very practical, direct manner. It's a useful, and enjoyable, tool," Himawari answers. "I think this is understandable with what I have seen of the Crab Clan." She leans forward, pitching her voice low. "Your people fight day in and day out against terrible monsters, abominations that lack honor on every conceivable level. It only makes sense that pragmatism has become so prominent in your lives."
Your eyes widen, though only by a hair. Himawari's words surprise you, though not as much as her tone. For many in the Empire, tea is considered something close to sacred. Entire rituals have been built of its preparation and serving. Many would consider being so forthright in its consumption to be boorish, just like so many consider the Crab Clan's focus on pragmatism to be uncivilized.
But there's no judgement in Himawari's voice. Her expression is open and inquisitive, honestly curious as to your thoughts. You're touching on matters that many do not wish to speak of save in the most roundabout manner, and yet here you are discussing your Clan's function openly.
All that from the subject of tea… Truly, the twists and turns of conversation could be strange.
"It is inevitable," you respond. "The Crab must do whatever is necessary to uphold our duty." You take a deep breath. "Failure is not an option. Not ever. If we fall, so too shall the Empire. The Wall must always stand."
"One might think," Himawari begins, still speaking quietly. "That such a focus on practicality might distract from the pursuit of honor." She taps her chin, considering you with those deep green eyes. "But I find myself wondering if this is truly the case."
"What are you implying?" Hanabi asks, glaring at Himawari. "Hiruma-san has a reputation for upholding to honorable action!"
"Peace, Mirumoto-san," Himawari responds as she holds up her hands to placate the smaller woman. "I mean no insult. In fact, it is Hiruma-san's honorable reputation that has peaked my interest." She looks back at you. "I hope you will forgive any impertinence in my asking this, Hiruma-san, but what is your opinion of Bushido? Few have the burdens you do, and I find myself curious as to your thoughts on honor when confronted with the horrors so close to your gates."
[] Write in.
Last edited:
Orion Nexus
The Storm Soul
- Location
- South Carolina
...Huh. Has Sosuke contemplated bushido before?
[x] Write in:
Damn you tea you have betrayed me!
Or not, alright, alright let's think about this. Come on Sousuke what did sensei say about Bushido
If you don't eat your rice you can't have any pudding!
No that wasn't it. Also do Dragon have Pudding?
Focus Sousuke
"Bushido is the core of the Samurai. Seven tenets: Compassion, Courtesy, Courage, Duty, Honour, Honesty, and Sincerity."
A drink of tea.
"I think every Samurai would hold that these tenets all shift in focus and meaning as they encounter different situations. Yet all are present still in the everyday. For the Crab we naturally feel the call to Courage and Duty most strongly against those who would destroy all we hold dear. However, I think that all the tenets have a place in sustaining our will in that place."
Another drink of tea, memory comes back of Gazat'ken, a Nezumi. If you hadn't exercised Courtesy and Compassion to your nezumi friend, he wouldn't have died, and yet so much more would have been lost. No, there is not a regret there for following Bushido. Gazat'ken died saving many, and he died...content, knowing that he had done his duty.
"The truth is, that while yes, the enemy compels us to do everything we can to fight it, and it has no honour to be dishonourable towards, one can still find oneself in situations where all that lets you do that which is needed, is Bushido."
Damn you tea you have betrayed me!
Or not, alright, alright let's think about this. Come on Sousuke what did sensei say about Bushido
If you don't eat your rice you can't have any pudding!
No that wasn't it. Also do Dragon have Pudding?
Focus Sousuke
"Bushido is the core of the Samurai. Seven tenets: Compassion, Courtesy, Courage, Duty, Honour, Honesty, and Sincerity."
A drink of tea.
"I think every Samurai would hold that these tenets all shift in focus and meaning as they encounter different situations. Yet all are present still in the everyday. For the Crab we naturally feel the call to Courage and Duty most strongly against those who would destroy all we hold dear. However, I think that all the tenets have a place in sustaining our will in that place."
Another drink of tea, memory comes back of Gazat'ken, a Nezumi. If you hadn't exercised Courtesy and Compassion to your nezumi friend, he wouldn't have died, and yet so much more would have been lost. No, there is not a regret there for following Bushido. Gazat'ken died saving many, and he died...content, knowing that he had done his duty.
"The truth is, that while yes, the enemy compels us to do everything we can to fight it, and it has no honour to be dishonourable towards, one can still find oneself in situations where all that lets you do that which is needed, is Bushido."
