Inquisition (Day 6, Late AM, CLOSED)

[Rixy]

The mutter this time was of understanding and the Speaker permitted it to go on as she stroked her cudgel, a thoughtful expression upon her face. After a good five minutes, she held her hand up again for silence.

"Lord Uminushi, of House Yoritomo...what would your people do in a matter such as this one?"

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"I have consulted with my spiritual advisor regarding the matter" he answers levelly, features betraying nothing, "And he told me that such a man would be taken to the House Asako's Inquisitors and his fate determined there by their members, for they are the ones knowledgable in such matters."

[Rixy]

Slowly, the woman nodded.

"It is my judgement that this man is no demon. It is likewise my judgement that it was ignorance, not malice, which drove him, making him a fool but not an enemy. It has long been the way of the brahmin to better the lot of the foolish through teaching, not punishment, for all of life is sacred and to end a life without betterment sets a soul back upon the wheel, both that of the ignorant man as well as that of those so cruel as to so sentence him. Even should it be decreed he must die, it is only right to allow a man to settle his affairs. Were I to pass judgement, I would return him to his own people to do with as they must, simply forbidding his use of power until such time as he has been taught properly how to use it in these lands."

Her gaze moved to rest upon the men beside the vacant throne.

"It does not, however, fall to me, for this is a matter of highest importance. You who are the voice of our Maharaja, what say you?"

[Volsung]

The old man with a long beard stepped forward. "Who would accept him as a student? Who would he accept as a teacher? But for these questions, I concur with this wise judgment. The man must be taught what it is to Know the Words. Then he shall know the error of his ways. If others were to join him in this, the Maharaja would look kindly upon it and may reconsider his stance upon Rokugani magic."

[Rixy]

The Speaker inclined her head then turned to Junpei and Uminushi. "I am certain that one of the Speakers of Saraswati would be delighted by the chance to teach a worthy pupil...some of them have grown desperate enough for students that they have turned to the training of beasts to occupy their days. Would one who serves the goddess of knowledge and art suit, Sons of Rokugan?"

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"I am sure Isawa-san would welcome the insight," he replies pleasantly.

[Isawa Junpei]

Junpei was about to be sick. He said nothing but in his mind he couldn't help feeling that Uminushi had just condemned his soul to Jigoku. Given the opportunity, he might have cleanse his shame either through death or renewed service to his family, clan, and the kami. Now, however, he was resigned to learn barbarian sorcery. The captain might as well have made him start practicing maho for all the purity this magic had.

[elonweis]

No, friend! the little kami calls, unable to hide its happiness that Junpei would live It is life! Maybe... maybe understanding will help you set what happened right!

The air kami turns in upon itself, giving the Isawa what passed for a hopeful look.

[Isawa Junpei]

Junpei would do whatever his superior had told him to, and so he was willing to take the spirit's advice, at least for now. Perhaps something useful might come out of the endeavor. At the very least he might have something else to tell the Inquisitors when he got back home. No doubt they'd find first-hand knowledge about gaijin magic a great asset in their pursuits to destroy it in the empire.

Offering a small nod of agreement to the captain's words he otherwise remained silent. Honestly, he still longed for death, but if his life could still have purpose he would not be quick to leave it. There were lessons still to be learned.

[Rixy]

The woman upon the throne, at last, smiled. "Then let it be so. Tomorrow in the hour following dawn, one shall come to your Embassy to begin this instruction. Go forth in peace, Sons of Rokugan, and may the shining light of truth follow you always."

[Isawa Junpei]

Junpei bowed, pressing his head to the floor before rising in a gracious manner. His face was still solemn, and in his heart he still mourned. It was likely that he would never truly live down these events so long as he lived however much time that may be. Waiting for the captain's lead, he would follow the Mantis' lead.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

The Mantis bows to the dais respectfully and turns to leave, gesturing for Junpei to move on ahead of him.

[Isawa Junpei]

Junpei did so without a word.

/exit