Kyuden Shika

"Oh!" While no wilting maiden, even Shizuka had to cover her mouth with a sleeve to hide her shock at that story. "Such a valiant act, Kitsu-san. Truly selfless of you to bear such wounds in the name of duty." Recomposing herself, Shizuka continued, "Would that I should never have to be tried in a m...

The Matsu, returning with sake for the Centipede and a spare, is surprised to discover that there's a shortage of Crane in the conversation. For a moment his eyes close and he shakes his head, but there's nothing for it now. "Here you are, Moshi-sama," he says warmly, handing over the cup. "And Kit...

"Oh?" Shizuka asked, canting her head slightly. From this new vantage point, she tried to catch sight of someone of these aforementioned scars.

"I do enjoy a good story, Kitsu-san. Perhaps you would share one of your your best with me?"

snip "Oh, sake would be most welcome, Matsu-san." As Soyo made his introduction and then dipped out, Shizuka looked momentarily confused by the Asahina's rapid departure, then collected herself. "It would seem that Asahina-san had a pressing engagement, neh? A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ki...

Enter stage right. Shizuka was late, she knew it, but some things couldn't be rushed. They happen on their own time, on their own rhythm. Strutting through the doorway with the exaggerated figure-eight step necessitated by the tall sandals she wore to keep her robes out of the dirt and mud, the Mosh...

"Truly?" Shizuka sounded quite impressed, especially given that Murato was recounting the tale to a woman who could, were she so inclined to, shoot fire out of her hands. So really, the limits of what would be considered credible were a little stretched in this company. "And as a trained bard, I tak...

"Enjoy your tea, Shiba-san."

Whoever taught her, taught her well. Shizuka even sounded like she meant it.

Collecting her belongings with no particular hurry, she moved to make her exit from the stage.

</scene?>

"My lord, please. Perhaps consider how this season's sake pairs well with some of this season's new musical compositions..." Shizuka displayed a rather incisive grasp of both, belying a familiarity with sake and modern music that - as with many things Shizuka said and did - ran contrary to her image...

"Kitsu-san, please." Shizuka feigned offense. "This is hardly the time or the place for an extensive discussion on my home shrine and what we do there, neh? Besides, for a conversation, this has been quite one-sided." A pause. A smoldering glance. Half-lidded eyes shadowed in red against chalk white...

For her part, Shizuka was more than certain that even her ancestor, the legendary oiran with whom she shared a name - and supposedly a personality - with would have found this Phoenix difficult. Tap tap. More ashes fell into the ash bowl. "Ja neh. The tea has run out, it seems, Shiba-san. Thank you ...