Chapter 29: Court at Night

The evening leads to new intruiges

As the day progressed the courtiers gathered in the great hall once again, their attendants kneeling just outside. In the center of the room was a raised dais, this could only mean the Emperor was going to be present so tension built in the air.

If the courtiers were nervous they did not show it. They laughed and talked gently, though few would engage the Rensho delegation, Shino and Tsubaki stood off to the side, quietly talking with one another. Both of the courtiers of the Rensho were dressed in blue today, the rich bright blue of the ocean on a summer day. Tsubaki's robes were plain with small patterns of Rensho heraldry patterned along the sleeves. Shino however was dressed in long billowing material, with many cords of silk and ribbons of white patterned and tied in with dozens of sea-shell netsuke fasteners worked into her outfit.

This changed when Miyuki strode proudly across the floor, the sounds of her flowing green and gold kimono squeaking softly as she walked with practiced grace, the long flowing garment trimmed to look like golden flower petals falling across a field of jade. Her long dark hair bound by three green ribbons which matched her eyes. Her painted lips curved into a soft smile, her expression a warm smile. “Rensho Tsubaki-sama” she bowed deeply then turned to the lady “Akime Shino-san” she bowed again softly “it is a pleasure to see you this evening, its a shame we were not able to speak earlier today.” She held a folded fan in her small hands, just looking over both courtiers. In turn the assembly behind them began to whisper anew, their eyes locked on the conversation, with only a few of them close enough to make out what was being said.<reword>

“Why are the Taeshimo speaking with the traitors?” was spoken a bit too loudly by Chisato, the young girl from the Fugata clan quickly spreading a fan over her face as several eyes turned upon her.

Shino glanced towards her but continued with a gentle tone “A pity indeed, but everyone was so busy this morning,” her complexion darker than the northern woman's with dark brown eyes and brown hair.

Tsubaki continued “Indeed, you had many wishing to speak to you this morning. It was difficult to approach you.”

Miyuki just laughed “No no, that would be Kaiten-sama, he is always talking on some boring matter of state or another. I just listen to things honestly.” She spoke in practiced words glancing over to Kaiten as he spoke to the Tagarii delegation. She returned her gaze to Tsubaki and smiled “So how was the weather traveling here?”

Tsubaki was about to reply when his expression went blank and he sank to his knees, Shino followed suit, as did the entire delegation. Miyuki turned around and saw the reason for their actions as walking into the room, flanked by twelve samurai in full armor, was Emperor Hyumachi himself. Behind him was his son and heir Fujirou, a man of only sixteen<17> years and he was dwarfed by the warrior escort. Upon seeing the Imperial procession Miyuki froze a moment in shock only to slowly sink to her knees as well.

Emperor Hyumachi was a man in his late thirties, his features were rounded and soft. He looked over the assembly and smiled, his vassals were dressed in finery and every winter court looked more beautiful than the fields of flowers that spring would bring. He held up a hand “Please rise my guests, you are welcome in my home. My chefs have prepared a wonderful dinner for us tonight and I would love to hear of your lands.” He sat down carefully upon the dais his, son behind him and twelve samurai in armor kneeling behind him, their faces hidden by elaborate masks built into their helmets.

The courtiers gathered, carefully walking upon their knees and bowing low when they had to walk, none daring to stand taller than the kneeling Emperor. Each delegation sat together save for the Rensho and Taeshimo, which had woven together with Miyuki and Shino. The courtiers were served tea, rice, sashimi, soup, pickled and steamed vegetables, and edible flowers<add more>. Each tray was given carefully, each of the arrangements of food was like a work of art.

The evening was calm and peaceful, the Emperor leading the discussion and asking each delegation in turn about their experiences on the roadside. Everyone glossed over the attacks, emphasizing the bravery of their samurai and the glory they brought in their sacrifices to the clan. Still eyes did move towards the Rensho occasionally at the mention of the attacks, and the Emperor did take notice.

In the end the feast was taken away, and a performance of song and dance was given by a troop of dancers. They were holding a play about the legendary Emperor Gomachi and the age of demons.

<MORE this needs more detail, there is a tremendous chance to show off actors and pageantry here>

They told of the fall of the great empire of Hanto the west, the mighty lands which held untold knowledge, and legendary wealth with unconquerable armies. The land grew decadent, and though the imperial throne changed hands several times through violent war, the last dynasty was a time of great prosperity. In this prosperity people grew lax and sorcerers began to study ancient forbidden arts.

The result of some of these studies were the summoning of demons, these creatures tore across the empire, decimating cities and summoning more of their own. The dead rose from their graves and slaughtered the living, keeping only a few survivors to live and work as slaves for the sorcerer overlords.

The tale told of Emperor Gomachi and his brave general Tsugarii who drove back the demonic forces when they attempted to make a foothold upon Wa. It told of the bravery of Rensho, a daimyo who used his naval fleet and samurai to sink and burn many of the demonic ships as they tried to land. The victory they held after the battle was costly, and though many great samurai fell, the Empire of Wa was able to keep itself whole.

Then the tale took note of a sorcerer known only as Yigomo, his true name having been stricken from the imperial records. They told of the sorcerer's plot to destroy the Imperial line while he was off fighting off the invasion. It told of the defense of the Emperor's family that when his commander had died a member of the Emperor's guard named Taeshimo held the line against Yigomo's foul machinations. It told of the war that followed purging the sorcerers influence upon Wa and the promise of eternal vigilance against the forces of the dark.

Though most sat quietly during this drawn out play, Fujirou and his suitors chatted quietly about the different points of the play. The ladies teased and complimented their host's son. Each vied for his attention, and in turn each were given attention in turn. Cups of rice wine were taken, and a few who partook in excess began to slump or comment loudly during the performance. They were ignored as eyes watched the actors and the Emperor's heir, curious of his attentions and who would gain his favor.

As the night drew to a close each of the ladies in turn bowed to the heir and the Emperor, then retired for the evening with their retinues behind them.