[Day 8, Early Morning] Late Arrivals

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

Through the rain races a figure in crimson, making a clear path to the gates while clearly waving a bundle of parchment - traveling papers, no doubt - as he approaches.

"Accursed rain!" he growls. "Whyever did I think I could do without an umbrella? Ah, it's still early enough for snow, and I wouldn't mind walking through that. Oh, do open the gates! I'm the magistrate Soshi Tameaki, and I have official business in the city!"

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki spent the early morning at the forge. Though not as good as she needed for her purposes. Her path would put near the Soshi once he got through.

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"Oh, a fire! Just what I needed," says Tameaki as he bursts into the forge. "I've nearly forgotten what it feels like to be dry..."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Yojimbo puts his hand on his sword for a second until recognizing that the Scorpion is not a threat. Tamaki who is still cleaning up and was not expecting someone to pop-in, hurridly straightens herself.

She bows. "Hello, Soshi-sama. I am Asako Tamaki and this is Yojimbo." She indicates her... well, her yojimbo. "Did you need the master of the forge?" She gives Yojimbo a head nod to go get him if needed.

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"I need warmth so I can dry off," Tameaki says hurriedly. "I've been traveling in that rain for days now without much in the way of rest, and I'm like as not to catch my death if I stay out in it a moment longer."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

"I see. I am sure he would be happy to have you here." What is he going to do? Kick a samurai out? "Is there anything I can help you with Soshi-sama?"

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"Soshi Tameaki, magistrate," he says, finally catching his breath. "No, I'm fine - I'm just on my way to the castle to help with the current crisis. I had to journey here in a hurry, so I didn't have time to make preparations or gather necessary supplies."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki nods. "Do you have word from the front?"

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"I'm not from the front," he says, shaking his head, "I'm recently out of Toshi Aitate. Bayushi-ue has decided that the Scorpion would offer the services of a legal consultant to the forces opposing the Steel Chrysanthemum."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

"Oh? Interesting. I am glad Bayushi-sama has such wisdom." Tamaki assumes a legal consultant is here to crush any support for the false Hantei. She very much likes this idea. "We need one such as yourself. There some at the Crane Embassy who argued that the Hantei XVI could still be Emperor or that we should make him regent over the actual Emperor."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"What folly!" exclaims Tameaki. "Would they make us little better than the warring gaijin tribes, granting authority by right of conquest instead of by the will the Divine Order that has guided us for centuries? I'll not stand for that!"

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki likes this Soshi. "Thankfully, most of us who had actually seen the army argued them down. But those are the arguments being made."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"Not for long they won't be," Tameaki growls. "Even without any action from myself, I imagine the Lion are already taking actions against such sedition. They will not bow to a madman, of that I'm sure."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

"Well, it was the Crane Embassy." Tamaki gives the implication that of course that is where such talk is going to come from. "But yes. I have worked with Lion before. I am sure that they, like your Clan, respect loyalty."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"Bah! Crane embassy," Tameaki says, "but a Lion city. Only a fool would attempt to beard the Lion in their den. The only thing that would accomplish would be to reduce the number of Crane in the city...and if they all support such treason, then that would be far from a bad thing."

The magistrate turns - his right side is dry, so now it's time to work on his left.

"I must admit that I'm surprised to hear that you've worked with the Lion, though," he continues. "I wouldn't have thought their militaristic nature would sit well with one of your family, who have been tireless champions of peace."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

"I was part of the delegation to Winter Court at Kyuden Agasha." Tamaki responds with just a hint of pride. "While I was not part of the of the direct diplomacy with the Lion, I got strong sense of them from my Clanmates and a deeper respect for the Clan. And of course, I did meet with some outside of the negotiations."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"Ah, of course," says Tameaki, nodding. "That would be the perfect setting for interaction with them while remaining a step or two removed from their more martial aspect. Still, meetings between Phoenix and Lion, set in the lands of the Dragon - those must have been interesting days...given the proximity of the Tonbo."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

"They were. The Tonbo were not such a concern. Between Kyuden Asako and what the traitor did," she would not name Shiori, "we expected relations with the Lion to be poor. But with Isawa Komadori's brilliant diplomacy, and the Matsu daimyo's wiliness engage in true diplomacy," said with implication there were those who should have been willing to engage but did not, "we were able to come out on friendly terms by the end."

Soshi Tameaki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:36 pm **Posts:** 234

"Impressive," Tameaki says approvingly. "Even if you played but a small part in those arrangements, as you claim, you should be commended for your role in achieving what many would otherwise believe impossible."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

"Thank you, Soshi-sama. Your words honor me. Though it was truly a small part. Though I have come to understand why your Clan has remained allies with them for so long. Let us hope such alliances will bring the Empire together again to fight the threat that has appeared before us,"

[Day 8, Early Morning] Late Arrivals

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