The New Winds

Wyn continues his work, scrolls covering his table even though most of the contestants have gone to bed for the night. His plans are to sleep in and finish his project while he is still up.

D4 EN Cartography R1 Tech TN 20: 8d10o10k3+5 37

After the things at the bar finally calm down, Prash tries to take the chance to approach Hitoshi, asking if he would mind talking to him for a moment after they return to the Inn. Unfortunately, it seems like he doesn't plan on going to sleep late after the ruckus at the bar.

As Prash gets finally gets back to the Inn, he sees the Miya working late at the table, bowing to him with a tired smile. "Miya-sama, still busy at this time! You missed the celebration at the Poisoned Water... and the mess that followed it", he says with a silent, weary laugh, then takes a quick look at his work, in quiet wonder.

"Well from the looks of you, it seems like it might have been a good thing to miss, I am still recovering from my last trip to the Sake house."

"Oh, you have been there, then?", he says, smiling a bit wistfully. "I think I remember you saying you didn't feel all too well at one of the events", he says, smiling slightly.

"And... yeah. The celebration was really fun, really, but then things got... rough. And serious."

Way too serious..., he thinks, his eyes a bit wistful again.

"I've been here working on my Mantis back up plan, at first I thought we were going to be ok, since he had enough points, but then Akodo-sensei...."

The Iuchi nods.

"Hai, that was... unexpected", he says, although his eyes say more frustrating instead. "I... well, might I ask what your backup plan is?", he says with a tired, but friendly smile. He seems to have some worries about this on his mind, but he trusts the Miya, and an idea is better than more worries right now.

Wyn slides one of the maps he has been working on, "I plan to give some notes to Hitoshi that may give him a slight edge in the competition."

Prash seems curious and maybe a bit confused as he bows to examine the map.

"Notes... As in possible 'reminders' of things that might be worth mentioning?", he says, trying to remember what other events were still scheduled.

"I guess that would help", he says, smiling slightly, but still a bit worried. "But... Well, we've seen he has been... held to higher standards than the other competitors a number of times, ne? I wonder if those standards might not end up becoming even higher..."

He doesn't say the words clearly, but it should be clear what he is concerned about.

"well the notes include actual wind speed of Tsuma's weather patterns and the exact gradient of the floor of the dojo, and where to stand to get the most advantage from the lighting on the kakita dueling grounds, those kind of notes. It's not a lot but I am hoping it would give him a little edge to overcome the higher standards in question."

He takes a more detailed look at the map. "Oh! That is..." He looks at the Miya, a surprised smile on his face. "That is really something, Miya-san! I have heard some things about the skills of the Miya Cartographers after our conversation in Hirosaka, but I hadn't expected something like this."

He seems to think for a moment. "That really could help him, if he pays good attention to it. I... hope it will be enough. I mean... do you believe we might still have a chance to make those standards less... different between competitors, too?"

It is clear that he is somewhat troubled by what is happening, as if he didn't expect something like that could happen in an event such as the Topaz Championship.

"I am afraid I do not personally have the clout to...sway the judges, which is why if I can not lower the bar for him, I will provide him a crate to stand on"

The Iuchi nods, perhaps still a bit worried, but soon smiles again. "Hai... That should make a good difference. And... I'm truly impressed, Miya-san! So... Are you planning on giving it to Hitoshi-san tomorrow?"

He seems thoughtful for a moment. "Have you had the chance to talk to him? I wouldn't think he is too happy about things, but maybe..."

He smiles again

"Maybe I'll try to talk to him about some things too."

Edit: Sleepy writing gets stupid sometimes, sorry

"This one is for you, but I have another to give to Hitoshi-san, we spoke briefly after out Sumai match but that was before much of the drama began. I am planning on trying to talk to him again tomorrow when I give him the map."

The Iuchi is caught by surprise with the Miya's words. "Oh.. for me? I couldn't possibly accept that, Miya-san! Something as detailed as this must have taken much of your time and effort!"

He looks at the map again, then asks. "When do you plan on speaking to him, Miya-san? Perhaps I could join you for the conversation - although I have nothing as remarkable as this to offer him, of course", he says smiling.

"Your Friendship makes my all of my hours go by easier, so time spent investing in it is never a waste. "
He slides the maps closer to the Unicorn
"I plan to approach him as soon as possible tomorrow, maybe during the Law test when neither of us has been called on yet"

He smiles again. "Oh, Miya-san, but our friendship is strong and true for our words and actions, nothing else is needed"

"And approaching him before the law test seems like a good idea. I will try and talk to him then too."

"Perhaps not, and yet I would feel better if you carried a small piece of me with you"

The Iuchi smiles warmly again and bows slightly, placing his hand on one part of the map as he looks at it again.

"Then I shall hold into it fondly as a sign of our trust and companionship. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu, Miya-san"

He looks at his friend again.

"About Hitoshi-san... Do you have any idea what may be at work? I... What happened at the Sake house today made me slightly worried."

"My assumption is that his ancestor did something to anger the crane, and the Crane are tempted to judge him more vigorously then might be completely above board, and the Doji-domo is afraid his clan will act outside of the bounds of honor in doing so."

He seems thoughtful for a moment. "Un. I suppose that might make sense. I still find it a bit... Surprising."

He looks at the map again, a smile on the corner of his lips, although his eyes let some worry show. "Have you heard anything the last few days about the previous runner up, Bayushi Sugai?"