The Day of Thunder

"I think far too many people get upset over art. If I'm writing a song specifically to get a rise out of someone, then the most annoying thing they can do is to laugh it off and tell me that I got them good. Getting red in the face and storming off is the desired outcome. And if I didn't intend to m...

"They told me that my daughter was coming, which... yes, does seem like far more personal information than a ghost should normally possess. And since we both heard what they wanted us to hear, and not what they whispered to the other, that means they were... I'm not sure. It didn't feel like they we...

"Hmm, let's see... I started in Scorpion lands for a year or so, until they realized that I was actually good at singing. That was mostly small gatherings and festivals, with a stay in... some half-built castle or another for the winter. Everyone there had a vague sort of miserableness to them, but ...

With Huan beside her, the two cautiously make their way out of the graveyard, stopping at its outskirts. "The spirits seemed surprisingly informed," she agrees, her voice a low murmur. "Thank you for your protection." She takes a deep breath and releases it, pulling the blanket closer around her. "D...

"It's exhausting," Soju admits with a sigh. "I try to stay on the road to avoid the worst of it. One can only image the sort of nonsense they would have me doing if I were your age."

She shakes her head. "In any event, I am happy you take up space in your tent. I don't snore, so that's something."

Soju nodded and clasped her hands together in front of her. Closing her eyes, she quieted her heart, found the still center within herself, and began to sing a slow, sleepy song. "Something's wrong when you regret Things that haven't happened yet. But it's a glorious day when morning comes Without t...

"That would be quite preferable, thank you. Not that I don't trust my fellow Scorpion, but I don't trust my fellow Scorpion." She smirks at the younger woman. "We're quite untrustworthy, as a general rule."

"Not that I have seen." She frowns at the reminder. "Which is a shame, as I do not have a tent. With any luck, one of my fellow Scorpion will have space in their tent... and hands that stay on their side during the night."

Soju spins around, and backs up cautiously. "Huan... " Her tone was anxious, with the beginnings of fear making itself known.

"Think nothing of it. I will have to hear you play beforehand so that I can get a sense of our comparative skill levels, but after that it should be easy to get things set up." She ponders her schedule as she glances up at the darkening sky. "Maybe in two days' time? That should be enough time to sp...

"Please make the attempt, then. This is your area of expertise, after all."

Soju steps back to his side, remembers the ghosts that haunt him, and takes a good-sized step sideways, putting a more comfortable amount of distance between them.

Nanzi Ai wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 17, 2023 9:05 pm

Otomo Akutou wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 17, 2023 9:02 pm

At least y'all know who your dad is.

Everyone knows who my dad is.

*blank stare*

"Consider yourself forewarned if you ever have to meet with her." She moved quickly onto more pleasant topics. "You will have to play for me, then. I even know a few songs that would work well with shamisen accompaniment, if you wish to perform together." Soju smirked as an idea occurred to her. "We...

Soju inclines her head at the compliment. "Thank you for saying so. Your thoughts on violence mirror my own. It is always..."

Her voice trails odd as the wind picks up. "If you do not mind, it may be time for another song. It seems the spirits of this place are growing restless."

"I hope that you can do so! Are you are singer as well?: At the question, she nods. "Yes. Festivals and courts, and whatever other events Haka decides are necessary. She is a priestess, you remember correctly on that account. She is also a terrible person, and very weird, and quite possibly insane. ...

"There is a festival in this village, beginning tomorrow, I believe? I recall one of the villagers saying something about it celebrating the new year, but I did not get the details." Her expression turns thoughtful. "Was there something about honoring the god of brooms?" After a moment, she shakes h...

"I do not think I will be of much help when people draw swords and start waving them around, but I will do what I can to be useful." She smiles at him. "Are you a swordsman? I do not know much of the Bat, save that you live in the north, carry warm blankets, and consort with ghosts."

"Haka sent me here to perform for the festival. A few songs, everyone claps, says the Scorpion are better than the Crane at such performances, some dirty looks from the Crane, then off to the next festival." From her tone of voice, Soju doesn't sound overly excited about it. "I enjoy the singing, bu...

"I think it is good to be unsure and to question it. The rules handed out by the sky-gods seem very..." She paused to consider her words. "...complicated, and in many places contradictory. My teachers among the Scorpion made it very clear that honor was a tool to use against others, and that I shoul...

"He seems like the sort of person who should be chased out of one's village with a broom." She smiles at the thought. "I share your hopes. Maybe the threat will be small, like a rabid fox, and easily dealt with, and then this Shinsei can go home and leave everyone to their festival."