[Day 2 - EA] She (Kashiwagi's Chambers - Closed)

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

Scene theme...

Kashiwagi waited in his chambers for his guest, he had tea prepared and wore another fine kimono that Chidori had made sure he brought with him for important dignitaries. He appreciated the many layers as it kept him warm in the cold air.

The low table was clear except for a copy of Leadership.

Checking his hair one last time he prepared himself for a meeting with the Kitsu Daimyo, this was going to be very interesting.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

After a short wait, Kitsu Izumi arrives at the door to Kashiwagi's room.

"Asako-san? You wished to speak with me?"

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

Kitsu Izumi wrote:

After a short wait, Kitsu Izumi arrives at the door to Kashiwagi's room.

"Asako-san? You wished to speak with me?"

“Hai,” he bowed deeply to the woman and said, “Thank you for coming, Kitsu-sama. I hope the day finds you well given the current situation,” he said and then gestured for her to come in.

“I have a local blend steeped if it pleases you,” he said politely.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

"Thank you." Izumi seats herself at the table, placing a wrapped package on the floor next to herself. "These are trying times, but we endure as best we are able."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

Does she bring that everywhere, he considered glancing at the object. He poured tea for her and then for himself and said, “Yes, yes we do. I have complete faith in Shimizu-sama to see this through, I have consulted the stars and they warn of tough times ahead but there is a path forward.”

He waited for her to drink and added, “As I wrote, I have keen interest in coordinating our efforts to a singular goal, and I wanted you to know that the Phoenix are here to assist as best as we are able. It is my goal to foster cooperation and keep morale high.”

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

"Of course." She nods her head. "The governor is handling most of the military preparations for... I do not like to say 'siege,' but that seems to be the most accurate term. I have been attempting to stay out of his way while working to address the larger issues behind our current situation."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

"What would Kitsu-sama call it then, I am curious," he asked intrigued by this distinction.

"Larger issues? As an Inquisitor larger issues are my specialty, anyway that I could assist the Lion, or yourself."

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

"I merely do not wish to see the city fall under siege, though that seems to be what is happening," she clarifies. "The larger issues I speak of are the returned Emperor and the enduring influence of Toshigoku upon this realm."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

“Yes, that does seem the direction it is going in, I am thankful we have several skilled war veterans of many conflicts here in the city. Along with a few nameless heroes,” he mused.

“But yes you hit the nail on the proverbial head, Kitsu-sama. The situation with the Emperor and the effects of Toshigoku hit very close to home for me, and I would like to aid you in both of those endeavors.”

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi gives a hesitant look to the Phoenix. "I am planning an operation to deal with matters, Asako-san, but it will involve moving past the battle lines of the enemy, and thus must remain small in number. Two shugenja are already committed - myself and my former acolyte, Seppun Chiyo, who is capable enough to complete the process should I perish on the way."

Her lips crease into a thin line. "My primary concern is simply a matter of too many shugenja and not enough blades to protect them."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

Chiyo, he thought of the woman and the Jade office with some annoyance, and then said, “The Lion has no shortage of blades, that seems an easy problem to solve. I admire your commitment to keep this engagement small, you have my skill if you wish it. The Phoenix have a vested interest to see this issue rectified and having one there could go a long way to mending the wounds already dealt.”

“But I understand if you feel this is a matter you must do your way, and will not press. I offer only to serve the Empire and end a threat to the people. So in short the offer stands, and if we can assist in any way in the preparation we will do so.”

“Could I ask when you will choose to enact this venture?” Kashiwagi inquired.

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

"When preparations are complete." A pause. "The upcoming battle will decide many of the details for us. If our ancestors favor us, it will be soon."

She nods at the offer. "I shall take it under consideration, Asako-san. Thank you for the offer."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

“You have my service to your cause if you need,” he said, setting aside that subject of his aid.

“I am surprised we have not crossed paths before now, I try to make it a point to speak with skilled shugenja throughout the Empire. Considering your achievements, you have intrigued me. Would you be averse to speaking about the Mirror and your knowledge of Toshigoku?” he asked politely.

“I would think you would be the most qualified person on both subjects.”

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi's lips press together into a thin line. "I try to make it a point to avoid speaking with Asako. The duels are... unpleasant."

She takes a moment to compose herself. "My achievements are nothing to celebrate, Asako-san. I have brought only death and bloodshed to the Empire."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

“Point taken, I see beyond such things but I understand your caution,” he admitted with a sigh.

“You seem to regret the decision made, the actions taken,” he tapped the table considering what that could mean. Was she truly contrite or was this brought on by a result that harmed more than the Phoenix.

“The burden weighs on you, you have my sympathies, Kitsu-sama.”

Kitsu Izumi · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:40 pm **Posts:** 90

Izumi inclines her head in acknowledgement. "Regret is but one of my shortcomings, and certainly not the most pressing." She stands and tucks her hands into her sleeves. "If you will excuse me, Asako-san, I must return to my preparations. Thank you for your time."

Asako Kashiwagi · **Joined:** Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:56 am **Posts:** 865

He rose and walked her out.

[Day 2 - EA] She (Kashiwagi's Chambers - Closed)

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