Rare Roars, Raw Rawrs, Rear Rows [LE7]

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

Neither of these things would probably occur as the meetings the magistrate was seeking was over matters grave and serious. She announced herself to the guards of the Scorpion embassy and waited.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

The guards soon let her in, a servant leading her into a meeting room. Inside waited a woman roughly the same age as herself and only an inch shorter with Kitsu-red hair. She's dressed all in white, with the Yogo and Otomo mons on her clothing. Tea waited on the table, with two cups.

"Welcome, Matsu-san. I am Yogo Sukima. It is a pleasure to meet you," she said with a bow. "Please, have a seat. Would you like tea?"

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

Kōgyoku took in the woman who seemed to be a host of contradictions with a single look, then bowed. Usually she'd turn down any attempt by someone to treat her to anything but necessity, but that day she decided that to refuse would be both impolite and... not what she needed.

"With gratitude, Yogo-sama. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." She then straightened. "Am I right to assume you're the person to speak to when a ranking Scorpion representative is sought?"

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

she dipped her head in response and gestures to the seat across from her, pausing to pour the tea for both of them before taking her seat. "I am. What brings you to us today, Matsu-san?"

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"Primarily, the issue of the Crane convening a court and barring the Lion from attendance. We've decided to deal with it, and I am here to explain our course of action to allies. Is it acceptable, Yogo-san?" Kōgyoku was polite and set, though there was some pervasive tension in her face that kept the composure as if was stitched to her face, violently so.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"It was a troublesome breach of courtesy indeed," she replied with a nod, her manner serious. "Yes. Please, what course of action to the Lion intend to take?"

She took a sip of tea.

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"A simple one. If the Crane bar us from entering, we bar them from leaving, the lockdown effective tomorrow, unless they rescind and accept a symbolic Lion envoy into the court. Then faces are saved and we can all focus again on defending the Empire against the usurper, as honour and duty dictate." Kōgyoku explained. "Would you see your Clan having any issues with such a move?"

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

It wasn't anything bad enough to to make Sukima choke on her tea, but it did give her pause.

"So... Allow me to make sure I am understanding this situation clearly," she said after a moment's pause. "You are essentially proposing to take them prisoner in their own embassy if they don't invite a Lion to their gatherings in the future."

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"They can still host whatever guests they wish or leave the city for good, so they're not prisoners, just unable to wander the city." Kōgyoku nodded.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"Ah, so the option of house arrest or being sacrificed to the Steel Chrysanthemum, but they can receive guests," she replied, closing her eyes. She could feel a headache developing. "... Is there a chance we can attempt to convince them without the threat first and bring such things in if that becomes necessary? People tend to react more extremely when such things become involved."

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"This is true. However, they have not tarried in imposing their ban, and so shan't the Lion, having the honour of the Lion Clan at stake. They have already been informed by back channels about the Lion decision, giving them time to think on it and hopefully accommodate our demand for normalcy."

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"This is going to escalate, just so everything is completely clear," she replied seriously. "They're not just going to sit there and politely accept this and everyone saves face as you describe. In the very best case scenario, I foresee a lot of duels. In the worst case, it will end in war."

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"The honour of the Lion is not up for negotiation, Yogo-sama. If this escalates into war, against our intentions, so be it. They should have known better than to slight us." Kōgyoku said without satisfaction.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"Honor would normally demand a formal apology in situations like this," she stated simply. "But it's clear you will not moved on that matter. Did you have further business?"

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"...Only if you're willing to honour me with information about the fate of my betrothed, Bayushi Yukinaga-san." She said after a pause, bowing her head. Her voice had dropped a tone and revealed a bit of the pent-up worry beneath.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

She let out a soft breath and lowered her eyes, shaking her head. "I only know that he has not returned from where he went. As soon as I know more, I will let you know immediately."

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"I will be in your debt, Yogo-sama." Kōgyoku added. To any trained eye it would be quite apparent that the Lioness had feelings for her betrothed and cared for his survival more than she would admit before herself.

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

She nodded in understanding. "Think nothing of it." She of all people knew the feeling of worrying after a loved one.

Matsu Kōgyoku · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:36 pm **Posts:** 368

"Thank you, Yogo-sama. I'll trouble you no further tonight. I have a feeling tomorrow it is going to be a trying day for all of us."

Yogo Sukima · **Joined:** Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:18 am **Posts:** 471

"Indeed," she rose and bowed. "Carry the fortunes, Matsu-san."

Rare Roars, Raw Rawrs, Rear Rows [LE7]

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