(D3, ME) Ex-Hida by Yasuki Seiryo

[Agasha Inoshishi]

"I suppose the obvious question is 'What's your take on the play?'" Nesshin says. "But there are other questions, if you'd prefer to get away from the obvious."

“Ask away! I love discussing the details of a story. To answer the quick, obvious question, I enjoyed the play. Of course, it would have to be quite a poor story to not have my full attention!”

She smiles, content to let the Deer direct the flow of conversation.

[Shika Nesshin]

“Ask away! I love discussing the details of a story. To answer the quick, obvious question, I enjoyed the play. Of course, it would have to be quite a poor story to not have my full attention!”

She smiles, content to let the Deer direct the flow of conversation.

"You mention details," Nesshin notes. "What stood out to you, and why?" he asks. "And how does it compare to last night's, if you saw that one?"

[Agasha Inoshishi]

"You mention details," Nesshin notes. "What stood out to you, and why?" he asks. "And how does it compare to last night's, if you saw that one?"

“I enjoyed the refined woman from the city learning more of life from some of the toughest lands in the empire. It’s too true that many never realize the full value of what all the clans do. In some ways, it reminded me of when I Went Down From The Mountain,” the capitals ring through her emphasis, “and discovered that the world was different than the serene monks I was used to. I missed last night’s play, unfortunately. I got distracted and didn’t realize where the time had gone! And now for you, Shika-san, what is your response to your question?”

Though her words still flow freely, there is a seriousness to her that is often lacking at other times. The art of the story clearly matters to her.

[Shika Nesshin]

“I enjoyed the refined woman from the city learning more of life from some of the toughest lands in the empire. It’s too true that many never realize the full value of what all the clans do. In some ways, it reminded me of when I Went Down From The Mountain,” the capitals ring through her emphasis, “and discovered that the world was different than the serene monks I was used to. I missed last night’s play, unfortunately. I got distracted and didn’t realize where the time had gone! And now for you, Shika-san, what is your response to your question?”

Though her words still flow freely, there is a seriousness to her that is often lacking at other times. The art of the story clearly matters to her.

"I share your regard for the protagonist learning from those outside the rarefied urban," Nesshin replies. "But though this production did not fall into the trap, I worry that other treatments might fetishize the more rural or romanticize the more militant. There are so many better targets for fetish and romance," and Nesshin grins, winks, "but reducing to caricatures in service to the already-privileged 'learning' does a disservice to those depicted.

"I mean, tropes are useful tools, and a play only has so long to make its message, but handling any tool poorly does harm."

[Asahina Soyokaze]

Raizo gave another one of his grins.

"Just keep standing next to me, Soyokaze-san, you'll look better by comparison. And your good manners will shine out by comparison as well. Anyone in particular you have an eye on? I know I asked before, but, well, a lot can happen in a day..."

"Well there are many I find attractive, the Moto woman with dark makeup, the Otter over there with Matsu Ishioka-sama, the Moshi is especially lovely; but I have never spoken to any of them. In all honesty the only woman I have spoken to at all is Oubaihime-sama, who honestly is such a lovely and peaceful person that if someone better than I hasn't started wooing her then your all fools as she is certain to make a great a home." Soyokaze thinks a moment to make sure he hasn't forgotten anyone. "Well I've also met Kaikoga Fujiko-sama but she seems to be convinced that Matsu Ishioka-sama are in love."

[Agasha Inoshishi]

"I share your regard for the protagonist learning from those outside the rarefied urban," Nesshin replies. "But though this production did not fall into the trap, I worry that other treatments might fetishize the more rural or romanticize the more militant. There are so many better targets for fetish and romance," and Nesshin grins, winks, "but reducing to caricatures in service to the already-privileged 'learning' does a disservice to those depicted.

"I mean, tropes are useful tools, and a play only has so long to make its message, but handling any tool poorly does harm."

Inoshishi blushes at the double entendre, then nods fervently. “Yes! One of my sensei’s teachings was that it is always easy to romanticize a lifestyle one has not lived. We consider this carefully when analyzing stories of the past for clues to the future. Of course, some of the caricatures of the past and present tell us more about the opinions and beliefs of the writers than of their subject!”

She cocks her head slightly. “It’s rare to find another with scholarly interest in stories! I’m quite pleased to have found someone like that!”

[Shiba Raizo]

"Well there are many I find attractive, the Moto woman with dark makeup, the Otter over there with Matsu Ishioka-sama, the Moshi is especially lovely; but I have never spoken to any of them. In all honesty the only woman I have spoken to at all is Oubaihime-sama, who honestly is such a lovely and peaceful person that if someone better than I hasn't started wooing her then your all fools as she is certain to make a great a home." Soyokaze thinks a moment to make sure he hasn't forgotten anyone. "Well I've also met Kaikoga Fujiko-sama but she seems to be convinced that Matsu Ishioka-sama are in love."

Aha, a man of taste and discernment... well. Apart from the insane Moshi

"Well, I've found Moto-san to be very engaging, and Usogawa-san is a fine woman. As for Kaito Oubaihime-san, were she not something like what I imagine a sister to be..."

He trailed off.

"I think, Soyokaze-san, that you may be uniquely suited to catching her attention."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

Fujiko looked down.

"I believe the less is said about today's test, the better it is." She let out a long sigh. "Hopefully tomorrow will go better."

"Oh...well, kemari isn't for everyone, there's a man in my unit who can only keep things going if he's drunk, otherwise he lacks the coordination. Erm..." he looked to the side. "Not that I'm suggesting that, but...well, some other people have it rough too. I hope things go better tomorrow."

[Asahina Soyokaze]

"I think, Soyokaze-san, that you may be uniquely suited to catching her attention."

"I am growing quite fond of Oubaihima-sama, we have spoken quite a bit and I am certain I could be very happy with her. I worry though, neither of us talk very much. I came from a home like that, it isn't ideal. I have asked every question I can think of but other than her devotion to her shrine I have not been able to puzzle out her interests, unless I am just obtuse, and that's just me taking an interest in her as a person not a lover. I would like to make her something but she lives such a simple life I can't figure out what she needs or would like. I considered a comb but that is usually made of wood not metal and I don't want to imply that her appearance is lacking."

Soyokaze took a breath, he was getting caught up in his emotions.

"But as I said, there is no way she has gone unnoticed by the other, more desirable Miai participants, someone like Seppun Yuzu-sama who seems to be having a great Miai. But even if I did wish to marry Oubaihime, if what you said about our being here is true is it not my duty to keep searching? Does Duty not trump Love, whatever the hell that is?" Soyokaze's frustration grows. "Do we even owe our clans in this? Half of us will be joining other clans who we will be duty-bound to, should our happiness have no bearing?"

He was arguing with himself now and he was at risk of making a scene.

[Shiba Raizo]

"They're coming out of the walls!"

Raizo sighed.

"Soyokaze-san. As I also said, everyone here is deemed an acceptable match by someone. That most definitely and emphatically includes you. And if you're fond of Kaito-san, you owe it to her, and to yourself, to let her know that it's a possibility you entertain."

He turned to stare at the Crane, his expression a curious mixture of stony and intense. His soldiers would have recognized it.

"So to begin with, don't think of anyone else here as naturally your superior when it comes to who can make a good husband for my clanmate. Especially since your instincts have not led you far astray on the subject of her insecurities."

He held his hand out, palm up- and then clenched it into a fist.

"She already thinks her appearance is lacking. She thinks herself plain. A little dun-colored fieldmouse. Fashion something to accentuate what you already appreciate about her and explain it when you give it to her."

A pause. He unclenched his fist.

"Even if you remain nothing more than friends, you will have done a kindness for someone whose whole life has been doing kindnesses for others. And you will have gotten practice in presenting yourself to someone you might want... more from. And she will never judge you harshly, Soyokaze-san."

Another sigh.

"My own... friend... is almost certainly being courted by others. I suspect a great deal of that is going on. And while I would hardly advise you to focus your attentions solely on Kaito-san, I would also never, ever suggest you don't at least let her know how you feel."