Injudicious Wanderings

[Takeda Katsumi]

"Your journey has been long, Goto-dono," Takeda replied evenly, no trace of the hostility found in her gaze lingering in her voice. "Only the most revered of Ritakyusai* would not find such a trial tedious. It is only fitting that you, like the pilgrim, should find sanctuary in the many beds granted to you along your journey."

The last woman Takeda had said something similar to had burst into a furious blush, and the Killer reflected that it was a shame that she would be deprived of seeing if this Ancillae had picked up on the veiled insult in her words. Which, was something of a flaw in the test that she intended, though she was certain that the Goto would make her feelings known sooner or later.

"And it is nothing pressing, Mister Taft, I have merely found my purpose in Sacramento, and wished to share it with you. You did tell me some nights ago that you might be wandering these streets, did you not?"

*

A BODHISATTVA

[Izayoi Goto]

An appology heads, and her head bows, not as low as Taft's, a subtle insult that only the Takeda(?) will understand.

"Is there only one city you know of that claimes the moniker 'of lights'?" she questions his assumption. "There is a city much closer, and which shares that moniker within these United States." a hint, and a generous one at that, why would she just give another shadow the answer?

Izayoi wants to laugh at this one, Sakki still pouring from her like the unending fall of water. As unsubtle as a rockslide.

"Yes, our journeys are long and unending, with places of respite found few and far between. I am sure, speaking as one who has traveled along these same paths Takeda-san, might you be able to describe these futons to me, for I have missed these many places of respite that it seems are familiar to you." Izayoi returns pleasantly, a soft smile upon her lips.

[Lawrence Taft]

"Ah. If memory serves, then, it would have to be Las Vegas. Though I'm fond of it's other nickname." he trades, with a wicked smile. Naturally, he'd have her infer the answer to that one. Surely it wouldn't take her long.

The banter between the two eastern women draws his fascination. In his 'old world' view, he'd imagined them to greet one another more cordially, but a shared background doesn't seem to guarantee friendliness. He pauses to 'consider' Goto for a moment.

  1 success to contest Obfuscate cuz dice are fun

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2018-03-31 07:24:50		Lawrence Taft rolls 6 to Wits + Composure (10 Again)		1, 3, 10, 5, 3, 1, 7		1 success

Then, Taft rests the intensity of his gaze on Takeda. His own version of her 'purpose' has been etched into his mind. Would hers match it? Perhaps not entirely. Present company, however, precludes discussion on the matter.

"I had, indeed." he answers finally.

"What of your purpose, Madam Goto? Do you already have something in mind? I imagine the Prince will be eager to learn of it. She seems rather... 'hands-on'."

[Takeda Katsumi]

As Taft's eyes focus upon the form of the Killer, the strength of his mind casts aside the occluding fog that the Haunt had wrapped around her Katana, the sword now clearly held in her belt before his eyes.

If Takeda had been born in the States, she would have smiled at the adept retort from Goto, but as it was she merely nodded once and said, "Perhaps my tastes are simply not as refined as Goto-dono's when it comes to the hospitality that is offered."

If she was so inclined, she could assume that this was a concession. If not, then she could assume that it was a warning. Either way, Takeda was looking forward to hearing her response, particularly in light of Taft's question. The Spider was, as always, keen to hone in on the most intriguing strands of the web.

[Izayoi Goto]

"Ah," a breath, a sound expelled through lips simulating life, but the sound itself? Revelation? Disappointment? Both? Neither - simply a sound to prelude a sentence? "Many are found of its most known moniker, but there's more to the city, underneath the lights, and the...sin."

To Taft's keen eyes he unravels Takeda's katana from its shadowy sanctuary, but for Izayoi's daisho...her skill merits more then a curious glance.

[Izayoi Goto]

"Ah," a breath, a sound expelled through lips simulating life, but the sound itself? Revelation? Disappointment? Both? Neither - simply a sound to prelude a sentence? "Many are found of its most known moniker, but there's more to the city, underneath the lights, and the...sin."

To Taft's keen eyes he unravels Takeda's katana from its shadowy sanctuary, but for Izayoi's daisho...her skill merits more then a curious glance.

A retort, a deflection? One who's wish and purpose focuses into an ever present scything edge of Sakki, this could never be a withdrawal, and so, Izayoi won't entertain the thought if acting as it is. "Ah, but I am always an ever humble servant, and you Child of Takeda," if she is, in fact one, "Are surly used to the finest of things,"

"My purpose?" Turning once more upon the Spider, "Is to present myself to Her Majesty, and offer myself as a devout servant." said with a well practiced smile and a perfectly polite bow.

[Yumyumcrow]

ST NOTE: A Court thread is now open if you'd like to move the action there.

[Lawrence Taft]

"Lights and sin. I've spent a good number of years studying the latter. The former doesn't do well with my... complexion." he says with a grin. "But perhaps you could share some of your experiences of the city with me? Quid pro quo, of course."

The Spider doesn't react to the presence of Takeda's blade. Hardly a shock. Though he can appreciate her caution. It is, after all, good to be prepared.

Goto, however... her blade is a revelation. Another to carve a swath through destiny, perhaps? And how better than at his own behest?

But the edges the two women wield against each other are of wit. Amusing, yes, but counter-productive. They could hash things out at the Nox, if they really wanted to. He might even watch.

Taft returns the bow with a tipping of his own head. "Her Highness will likely be pleased. We should move quickly. The club isn't far from here." Taft begins leading them in that direction, but pauses mid step. "Oh, and you should check that weapon of yours when you enter."

I'm good with transitioning to Court if you guys are!

[Takeda Katsumi]

"Perhaps at one time," the Takeda replied, the light exchange of barbs and parries fading away as the past began to surface.

"Perhaps at one time, but I'm afraid the truth of my Blood has given me a new perspective."

The aura of murder once more fell upon Goto, though it was merely the shadow of the curse, the Killer's eyes looking contemplative as she studied the Shadow. Did Goto know of what she spoke? Did she know, or had she merely seen it, merely witnessed and thought that this was the same as understanding. For some reason, despite the refined beauty, despite the clever and artful words, there was something about this stranger that spoke of suffering. Yes, perhaps there was something there, in those far away eyes...

"Yes, the night wears on. Best we hurry to make the gathering," she said after a moment, escorting the two shadows to the center of Sacramento's Danse...

To court!

[Izayoi Goto]

"Nor mine, but dosen't that just spur the attraction?" Izayoi the innuendo expected from such words are absent. She dips her head, "But of course."

Expecting a witty barb dosen't make one appear, though she is surprised when one fails to fly. Her pointed words invoked a reaction, one that she is unsure of. Anger us expected, as is a deflection, but this desolate voice edging along the lines of despair...Izayoi didn't know whether to hope, or to fear.

"The truth of your Blood?" she inquires, not expecting an answer as the night grew on and Elysia was a very short walk away.

An acquiescent bow, "Please, lead on."

Yes! To Court!