Kyuden Bayushi, First Day of the Boar

It had been many years since Ide Tang had last been to a Winter Court at Kyuden Bayushi, and as he stood alone in one of the room's semi-private alcoves he studied it carefully. There was a selection of beautiful art objects on display, each of them somehow subtly ominous; a selection of Scorpion courtiers, all of whom appeared to be affable and gracious; and a selection of out-of-clan guests, all of whom pretended to believe the Scorpion courtiers. The place hadn't changed much, Tang reflected.

"Good morning, Tang-san. I hope you found your quarters all in order?"

Tang spent a heartbeat getting his urge to jump under control and then bowed very deeply to the man who had just come up on his right. "They are excellent in every way, Bayushi-sama. I thank you for your kindness towards myself and my clan."

Bayushi Paneki, Champion of the Scorpion, smiled behind his thin fabric mask. "It is the joy of every host to see that his guests are comfortable," he said warmly. "I notice that you were admiring the art. I have a few free moments; would you like me to point out some of the more notable pieces?"

"That would be wonderful, Bayushi-sama," Tang said. This was horrible, he thought. Winter Court was still in its frenzied opening stage; if Paneki was making time to talk to him now then there was something afoot.

The two men strolled the perimeter of the room, pausing occasionally when Paneki had something to say about a particular piece. Finally they came to a large multi-part screen painted with a battle scene. "I think the composition of this one is too busy, for all that the individual figures are well-done," Paneki said. "But the subject makes it a sentimental favorite of mine."

Tang studied it for a moment and realized that it showed a Unicorn army winning a battle against the forces of the Steel Chrysanthemum. There were no Scorpions shown in it and that, Tang knew, was as it should be. "As you say, the figures are quite impressive. Well worth a few minutes of study, if you would not mind stopping."

"Not at all," Paneki said in a normal tone. Then, more softly, he said, "I am told that Ide Eien gave Togashi Kanaye a spoon of gaijin manufacture this summer."

"Yes," Tang said. He did not understand the Dragon Clan much: they did the best they could to wall themselves off from the world and yet remained perpetually fascinated by it.

"I need it to be stolen and delivered to a contact whose name you will be given later," Paneki said.

Tang blinked, then raised a hand towards a group of figures in the corner of the piece. "But Kanaye is in...." he paused as he tried to remember.

"Kyuden Otomo," Paneki said.

"But why?" Tang said, realizing the question was a mistake even as he said it.

"I do not expect you to know t he responsibilities the first Emperor gave Bayushi," Paneki said. "I do expect you to obey."

"Of course," Tang said.

"I regret that I must leave you now," Paneki said in his normal tone. "I have enjoyed our talk."

"As have I," Tang replied. He bowed to Paneki and then watched the other man depart.

Kyuden Ikoma, Seventh day of the Boar

Yasuki Jinn-Kuen strolled into the main room and looked around for his quarry. He had wrangled his way into this court in particular so that he could work on driving a wedge between the Lion and the Crane. It had not been so long ago that the two clans were bitter enemies, and convincing the Lion that the Crane would take advantage of the Lion war on the Unicorn to extend their borders had not seemed that impossible. They had, after all, done it before.

But when he arrived at Kyuden Ikoma he had made the unpleasant discovery that Domotai had sent Daidoji Kikaze as her representative to the Lion. It thoroughly vexed him--he couldn't convince the Lion that Domotai was going to attack them first thing in the spring when she had given them her chief warlord for the winter. He saw Doji Nagori's hand in this--Domotai herself was too inexperienced to have thought up such a bold stroke. And bold though he was he had erred in it, Jinn-Kuen thought, because Kikaze was a dishonorable dog and he was going to make sure that the Lion remembered it. He spotted Kikaze attempting to have a conversation with Matsu Aoiko and her new husband, Yoshike. Jinn-Kuen fixed a mild expression on his face and went over.

"Good morning, Aoiko-san, Yoshike-san. Good morning, Kikaze-san." The three of them returned his greeting, with Kikaze showing a notable lack of enthusiasm for it. Jinn-Kuen turned to Aoiko. "I offer you my best wishes for many strong daughters. I am sure they will being honor and glory to their mother's name." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kikaze twitch slightly.

"Thank you, Yasuki-sama," Aoiko said quietly. Her eyes flicked from Jinn-Kuen to Kikaze, sizing up the distance between them. "My parents arranged an excellent husband for me."

"Indeed, Yoshike-san is known as an honorable man, one whose words are the same as his deeds. I am sure your mother has only good things to say about him." Kikaze, he noticed, was now glowering slightly. Yoshike was looking concerned, not flattered. Jinn-Kuen hid his smile and turned directly to Kikaze. "Oh, I am so sorry, Daidoji-san," he said. "It must be painful to be reminded of your attempt to kill your mother."

"My mother died long ago," Kikaze said. "And since it is clear that you do not like me, perhaps you should spare our hosts by staying out of my presence."

"I prefer to keep you where I can see you," Jinn-Kuen said. "Or have you given up trying to stab people in the back?"

"I have switched to stabbing them in the front," Kikaze said with startling sincerity. "It seems to be more effective."

"Samurai-sans," Yoshike said firmly, "this is undignified."

"My apologies," Jinn-Kuen said promptly. He nodded slightly to Yoshike. "I was simply overcome with surprise. What does it mean that Doji Domotai would send a man such as this to the halls of the honorable Lion?"

"What does it mean," Kikaze cut in, "that even a man such as I can understand the insult Hida Kuon has given to a Champion of the Crane?" Jinn-Kuen was silent for a moment, temporarily taken aback by the Daidoji's unexpected maneuver, and in the silence Kikaze spoke again. "I do not foresee this conversation becoming more dignified, so I shall leave. " He nodded to the two Lions and left.

Jinn-Kuen watched him go and then turned to Aoiko and Yoshike. "I cannot understand why Domotai allowed him to live after he had disobeyed the Emperor's command. "

Aoiko shrugged. "It is cruel of her to make Kikaze live on in his dishonor, but she is the Crane Champion; she can be cruel to him if she wishes. In the meantime, as you say, we have him where we can watch him. That is not such a bad thing." As she spoke the heavy tones of the hour gong went through the court.

"Please excuse us, Yasuki-sama," Yoshike said. "It is time for our our morning training session. We must not be found wanting this spring." He and Aoiko exchanged fierce smiles.

"Of course," Jinn-Kuen said. Kikaze had proven to be brighter than he expected, but that was no great problem--he had all winter to torment the Daidoji. In the meantime, he had other things to do. He set off to find the Mantis delegation.

Kyuden Kumiko , Thirteenth Day of the Boar

"I believe we have arranged things to our mutual satisfaction," Yoritomo Yashinko said smiling. "Was there anything else you wished to discuss, Taru-san?"

"How much for that statue?" Kaiu Taru said, pointing. It was a two-foot tall jade carving depicting the Fortune of the Sea in his wrathful aspect, fishing-spear in hand and standing on the deck of his great kobune.

Yashinko didn't exactly frown, but her smile lost some of its brightness. "Kaiu-san, that statue is not for sale."

Taru laughed. "You are a Mantis, right? So, how much?"

Yashinko's smile had gained a distinctly frosty edge. "Kaiu-san, that statue was carved two hundred years ago by Kakita Yozei, Master Sculptor of the Kakita Artisan Academy, and presented to the Mantis Champion on the occasion of his marriage to a Kakita-trained poet.. It is not, under any circumstances, for sale."

Taru looked as if he was about to press the matter and then had second thoughts. "Suit yourself," he said with a shrug. He took the scroll the Mantis courtier handed him, made his bows, and departed.

Yashinko rolled her eyes briefly then pulled a fresh sheet of paper and prepared to brush out a report. She had scarcely begun to grind some ink when a servant scratched softly at the door. "Yes?"

"My lady, Shiba Yoma requests an audience with you," came the soft reply.

Yashinko thought this over and began putting her writing kit away. "I will see him," she said, wondering what business brought him.

Yoma was shown in and spent a few minutes discussing the fine quality of the jade statue before getting down business. "Yashinko-san," he said, "My information is that you have been making arrangements to sell food to the Crab."

"One needs food in order to fight a war," Yashinko said.

"Quite," Yoma said. "I am also aware that you are selling weapons to the Crane."

"One needs weapons to fight a war..."

"Again, agreed. And yet the Masters are concerned by this. Some might argue that the Mantis are abetting the crisis in order to profit off of it."

"I can not see how that is possible." Yashinko said. "The Crane and the Crab are both convinced as to the rightness of their cause--they hardly need us to fuel hostilities. And by selling to both we prevent any charges of favoring one side over another. "

"Your clan's dedication to even-handedness is an example for us all," Yoma said dryly. "And yet one could sell nothing to either side and be equally even-handed."

Yashinko shrugged slightly. "Shiba-san, the mainland has many resources we lack on the islands, and we can get them only in trade. To speak of money is distasteful, but we have good uses for it."

"One is sure that you act in the best interests of your clan, but my Masters implore you to consider the interests of the Empire as well. Both the Crab and the Crane fulfill vital roles in the Empire--this war threatens to distract them from this."

"They have chosen this course of action themselves," Yashinko said. "If you do not approve, perhaps you should take this issue up with them, not me."

"Perhaps you are right," Yoma said.

Kyuden Asako, Eighteenth Day of the Boar

Asako Toshi leaned over the scroll, studying the plans on it intently. "It seems like a simple enough structure," he said.

"The Shi-Tien Yen-Wang do not require elaborate trappings in their worship," Moto Akikazu said. "Death is as natural as the falling of rain, and a temple to the Judges of the Dead should reflect that."

Toshi nodded. "Wisely spoken, Akikazu-san," he said. He started to roll up the scroll. "The Lords of Death are perhaps the strangest gods I have heard of, but there can be no denying they serve the Celestial Heavens in their own way. I am very pleased that you were able to come here and add to our knowledge of them."

"The journey was long, but not difficult. The Dragon Clan exerted itself mightily on my behalf, by allowing me to travel across their lands."

"A mighty exertion!" Toshi laughed slightly. "Why, they would have had to check your papers at least twice." He sighed and stored away the scroll. "They are a people of great wisdom--who seem compelled to do nothing with it. How many problems in the Empire could they solve, if Satsu would but act?"

Akikazu frowned slightly. "Toshi-sama, I know you mean neither harm nor dishonor, but my clan is not impressed with Dragon actions. Their interference in our previous war with the Lion was not welcome, and we do not want them involved in the present one."

"Of course, to plant an army in between the Lion and Unicorn would be a grave error," Toshi said. "Among samurai, there are some conflicts that can only be settled on the battlefield. But there are other ways of becoming involved which can limit the harm done by such things. And I am would like to speak to you about such a way right now." Akikazu hesitated, then nodded. The Asako daimyo had treated him with honor since his arrival; listening with an open mind was not too great a favor to ask in return.

"My clan wishes to send healers to your lands, to assist in tending to the wounded. Their role would strictly be confined to off the battlefield, and they would not interfere with your war in any way."

"That is a very generous offer," Akikazu said thoughtfully. "A good lord is not afraid to spend the lives of his followers, but Shinjo-kami taught our ancestors that a good lord is not afraid to preserve them, either. I do not have the authority to accept, but I shall send a message to the Khan. I am sure it will meet with his approval."

Kitsu Ineko accepted a cup of tea and nodded. "Thank you, Chieh-san, I have. It is good to spend time visiting the friends I made when I studied in the Phoenix lands."

"Winter is a beautiful season, but the cold and dark can wear at the spirits. I have found intelligent companions the best medicine."

Ineko smiled. "I hope that I do not offend when I say I think you had more that simple companionship in mind when you invited me here."

Chieh smiled wryly. "Perceptive as ever, Ineko-san. I had hoped that we could briefly discuss the war between your clan and the Unicorn."

"I do not see what there is to discuss. The Khan's attempt to seize the Throne by force was outrageous, and Yoshino-sama has sworn to see him punished for it."

"The Elemental Council does not wish to dissuade the Lion from their campaign," Chieh said. She smiled briefly. "Or rather, they recognize that this is impossible. Instead we wish to lessen the damage done by this conflict. We would like to send you more healers, to aid you in preserving the lives of the wounded."

"The skill of the Phoenix is well-known," Ineko said. She drank her tea while she thought. "It is noble of you to offer this, but I must refuse."

"Ineko-san, I would never question your judgement but I wish to be certain that you have all the facts in hand before you make you decision. Our healers would in no way seek to affect the outcome of the battle, and would wait for the order to go and treat the wounded. There would be no slight to Lion honor, no suggestion that you feared death."

Ineko shook her head. "You do not understand. When the Lion take to the field of war, our samurai go as brothers and sisters, united in their faith in their clan and each other. The presence of your healers could damage that by fostering envy--those units with Phoenix shugenja are sure to suffer fewer deaths than those without. Better for us to have none than to destroy our unity."

"I see," Chieh said. "No Phoenix would deny that there are things worth dying for. I will inform the Masters of your answer."

"When you do, please thank them for their generosity," Ineko said. "I, and my clan, disapprove of some of their recent actions, but I know that in this they only wish the best for the Empire."

"I will certainly do so," Chieh said.

Kyuden Otomo, Twenty-eighth Day of the Boar

"So, Yoshino's campaign against the Unicorn is going well," Doji Domotai said.

Akodo Setai nodded. "As well as can be expected,," he clarified. "While the Unicorn took great losses at Toshi Ranbo they still have able generals, and their samurai fight with great determination. A pity their champion does not deserve them."

"This is a matter of honor between Yoshino and Moto Chagatai," Domotai said, "so I will not offer my clan's aid. But you have by best wishes for success."

"Thank you, Domotai-sama." Setai picked up the sake cup in front of him and drank it. "Excellent," he said as he put down the cup.

"It is Cherry Blossom Snow--very rare."

Setai gave her a puzzled look. "I had heard that the brewery at Sakura no Yuki Mura had a very large production."

"In normal years, yes," Domotai said. "I believe that the war will disrupt matters."

Setai considered this while Domotai signaled a servant to pour them fresh cups. There was nothing unusual in her statement, but her eyes had taken on a courtier's blandness as she spoke. "Regarding the war with the Crab--my Champion is curious as to how it is going. One hears that Crab are gaining ground in the southern provinces."

"It is the usual pattern in our wars, as the Lion know. We lose territory in the opening stages, and then the invaders feel the weight of our political and economic efforts. " Domotai paused to drink her own sake. "The Lion has been most helpful to us in that regard. I am grateful."

"It is a pleasure," Setai said. "While the Crab's duty is important, it does not give them license to spit on the memory of an honorable man."

"No," Domotai said softly. "And I intend to teach them that."