Tea in the Afternoon (D9 EA) [Mizuki's Room]

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Primarily, I am a scout." Kemuri explained. "During our travels, I was among those who would ride ahead to assess the areas we were entering and determine how safe it would be to proceed. As such, I am skilled riding, hunting, marksmanship and exploration. Beyond that, I belong to the Marta, vassals of the Shinjo. As a family, we are tasked with maintaining the history of the Unicorn through an oral tradition of storytelling."

[Yogo Mizuki]

"That could mesh well with my duty. You would also be able to see the Empire and learn the histories. I plan on going to the Crab or Phoenix lands next. But what would you want to do? Regardless of who you marry."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"We returned to defend the Empire against whatever might threaten it." he answered. "As long as I can contribute to the peace of Rokugan, I will be satisfied."

[Yogo Mizuki]

"Is there anything else you wish to know about me, my Family, my Clan, or the Empire?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I was told of a vast forest, the Shinomen. What do you know about it?"

[Yogo Mizuki]

"It borders Scorpion lands and hides mysteries we still haven't uncovered. Recently, some sort of snakemen - the Naga? - were found living there when they attacked the Empire. The Empires forces crushed them. Now a new Minor Clan, the Piranha Clan, lives in the forest to watch over the ruins and learn the secrets of the Shinomen. They also act as the primary diplomats for the Naga that betrayed their people and helped the Empire during our campaign."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"A war with snake men?" There was a soft laugh. "So many things have been happening here. No wonder we were told to come back."

[Yogo Mizuki]

Mizuki gives a chuckle. "Hai. That only happened a few years ago. Though I don't think that is the reason. If there was a specific reason, I think it has to do with the kami. I'm not a shugenja, but I come from a shugenja family. I have overheard my mother talking to my younger siblings about how it is harder to speak to the elements. And it's not only her. It seems to have affected all shugenja. Though I don't think it is has affected your shugenja. Probably because they don't speak to the kami."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I am no shugenja, either." he shrugged. "I know the Iuchi needed to learn ways to perform their duties without the kami, but not much more. This sounds like a significant issue, though. Is the cause known?"

[Yogo Mizuki]

Mizuki shrugs. "I am sure important people know somewhere. Though it is not known to people at large. But it is big enough problem that if there was any specific reason for your return, that would be it. At least, that's what I can think of."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"That could be." he nodded. "But, it seems that Rokugan has been plagued by many things in recent years. Any of them could be what we were warned of, maybe even all of them."

[Yogo Mizuki]

Mizuki shrugs. "Hai. Maybe it's because I come from a shugenja family, it seems like a bigger problem."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It certainly does." he agreed. "The Iuchi will be looking into that, I'm sure."

[Yogo Mizuki]

Mizuki takes a drink of tea and chuckles. "I think we may have gotten off topic. While all of that is more important, it is not as immediate. Is there anything you wish ask me?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He laughed. "To be honest, I'd prefer to know you over time, rather than bombarding you with questions. It is the same with Miya-sama. While I have strong feelings for her and we've grown close, there's much I do not know. I look forward to learning about my wife over time, whomever she may be."