D12 LM - Have you had rice? (Open)

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

She blinked and looked at the Moshi quietly for a moment. Well, it might not have anything to do with the fact that she was that famous or anyone worthy of mention. A ronin saw things others did not, after all.

"I can send a runner occasionally to the Valley of the Centipede if you wish, though post is a touch expensive in that regard, so ... I would not expect it often. But are you sure that you want my perspective?" Well, admittedly it was a lot easier to phrase things carefully in letters. You had time to do it then. "I will try to keep some of my bitterness out of reports, admittedly. Don't let the smiles fool you, sama. I just keep my opinions on the empire's status to myself most days."

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

Yuko nods. "That is wise, there are always those willing to take offense."

"I can offer you a letter saying you are traveling on my behalf, it will not be worth much but might help with the more officious sort of bureaucrat. And some paper, I have quite a bit."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

She blinked again and coughed once. Well, if she went through the Phoenix lands to visit the Dragon that might help things smooth over... It was a thought. "that would be a very gracious gift. It shouldn't be hard to send reports your way from time to time with just a little parchment you know. Phoenix lands are ... usually peaceful."

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

"It is a little thing and it helps in my aims as well as yours, Mari-san," says Yuko.

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"Ahah. And now, what might those aims be, Moshi-sama?" she replied with a clever little grin. "I take it this is more the chance to know what is going on in the empire at large through other eyes, just in case people have missed something from their perspective? You will forgive a ronin her bitterness? I wouldn't suggest sharing all of my thoughts with others."

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

"To understand the Empire, one must see more of it," says Yuko. "I have much catching up to do and must rely upon other observers."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"It does speed up the process considerably, yes. I can't fault the logic. Perhaps you will find a few interesting eyes before you leave. Are you an ambassador of your clan proper then? Where do they intend to assign you, I wonder?"

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

"I suspect that role will be thrust upon me," she says suddenly looking a bit down cast. "I have not seen nor heard news of the rest of my delegation."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

She frowned. "So long as they avoided coming too close to the armies, they are probably fine, but delayed. The armies of Toshigoku had other concerns." But if they'd strayed too close, that was another matter entirely, something clearly the woman knew from her tone. "Well, I think that I can definitely do this... but I will send the missives to your clan holdings. It's the best choice unless you know another spot you intend to send them."

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

"Indeed and messages to the Valley will always reach me, sooner or later," smiles Yuko. "And someday, you should see it as well, Mari-san. It is, though I am biased, the most beautiful place in all of Rokugan."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

Yes. That was exactly why she had no intention of going there. It was a place of solitude and peace, and she had no business being there. But... "It does sound lovely. A picturesque valley far up in the mountains, far away from anyone." Her head turned to look over everyone. "There are few truly quiet and absolutely undespoiled places in the world any longer. Most have seen the tromp of soldiers' feet at some point."

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

"The Valey is protected by the mountains, narrow passes, brave soldiers and, most importantly, by the blessings of Amaterasu-no-Kami herself," Yuko says proudly.

"I love it dearly but for now, it is time to visit and learn more of the Empire outside my home."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"You know... you and Mirumoto Wakuso-sama would have a bit in common to speak of. She's from some remote mountains far to the north. I don't think that she's ever spent that much time among the rest of the empire. Tell me... the chaos aside, what are your impressions?" She cocked her head, a little curious.

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

"Of the Empire? Vast, rich . . . and poorly governed," she looks around to see who might of overheard, realizing what she just said.

Continuing more cautiously. "It is full of beauty and the blessing of Amaterasu-no-Kami, yet people do not seem to appreciate what they have. It is . . . troubling."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"Heh, careful who you say that last portion to. Not everyone takes well to it... but it's no less true. There is a great deal of mismanagement, and I question how well the throne is informed of the ... nuances of what is going on farther from its grasp." That was probably the kindest way she would put it. The emperor was probably guilty of much in ignorance, at least in her mind. She doubted that any emperor other than the Steel Chrysanthemum would be as wantonly, intentionally cruel as to do what she felt the previous one had done.

"Most do not know how. They know only how to want more. Desire fills them, even as they protest to the contrary."

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

"Then we, and by that I mean I, must try to get more information to the Imperial Court so it can make judgements based on better information," she sighs. "It will probably be ignored but if there is the chance that some disaster can be averted it is our duty to try and do so."

"Obviously it would be folly for a ronin to try and do so directly, but most people do not seem to view the Younger Clans as a threat and may be more willing to accept our advice."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"Near guaranteed suicide. I only spoke in court here after receiving the invitation of a senior ambassador of the Dragon to do so," she said, shaking her head. "And I would not dare in the Imperial Courts. You have to have a very specific fortune to be able to earn the ear of those courts in my position, but as you said... your family are known as spiritual guides. You might garner the ear of the Seppun at least, which could reach the Emperor eventually."

Round about, but ... well, it was their bureaucracy and they were welcome to it.

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

"We do what we can, Mari-san," sighs Yuko. "To do less would be a disservice to the blessings bestowed upon us."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

She chuckled to herself. Yes, that fit... in its own way. "I do have much to be thankful, in the end. Ah, but I should probably go to check at the walls soon, to make sure nobody is in need of medical care. It was ... nice to meet you, Moshi-sama. I will see to it that a message is sent soon after I settle in a new location."

Moshi Yuko · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:38 pm **Posts:** 108

Yuko bows. "Domo arigato, Mari-san. May Amaterasu-no-Kami light your path."

D12 LM - Have you had rice? (Open)

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