The New Winds

This Event is for Phoenix Clan members only

Kai's eyes were open. Did she normally sleep with her eyes open?

Regardless, she sat up as if waking up in the middle of the night was the most normal thing in the world.

And why wouldn't it be? Spirits were the most active at those times.

Better go see who's turned on all the lights and bring a spring of pine just in case of some supernatural shenanigans. Hitting bonsais should count as slashing at trees right? Haruki then approaches the light, cautious of who will appear.

Saburo was... less than pleased to be here. He never particularly liked being disturbed in the middle of his 'beauty sleep,' so to speak, but he'd made a few arrangements so that there should not be too much of a problem. Grunting as he looked at the others, he bowed to each in turn before raising an eyebrow in momentary curiosity. The 'yes? What is it' was written all over his face, though he didn't actually say it just yet.

The three Phoenix all find themselves sitting in a room together on cushions, a tea set placed in front of them. Additionally, a middle age man wearing Crane colors sits and gives a shallow nod.”

“Good evening. Which of you will serve the tea?”

"I will." Haruki then takes a moment to clear his thoughts before beginning the ritual. He starts by saying a small prayer to Kojin to help provide a steady flame to heat the water. Once it is at the right temperature, he begins preparing the tea in a similar manner to Doji Murashiga, as a textbook example of how a Crane samurai would. But little did he know, that ghost that follows him around gave little tips along the whole process, making sure only the best tea is served to this strange figure. Once the tea is poured and the more social part of the ritual begins, he asks the question that should have been asked before. "May I ask who are you, spirit-sama?"

D1 LN: Tea Ceremony/Void, 2 Void Points (Shiba bushi): 7d10o10k6 62

Kai shifted about in their seiza. This place felt familiar. So did this situation.

But she still couldn't quite place what was going on.

Still, old lessons took hold. When in strange places, observe the rules of strangeness and carry on.

Tanshin let his mind clear, and went over the steps of the Tea Ceremony in his mind as Kaito-Haruki masterfully executed each one.

Saburo settled into the proper position, allowing Haruki to take the lead after including a bow to Tanshin and to the middle aged man. His eyebrow climbed very slightly when the word spirit was spoken. However, he did not say anything just yet. After all, the situation did not appear to be one that was untoward other than the lateness of the hour. Spirits, f this was indeed a spirit, could be strange things. They had their own way of handling and interacting with mortals. For now, he could be quiet and wait to see what the purpose of this visit was while the tea was passed around for each of them.

When the ceremony was complete, the man gave a nod of thanks and took the tea gently with both hands, savoring the warmth and scent before taking a sip.

“Excellent. The house of the Red Lotus never fails to impress. I shall be blunt, there is a task I require you all for”

"What task would this be?" Kai's question was direct and, perhaps more importantly, non-committal.

"As my cousin says," Saburo finally rumbled out. "What is it that you would ask of the Phoenix?" Under the circumstances, he was avoiding committing to anything with his tone. He looked a little suspicious, but that was also sort of normal for him, so ... it could be hard to say what it was that was truly and deeply on his mind.

Tanshin's hair stood on end. This was the second time the apparition of the former Enerald Champion had appeared before him.

"Would this have to do with your daughter, Satsume-sama? Your rest is foremost in our minds."

"His daughter the clan champion? I doubt it has to do with that, we aren't anywhere near her circle of trust. No, it's something closer to us, his servant Ryo maybe? He seems to be too hard on himself."

"No, no. Nothing of the like. There is a boy, a young Mantis named Hitoshi. He is here in Tsuma for the Championship I need you to ensure that he succeeds and passes his gempuku"

"Why would a clan send anyone they would have any doubt of passing such an important test? Is there something that was overlooked that is obvious to residents of Yomi?"

"The Topaz Championship is no mean feat. There are those who fail every year," Saburo said when others identified the spirit. He bowed low to the deceased soul before rising. "May we ask what the reason is that it be ensured that he succeed in this gempukku? The words of an august Shiryo such as yourself are certainly weighty, yet... I would ask to know the why of it."

Tansin waited for a response to Saburo's question.
He dare not speak the question in his mind:

Why would a Crane be so interested in a Mantis Youth?

If bloodlines are a factor, perhaps the Mantis would bear a likeness to the Crane lord. He took the opportunity to study the spirit's features.

"To be able to guide ones sons and daughters is all a parent desires to be, ultimately. My wish it to see that desire fulfilled for others, even if they do not know it is a desire they possess. "

Uhhh.... oh... that... hmmm. Saburo kept his face nice and level. that could be interpreted in a few very different ways. One was extremely egalitarian, and the other was the heartfelt desire of a spirit and one did not speak ill of the honored dead or decisions they may have made in their youth. Saburo bowed low. "I think that a very honorable wish, and true and honorable methods to bolster a child of a loving parent are things that can be done by any and all samurai." He wasn't going to countenance cheating to help this Hitoshi, but he highly doubted that was what the spirit was suggesting either.

"What would the rest of you say?"