The times they are a changin' [Day 1, LE (Crane rooms)]

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

"I am used to . . . escorting our more courtly and art focused clanmates. Our presence here was to merely remind the Lion we hadn't forgotten them more than perform any negotiations. It has actually been a pleasant winter."

He paused, considered his words and added a couple more.

"Until now."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi nodded slowly in agreement with Rin's assessment. "Hai, just so. But that pleasant time is a comfort now, as any tensions with the Lion here would make our position somewhat challenging."

He paused, whether to think or for effect was anyone's guess.

"With our treaty at the Imperial Court now in question, it may fall to regional courts like this one to produce results this winter."

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

"Then that would fall beyond my normal duties, but as you say it may fall to us."

He gazed into his teacup for just a moment before adding.

"How can we get word of this back to Kyuden Doji as quickly as possible? Without an Asahina present we are restricted to mundane methods."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi blinked. "That is so. We may have to request that the Governor send a messenger." He frowned. "That is, if the Phoenix cannot be persuaded to lend a hand."

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

"Relations have been . . . cool to a point of frozen with the Phoenix. Have you had any better luck than I in that regard, Tetsuko-san?"

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

Tetsuko had busied herself with preparing a new pot with a darker, more complex tea. She considered the question carefully before responding.

"In so far as yojimbo often find that our shared experiences transcend the political difficulties between clans... I have found the Shiba here to be pleasant company. Of course, it is not the Shiba who would need convincing."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

"Then our hands are tied; it is to the Lion we must turn. There is a Matsu...Mogami was her name...who was quite helpful today. Of course, a request for a message to be sent would require an introduction to the Governor."

He tapped a finger on the table.

"We may not wish to write off the Phoenix entirely, however. The possibility for a thaw in relations arises, now that a new enemy sits between the Phoenix and the rest of the Empire. If the past two years are any indication, they will be wanting to crawl under the Lion's sheltering paw, and may think more highly of us if we are seen to be standing next to the Lion as allies, rather than rivals."

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

"We will see. The Phoenix leadership is . . . well it's unknown at present. Those here have been rather circumspect about who is delivering their orders now."

Another sip of tea to cover thoughts in motion.

"Perhaps Doji-dono's approach to the Scorpion, Lion and Crab would work best. Once we know who is leading the Isawa we can match a marriage to them."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi nodded. "Hai, that seems best. It was a good strategy before, and its wisdom is even clearer now. Aligning the two power blocs to resist this usurpation is an ideal role for us."

He folds his hands on the table. "I like this marriage idea as well. I would volunteer myself, of course, but at the moment my martial situation is rather...uncertain."

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

The tea's aroma began to spread and she finished her previous cup. A small frown crossed her face. "I was expecting to meet a potential match at the Emperor's Winter Court. Yet I found myself here instead and none the wiser as to why." She smiled gently. "I suppose that means I am available if required."

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

"I have no marriage contract either. Both my parents have passed to Meido and my eldest sister is too busy sorting things for my other older siblings. I would think only my younger brother would have to wait longer than I will. He's still at the Academy."

His eyes were half closed now, experiencing the aroma of the tea as he sat casually.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi nodded politely at each cousin, leaning forward slightly to inhale the scent from the tea.

"Daidoji-san, that smells exquisite."

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

She smiled and began to prepare for the first tasting. "It pleases me to hear you say so Doji-sama. My family has a long tradition of importing rare and sought after blends from across the Empire. I do not like to be without a good supply."

Once it was ready she produced fresh cups. First a cup was poured for Koushi, then Rin, and finally for herself.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi turned the cup after the pour and then raised it to his lips, savoring first the aroma, and then the flavors.

"Splendid." A smile. "My own experiences with tea have been rather conservative, so I am looking forward to learning more of these blends as we work together. This one is rather to my liking."

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

Rin raised an eyebrow at the 'conservative' comment.

"Then you are in for some pleasant surprises, Doji-sama. Tetsuko-san never ceases to amaze on the tea blend front."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi let his eyes linger on Rin for a moment.

"And I imagine it will be all the more pleasant for the company that I hope to share. Fine tea is best shared with fine companions, after all."

He nodded his head first in Rin's direction, then in Tetsuko's.

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

"You will find Kakita-San a most delightful conversation partner Doji-sama. This has been a most pleasant court so far. For your future reference this is Heavenly Jasmine. I have sufficient supply for several more pots if it is to your liking." She sipped the tea and looked from the Doji to the Kakita and back.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

"Heavenly Jasmine. Hmm. I shall have to remember that for when I return to Kyuden Doji." Assuming we do, of course. A chill settled on Koushi's shoulders for a moment, and he could see in his mind's eye the carnage of the palace hallways.

A breath later and it was over, the glaze lifted from his eyes as he took another sip of the Heavenly Jasmine.

"Winter's bitterness:
The bite of frigid ice, snow.
Warmth of friends: strong tea."

Kakita Rin · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:58 pm **Posts:** 55

Rin smiled pleasantly at Tetsuko's comment and then listened to the haiku before nodding.

"Graciously put, cousin."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi smiled and bowed his head in thanks at the praise, pausing to savor another sip afterwards.

"So, Kakita-san, do you pursue arts beyond that of the sword?"

The times they are a changin' [Day 1, LE (Crane rooms)]

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