Maxim and the Bearly-Missed Hug

Gathering / Conference

At a point where he was free of the other trappings of the tournament festival, Maxim was approached by a small oni boy with a letter. The messenger, one Kita Narikatsu, was none too pleased at having his time interrupted for such an errand, and even went so far as to stick his tongue out at Maxim as he left. Unruffled, the knight commander opened up his letter, and found a message written in his native tongue.

From Tanahase Muramatsu, the missive acknowledged Maxim as the new ruler and patron of Shima Province. Further, it invited him to Ago Manor at his earliest convenience to meet in person and discuss future plans. Not currently having any other engagements, Maxim called upon Shigeaki Fujino to deliver him directly.   Arriving shortly thereafter in Ago Manor’s entry chamber, Maxim was greeted by Tsunawara Mishiko, bodyguard and chief retainer of Muramatsu. Although a fine samurai, Mishiko was not terribly graceful, and seemed unsure of how to deal with Maxim; a completely unknown foreigner who had suddenly become her superior. After a bit of bumbling on both sides, she led him further into the building and to her master’s office.   Tanahase Muramatsu sat behind a distinguished wooden desk in a room that seemed equal parts tea chamber and western office. Traditional Japanese finery and Tanahase clan banners warred for space with foreign curios and conveniences. Also present was a bear. Not a Yōkai with human features and bear ears or a rug laid out on the ground, but what appeared to be a bipedal bear wearing intricate blue clothing of exotic cut. Its muzzle turned up in what must have been a smile at Maxim’s entry.   Muramatsu politely welcomed his guest, and made introductions. In addition to himself, he had also invited Harukor, the bear, who was a fishmonger of great respect in Ago. An influential figure in the town, he had some questions to ask of Maxim, but that could wait until after their official meeting.   After a brief discussion Maxim and Muramatsu discovered that they had much the same idea in mind for the future of Shima: expansion. While the province had much potential, it was sadly underdeveloped, with only a single major town and a port to speak of. The young Tanahase daimyō had wanted to further develop the land for some time, and now that a powerful individual like Maxim was his patron, he had the chance. With some slight guidance from Muramatsu, Maxim agreed that their next goal should be a castle; somewhere for the knight commander’s forces to reside, as well as a symbol of The Wolfpack’s power. With that done, Muramatsu stepped out of the discussion, though he remained at his desk, and allowed Harukor to speak.   The bear made his own introductions, and greeted Maxim with a warmth and familiarity at odds with Mishiko’s blundering uncertainty and Muramatsu’s bland professionalism. He was a keeper of Ainu traditions, Harukor explained, and was particularly interested in the Kamui, ancient gods of his people. Upon hearing rumors that Maxim had met with a few of them, he wasted no time in arranging a place for himself in this meeting.   On some hunch or instinct, Maxim checked Hokkuken, but it showed no reaction in its sheathe as it had when exposed to Paseguru Kamui before. Maxim affirmed that he had met some Kamui, including Hokku Kamui, Kenas-unarpe Kamui, and Paseguru Kamui, although as a foreigner much of the significance was lost on him. This was enough to delight Harukor, however, and Maxim spent a few minutes more going over the details of his encounters.   As a fisherman, and “one who has food” by namesake, Harukor had a particular interest in Repun Kamui: god of orcas and the bountiful sea. Maxim hadn’t met any such deity yet, but promised to inform the bear should he ever have chance to do so. In return, Harukor offered his own skills and not-insignificant influence in the town whenever Maxim might have need of it. With a clasped shoulder, and not quite a hug, the two parted ways with what might be the seeds of a new friendship.