Honor's Veil, Part I

Honor's Veil, Part I is a fiction written by Nancy Sauer. 

Annotated Story


Kyuden Ikoma, winter 1170, Daidoji Kikaze contemplates his sending here. Yasuki Jinn-Kuen, the self proclaimed Yasuki Daimyo, gave him trouble at every opportunity. Unfortunately the woman sitting infront of him now sharing tea had made sure none of the troube became too much. Ikoma Yasuko asks if Kikaze wants some more tea and pours it when he accepts. He doesn't know if she is here as a Scorpion or a Lion, but he had been trained to treat either as an enemy. The tea, Spring's Smile, was from Phoenix lands and had been served increasingly more since the reports of the Battle of Cherry Blossom Snow Village must have arrived. Yasuko says she is pleased that Kikaze could attend Winter Court here, being the first Daidoji Daimyo to ever do so. Kikaze says he was honored, but Yasuko asks him not to be so formal. Kikaze replies that it is a show of respect for her and the trouble she has gone to for him. Yasuko says it was no trouble and for a moment Kikaze contemplates the robes she is wearing, one of the many gifts he had brought when he came here. Kikaze thinks Jinn-Kuen is a dangerous man and not to be crossed. Yasuko suggests that Crab Clan Champion Hida Kuon's lack of support of courtiers in his clan means Jinn-Kuen has less resources to work with. Kikaze points out that Jinn-Kuen still has allies, but Yasuko thinks that they only follow the koku and for that they could be allies of the Crane also. Kikaze says that even though the Mantis are trading partners they have potential to be strong rivals. Yasuko is sure the Crane will prosper and promises that the Lion will act in manners accordingly.



Meanwhile, Matsu Aoiko is examining a map weighing the planning here against being a part of the coming battles with the Unicorn Clan. Ikoma Otemi knows what she is thinking, and begins contemplating the map also. Ikoma Akiyama is not so sure the course of action being planned is wise, and Otemi counters that they cannot go to war without the resources available. Akiyama suggests they couls support Otomo Hoketuhime instead, as she is gaining more and more influence. Aoiko points out that Hoketuhime has no armies, but Akiyama thinks that will not be an issue. Otemi points out that it is the most important issue. The Phoenix Clan themselves made it the issue when they proved the Throne will only go to those who are strong enough to hold it. Otemi is planning to build that strength once the campaign against Moto Chagatai is finished. Akiyama is concerned about their allies in the Crane Clan who will be unhappy with these actions, but Otemi merely tells him that he should inform the Crane they will propser under the Lion reign if they remain honorable.

TO BE FINISHED LATER --Majushi 11:23, 17 July 2008 (UTC)

Characters

 * Daidoji Kikaze
 * Ikoma Yasuko
 * Matsu Aoiko
 * Ikoma Otemi
 * Ikoma Akiyama
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Not Present, But Mentioned

 * Yasuki Jinn-Kuen
 * Kikaze's Clan Champion
 * Hida Kuon
 * Otomo Hoketuhime
 * Moto Chagatai
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