[003] - VOICE

[wavesoakedlegs]

Many strange things happen in this place. I suppose, after the snow and the scorching heat, the idea of it raining in an underwater city should not be so odd.

I bought a parasol to deal with this weather, but it appears to be missing.

[A little pause.]

Lord Motochika, would you know anything about where it might be?

Comments

[ Action ]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[...and a few moments later, Mitsuhide exits the apartments wearing his cloak. He hesitates for a moment before stepping out into the rain.]

Ahh...

[the young samurai brushes several hairs out of his face and looks around.]

Lord Motochika?

action from here on out;

[behisstrength]

[Motochika holds out the parasol for Mitsuhide to take, and looks up to the 'sky'.]

This weather is refreshing, following the recent heat.

actionnnn;

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide takes it, relieved to have it in his hands. Now he can stay dry!]

Indeed. But I would still rather not get wet.

[behisstrength]

The rain has been falling without pause or break since yesterday's fire. You are bound to get wet at some point.

[He takes a few steps away from the building, onto the street, then glances back over a shoulder.]

Come for a walk with me, Mitsuhide.

[wavesoakedlegs]

Perhaps my feet and legs might get a litle wet, but with care I can keep the rest of myself dry, my Lord.

[He does not hesitate to follow, parasol held firmly above his head.]

Of course.

[Mitsuhide speeds up briefly to catch up and walk at his friend's side.]

[behisstrength]

[Motochika has no particular destination in mind, just the desire to wander in the rain. After a short while he speaks.]

It will do you no harm.

[wavesoakedlegs]

[The bottoms of his hakama are a little wet, but Mitsuhide is doing a good job of staying dry. At Motochika's comment he looks over at his friend with an almost peaceful expression... for about two seconds.]

Still, I prefer to remain dry. I do not enjoy wet clothing.

[behisstrength]

Then you must be quick.

[Motochika leans in and plucks the parasol from Mitsuhide's hand, then retreats with fast steps.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

Ah! My Lord!

[Mitsuhide blinks, then follows after quickly.]

Must you...?

[He makea a grab for his parasol.]

[behisstrength]

[Close, but not quite there, Mitsuhide. Motochika keeps the parasol just out of reach.]

You can do better!

[wavesoakedlegs]

[A little frustrated sound.]

Please give it back, Lord Motochika.

[Mitsuhide steps in a little closer and lunges for the parasol again.]

[behisstrength]

[Almost -- but Motochika pulls it back the second there is a ghost of contact, and jumps backwards.]

I will, my friend.

[His smile is amused.]

Eventually.

[He twirls the parasol and inclines his chin.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide is getting a little too wet for his liking now. Without a parasol, that wet will soon be 'soaked.']

'Eventually' will leave me soaked to the bone.

[He thinks for a moment. Really, is there any other chioce? The slightest smile possible crosses his expression.]

So I must take drastic action.

[And he lunges again... this time, not at the parasol. He's aiming to tackle Motochika to ground in order to prevent him from sliding away. He probably didn't think about the fact that there are puddles everywhere, AND the fact that his friend is soaked himself, but what you can do?]

[behisstrength]

[It's unexpected, and therefore effective. He lands on his back with a thud and mild splash, the breath knocked out of him. Once he recovers from the impact, he laughs.]

Bold. I'm impressed.

[He lets his grip on the parasol go lax. Victor's spoils, and all.]

[wavesoakedlegs]

[Mitsuhide does't feel like much of a victor. He takes the parasol from Motochika's hand and sits up a little, looking to the side at the puddle of water the end of his ponytail is sitting in.]

I am not certain there is a reason to be impressed. I did not think that through.

[Because, yes, he is now soaked himself. The moment they'd hit the ground enough water had been thrown up to ensure such was the case.]

In getting it back I lost all purpose for it...

[He closes his eyes for a moment and sighs, but laughs softly, briefly, afterwards.]

[behisstrength]

[Oh, Mitsuhide, you are as prim as they come. But at least there is some laughter; Motochika is glad.]

Isn't there? You were always going to be soaked through, by the end. This way you took it firmly into your own hands.