Past and Present [D3, LE, open, expecting)

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"I believe I am the oldest to be wed here at the Miai. I would image the Empire sent people around your age as well, so you would be correct in your assessment. As I said, 5 years..."

[Matsu Kogo]

"I believe I am the oldest to be wed here at the Miai. I would image the Empire sent people around your age as well, so you would be correct in your assessment. As I said, 5 years..."

She looked thoughtfully. "When you say you used crystal, what do you mean?"

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"Crystal is a material I do not fully understand, but you see many Unicorn here wear it or have it on them as decoration. Some of our most powerful warriors might even have weapons made of the substance. It is an almost clear white stone? I am not certain."

[Matsu Kogo]

"Crystal is a material I do not fully understand, but you see many Unicorn here wear it or have it on them as decoration. Some of our most powerful warriors might even have weapons made of the substance. It is an almost clear white stone? I am not certain."

Kogo blinks, slightly confused. "But how does it help you? It sounds sharp and interesting but why not just use steel?"

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"Crystal seems to be more effective against the Shadow. It is a strange thing, but trust me, Matsu-san, you never want to face such am evil. so hopefully you will not ever have a need for Crystal. It is like Jade against other things. Which reminds me...."

She looks to the two present.

"I am in need of Jade. As are the Unicorn clan as a whole. Have you any idea where we might get any?"

[Matsu Kogo]

"Crystal seems to be more effective against the Shadow. It is a strange thing, but trust me, Matsu-san, you never want to face such am evil. so hopefully you will not ever have a need for Crystal. It is like Jade against other things. Which reminds me...."

She looks to the two present.

"I am in need of Jade. As are the Unicorn clan as a whole. Have you any idea where we might get any?"

Kogo's face becomes very serious. "There is evil that is not often spoken of in these lands, but known all the same. I hope also I will not have a need for crystal, but I wonder what it is that causes you to seek out Jade."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"I have been told it is the only way to ensure a soul stays pure when fighting Oni, and that Jade is the only way to harm such demons, aside from mystical weapons."

Chi-Pu answers directly and bluntly.

"As a leader and trainer to the Battle Maidens, I must make sure we are prepared for any threat we would face
"

[Matsu Kogo]

"I have been told it is the only way to ensure a soul stays pure when fighting Oni, and that Jade is the only way to harm such demons, aside from mystical weapons."

Chi-Pu answers directly and bluntly.

"As a leader and trainer to the Battle Maidens, I must make sure we are prepared for any threat we would face
"

Kogo nods her understanding but is still curious. "But it is often not a Rokugani custom to discuss these things so openly. Had you not brought it up, I suspect I would not have either, without direct questions. Even to mention the name in some areas in frowned upon." She pauses. "Otaku-san, I will be happy to discuss Jade and its properties with you. But please know, if you ever require a piece, that I have some in my possession, if you wish to see an example of what it looks like. Some merchants attempt to pass green rocks off and I would not wish your Clan to be swindled."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"There are so many things that seem to be taboo here, especially when it comes to the open sharing of information. I will keep what you have said in mind, but the Unicorn as a whole do not particularly enjoy double speak. We prefer directness. Thank you for the warning. "

"I thank you for the offer, Matsu-san. I do not think there are any merchants here at this Miai though. I am trying to find a source for a long term solution. Do you know perhaps if any of the lands the Lion gifted back to us have any deposits or mines?

[Matsu Kogo]

"There are so many things that seem to be taboo here, especially when it comes to the open sharing of information. I will keep what you have said in mind, but the Unicorn as a whole do not particularly enjoy double speak. We prefer directness. Thank you for the warning. "

"I thank you for the offer, Matsu-san. I do not think there are any merchants here at this Miai though. I am trying to find a source for a long term solution. Do you know perhaps if any of the lands the Lion gifted back to us have any deposits or mines?

Kogo shakes her head. " I am unsure. We could ask some of our historians. I know there is a Kitsu here who might have some of that knowledge." She pauses. "I understand Otaku-san. I do not enjoy it either. But it is not only doublespeak that keeps Rokugani from discussing difficulties such as one you face. Sometimes, it is considered a way of inviting trouble, by speaking the name of such a place or the beings who come from it. And without Jade magistrates or other skilled individuals here to provide evidence and assistance, I suspect some, like myself, are merely being cautious in their choice of words."

She pauses. "Has anything occurred, Otaku-san? You spoke nothing of this two days ago and you seem....more concerned than is warranted for a threat that is in the future."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"I am not allowed to tell you, due to the orders of my superiors. Yes, something has happened though."

Chi-Pu is bluntly honest when she is questioned.

[Matsu Kogo]

"I am not allowed to tell you, due to the orders of my superiors. Yes, something has happened though."

Chi-Pu is bluntly honest when she is questioned.

Kogo ponders for a moment. "I understand and I would not seek to circumvent your honor." She pauses again and roots in the small bag she carries with her. She pulls a finger of jade from it. "I carry it with me always. One can never be too careful. Others in the camp may have more. If it were ever something you needed, I would gladly provide mine to you and fight against whatever is concerning you Otaku-san. It would be part of my duty to this land and my Emperor."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

Chi-Pu bows to the Lion.

"Thank you for not asking further. Honesty is a virtue I hold above all but Compassion. I would have been compelled to tell you. You not asking shows you understand Duty well."

Chi-Pu observes the Jade closely.

"I have been told there are some fabled weapons that are made entirely out of the substance, others grind it and use an oil to coat a blade. Others still use them as arrow heads."

She places a finger on the corner of her lips and taps.

"I wonder if one could make horseshoes from it."

[Matsu Kogo]

Chi-Pu bows to the Lion.

"Thank you for not asking further. Honesty is a virtue I hold above all but Compassion. I would have been compelled to tell you. You not asking shows you understand Duty well."

Chi-Pu observes the Jade closely.

"I have been told there are some fabled weapons that are made entirely out of the substance, others grind it and use an oil to coat a blade. Others still use them as arrow heads."

She places a finger on the corner of her lips and taps.

"I wonder if one could make horseshoes from it."

Kogo returns the bow. "I value Honesty as well Otaku-san. But battlefields are a place where sometimes, Honesty must make way for other tactics. A tactician would not give his plans to the enemy, just for honesty's sake."

Kogo ponders. "It is a valid question. I am unsure if it could hold up to the wear and tear of the horses hooves and the dirt. An arrow head or a sword would be covered at times to keep it from becoming ground down. But perhaps the oil would be effective at times."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"I see. That makes things complicated. Thank you for your council. Now, we were discussing the story of the Emerald Champion?"

Chi-Pu looks up at the shrine and then back to her companions.