D0EA, Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart (Open)

[Seppun Urusai]

"I am mindful of my good fortune," Urusai replies. "I can only hope to be worthy of the position into which I have been born.

"But what of you, daughter of Toranaga and Reiko? For the Lion are keepers of history, and their texts are foundational reading for all who follow honor."

[Akodo Michi]

"I have much to live up to", she nodded in reply. "A thousand years and more of honor and courage, but my clan has done so for this long. I will not break that line of glory and service to the Emperor." The words were emphatic, spoken from the heart. "And you speak true, we do keep history", her lip tugged again at her cheek, perhaps a slight smile. "Deeds must be known, ancestors venerated, so that we can walk the path with their knowledge and be righteous."

[Seppun Urusai]

"Just so," Urusai agrees again. "And which School and sensei will you honor with your performance here?" he asks. "And which dojo?"

[Akodo Michi]

"My sensei, Akodo Hatsumoto, veteran of thirty battles with the honorable Crane clan, taught me the way of the Swift Sword and the method of tactics in the Akodo style at the War College. It is a beautiful place, with walls that gleam the sun an air of order despite the constant activity. One can find something to learn in their every moment within it's halls, and we are taught to continue that method", she proclaimed proudly. "I trust the Seppun of the Miharu-ryu dojo are no different."

[Seppun Urusai]

"The focus of training is somewhat different," Urusai replies solemnly. "Kyuden Seppun echoes with the holiness of the Family's long and devoted piety, aided amply by the older shugenja tradition among my kin. The Heavens do not shine upon it as upon the Capital, as might be expected, but it still feels the touch and favor of generations of Imperial blessings. There is a stillness, a peace there, despite that we are taught readiness and wariness."

He takes a deep breath, holds it, releases it slowly. "But, yes, we look back to those who have gone before, and as we were the first to swear to the Hantei, first to be ready to die for them as our lords, we have the longest service from which to take inspiration. And in the glories of all the Clans, we have had part, being made kin to the Imperial kin through many marriages. We are cognizant of it, more than many realize, and know that for all that history, the continued worthiness must be earned and earned again.

"Every drop of Seppun blood yearns to that purpose, whether in the Imperial Bodyguard or detached on other assignments, such as to the Magistracy or the Legions--to which I am most likely bound, after duties here are discharged."

[Akodo Michi]

"The Lion were perhaps the last to kneel, in a way. As we know the legend of the Kami, and brother fought brother for the right to rule this empire", Michi said. "In that my great ancestor did kneel, despite his pride, is felt very deeply by we of the Lion clan. As you, we take great care of our service", she was sincere, she believed heartily what she told him, but a hardened edge did stick out as she continued. "Yet there will always be other matters, the philosophy of Bushido can be vast."

[Seppun Urusai]

"For which reason the Empire benefits from having a strong Right Hand," comes the reply. "I have the feeling that I will be the better for facing you in this contest, daughter of the Lion. You will be a worthy opponent to whoever you face here, and a fearsome enemy to those who oppose you in the future, I have no doubt."

[Akodo Michi]

"Your words grant me much, Seppun-sama", she said and bowed slightly in thanks. "Much like Seppun Hajme no Hanako said of my ancestor Akodo Masahito: A sword so terrible the pen shudders." she seemed to smirk slightly. "692, after the battle of River's Scouring."

[Seppun Urusai]

"A Lion's perspective on the battle would be welcome," Urusai replies, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

[Akodo Michi]

"The Battle of River's Scouring was a last note of vengeance on Masahito's on behalf of his father, Masaumi. The latter had performed seppuki after a stunning defeat by a band of rebels who had risen in the lands of the Ki-rin, before the return of Shinjo's children. They were deployed along the Drowned Merchant River, seeking battle from a distance to harry any Lion force that attempted to cross. Masahito had wisely studied his enemy, their attitudes, their circumstances and their tactics before deploying his own forces. Like any general of wisdom, he showed only a force equal in number to his enemy's, and acted as if that is all he had, seeking to draw the rebels away from their position by crossing the river further to the west", Michi stated, knowing this tale well. "Masahito knew the rebels needed to protect a grain depot beyond the hills on their side of the river and thus would not range too far beyond it to intercept him, but when his river crossing appeared to face great difficulty, the enemy took their chance. Masahito withdrew, as he could ill-afford to sacrifice so many men to bad luck, but when the rebels also withdrew, they found the other half of the Lion army had crossed where it was much easier and captured their positions along the hills." She seemed to smirk now. "Because of the terrain to the north of them, there was no good ground to retreat to save the deeper river crossing. They had been cut off, but that was not all, as Mashito's main force now turned to complete their own crossing, despite the poor conditions, if the enemy attacked, they would leave their flank open to the Lion now on the hills. In the end, the rebel force was trapped on the banks between the two halves of the legion, and ground into nothing more than a memory by Akodo blades."

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai listens attentively, seeming to take the details in.

"Are there other commentaries that might be referenced?" he asks, clearly curious. "I find I wonder about small-unit applications of the lesson, among others."

[Akodo Michi]

"Ikoma Chido wrote a text of the conflict called Kirin Battle History, as his ancestor was one of Masahito's aides. It covers that conflict and others which transgressed within the Unicorn lands prior to their return", she said. "I know it is available to students of the War College, but it would be reasonable that a copy was donated to the Imperial Library. There is another reference in the fourth volume of War Anthology, which the Kakita may even keep here, but the details of the battle are not as clear in it."

[Seppun Urusai]

"I shall seek those texts as time and duties permit," Urusai says, nodding. "Thank you for the information."

[Akodo Michi]

"Knowledge of history is an honorable pastime", she nodded in agreement at the statement Urusai didn't make. "Does Seppun-sama enjoy such a pursuit?"

[Seppun Urusai]

"My studies have run more to the theological," Urusai replies, "and the political, as might be guessed. Some history emerges from them and intertwines with them, of course, as could hardly not be the case, but it has not been a focus. Yet I look forward to learning."

[Akodo Michi]

"As one might expect, as a Lion my study of theology may not match my respect of the field", Michi said tentatively. "Though Akodo knew his way, and we follow it, the words of priests, unknown to me as they may be, are not unwelcome."

[Seppun Urusai]

"There is always something new to learn for us," Urusai affirms. "Part of the challenge and the blessing of being human. Or so the wise in the Family have said to me, and I see no cause to contest them."

[Akodo Michi]

"Wisdom", agreed Michi with a slight bow. "Though the people descended from Akodo do make harsh demands, their advice is often in the form of encouragement, a necessary verse in the song of our young lives. So many of us are wounded day after day by the blade of expectation, even now, here, we watch as it draws slowly from it's sheath." She fixed the statue of Fukurokujin with her gaze. "Encouragement is important, as many of us are unaware that we are capable of overcoming such challenges."

[Seppun Urusai]

"Quite the metaphor," Urusai notes. "The daughter of the Lion has a touch of the poet about her."

[Akodo Michi]

"My words and actions belong to my ancestors", she said, yet again bowing slightly in thanks. "Before I arrived here I spent time at the Crane's famed dojo. Have you seen it?"