02 - Court for Nayoko's Fate

The Court did not begin as expected, to be honest. Firstly, four of the banners had been returned to the walls. Imagine my surprise when I saw the Mantis colours hung directly to the Imperial Princess's left, the Crane next to them. The Unicorn and the Crab had also been returned. Seeing the Mantis mon in a place of such importance made me feel... pride. It is shameful to boast, but that was because of me. How could I not be proud when I got our minor clan a place of honour and prestige? Childish, perhaps, but I will take this as a victory towards my goals. I know should be worried; in taking this place of importance, I have likely angered many of the representatives from the other Clans, especially those of the Great Clans. The chances of a target being on my back are high, and I will have to do my best to not step on the wrong toes. It's really no different from the way I have to conduct myself in my daily life as a trademaster.
 
A new Champion had been named. The Amethyst Champion, the first one of its kind. It seems it was a reward from the Imperial Princess to the Utaku woman who risked herself to save the Imperial Princess, body and soul. While I admit to being envious she was given such honour and address in Court, I also admit that I am... relieved. A new title, one that has never been held before, holds a different type of responsibility that is well beyond my aims. I wish to be a mere captain, not a Champion of Rokugan, and one who has to define what her "new breed of samurai" will do. She will have a challenging road ahead of her. I'll be sure to keep an ear out for her future deeds.
 
The only other detail of importance to note before the expected topic of the Court was the Akodo general getting chewed out for storming the Great Hall yesterday. I thought for sure I would see his blood spilt before long. Thankfully, that did not happen.
 
Nayoko-san's presence was deemed more important. I remember her being calm, but the look in her eyes. There was something frantic in it. Not that I blamed her, her very life was to be debated. It was nerve inducing to get up and speak in front of all those people, especially in a place I don't belong. In front of Imperials, in front of the Great Clans... The one the Imperial Princess called the Champion of Air, apparently a Kakita engaged to an Imperial cousin, spoke first and made some very valid points. I strongly disagree with his proposal to place all four Imperial siblings in the same room together, not with their father's killer still at large and assassins attempting to take even one of the siblings' lives, but everything else, I can agree with. It felt, however, that my words fell flat of his conviction. I should not be surprised, my voice means so little. But the new Amethyst Champion seconded my thoughts, made my voice louder and heard. I had not been expecting it, but I was grateful to find an ally in such a place.
 
Three others spoke. A Crab, a Dragon, and a Phoenix. It was Otomo-Kakita who engaged them most, and valid points were made by all. But the Phoenix man. There was something about him that filled me with unease. He suggested releasing Nayoko-san to the Phoenix, to absolve her of her sins and... correct her. I don't believe I would have felt right doing that at all. I offered Nayoko-san a place amongst the Mantis, with me if nothing else. I haven't anything to offer but me, but... it would be better than going with that creepy man, right?
 
The Imperial Princess was both difficult and easy to read throughout the proceedings. It seemed as though her decision had already been made, but her resolve waivered with some of the points exchanged. I do not understand why she would present the decision to the Court if she already had an outcome in mind, unless she was attempting to read people's intentions and get their opinions? And Nayoko-san... it was difficult to tell what she was thinking while she watched all of it. How pathetic we all must have seemed, squabbling as we were. It is important to defend a person's life, especially the life of someone so courageous, but even I could see there was more than that happening. I worry about the state of the Empire if things continue as they are.
 
However disgraceful our display might have been, the Imperial Princess delivered her verdict regardless. A series of contests were to be had, and they would act as Nayoko-san's trials. A trial of Combat, a trial of Culture, and a trial of Spirituality. To be made a Champion of the South. It is a favourable outcome. For the time being, Nayoko-san is saved.
 
I went to visit Nayoko-san in her cell at the first available moment. I am curious about her, I will admit, but I wanted to talk with her. To hear her thoughts, to learn about her. Perhaps to see if my intuition about her was correct. She is a funny, playful girl, I must say. I enjoyed speaking with her. And the new Amethyst Champion joined us, perhaps out of some sense of obligation to Nayoko-san. Utaku Hanae-san. A closer look at her, and I can see the gaijin influence of her blood. It is as obvious as my curls that she looks nothing like the "proper" Rokugani, but I could see it more clearly. She and Nayoko-san share a similar eye colour. Nayoko-san's eyes are more piercing, I believe. Not cold, but sharp, like that of a wolf or hawk, alluring and holding the power to draw one in. Hanae-san's eyes, however, seemed warm, like a clear summer's sky. Both were breathtaking, especially in the sea of brown that surrounds us.
 
Our visit with Nayoko-san felt short. But there was a promise to have sake together when she is finally free. I find myself looking forward to that. Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, but Nayoko-san might be... more than an ally. She might be, dare I say it, a friend. That would be a first for me since I made port six years ago. But it isn't only Nayoko-san, but Hanae-san, too. I had not expected to make... friends at the Winter Court. Only to do my job as Kiyoko-sama's trademaster.