The New Winds

The names were called.

After last night's debacle at the feast, then returning to find ghosts in the inn, Dao hadn't the opportunity to check the pairings. When he heard he was facing an Utaku, and another Battle Maiden no less, he raised his gaze to the heavens.

Really? REALLY?!?! This is my punishment?

With a heavy heart he moved to the centre of the circle, bowed to the judges and to his opponent. Each deeper than required.

"Utaku-san, I feel I owe you and your entire Clan an apology. I misinterpreted your ancient customs and brought shame to myself through my ignorance. I can only hope that none of that shame is reflected upon Utaku-sensei, or her Family or your Clan."

"After this match, if there is any way I can make amends, speak and I will make it so. Until then, may honor guide your blade,"

D7 LM Round 1. Initiative: 5d10o10k4+6 42

When the first matches were posted, Nesrin saw who she was to stand against and spend several breaths wrestling with the fierce flash of anger mingled with laughter that wanted to break free.

She knew that after last night the rumormongers would be following this match closely. At the same time, this match was not officially about last night. Whatever the heavens decided here did not speak to the at at all. Not that the rumomongers would care. It would be so satisfying to make him pay, somehow, for the humiliations of last night. But that wasn't what this duel was for.

Round and round her thoughts circled, like the wind kami playing on the plains with their wind funnels stirring everything up.

Focusing on the mantras of focus and strike to clear her head, she takes her time selecting a weapon from the rack, testing several before settling on one.

When called forward, she too bows to the judges and to her opponent. She is precise with both, not stinting on what is required for the ceremony regardless of her feelings about her opponent. But she's still only 15, and human, so she looks at her opponent with something closer to a glare than a proper appraisal.

"I don't think shame cares much for your hope, Togashi-san." At least the rumors won't. But she cannot step into this ritual so filled with fire. With a breath she steps aside from her racing thoughts, just watching them. "Heaven can judge that another time though, after we've finished our show of skill."

D7 LM Iaijutsu: Initiative: 5d10o10k4 35

Dao nodded and fell into his stance. Perhaps it was his recent interactions with a certain Utaku Female, but he felt a clarity when he looked at Nesrin. A clarity that might stand him in good stead for the rest of this duel.


D7 LM. Round 1 Assessment +map: 9d10o10k3 36 ((Learning TNTBH please))

(TNTBH: 25)

Her own stance showed something of the Kakita training they had all received last year, but it was only as modifications on something else.

D7 LM Iaijutsu: Assessment/Awareness, map: 10d10o10k4 24
(really, Orokos? Still hits the basic TN so...TNTBH will do))

Dao stood stock still, he didn't sway at all. The moment came upon him quickly and passed just as fast.

HIs sword flashed out, but was his opponent quicker?

D7 LM Round 1 Iai (Focus)/Void + VP + Assess + Stance + Mastery + Map: 10d10o10k10+10 80

Not even half a breath behind, the Battle Maiden's blade flashes.

D7 LM Iaijutsu: Focus/Void, map, Center, Void +1k1, Honor, +5 (FR) for Iai 5: 10d10o10k10+11 76
Kharmic strike

Dao's blade was fast and precise. The blade, dulled as it was, whistled through the air and snipped the mon clean from Nesrin's chest.

D7 LM. Round 1 Strike/Ref. +stance +map. 3 raises for effect. TN40: 10d10o10k5+5 62

((Hits TN with 2 additional extraordinary raises))

Nesrin knew the rumors would eagerly capitalize on brutal blows in this bout, and bent her considerable skill to controlling the blow. She felt it connect, only to see her mon fluttering to the mat.

Her eyes narrow, and head lifts. "I'd think after yesterday, you wouldn't want to be cutting the clothes off of people." Her lips tighten before she says more. And then she bows, still appropriately.

"Still, the heavens moved our blades as they will. Thank you." She carefully picks up the simple violet circle that is the Utaku mon, and steps back to make way for the next competitors.

_______
Strike
D7 LM Iaijutsu: Strike/Reflexes, map, Center, Void, Tech, 2 raises for extra damage dice TN 45: 10d10o10k7+8 51
Damage
D7 LM Iaijutsu: damage keeping low: 7d10o10l1 1

(no raises for called shot, so feel free to decide where the tap landed)

As the sting starts to dull from the rap of Nesrin's blade against his hip, all Dao can do is frown.

"I'm sorry if my technique caused offense Utaku-san. I was led to believe that the drawing of one Unicorn's blood by another was something to be avoided. The man who would soon bear the name Utaku Sarkhan could not defy that ancient rule here today."

He offers his opponent a bow of equals, before exiting from the other side of the circle.

((Kharmic Strike! Both participants are eliminated!))

That pauses her, and she stares after the monk, thinking, "Oh, Oichi, what have you gotten into?"

/exit