Arc 1, Session 9, L5R

 Hida Hotaru's Private Records, August 12th

Hayata regaled us with such a tale this morning! It seems that someone arranged a nighttime rendezvous for him with Hideaki. A cart of desserts & rice wine had been left in his room, & the server shortly entered the room- audaciously. Though the Tortoise was...flattered, he managed to convince Hideaki to take his leave.

I was glad to have this bit of levity on an otherwise dismally grey day. The growing storm-clouds had released a thick layer of fog upon Amaoto. Given the lack of rain or thunder, it seems increasingly likely that this is the work of our missing Mantis. The only Crane present at breakfast was the groom. Tonbo Todori was also not to be found, while both Otomo Sorai & Fureheshu Garou appeared in low spirits.

Whatever Kiyuki said to the Badger, he quickly shot to his feet & accosted the groom in quiet. I noticed that our Scorpion chose this moment to "go for a walk". Yudai signaled to Daidoji Hansha that he could intervene if needed, but the groom successfully repelled the sumai champion.

Speaking with the Centipede & Fox, Hayata was able to confirm that the storm appeared magical in nature- confirming our suspicions. He then paid a visit to the kitchens, to congratulate Kou on his return. While there, he learned that the chef had his hopes set on moving to a more esteemed locale.

Megumi arrived at breakfast near as the plates were being removed, for a reason she did not share. She ate with gusto to prepare for the day's archery competition. At noon, the entrants gathered at a long, open stretch of courtyard. Targets had been set at increasing ranges; today would be a display purely of marksmanship.

Besides Megumi & Hayata, the other competitors were the Dragon, Falcon, Fox, Hare, Sparrow, & Seichu. Each of them performed admirably, & the final match-up came down to Seichu & Kitsune Ryosei. The Ronin won with ease, though he seemed discomfited by the attention he received for doing so. Dinner was pleasant, & the night delivered blissful sleep.

 

Hida Hotaru's Private Records, August 13th

The Mantis seems to have released her grip on the local skies, if the shrinking clouds could be trusted. Breakfast was one of Kou's best thus far, full of hearty fare for the day's competitors. Yudai spoke with Tonbo Todori, securing a future audience regarding the matter our Phoenix allies have failed to deliver on.

I find myself feeling so happy that guilt is knocking on my door. It has been...quite enjoyable to take in the wedding proper, now that our duty is near complete. I do not think I will have much chance to visit such locales in the future.

There was much blood on my pillow when the sun graced our window. My hair was caked & matted, & I could feel the lingering taste of iron on my teeth. Fortunes be praised that I woke before Yudai. If he noticed the missing pillow when I returned from my bath, he spoke not of it.

Today was the last of the physical competitions, & would take the form of a "trick shot" archery match. Each round, one of the entrants would perform a unique or difficult shot. The others must replicate or better the attempt to stay in the rankings. Hayata & Megumi competed once more, alongside the Dragon, Falcon, Fox, Hare, Sparrow & Seichu.

The crowd was galvanized more today than at any other event at the wedding. Each of the shots performed before us seemed impossible- & lost none of its impressiveness when repeated. Despite their skill, the archers fell one by one. Each was greeted with cheers & compliments as they joined the stands.

Finally, only two remained. Megumi stepped forth, & called for a servant's aid. To my astonishment, she pulled forth a small hand mirror, handing it to the servant. At her direction, he angled the mirror just so...before she turned away from the target. Using the mirror to sight, she nocked an arrow with the bow backwards over her shoulder. The bows twang had scarcely faded before her bolt stuck true. Still shuddering from the impact, it pierced the target mere centimeters from the bullseye.

Seichu gave her a respectful nod. Taking her position, he stared into the mirror &- I swear I saw this, though no one else seemed to- closed his eyes. All was silent as the Ronin slowed his breathing. With no preamble, he loosed his dart. It sunk home, dead at the center of the bullseye.

As the crowd burst into applause & conversation again, he bowed to Megumi for the challenge she had given him. At dinner, the Ronin found himself the darling of the hour. For him, this seemed more a punishment than a reward. I noted Usagi Oda scrutinizing him for some time. Hayata joined in the group crowding the Ronin, & deftly pointed the spotlight elsewhere. There are but two more days before the wedding ceremony. For now, I shall rest.

 

Hida Hotaru's Private Records, August 14th

The weather has continued to improve. At breakfast, only Usagi Oda was absent. Kiyuki asked the Fox & Centipede to join her on a walk to the nearby forest on the morrow: unsurprisingly, only the Fox agreed. Our Unicorn continues to seem a bit withdrawn for an unknown reason.

When it came time for the day's musical events, Kiyuki played a beautiful adaptation of a Crane song. She was followed by Kakita Nisobu. The bard played many pieces, even calling for suggestions from the audience. I believe Hayata requested a song named "Liberated Eagle"- perhaps a sailor's song he picked up at Slow Tide Harbor?

The rest of our day passed enjoyable, if uneventfully. I did hear some...commotion coming from Megumi's room after we had all retired, but she seemed to leave shortly afterwards. Curiouser & curiouser.

 

Hida Hotaru's Private Records, August 15th

Expecting a late evening, I returned to our quarters after breakfast to rest. The Hare was still missing, but everyone else seemed excited. Some for the coming ceremony, while I can feel some are simply eager to leave.

I spoke briefly with the Sparrow at dinner. From his recounting the poetry was enjoyable, but the sadane ended a bit earlier than anticipated. Apparently Kakita Maru decided to "change targets", mocking the absent bride instead of her opponent. Surprisingly, Mirumoto Hino vocally called out the rude behavior. The tensions nearly escalated to the two arranging a duel before the groom defused things. Ah, weddings!

Once the night had fallen, Daidoji Hansha & Seichu greeted us in the lobby of our villa. We journeyed back to the seaside cliff beneath the full moon. Seichu began arranging some ritual items into a large circle, placing the mirror faceup at its center.

The only thing missing was the bride. Daidoji Hansha went inside to fetch her shortly. The robes flung over her form did little to hide how badly the yokai had warped her: she hunched near to the ground, & the strange "hair" that had previously covered her had transformed into white feathers. If we had any lingering confusion, the fleshy protuberance on her face made it clear that she had become some hideous mockery of a crane.

Her discomfort was clear, despite her inability to form coherent words any longer. Seichu bade her stand next to the mirror, while he directed the rest of us to form a circle. He produced a paintbrush & a bowl of purified water. In gentle brushstrokes, he began to trace various shapes onto the mirror's surface.

Some I recognized as katakana, while others appeared to be a silhouette of some kind. As each line was finished, a glow began to envelop the bride. There was a sudden flash- Doji Tsukiko had been returned to normal, though she was unconscious on the ground.

Seichū immediately flipped the mirror facedown, while Daidoji Hansha ran to check on his bride. He confirmed that she appeared to be merely sleeping, & thanked us all for our assistance once more. Kiyuki cut a piece of cloth from the overlarge robes swaddling Doji Tsukiko, & wrapped the mirror tightly.

Yudai took hold of the mirror by its handle. With a mighty throw, he hurled it off of the cliff & into the waves below. Exhausted as we all were, there was little conversation left to be had. Back in our quarters, I could feel my remaining worries fade away as I lay down for sleep.

 

Hida Hotaru's Private Records, August 16th

The ceremony was beautiful. It was held at the Temple to Benten, which had much more space than the Temple to Kisshōten. Doji Tsukiko truly did appear as stunning as the rumors had stated, & the only sour face amongst the guests belonged to Kakita Maru.

Monsho no Rumiko was able to attend as well- she even flashed Otomo Sorai a cheeky grin. I shudder to think how the conversation between he & our hosts went regarding that particular mess. We go now to one final meal to be shared with our newfound friends & acquaintances. I will be home soon, Aimi.

 

Hida Hotaru's Private Records, August 18th

We awoke this morning ready to begin our trip home. Hideaki was waiting for us in the lobby of our villa, carrying several small packages. He explained that the bride & groom had already taken their leave, but had instructed him to deliver these to us. With that, he left. Cunning, to deliver a gift in a situation where the recipient is unable to politely refuse: very much a Crane maneuver.

Kiyuki received a beautifully decorated fan, while Hayata gained a Benten charm & some spices. Megumi's gift contained a few unique arrows to add to her quiver.

The package for myself & Yudai contained two small objects. Unwrapping the one revealed half of an iron feather charm, clearly an ancient relic. The matching envelope's letter explained both its significance, as well as another present...

If my words in these journals have been critical or rude of our hosts, I find myself deeply shamed. The couple has arranged for the servants to stay on hand for another two days at Kyuden Amaoto. The only other occupants will be the two of us.

Daidoji Hansha included a second letter to present to Kaiu Asano, explaining any delay to our return. After opening our gifts, the time had finally come to part. Megumi & Yudai exchanged a strong arm clasp in farewell- surely, their paths would cross again in the future. Hayata & Kiyuki bid all of us a softer farewell before beginning their treks North.

It feels strange to think I may not see them again, after working together these past few weeks. Such is the life of a samurai. Our duty calls us, & it is our honor to obey. I will wait to write more here until I have returned home. The rest of our lives belong to the Empire. But tomorrow, & the day beyond, will belong solely to us.

 

Elsewhere

A figure stands in a dimly-lit room. The walls are stone, & polished to a reflective sheen- all the better to conduct acoustics.

"It has gone well," the figure said. It's voice was beyond identification: each syllable it seemed to shift between man & woman, young & old. A recognizable accent would soon fade to one entirely unknown.

"Despite some unexpected events, I believe the correct contacts have been made." A pause, as a toothy smile split the figure's shadowed face.

"We are ready to proceed."

END ARC 1