Arc 1, Session 5, L5R

Hida Hotaru’s Private Records, August 5th, Continued

Yudai led planning on our preparations for the evening. These mostly consisted of rotating our sleeping quarters to misguide any intruders- particularly, moving Shosuro Kiyuki to the room facing the courtyard, the most direct source of light. Sleep is calling me, so I will pen more tomorrow.

 

Hida Hotaru’s Private Records, August 6th

For better or for worse, we had no visitors in the night. Part of me hopes the previous encounter has scared them off, but I doubt we should be so lucky. Our communal breakfast gave us the opportunity to gain some new information.

Kasuga Hayata sat with Kakita Nisobu. If I didn’t know better, their repeated discussion could be construed as a budding interest. I believe he spoke with her regarding the "missing" rats in the castle's storehouse, but I find my recollection somewhat foggy. My illness is waxing stronger- I found spots of blood on my pillow this morning, & feel slightly chill despite the summer weather.

Shosuro Kiyuki paid no mind to the Ronin’s obvious desire for solitude, plopping herself down at his side. Though I’m at a loss as to the reason why, she spent a good deal of time convincing him to join in the dancing soon to come. He left shortly after the conversation began, clearly discomfited.

Utaku Megumi spoke to Toritaka Ochiyo for some time. The Falcon evidently spoke quite…fondly of her time on the wall. She also mentioned that she had wandered to the waterfall & forest, on Yudai’s suggestion of a possible spiritual disturbance there. Her keen eye, she claimed, detected no such thing. When the Unicorn pressed, the Falcon explained that it was common for those “unattuned to the realms beyond” to imagine disturbances.

As an example, she pointed out the rumors that had been swirling around already this morning: it appears that word of the “ghostly figure” at the nearby temple had somehow spread. Strange, given that Usagi Oda was just convinced not to share his own information on the matter. There was no word on where the rumor started, which is not surprising.

The Mantis’ absence continued. Utaku Megumi sat with Fureheshu Garou, who seemed quite put off at this as well. He mentioned that he had “important matters” to discuss with Monsho no Rumiko, & had been having trouble getting a hold of her. Worried for her friend, the Unicorn stated that she would bring food to her quarters- a mission the Badger eagerly added himself to.

There was no response when the pair called at the Mantis’ door. Utaku Megumi convinced the Sumai star to wait outside, while she entered to check up on her friend. As she had feared, the room was empty. Thankfully, there were no signs of distress or a struggle. The only odd thing she could find was a hand-written note, sticking out from beneath the pillow: it simply listed the vintage of a specific rice wine, & was signed “From Y”.

Goaded by both curiosity & worry, the Unicorn made her way to the kitchen located in the honored couple’s villa. She sensed something when she approached the building, but was unsure what. Within, she spoke briefly with Kou, asking questions about the food brought to the bride while she recovered from her ailment. Her inquiries did nothing to endear her to the chef, who became increasingly tight-lipped.

Unfortunately, there were multiple guards on rotation on the ground floor- not that she would dare intrude into the upper quarters, of course. The storerooms were her next destination. Kasuga Hayata had mentioned the quartermaster’s name was Yoko. It would make sense if the note had been from her.

The quartermaster was in the midst of working on some figures, but quickly rose to bow. As the Tortoise had noted prior, Yoko seemed slightly anxious to have a samurai guest. Her anxiety quickly grew when Utaku Megumi brought up the note she had found in the Mantis’ room.

Despite Yoko’s claims otherwise, there was clearly more going on here than a simple “wine recommendation”. Unwilling to press much further for the moment, the Unicorn resigned to discuss this with the rest of us if Rumiko remained absent on the morrow.

As the events were beginning, Yudai & I took a stroll towards the waterfall. Along our way, we passed Mirumoto Hino meditating along the shore, not far from Amaoto Village. We passed by as quietly as possible so as not to disturb her. A few fishermen were plying their trade in the lake’s waters, but our walk was slow & peaceful.

Though we did not know it at the time, Kasuga Hayata, inspired by the bard, entered the village to seek out the other actor hired for the wedding. Hisan-sa was found at a tea shop with little trouble. He at first merely thought the Tortoise another heimin, & eagerly voiced his opinions on Warai & her skills.

The conversation ambled for some time before Kasuga Hayata turned the topic towards Warai’s early entrance to the castle grounds. If Hisan-sa had been annoyed before, this incensed him. Seeing his opening, the cartographer finally let his status slip.

Overcome with embarrassment- real or feigned- Hisan-sa begged forgiveness. Kasuga Hayata calmly forgave any slight given. Truly, he said, the best recompense would be for the actor to accept an invitation as the Tortoise’s guest into the castle. The performer immediately agreed, surprising no one.

Utaku Megumi & Shosuro Kiyuki both attended the day’s main events. Several of the guests had volunteered to exhibit their skills in the art of traditional dance.

First was the Scorpion herself. From what I was told, her performance awed the audience into a chilled silence, equal parts appreciation & discomfort. There was no denying the great skill she displayed upon the stage.

Next, Kitsune Ryosei performed a spirited dance. Though she faltered a few steps, her eagerness & love of the art smoothed over any murmurs before they could start. It was around this time that Yudai & I ran into Kasuga Hayata & Hisan-sa as we returned to Kyuden Amaoto. Though we had missed some, we were able to comfortably join the crowd for the remaining performances.

Kaikoga Ochiai performed a strange, slow arrangement. At first, her movements were so minute as to be undetectable- as the music swelled, she began to drift across the stage like a falling leaf in the wind. Moshi Jukio had cheered loudly for the Fox’s performance. Oddly, Asako Rekai did the same, and then lauded the Moth just as much. If looks could wound, the Phoenix would surely have bled from the force of the Centipede’s glare.

Tonbo Todori then up took the place of honor. He bowed to all in attendance, before beginning what I can only describe as a living collage. There were gasps & nods of appreciation throughout the audience as his moves flowed between those of nearly every clan in Rokugan. Utaku Megumi was surprised to see he had even incorporated some dances her people had brought back from other lands.

And then- just as Edakumi Dayu had stumbled the other day, Tonbo Todori froze on stage as he began to demonstrate Crane movements. The pause was brief, the span of a heartbeat perhaps, but noticeable enough. When he left the stage, I noticed that he did his best to keep from meeting anyone’s eyes.

The most unexpected dancer pushed her way to the front. Kakita Maru had struck me as a…sharp woman, not one inclined to such artistic pursuits. I can confirm that I was at least partially correct in my assessment. It was almost as if she were engaging in a duel against an invisible opponent. Each step, each thrust of her arms evoked images of blades coming together, only to part again.

Only a few moments into her show, Daidoji Hansha left, shaking his head. An absence Kakita Maru did not notice until she had finished, red in the face from exertion- & perhaps something else. Finally, Warai took to the stage. Her kimono seemed overly tight on one side, while loose on the other. In each hand, she bore a mask: one of a man, one of a woman.

Slowly at first, she began putting one mask on, & displaying a courting ritual. Here the man offers his hand, there the woman accepts daintily. As she picked up speed, she suddenly folded the masks in half, affixing both to her face.

Though her dance had been treading the line of politeness before, it now threw itself well over. The courting transitioned to much more intimate touches & movements. Warai was spinning herself rapidly, so the man & woman near seemed to stand facing each other.

I will not describe her act any further, save to note that it had quite an effect on certain members of the audience. At dinner, most of the guests seemed slightly subdued. Perhaps the day’s events had given some reason to desire their own…privacy.

I was able to note the lack of the Mantis, but could barely force myself to eat. I did not tell Yudai, but I feared I would collapse on the walk back to our quarters. Tomorrow, group dances will be held. If the fortunes smile upon me, perhaps this spell will pass, & I will be able to share one song with Yudai in the sun.

 

Hida Hotaru’s Private Records, August 7^th

I

cannot feel

my fingers. Writing

is almost too

diff

 

My shame burns. Illness kept me bound, mocking my hopes. I spent the day unmoving. I cannot write for long. The brush shakes so.

Friends ventured into the hidden hatch last night. It only led to three places. North, by some servant’s quarters. East into a guest villa. South, by the spot we ate with Daidoji Hansha. No one used it while the group kept watch. Footprints left behind, unavoidable.

Uta Megumi found the Fox at the temple. Learned that she had been the one who healed the cougar. Unicorn warned of the woods’ danger, Kitsune Ryosei echoed the Ronin’s own worries. Mantis was present at breakfast. Had a fight with Megumi about her disappearance.

Clearly hiding something, but confirmed she has no debts to the Badger. He has been hounding her for a trade agreement, she has been avoiding him. Her coin purse was overfull- a good night’s gambling?

Kiyuki continued speaking to Seichū about dancing. Hayata spoke to Dragon about Dragonfly seeming stressed. Convinced her to advise Tonbo Todori to find some time for meditation. Otomo Sorai in thunderous mood. Yudai informed Ruko of several of our findings, requested log of when guests arrived.

Might also be able to acquire info on when servants were hired. Group dancing. Daidoji Hansha seemed uncomfortable, abstained as propriety demanded. Others as well: Kakita Maru, Usagi Oda, Moshi Jukio.

Seichū actually joined one dance, left shortly after. Hayata attempted to teach a foreign dance, without success. After dances, Megumi spoke to Toritaka Ochiyo. Mentioned other samurai claimed to detect a spiritual problem. Falcon offended- swore to spend night at temple to verify there’s no ghost, skipping dinner. Typical absences at the table, but others worrying.

No sign

of

Daidoji Hansha

or Kiyuki