BZPRPG: Kentoku Archipelago
Kentucky
IC:
"It does admittedly defeat the point of a masquerade." Nihonei noted, smiling cheerfully. She had a drink in her hands, truthfully not her first, but an intelligent light gleamed in her eyes nevertheless, sharp and observant. Her movements remained graceful, though a bit more exaggerated as she took another sip.
"But, it's fun. Noshima, you need to loosen up a little."
IC:
"In that case, let us get going." Kagesu replied, shouldering her pack easily. The slim Dasaka slipped out of the room, gesturing for the other quest-takers to follow.
"So. Tell me about yourselves, if you would."
IC: Noshima
"This one humbly wishes to state that she is currently highly relaxed," replied Noshima softly.
IC:
"... Have you always talked like that?" Nihonei asked curiously, holding her drink idly. The Toroshu's eyebrows arched upwards a few degrees, as they always did when she had found a topic of interest. "There's nothing wrong with it, of course. It is, however, a far more formal form of address than most. You've done it as long as I've known you, but did you always?"
IC: Noshima
Noshima nodded. "The format of which this one speaks has failed to deviate for years long."
IC:
"If I may ask, why have you decided to speak as such? It hasn't been the standard form of address for many centuries. If I recall my history correctly, the latest I've seen it written was in the time of one of my predecessors, roughly a dozen Toroshu back. And she was considered conservative for sticking to it."
IC: Noshima
Noshima blinked, before shaking her head.
"It is impossible for this one to provide an answer."
IC:
"Fair enough. It is certainly unique." The Toroshu noted, shrugging slightly. "I was rather curious, is all."
IC: Noshima
Noshima nodded. "The early literary materials of this one were of publishing houses long gone."
IC:
"That would make sense. Much of the older material in the Eiyu library is of a similar nature, and Eiyu Gotsoko has said, and from my few visits I agree, that the effect is only more noticeable in the Imperial Library." Nihonei seemed particularly energized at the subject of literature, or perhaps it was merely that someone was understanding what she was saying.
"The further back one goes, the more archaic and strange the language used."
IC Seiryu
Seiryu listened to the two Toroshu talking about Noshima's mode of speech (which, Seiryu noted to himself, was actually more recent than what he was accustomed to using on a good day). "Pray forgive me for inquiring into your family history, if it does indeed offend you, but have you utilized from childhood your antiquated manner of speech? Was it perhaps your caregiver who educated you in this manner? Or is this a habit that you acquired later in life?"
IC: Noshima
"The advancement of cooperative communication is frequent underneath the gaze of heaven."
IC:
The Toroshu nodded in understand, words cryptic to some making perfect sense to her. "Indeed. A document may seem strange even a century after its writing. Language is constantly evolving and changing."
She glanced at Seiryu. "Well, Noshima did note that she did not know; Thus, it is doubtful it was intentionally taught."
IC: Noshima
"Language is truly remarkable."
IC:
"Truly, some of the greatest literary works have been renowned not just for their content, but their grasp of language. Some of my favorites were works as such." The Toroshu shrugged slightly, smiling. "Regrettably, many are not among my clan's collection. The Imperial Library possesses them, but I rarely visit Sado."
"There are certain works I'm still hoping to find an original copy of, one day."
IC: Noshima
"In the possession of the clan is an original manuscript of the Spirit of the Koshiki."
IC:
"... Speaking not as a noble but a reader, I'm envious."
IC: Noshima
"Providence demands that charity shall be given," said Noshima. "For the purpose that is inter-clan relationships, this humble one would not be averse to loaning the tome."
IC Seiryu
"Ah." He continued listening in silence.
IC: Noshima
"Does curiosity take hold of you, Lord Seiryu?"
IC Seiryu
"... Somewhat. Unfortunately, I have not possessed much time for reading recently."
IC: Noshima
"The affairs of one's clan are truly of great time consumption."
IC: (Hanako)
"I guess...I'm really glad we had this talk Jiyu. How about we go back and enjoy the party, I probably also need to check in on Yumi," I replied, shaking my head with a smile. Reconciliation, I didn't think it was possible, I thought my brother hated me. He didn't though, his anger was directed towards our mother and aunt. That hurt, just as much as the realization that Jiyu did endure such pain. There was still a party going on, and to be honest I felt famished, it would be nice to grab a drink and something to eat before reuniting with Yumi and Desde.
IC: (Lhurai)
"So," I said, taking another sip, "how's the party?"
IC: Higashi
"There haven't been a lot of unruly guests."
IC: (Lhurai)
"I know...kind of disappointing. So... have you ever seen the Roku castle?"
IC: Higashi
"Disappointing?" said the guard with a snort. "It's boring yeah, but it's good to see the Princess' party going on so well. And no, never seen it."
IC: Noshima
"The affairs of one's clan are truly of great time consumption."
IC Seiryu
Seiryu sighed deeply. "Even as one mere quarter of my clan's leadership, I already feel swamped in all of the duties of administration. I can only imagine the responsibilities that you bear, Toroshu Hogo, as the leader of such a renowned clan."
IC: Noshima
"To secure the authority of providence's heirs is no mere trifle, but it is one that this humble servant of Zuto can take pride in."
IC: (Lhurai)
"It's my humble abode. Pretty cool place if you ask me," I replied, "and by the way, what disciplines do you practice?"
IC: Higashi
"Just a Soulsword."
IC:
"That would be fantastic, Noshima." Nihonei replied, eyes gleaming as she took another sip of her drink. "If you, or any of your clan, are ever nearby, we would be delighted to have you at the Eiyu chateau. You'd be welcome to see our library. Not as large or extensive as the Imperial Library, but..."
She grinned slightly. "There are a few treasures we've managed to hang onto that the Imperial one hasn't."
IC: Noshima
"Visits to the Eiyu Library have occurred during my youth."
IC:
"Oh? I may have seen you there, then. I spent much time in the Library when I was yo-" A pause, and then a quiet laugh. "Who am I kidding. I still spend much of my time there."
IC: Noshima
"This one was but the third daughter in those days."
IC:
Jiyu nodded with a soft smile as they began to double back, and return to the Chojo's party.
"Yes... However, I'm a little unsure of how long I'll stay... I have a feeling my presence here wont be welcome in the near future."
IC: (Hanako)
"Why not?" I asked, confused and tilting my head to the side as we walked back into the party, still at the edges of it though. A slight worry rose up in me. Why wouldn't my brother's presence be welcome?
IC:
"Because," He started, leaning down to whisper in his sister's ear, "I am Toroshu."
IC: (Hanako)
"Jiyu...I think you'd be a great Toroshu...but I don't...I don't know how everyone will react if you announce that you're claiming leadership, it's just Toroshu have been traditionally female, not that I agree, I think anyone could, who is capable and caring for their clan. I-I just don't want to see my brother get hurt.," I said, a worried frown crossing my lips. I would be happy, my brother and my sister I'm glad the weight of Toroshu wasn't on me, but I didn't want to watch them destroy my brother. I didn't want them to metaphorically tear him to pieces, leaving my already hurting brother, even more broken than before.
IC:
"It wasn't my intent to announce it to everyone... Just one person."
IC: (Hanako)
"Just me? Well I'm happy to have you in leadership, still I don't know how people are going to react when it goes official," I smiled, and hugged my brother again. I was happy for him, I think he'd be a great Toroshu, I just hoped my brother could be the exception to the rule.