Arc 1, Session 1, L5R

Hida Hotaru's Private Records, July 31st

It is the evening of July 31st. Our newly-bound group was received at Kyuden Amaoto with due care, despite the late hour of our arrival. It is, of course, an unfathomable honor to assist to attend such a beautiful locale. My thoughts rush, faster than my mind can keep tally. The trek was light. I had hoped to fare better, but must come to accept my limitations in time. For now, there is nothing else but to sleep.

 

Hida Hotaru's Private Records, August 1st

Lady Sun is setting on the 1st of August. If our tardiness was noted, it was not remarked upon- that we could hear. There are representatives from nearly every clan in attendance. Everywhere, colors swirl & clash in combinations strange & unfamiliar.

Our illustrious hosts have prepared quite an experience for us. It saddens my heart that we were unable to see if the whispers of Doji Tsukiko's beauty rang true, as they must. The groom, Daidoji Hansha, conducted a welcoming ceremony that was delightfully brief. The composure of his face tells the tale of his open spirit.

After ringing in the first day of the wedding, he retired to look after his bride-to-be. Left to our own devices, we samurai did as we always do: come together, not like crashing waves, but with the gracious serenity of the rivers that flow gently around this castle. Each of us were greeted with all due honor & respect, & it is quite clear that many friendships will likely bloom throughout the course of our stay.

Yudai's comrade, Utaku Megumi, was eagerly welcomed by the Mantis representative. Edakumi Dayu, the Sparrow artist we met on our way, could spare us but a moment's pleasantries, nervous as he was. It was good to see Shosuro Kiyuki & Kasuga Hayata catch up with Tonbo Todori, though their time apart has been admittedly brief.

Imagine my surprise at the clearly growing bond between Kasuga Hayata & Fureheshu Garou: to befriend such an august personage so quickly shows great merit on the Tortoise's part. Utaku Megumi made a good impression upon the Kakita bard, though her heartfelt words did not hit their mark with the strange ronin in attendance.

If my constitution had allowed, I would have enjoyed moving amongst the disparate conversations. As it were, I could but recoup my energies at rest in the garden. Still, this vantage point allowed me to oversee Shosuro Kiyuki find common ground with both Kitsune Ryosei & Usagi Oda. This ambitious Scorpion seems to be quite the charmer!

Yudai spoke with those bearing martial arms- particularly the Dragon duelist & the Dragonfly daimyo. Their conversation, at my guess, was largely concerning the glorious weapons each bore with them. The young Moth mistress flitted by my shaded spot, her eyes fixed upon the clouds. Many of the samurai in attendance are still in the prime of their youth- a good portent, perhaps?

It is with sadness that I must recount that none of us were much able to speak to the Autumnal samurai of the Centipede & Phoenix. But, there are many more days to spend here. The staff have thus far been exemplary in behavior. Ever-present, but never obtrusive.

It is clear the young server has caused a cheek or two to blush, amongst samurai & heimin both. The maid seems nearly as excited to be here as Shosuro Kiyuki, & Kasuga Hayata showed great kindness to the mute attendant. Her eyes were among those that lingered upon the server- not that I was paying heed to such matters.

When the day began to wane, Yudai's duties required him to away from the castle for a brief time. I am greatly shamed to say this, but it had been my sincere wish that this wedding could be a moment of respite for the two of us. It has been so long since he has been able to remove the burden he shoulders without complaint...so long since we have been able to exist in harmony.

The visions in my mind show us striding, arm in arm, through the gardens, the forests, the lake shore. I can feel guilt at the very thought of asking him to stay, but a moment. Stay, & let us forget

By the time Yudai had returned, my weakness had long ago seen me retired to our lodgings. He had discovered that the corpse had been dragged to the location where Ruko's men had found it, after the victim had died. The trail led behind the waterfall, but was washed away there.

Though I didn't take her for an early riser on our travels, Shosuro Kiyuki consigned herself to sleep before even myself. Ah, but there are so many reasons to greet the dawn at its birth- & it is not my place to ponder on them.

Hida Hotaru's Private Records, August 2nd

The Festivities of Courage have begun to be celebrated with earnest. Sadly, our host's time amongst us was cut short by the demands on his plate. In his place, the honorable Otomo Sorai will preside over the coming competitions.

Utaku Megumi offered to spar with Kasuga Hayata, to sharpen his blade. While making use of the training circles, they had the good luck to test their mettle against Kakita Maru. The Crane duelist has spoken few words, but her bokken nearly sang as it moved in a blur. It saddened me to see that neither Edakumi Dayu, or Seichu, the rōnin, were able to join us for the day's events.

Still, everyone else was in high spirits. This first day of Courage would entail feats of unarmed grappling combat- sumai! As loudly as I dared, I cheered for Yudai in his bouts. While in the stands, I was able to see Moshi Jukio rebuff Utaku Megumi's friendly smile, though she seemed quite happy to speak to Kasuga Hayata.

The hare daimyo, Usagi Oda, put up a worthy effort against Yudai. Despite their difference in build, his display of skill did his clan much credit. It must be difficult, to be tasked with fighting evils as dark as they do, but I have never heard them complain. Amazingly, Kaikoga Ochiai squared off against Asako Rekai.

The young woman's good-heartedness was evident to all, as her foe graciously defeated the Moth. In due time, the final match had been drawn. Three contenders for the title spot: Asako Rekai of the Phoenix, Fureheshu Garou of the Badger, & dear Yudai. The ribbon was dropped, & the sand exploded as the titans clashed. Like the beating of a great bird's wings, Fureheshu Garou & Yudai buffeted Asako Rekai. She had been expelled from the ring in but the span of a single breath.

Both of those still standing spaced themselves on opposite sides of the circle. Their eyes scrutinized each other briefly, before the battle was joined. As expected, both samurai had great skill to accompany their intimidating physiques. It was difficult to keep track of the blows they traded with such precision. Amongst those of us watching, all was silent. Save the jingling of some coin

The battered warriors each brought their all to bear, & their fatigue became apparent. How much longer could the contest continue? Scarcely had I wondered such when the Badger overstretched- Yudai put all of his remaining strength into one, final push...& heaved his foe from the circle. To properly honor Fureheshu Garou, Yudai offered the bushi his hand.

Though such displays are considered uncouth by some, those of the Crab & Badger are little known to stand on tradition. Fureheshu Garou went so far as to lift Yudai's hand into the air, triumphant, before bowing deeply. None of us had noticed, but Daidoji Hansha had been able to attend the closing of this contest.

After some small announcements lauding the samurai of the day, he exchanged a few words in private with Yudai. When I asked Yudai later what was said, I could not garner an answer, which causes me to wonder. Though I did but watch the tribulations, I found myself deeply drained. I had only the strength to notice Daidoji Hansha leave dinner early- followed a few moments later by Kakita Maru.

Surely, the Crane must have their own business to see to, even on such a holiday. For now, I shall rest. Shall each day of the wedding be as rich as this?