[D4 LE] Shadowy Meeting [Hatsuki's room, closed]

[Bayushi Choudai]

"He thinks it's not something a bushi can do much against. He suggests you sleep in an area warded by a shugenja, if possible, and with shugenja standing by. And we might do well to see about... limiting points of entry."

In a Crane town dedicated to artwork.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"Perhaps rooming with Kitsune-san might be an ongoing option," she suggested.

[Doji Yoshino]

"I can ask. I'll speak with her tomorrow... she might be asleep already, ne?" It was late after all.

Yoshino looked somewhat resigned to a grim fate even though she said this. The Asahina priest didn't have much information to assist her with and the Kaiu suggested bushi wouldn't be effective. Would any of the town's few shugenja be able to fight it if it came?

[Bayushi Choudai]

"If it's a ghost, might it be possible to figure out how to get it to... well. Properly re-enter the Wheel?"

[Doji Yoshino]

"Theoretically, yes. However, there is no library with information, I've heard nothing of ghosts and the shugenja I've spoken to seem unaware what to do." The Doji was starting to despair. "It's beginning to feel hopeless."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"Then we'll just have to determine what this thing is after and figure it out as we go along," she replied, firmly. "Try not to get discouraged, Doji-san. It's only been a day. We haven't exhausted all avenues."

It was an unusually giving attitude for Hatsuki.

[Doji Yoshino]

"... You are right." She pensively nods in agreement. "I'll speak to our hosts tomorrow. I have been worried they won't believe me. I should try regardless."

Yoshino bows in gratitude to both Scorpion. "I do appreciate your help. If there is anything I can do for you in turn please do let me know."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

She smiled sympathetically and bowed. "Of course, Doji-san. I'm happy to help a member of my former Clan. Please don't hesitate to let us know if anything else comes up."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Be careful of offering open favors to Scorpion, Doji-san."

He seemed to be joking, perhaps seeking to lighten the mood.

"But I might see if I can persuade you to participate in my presentation tomorrow. No unorthodox dishes planned, so no worries on that account..."

[Doji Yoshino]

Yoshino placed her hands together on her lap. "I'm pleased to hear you were formerly a Crane, Shosuro-san. Actually, you may not be aware, but there are some difficulties between my family and I. This makes it somewhat difficult for me to seek assistance. Would my Lord rather I owe a favour to Scorpion or to be preyed upon by a shadow creature?" She smiled darkly. "I am not sure which it is."

[Bayushi Choudai]

And sometimes, the difference is minimal.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"I see," she acknowledged. "I can understand that predicament, if not quite so extremely."

She looked to Choudai. "I do highly recommend letting him convince you, though. His food is excellent. You won't regret it."

[Doji Yoshino]

"You have my cooperation."

She swivelled to face Choudai. "Today was Courtesy, ne? It would be my honour to participate in your presentation tomorrow. I will be in your care." Another bow.

[Bayushi Choudai]

He returned the bow gravely.

"Should I be able to persuade Shosuro-san to do the same, you will be in excellent company."

[Doji Yoshino]

"Surely that won't be difficult." She glanced at Hatsuki curiously.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

Hatsuki laughed a little. "As if you have to ask."

She looked at each of them. "Speaking of the competition, however, we could all probably use some rest."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"True, and after last night, a return to a more... regular sleep pattern is likely wise."

He started top rise to his feet, then paused.

"Although it pains me to say, Shosuro-san, that there is a bit of... business that we should probably attend to. Hopefully it can be resolved swiftly, but I would hate to bore Doji-san with it..."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"If you are certain this cannot wait until breakfast, I suppose, Bayushi-san," she said, clearly concealing the urge to sigh.

She rose and bowed to Yoshino. "I hope you have a much more restful night tonight, Doji-san. Please let me know if you need anything."

[Doji Yoshino]

"Yes, I apologise for intruding so late."

She rose and bowed as was custom. "Do be careful." She motioned to the painting still up in the room. "I hope we all sleep well. Good night."

Yoshino stepped out. The door was carefully shut behind herself. They'd hear her footsteps receding down the hallway.

/ Exit

[Bayushi Choudai]

Choudai waited a few seconds, timing the footfalls down the hallway, then visibly relaxed.

He didn't say anything at first- although he did remove the picture from the wall.