Beach. Everyone has been working so hard lately so why not take a break and enjoy the beach? You can make sand castles, play in the water, and there are even umbrellas for those who'd rather just relax in the shade. There's a nice row of water melons ready to be smashed later in the day and when the sun goes down, that's when the sparklers come out.
Suffering. It's the hottest time of the year and the citadel doesn't have central air conditioning. The few air conditions that were installed have given up on life after being used so much and now, we really have to make do with what we can while the Konnosuke try to fix it. There's a limited number of fans, plenty of ice cream to go around, and the citadel should be built to circulate air, right? ... Right?!
Spooks. In Japan, summer is a time for horror. Gather around the camp fire and hear some spooky ghost stories or maybe head out into the woods just outside the citadel for a good ol' fashioned test of courage. It's all good, harmless fun! Of course, with so many spirits gathered in one place, what's to say a stray or curious outsider spirit won't join the mix...
Rain. Summer is also known for sudden and torrential downpours of rain. The clouds always seem to grown and darken suddenly and the next thing you know, it's raining sheets and the ground is shaking from thunder. Once it starts, it never seems to stop. Maybe you were caught out in the rain or maybe this is day 7 stuck inside.
Other! It's summer and there are tons of things to do. Go to the general store and stock up on ice cream, wake up in the middle of the night uncomfortable with heat, or run around screaming because cicadas are dying and flying at your face.
[It is true that many hands make for light work, so even Tonbokiri, diligent spear though he is, has come upon the rarity of having free time. Being invited to write poetry by the splendid Mikazuki Munechika-dono is surely a rare happening on top of a rare happening!
Smiling broadly Tonbokiri bows deep to the sword.]
It would be my honour, Mikazuki Munechika-dono. I humbly put myself in your care.
[Coming to sit down beside him he asks,] What style of poetry do you prefer?
[He's been around a very long time, after all. He's surely seen it all.]
Ah, I am an old man. I am more used to writing waka. I have read some haiku and understand the beauty of it, but I would require more practice in it.
[He probably can produce a decent enough haiku to be honest, but does he want to? Not until he's found a way to express as much as he usually does in his poetry.]
Well, waka did enjoy a resurgence of popularity in the Edo period. [It's just that... that was the time he'd become more treasure than weapon, and didn't get out much. All the same, he wanted to reassure Mikazuki-dono on that point.]
But yes, I shall try something... Will you do me the honour of following up on my verse, then? It takes at least two to properly make the links of a renku. Perhaps just a mitsumono*?
I can try my meager talent at it, if you do not mind. I will do my best.
[Which probably means you should be afraid, Tonbokiri. But as Mikazuki as found out, for some reason no one ever suspects him until their noses are put in it.]
[Especially thankful, for if Tonbokiri were to think a little further, he would realize that this form of poetry is one step away from the haiku Mikazuki 'needs practice with'. [What would there be to suspect? Mikazuki-dono is difficult to understand, but nothing to be afraid of.]
[Quick wit is supposed to be a distinctive mark of renku. Despite the subtle pressure of composing before one who is essentially a Master, Tonbokiri tries to not dwell too long on his verse. Mm. Poetry is not his strength, but hopefully he will not embarrass himself. Honda Tadakatsu was a noble and cultured man, after all!
He soon takes up the brush, dips it in the ink, and writes in his bold but tidy hand. Although it was easy for Mikazuki to watch him write, he still reads it aloud as well.]
The late summer rain Drives even the resilient To find dry shelter
[He then tries to politely curb his anticipation as he waits for the second chain.]
apologies if the form is not quite as exact as required, his dirty mind is not helping.
[Tonbokiri literally scratches his head over the verse he is given. It's not so much the slight shift in rhythm, for the words still flow beautifully. But the imagery... It's more violent than he expected?
And something is tugging on the edge of his mind. He re-reads it a few more times, trying to grasp another layer of meaning that will make for a suitably witty ending-- and then his mouth forms an 'O' shape. Looking sharply up at Mikazuki, he just as quickly looks back down, and he can feel his cheeks warming. He ... couldn't have meant that kind of meaning. Could he? But- how should he reply? He could keep the meaning more straight-forward but--
Suddenly, this just got complicated. (Why is Mikazuki so difficult to understand?)
Tonbokiri is feeling the pressure far more acutely this time, and although he spends a long time wavering in his mind, once he makes a decision he sets his mouth in a tight line and takes up the brush to write in firm motions.
He is not confident. Not by any stretch. The most he can hope for is for Mikazuki to not laugh him out of the room. Or be insulted at what might be seen as a slight, depending on what meaning he himself attributed to his own lines.]
Dew soon becomes frost Spider silk shrouds the front gate When will it open?
[It really is endlessly entertaining to Mikazuki to watch people suddenly discovering an entire side to the Tenka Goken that they had never imagined was there.
They tend to forget that him being so much older than most of them means he has also experienced a lot more by humans' side than them.
When he sees the next lines of the poem, he smiles approvingly.]
Hmmm, excellent.
[No matter what meaning Tonbokiri put behind the lines originally, the fact remains that the flow works with what Mikazuki wrote and so they can indeed take a whole other different meaning.]
Oh yes, very often. Of course, what type of imagery is used depends on the company and the recipient, but... those were often used as courting correspondence, hahahahaha!
[He was half-way expecting a round-about answer, because that is the way of the mysterious Mikazuki Munechika. But-- Please don't answer his question with a question...
Although his cheeks remain lightly flushed, Tonbokiri takes a moment to think seriously about this, since the question has been turned back onto him. His answer is straight-forward:]
I would not know what to do.
[He shifts his posture so that he is bowing slightly towards Mikazuki. His wording likewise becomes more humble,]
However, if this one may say so, I think it unlikely that this spear would be a target for that level of affection from you.
[Mikazuki picks up his tea and takes a sip of it, before he starts laughing.]
You are right, though. I was only playing with you, hahahahahahaha! But that does not make you unworthy in my eyes, not at all. In the end we are all blades. I am not better than any one of you.
[You 'never know' with Mikazuki-- that's the point! So Tonbokiri holds his breath during that sip of tea, letting it out slowly when he begins to laugh. Of course, the sword was only playing with him... (sigh). At least he can be thankful Mikazuki dispelled the idea quickly. (And maybe, upon later reflection, he'll be flattered that he is apparently worthy of affection.)]
Yes, we are all blades. However... there are different levels between us even so. [He has seen you fight. He knows you have no equal.]
Even if I were in the world another millennium, I could not not begin to approach you. All my merit is thanks to Honda Tadakatsu. You carry merit simply by being who you are.
[The words are said calmly but with assurance. Humans might have ascribed more value to him than others. It's their problem.]
My steel isn't any better than yours. And any merit I carry was simply given to me by others. Just like you, I am what people make of me. Just because some humans' fancy has made me appear more does not mean it is true.
[He knew that Mikazuki didn't like to bring much attention to himself, but he didn't know he could be so directly self-effacing.
Surely, no one could look upon the unsheathed Mikazuki Munechika and not be awed by its keen beauty. But what Mikazuki-dono is saying is true. It took humans to decide that he is valuable. Fundamentally, they are both the same steel. So, light as it was, he bows to the reprimand, respecting what he was saying.]
As you say, Mikazuki Munechika-dono. Thank you for telling me so.
[As he lifts his eyes again, they fall upon the poems they had written. A smile touches his lips lightly.]
I have learnt much today from you. If it is not an imposition, would you write a waka poem? I would like to hear that traditional form once again.
[And, it is only fair that he gets to write the form he enjoys in turn for indulging Tonbokiri's request for a mitsumono.]
He smiles in return to that raised eyebrow, trusting.]
Yes. You have just confirmed that you do not have intimate affection for me, after all, so I have every confidence that you will subsequently choose appropriate imagery.
[ (Too trusting, Tonbokiri! Too trusting-! What do you think he was doing the first time?) ]
[Waaaaaaay too trusting, Tonbokiri. But fine suit yourself. Mikazuki will put down the tea cup and pick up the brush, thinking for a moment. Then he writes assuredly in his beautiful calligraphy.]
On Miyagi plain Upon the fair bush clover Silver dewdrops Are spread like gems Where the moon takes rest.
[Tonbokiri smiles softly. Ah, that's a lovely and calm image... . . .
Tonbokiri puts a hand over his eyes. How could you betray his confidence and trust like this...?!]
Mikazuki-dono, I worry you are going to be misunderstood like this. Even though you just said... [He shakes his head and puts down his hand, straining for a smile. If this is just the way he is...] May I ask about your choices this time?
[Hey-- you said it. 'Could'. Could be read entirely innocently. Implying also the 'could not'. It's no mistake that Mikazuki-dono chose the words he did. Well, now Tonbokiri knows.]
... Very well. I had thought that you might be using the image of the moon for yourself, given your name.
But, reading it simply, it is a delicate and calm image. I have not been to Miyagi myself, but the words make it easily imagined.
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Rain (which is suffering of a different kind? XD)
Being invited to write poetry by the splendid Mikazuki Munechika-dono is surely a rare happening on top of a rare happening!
Smiling broadly Tonbokiri bows deep to the sword.]
It would be my honour, Mikazuki Munechika-dono. I humbly put myself in your care.
[Coming to sit down beside him he asks,] What style of poetry do you prefer?
[He's been around a very long time, after all. He's surely seen it all.]
your brain is about to suffer, Tonbo
[He probably can produce a decent enough haiku to be honest, but does he want to? Not until he's found a way to express as much as he usually does in his poetry.]
What about you, Tonbokiri?
;A;
However, for me, I admit I enjoyed hearing renku. The quick and clever wit that was required to string together the verses was admirable.
[Then, he was disappointed by the coarse wit and shocking vulgarity of the subsequent haikai no renga... But they are talking about what they like.]
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[And he will do the same.]
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But yes, I shall try something... Will you do me the honour of following up on my verse, then? It takes at least two to properly make the links of a renku. Perhaps just a mitsumono*?
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[Which probably means you should be afraid, Tonbokiri. But as Mikazuki as found out, for some reason no one ever suspects him until their noses are put in it.]
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[Especially thankful, for if Tonbokiri were to think a little further, he would realize that this form of poetry is one step away from the haiku Mikazuki 'needs practice with'.
[What would there be to suspect? Mikazuki-dono is difficult to understand, but nothing to be afraid of.]
[Quick wit is supposed to be a distinctive mark of renku. Despite the subtle pressure of composing before one who is essentially a Master, Tonbokiri tries to not dwell too long on his verse. Mm. Poetry is not his strength, but hopefully he will not embarrass himself. Honda Tadakatsu was a noble and cultured man, after all!
He soon takes up the brush, dips it in the ink, and writes in his bold but tidy hand.
Although it was easy for Mikazuki to watch him write, he still reads it aloud as well.]
The late summer rain
Drives even the resilient
To find dry shelter
[He then tries to politely curb his anticipation as he waits for the second chain.]
apologies if the form is not quite as exact as required, his dirty mind is not helping.
Aftewards, it takes him a minute to think as well before he picks up the brush to add to it.]
All drenched is the edge of autumn
Still shredded are the cicada-silk robes
[The rhythm might not be the most correct, but he is, at least, confident in his word choice.]
No worries! XD
It's not so much the slight shift in rhythm, for the words still flow beautifully. But the imagery... It's more violent than he expected?
And something is tugging on the edge of his mind. He re-reads it a few more times, trying to grasp another layer of meaning that will make for a suitably witty ending-- and then his mouth forms an 'O' shape.
Looking sharply up at Mikazuki, he just as quickly looks back down, and he can feel his cheeks warming.
He ... couldn't have meant that kind of meaning. Could he?
But- how should he reply? He could keep the meaning more straight-forward but--
Suddenly, this just got complicated.
(Why is Mikazuki so difficult to understand?)
Tonbokiri is feeling the pressure far more acutely this time, and although he spends a long time wavering in his mind, once he makes a decision he sets his mouth in a tight line and takes up the brush to write in firm motions.
He is not confident. Not by any stretch. The most he can hope for is for Mikazuki to not laugh him out of the room. Or be insulted at what might be seen as a slight, depending on what meaning he himself attributed to his own lines.]
Dew soon becomes frost
Spider silk shrouds the front gate
When will it open?
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They tend to forget that him being so much older than most of them means he has also experienced a lot more by humans' side than them.
When he sees the next lines of the poem, he smiles approvingly.]
Hmmm, excellent.
[No matter what meaning Tonbokiri put behind the lines originally, the fact remains that the flow works with what Mikazuki wrote and so they can indeed take a whole other different meaning.]
That was invigorating, hahahahahahaha!
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'Invigorating' though? Mikazuki-dono, please...
He smiles in thanks and bows his head.]
I am pleased that you found it enjoyable.
If I may say so, I was surprised at the imagery in your link. Do you often use such images in waka?
[Which is to say, is it you, or the waka?]
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[Sexting, Tonbokiri. It's basically Heian Jidai sexting.]
There aren't that many here who do remember how to write it, though.
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I, ah. I think it is fine for you to be keeping the tradition alive, then.
[But then that brings up something a bit-- actually very concerning...]
Were your choices in your mitsumono link likewise based upon your current company and recipient, then?
[Because by Aurji, he won't know how to take that.]
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[Now you get a smile and pointed look, Tonbokiri.]
Oya, are you perhaps wondering if I am courting you, Tonbokiri?
[If you thought he was going to dance around the subject, well... he's not.]
What would you do if I were?
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But-- Please don't answer his question with a question...
Although his cheeks remain lightly flushed, Tonbokiri takes a moment to think seriously about this, since the question has been turned back onto him.
His answer is straight-forward:]
I would not know what to do.
[He shifts his posture so that he is bowing slightly towards Mikazuki. His wording likewise becomes more humble,]
However, if this one may say so, I think it unlikely that this spear would be a target for that level of affection from you.
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[Mikazuki picks up his tea and takes a sip of it, before he starts laughing.]
You are right, though. I was only playing with you, hahahahahahaha! But that does not make you unworthy in my eyes, not at all. In the end we are all blades. I am not better than any one of you.
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So Tonbokiri holds his breath during that sip of tea, letting it out slowly when he begins to laugh. Of course, the sword was only playing with him... (sigh). At least he can be thankful Mikazuki dispelled the idea quickly. (And maybe, upon later reflection, he'll be flattered that he is apparently worthy of affection.)]
Yes, we are all blades. However... there are different levels between us even so. [He has seen you fight. He knows you have no equal.]
Even if I were in the world another millennium, I could not not begin to approach you. All my merit is thanks to Honda Tadakatsu. You carry merit simply by being who you are.
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[The words are said calmly but with assurance. Humans might have ascribed more value to him than others. It's their problem.]
My steel isn't any better than yours. And any merit I carry was simply given to me by others. Just like you, I am what people make of me. Just because some humans' fancy has made me appear more does not mean it is true.
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Surely, no one could look upon the unsheathed Mikazuki Munechika and not be awed by its keen beauty.
But what Mikazuki-dono is saying is true. It took humans to decide that he is valuable. Fundamentally, they are both the same steel.
So, light as it was, he bows to the reprimand, respecting what he was saying.]
As you say, Mikazuki Munechika-dono. Thank you for telling me so.
[As he lifts his eyes again, they fall upon the poems they had written. A smile touches his lips lightly.]
I have learnt much today from you.
If it is not an imposition, would you write a waka poem? I would like to hear that traditional form once again.
[And, it is only fair that he gets to write the form he enjoys in turn for indulging Tonbokiri's request for a mitsumono.]
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[At the request, though, he is going to raise an eyebrow.]
... Are you sure?
[You have seen the type of poetry he likes to write, after all.]
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He smiles in return to that raised eyebrow, trusting.]
Yes. You have just confirmed that you do not have intimate affection for me, after all, so I have every confidence that you will subsequently choose appropriate imagery.
[ (Too trusting, Tonbokiri! Too trusting-! What do you think he was doing the first time?) ]
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On Miyagi plain
Upon the fair bush clover
Silver dewdrops
Are spread like gems
Where the moon takes rest.
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. . .
Tonbokiri puts a hand over his eyes.
How could you betray his confidence and trust like this...?!]
Mikazuki-dono, I worry you are going to be misunderstood like this. Even though you just said... [He shakes his head and puts down his hand, straining for a smile. If this is just the way he is...] May I ask about your choices this time?
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Besides, this could be read entirely innocently. Maybe I should ask you what it was that you read into it.
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Well, now Tonbokiri knows.]
... Very well. I had thought that you might be using the image of the moon for yourself, given your name.
But, reading it simply, it is a delicate and calm image. I have not been to Miyagi myself, but the words make it easily imagined.
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