[x] Sirrocco.
Storytelling Roll: 6k4=26
Sosuke has spent one Void Point to enhance his roll. He has two Void Points remaining for the day.
You can't help but tilt your head in response to Shosuro Miohime's request. To forgo tales of adventure and danger, choosing instead the meeting of a Samurai and a monk? Naturally you have fond memories of that time, for Shirou is one of your dearest friends, but it doesn't seem interesting enough for an artisan would base a play on.
But you promised her a story, and if this is her wish then you must do your best to fulfill her request. You clear your throat and shift your thoughts away from memories of battle toward less hectic remembrances. This brief moment allows you to regain some measure of balance, though you are still confused by Miohime's decision.
"We came upon Shinden Osano-wo as the sky darkened and rain fell in great torrents, soaking the world with the touch of the heavens," you begin. "Though it was fitting weather for the temple we approached, my Lord Yasuki Goro-sama was eager to lead us to shelter. Shinden Osano-wo is as much a fortress as a place of worship, and soon we found ourselves surrounded by strong walls."
You go on to describe the simple, but impressive, architecture of Shinden Osano-wo. It is an austere place, not built with luxuries or comfort in mind. The walls are thick, and surrounding the multi-storied temple is one continuous training ground. It is a place of discipline for those seeking enlightenment, even in the midst of a terrible storm.
For what better time could there be for the followers of the Fortune of Fire and Thunder to practice? You speak of the monks training, of the superhuman strength and grace behind their every movement. You tell of how they danced around each other, delivering terrible blows that pushed aside the rain even as their opponents rebuffed them. You tell of how you stood dumbfounded as two monks leapt so high as to reach past the temple's walls, testing their skills against each other the entire time.
"And it was here, as I looked in awe upon the physical and spiritual mastery of the monks, that I heard a voice over my shoulder," you say, glancing at Shirou. Your friend smiles, and you return the expression. "It was one of the monks, young but as fit and able as any of the other adherents of the temple. He explained with a smile that this was a display of Kiho, those kernels of enlightenment the Brotherhood of Shinsei spend their lives seeking. Showing great kindness, he offered to work through a training exercise with me that we could both participate in and honor the Fortune."
The simplicity of the push hands activity does not require much explanation, but you go into detail about the intricacies involved with performing it. You explain how you moved with all your strength, but that Shirou redirected your force will minimal effort. Though it is somewhat embarrassing, you don't gloss over how you lost your patience and attempted to overwhelm Shirou by rushing forward and how this lead to your 'defeat' in the exercise.
But then you move on to that second attempt… How when two bodies move in unison, they embody every element. It brought together the flowing movement of water, the rising and falling of fire, the solidity of earth and the mercurial nature of air. And, with all elements brought into harmony, it called forth the Void.
"The realization almost broke the tranquility I experienced," you say. "But I managed to keep my feet, and with new appreciation I continued the exercise with Shirou to its completion." You smile, and for a moment your focus dims as you are lost in memories. "It was not that long ago as time is measured, but even still I consider that moment one of the happiest in my life."
The story continues withy you requesting a place to show veneration to Hida Osano-wo, and Shirou's comments that the monks did so in a different manner than most people. You speak of how you both moved out into the storm, how Shirou called out to the Fortune of Fire and Thunder to strike him. With almost a whisper you mention your own quiet prayer,
And then you come to the lightning strike…
"So it was that within the space between the lightning and the thunder, sparks dancing across the rain, that time itself seemed to slow," you say, pitching your voice low. You lean forward, and you see everyone in the room is hanging on your words. "Lightning had engulfed the world, connecting me with Shirou even as we flew through the air. My entire body was wracked with pain, but even so I believed I could see the image of a giant man looking down upon us from atop a mountain."
You continue with Shirou's exuberance at the lightning striking so close, for surely Hida Osano-wo had graced the both of you with his attention no matter how briefly. If anything could be considered a successful prayer, surely it must be that. But of course, such rough devotions left their marks on the both of you. So it was that you went inside to change and recover.
There is no need to tell of what else happened that day, of Shasa meeting you in your room. It is not relevant to the story, and you wouldn't wish for people to come to incorrect conclusions. There is tightness in your chest as you recall those happier times, but push on with the story. So it is with only a touch of sadness in your voice that you move swiftly along to eating dinner with your new friend, ad then moving on to sleep.
What little you remember of your dreams that night you also do not share. You have only vague remembrances aside from Kohsa weeping over his dead children, and it would distract even more than mentioning Shasa. The thought of that man brings back the scent of blood, and the horrible laughter of children coming from a monster's body…
Do not focus of that, you think, keeping a grimace from your face with effort. The past is done with, and has no hold on you. There is only here and now.
You can almost make yourself believe that as you continue.
"So it was that next morning, as our caravan was preparing for the continuation of our journey, that Shirou-san approached us," you say, reaching the end of your tale. "He expressed an interest in seeing the world, for he believed he would only achieve further growth away from familiar ground." You open your hands wide. "And that is how Shirou-san came to travel with me, no finer companion than any man could ask for."
For a few seconds there is nothing but a respectful silence, both your actors and your companions letting the story settle upon them. Shirou merely nods, a smile on his face as he recalls the memories. Himawari and Hanabi, meanwhile, are looking at you with appreciative eyes. They are both leaning toward you, obviously quite taken in by the story.
Then Shosuro Miohime brings attention back to herself by snapping open her fan and holding it across her chest.
"A fine tale and finely told, Hiruma-sama, with more than I was expecting," the actress says. She looks toward Shirou. "Your first meeting with the esteemed storyteller was certainly an interesting one."
"That it was, Shosuro-sama," Shirou replies, bowing. "It is a moment I hold very dearly to my heart." He looks toward you after rising. "My life has only been enriched through my journeys with Sosuke-sama, and I look back on our meeting fondly."
"I will endeavor to turn that moment into a production worthy of the experience Hiruma-sama has so graciously provided," Miohime says before turning toward you with a smile. "Should you wish to enjoy a play at this time, however, I must regretfully inform you that we will not have any showings until the early evening."
"That is unfortunate," you say, hiding your relief as best you can. Noh plays are just so dreadfully boring, and thankfully it seems you have a good reason to excuse yourself from seeing one. "For my Lord Yasuki Goro-sama wishes us to depart the city within the next few hours if we are able."
"Ah, unfortunate indeed," Miohime says, shaking her head. "But I suppose there is nothing for it. We are, after all, bound by our duties."
"So we are, Shosuro-sama," you say, bowing. "I wish you a good day."
You lead your group down the circular hallway with quick strides, moving as swiftly as courtesy allows so you can get away from the theater and its touchy performers. Nothing truly terrible happened, but there is only so much trouble quick thinking can prevent you should you cause these people any further irritation. It is best to be gone from here.
"Please wait a moment, Hiruma-sama," comes the voice of Kakita Tenshu as you make your way out the doors. He closes the doors behind him before bowing low, keeping his voice quiet as he continues. "I must give you must most sincere and humble apology for what has happened, and what may yet happen. I had not intended my words to cause you inconvenience, but no matter my wishes it was discourteous of me. I can only beg your forgiveness."
"An apology?" you question, brow furrowing in confusion. "I'm not certain why you would need to make one, Kakita-san. As I see things, I believe I was the one who likely caused offense."
"You expressed an opinion on preference, Hiruma-sama, and that is not rudeness no matter what Shosuro-san believes," Tenshu replies. "But I fear she is going to make whatever play she created from your story into something not entirely flattering for your person."
"Wait… You think she's going to insult me with her art?"
"Not so much insult, as perhaps teasing," Kakita Tenshu clarifies. "You impressed her with your storytelling, and that dampened her ire somewhat. I believe she will likely portray the events of the play as a good natured, but not very bright, Crab Samurai who meets a monk who decides to follow along with him to keep him out of trouble." He waves a hand. "Or something to that effect. It is why I wished to give apology both on her behalf and my own, for I believe I lead you into an uncomfortable situation."
"So she is going to mock Sosuke-san?" Hanabi asks, her eyes narrowing. She rests a hand on the hilt of her sword and turns back toward the door. "If what you say is true, Kakita-sama, then I will not stand for it."
"It would be unwise to cause a scene within Toshi Ranbo," Himawari says, though her lips are drawn into a thin line as she glances back toward the theater. "This is not the time or the place."
"Matters of honor are not constrained by any time or place!" Hanabi snaps back, glaring at the woman. "If Shosuro-sama plans to make a fool of Sosuke-san, then she should be shown the consequences of her decisions."
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