(Day 1, LN) Midnight Tea - Minor Clans

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

Sasaiko racks her brain.

This is already a test, she thinks, and she tries to puzzle out how.

(Rolling Tea Ceremony / Intelligence to recall if there is some quirk to be considered: got a 19.)

[Mai]

Mai was silent at this strangeness, trying to figure out what was going on.

Lore: Spirit Realms/Lore: Shadowlands: 2#4d10o10k3 32 19 So, Spirit Realms is 32, Shadowlands is 19.

[Vutall]

The man looks expectantly at Zashi, waiting for him to begin.

Nothing about the tea set or surrounding seemed out of place or strange to Sasaiko, other than the initial light and their sudden change of setting of course.

Mai didn’t get any feeling that this was a Shadowlands trick, nor did it seem like any spirit realm, though it would be hard to tell from just this room alone. The man certainly seemed human enough

[Zashi]

Well, no one else is stepping up.

The figure was polite enough about it, and likely a spirit. Appeasing it made sense. Knowing his luck it was a potential in law to be.

Zashi is no expert, but grinds the leaves like they would to make a remedy in the forest and heats the water, trying to wait until it was a hair below boiling. It's not his specialty, but he tries to make a decent service out if it.

LN tea service-Tea Ceremony/Void-VP spent for phantom skill: 5d10o10k4 24

[Vutall]

When Zashi finishes, the man gives a nod of thanks and takes the cup of tea. He drinks it slowly, relishing in its heat and taste.

“Such a good blend. House of the Red Lotus never disappoints.”

He looks at each of them for a moment as if evaluating something.

“I have a request for you all”

[Zashi]

"How may we be of service?" Zashi is careful enough to not promise anything with the remark, while still being deferential

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

Sasaiko is still not sure this is not a test.

I'll have to remember "Red Lotus", she thinks.

"With respect, who honors us with his presence here tonight?" she asks the man.

[Kokyou]

Kokyou wonders if he has to tone down his presence to avoid such intimidation to both girls. Not having them serve tea for him at this point could lead to further embarrassment in the future, and potential failures. Zashi, though, made his move. That quick witty fox.

The handsome Mantis takes a look at his big bicep on the left, then on the right. They looked quite manly, but not too flashy. With a deep breath, he nods to himself and readjusts his kimono, making sure he looks proper enough before bowing to the Crane to ask,

"How can the Minor Clans be of service?"

[Mai]

Mai hides her suspicions and merely waits silently.

[Vutall]

"I am the Emerald Champion, Doji Satsume. I need you all to ensure that Hitoshi, another Mantis, is able to undergo his gempuku."

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

Taking no chances, Sasaiko prostrates herself.

(Got a GM Question coming, will edit to link.

Edit, link: viewtopic.php?f=211&t=1392)

[Zashi]

Zashi blinks. "I honestly did not see that coming." He sees Sasaiko prostrate herself . While he doesn't go that far, he does bow.

"If that is your request Doji-sama, I certainly think it would be an honor to assist." Zashi's mind turns and a mischievous smile comes across his face. "Are there any limits upon what we can do to help him?"

[Kokyou]

Kokyou looks to Mai, then back at the Emerald Champion. He bows, planting his head to the floor. "Hai. Doji-ue. It will be an honor."

[Vutall]

“I trust you to all maintain your honesty to uphold this request.”

Then as quickly as it all began, there was a bright flash of light and they all found themselves in Sasaiko’s room, the man gone and only a hot teapot full of fresh tea hot tea the only proof of the ordeal.

[Mai]

"That.... was weird. I'm all for helping Mantis to pass. But why would the Emerald Champion care? And how did he do that? He is not a shugenja?" Mai was a bit paranoid. And she for one made no promises. Mainly because her player forgot about the Thread. But still, it is what it is.

She'd help Hitoshi. At least, until she has reason not to.

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"Unfinished business, most like, for a spirit. Or an illusion cast by a shugenja, perhaps," says Sasaiko, rising.

[Zashi]

"I really have no clue." Zashi shrugs a little. "But as a minor clan representative, I am all in favor of helping Hitoshi. The question really is how. I can try to ask the kami for help during events...

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"Wouldn't the first step be finding said Hitoshi?"

[Kokyou]

"All make sure we all dine tomorrow so we can meet. Wha' ye say?" Kokyou invites them.

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"Not the worst idea. Where, and when?"