[D8 LM] Unwelcomed

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

Sitting astride Meushi inside the gate of the Crane embassy, Monkhbaatar simply stared at the Lion samurai posted no more than a few dozen feet from him. If the Lion made any moves on the embassy he was prepared to receive them.

Ikoma Torii · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:33 am **Posts:** 58

The governor arrived and the guards stepped aside. She stood outside of the embassy.

"I am to understand the Lion now have permission to enter, but I would prefer to be invited."

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"Indeed, Ikoma-sama. Please feel free to come in," he says with a respectful bow. "Welcome to the embassy." He hops down from Meushi and offers to lead her into the building and out of the rain.

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

Matsu Kōgyoku stood behind, having already reported to the governor the factual account of events. Her commitment to truth didn't allow for any doctoring, so Torii by then had as good an understanding of the incident as if she had been there.

The magistate had also quietly made the suggestion of how the issue could be solved so that the honour of the Lion and their image could be preserved.

She therefore had no further reason to be present inside unless both the governor and the Crane would both find it sensible.

She kept the mask of composure, void where her resolve had passed through just underneath.

Ikoma Torii · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:33 am **Posts:** 58

Doji Monkhbaatar wrote:

"Indeed, Ikoma-sama. Please feel free to come in," he says with a respectful bow. "Welcome to the embassy." He hops down from Meushi and offers to lead her into the building and out of the rain.

"Thank you." The governor bows deeply.

He looks at the Matsu. "You should come, too, but do not feel the need to argue. This is more of a speak-when-asked situation." Her words are harsh, but she's not dressing down the Matsu, she's clearly more interested in ensuring the Crane can voice their issues without argument -- she intends to follow the same course of action.

OOC: She had this discussion with the Matsu beforehand, but is saying it now for the Crane's benefit.

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

Kōgyoku nodded in silence, humbly, and would follow.

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"Sure. But she already gave her opinion plenty this morning. I don't foresee anyone asking for something they have already received," Monkhbaatar says with a shrug. "Right this way, Ikoma-sama." He guidez the pair inside.

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

Inside the main greeting room of the Embassy Daidoji Tetsuko sat awaiting the first Lion guests in... well, the first Lion guests. She had prepared assorted fine teas in the best Crane tea sets they had available. A table was set off to one side with the signed testimony of several ranking samurai plus her own.

She was dressed in a white kimono with pale blue Crane mons. The closest thing to mourning attire that could be found at short notice. At their approach she had slowed her breathing and calmed her heart.

"Greetings Ikoma-sama, Matsu-sama. Welcome to the Crane Embassy." She rose and bowed respectfully. "And thank you for showing our guests in Doji-san." The presence of the Doji gave her more support than she had expected.

Ikoma Torii · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:33 am **Posts:** 58

The governor bowed lower than Tetsuko had.

"Thank you for having us. You had many reasons not to."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

"Perhaps Ikoma-sama, but we are where we are. The wheel turns. Please be seated." She raised her eyebrows and gestured to the assorted tea pots. "My family are merchant patrons, whereas I am but a humble bushi. Apparently I take after my grandfather. I did know which tea you preferred so I have prepared many flavors from my collection."

Whatever the flavour preference there was a tea to suit it. The room itself was decorated with delightful art that was tasteful but slightly understated. It was almost as if the designers had wanted to imply that they could have done better but did not want you to feel bad about it.

"Thank you for coming so quickly. I realise that there are plenty of other matters that demand your attention and am grateful that you chose to make the journey."

Ikoma Torii · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:33 am **Posts:** 58

She sits. "There are many pressing concerns, it is true, but this does demand attention. I had a relationship Kakita Airi as the governor of this city, and while we were not friends, we did not share enmity, either."

She inclines her head to the Crane. "How would you like to proceed?"

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

Tetsuko released a long breath. It was best to let one's darker chi leave the body before making important decisions. So her sensei had always said. Without really thinking she also stretched out her neck. It clicked audibly.

"I am glad to hear it. I did not know Kakita Airi long, but she was a kind and dutiful soul."

She gestured to the low table.

"This is the testimony of Daidoji Tetsuko, Asako Kashiwagi, and Otomo Ryuji regarding the morning's events. I had copies made for you Ikoma-sama, approved by those concerned so that none may question their authenticity. Perhaps you would care to review them?"

Ikoma Torii · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:33 am **Posts:** 58

"Thank you."

She takes a few minutes to read everything carefully and diligently, committing it to her storyteller's memory.

"This seems to align with information that I had received."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

She sipped her tea elegantly as the Governor read the reports. When she had finished Tetsuko nodded.

"Good, I am pleased to hear it." She had written her own account as a diligent and honourable bushi would. Exactly as it had occurred.

A small shadow crossed her features.

"May I ask you about something that has been troubling me Ikoma-sama?"

Ikoma Torii · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:33 am **Posts:** 58

"You may ask me anything you wish in this meeting, without fear for asking the question. However, some questions I may be unable to answer."

She takes a sip of the tea and waits patiently. Her normally jovial demeanor and boisterous attitude are not present: waiting patiently is not normal for her, and it clearly makes her somewhat uncomfortable.

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

Monkhbaatar, for his part, simply waited so that he could escort the Lion visitors out when the meeting was finished. Quiet and calm out of the way of everyone.

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

She nodded and considered how best to phrase her question.

"This city has existed for hundreds of years. Hantei XVI destroyed it because the Phoenix opposed his decisions, or so I am told. It was then rebuilt." She sipped her tea. "In all that time, when the city was controlled by first the Phoenix and now the Lion, the Crane have always held their own Court. This now ancient tradition was never opposed."

Another sip.

"Why now?"

Ikoma Torii · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:33 am **Posts:** 58

The governor looks intently at the Crane.

"It was decided that now is not the time for clan politics, and that barring the Lion from your court -- specifically on the threat Hantei XVI poses, particularly to this city -- was a petty political stunt that no longer had its place in the city."

She sighs. "Many traditions change when circumstance asks it."

Daidoji Tetsuko · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 1:41 am **Posts:** 391

A confused look crossed her face. "Yet the Crane were not asked to set aside our tradition. Yesterday's court session overwhelmingly supported the Empress, and discussed ways of supporting the defense of this City from the Steel Chrysanthemum."

Tetsuko looked down into her cup for a few moments before returning her gaze to the Governor. There was steel there, tempered by respect, but courageous nonetheless. "Forgive me Governor, but the only petty political stunt this humble bushi can see is the one that began this morning."

Ikoma Torii · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:33 am **Posts:** 58

"If the returned ancestors infiltrated the Crane embassy and I did nothing, would you accept the excuse that I was not asked to intervene? There are times one must act in accordance with honor, regardless of whether or not they were asked.

"And, while it is great that your court discussed ways to support the defense of the city, it is a Lion city and such conversations should ultimately happen with Lion present. Unless your tiny population intends to defend the walls without our clan? Or perhaps, discussing strategies for the defense of a Lion city and the support of the future of the Empire does not need the Lion at all?

"It is, frankly, a ridiculous suggestion. If I hold court tomorrow and ban the Crane, should we discuss how to best use the Crane embassy?"

She holds up a hand to stall any argument.

"But, my point is not to argue with you, Daidoji-san. I agree with your point that the only petty political stunt was done on our part; I am simply disagreeing that holding a non-Lion court on the fate of every life in this Lion city is somehow acceptable because of tradition.

"This city has a storied past, and the Crane have kept the Lion out for some time. I thought it stupid, but I had not fought against it. Things have changed. And look what this petty stunt has bought us! A Lion inside the walls of the Crane embassy which tradition fought against."

She sighs mightily.

"We erred on this day, Daidoji-san. The Crane erred in the past, but not as large as our mistake today. The guards should not have been posted, and they should not have cut down the ambassador. The ambassador, however, could have also not disobeyed a rule simply because she thought she need not follow it.

"There is much I would prefer had not happened."

She looks at her fellow Lion. "I believe you also had something you needed to say?"

[D8 LM] Unwelcomed

Who is online