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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Nov 12, 2014 1:15:51 GMT
Finding the inn that Rokuro told her about was no trouble once she asked for directions. Why her brother refused to do this was beyond her imagination. None of the other Ise-Zumi she met were anywhere near as stubborn as he was, must be the Badger blood they got from their mother. The inn was a very nice place, a little fancy for her tastes maybe, but very nice. She actually thought of asking Te to stay outside since he didn't clean up after the tournament and was still wearing that stupid hooded cloak. That would be rude though and if she were to learn how to be a diplomat she should start with her family. Maybe she could convince him to stay in the common room at least, she wouldn't need him to act as yojimbo while meeting with a distinguished ambassador such as Rokuro. Leaving the disgruntled monk in the main room, Mizuki was led to a room at the back of the building. A little surprised at the elegance shown before her made her wonder if she was brought to the wrong room. This was quickly dispelled when Rokuro rose to his feet in greeting. " I'm sorry I'm late Yoritomo-san. My brother got turned around twice on the way here. I hope I have not kept you waiting long." tsuruchi kasumi
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Nov 12, 2014 8:43:05 GMT
"Absolutely not, Miromoto-san," Rokuro said, "it made me able to organise my thoughts. Please, have a seat." He poured her a cup of sake, while a servant brought in some Onigiri as appetizers. "What do you think of the tournament so far," he asked the Dragon lady.
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Nov 14, 2014 3:05:59 GMT
"I find it fascinating. I've never been out of our mountains and yet, on my first trip I get to meet so many people from different clans." She takes a small sip of her sake. It's a very nice blend, but a little stronger than she was used to since she didn't drink it often. She would have to be careful, she didn't want to embarrass herself.
"Kasumi did an excellent job today, you must be proud."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Nov 14, 2014 7:36:10 GMT
"I am," he said, "but I'm not so sure about the unarmed combat part. That I think is where your brother will shine. While I've never seen the famous Togashi ise-zumi in action, I've heard stories. But if you have never been out of the mountains, a city like Ryoko Owari has to leave a big impression as well."
He could still remember his first time in this city, how big and overwhelming it looked after spending most of his time before in the Mantis and Crab lands. It was bigger than some Mantis isles.
Kurimuzon Te
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Nov 16, 2014 22:53:30 GMT
"It is very impressive. I never knew so many people could live in one place together. And such a variety of people as well." She pauses to eat some more of her food before turning her head slightly and muttering under her breath. "Somehow though Rokuro-sama, I don't think you asked me here to talk about the city."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Nov 17, 2014 7:55:44 GMT
"That is true," Rokuro said as the servants brought in the food, "but let's first eat and then discuss business." During the meal he kept some light talk, asking about the Dragon lands and telling about the Mantis isles. "Now," he said when they had finished the meal and were sipping a cup of sake, "you were right when you said that I had reasons to invite you, even though one doesn't really need a reason to ask such a beautiful lady for dinner. But I do have one, namely winter court. We of the Mantis clan have never been given the honour of holding a winter court and this is something we would like to change. But in order to do so, we need some support amongst the other clans in order to convince the imperial bureaucracy. And it is that support that I would like to discuss with you. I'm sure we will be able to get to an agreement." Kurimuzon Te
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Nov 19, 2014 0:18:26 GMT
Ah, now she saw the point to the dinner. "You would like the Dragon to support your petition? If I may ask Rokuro-sama, would you be making the petition yourself or would you have someone else make it?" Looking around at the remains of the excellent meal she noticed just one thing that was missing.
"Such a fine place you have brought me to, I don't suppose they serve pie?"
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Nov 19, 2014 7:36:10 GMT
"I will ask," he said. He talked to one of the servants and soon there was a piece of plum pie in front of both. "As to your other question, it will be the ambassador at the imperial court who will make the formal request," he said, "as is the traditional way such things are done."
He took a bite from the pie. "This is good," he remarked, "I didn't even know they had it. Thank you Miromoto-san for giving me the opportunity to learn something new about a place I've visited multiple times. Now, tell me, what favour do you wish in return for supporting this petition?"
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Post by Kurimuzon Te on Nov 20, 2014 3:38:34 GMT
The pie really was quite good. "One should always look to learn something new every day. It's how we continue to grow." She thought for quite awhile what would be best for the clan. "This is not something that I can answer right away. I hope you understand, I must do what is best for my whole clan. Not just what is best for me or even my family. Do you mind if I give you your answer tomorrow?"
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Nov 20, 2014 7:55:14 GMT
"Not at all, Miromoto-san," Rokuro replied, "I will be here for the entire tournament, so just sent me a letter, come to the Mantis house here or ask me during the tournament."
As it was her first trip and as she looked very young, Rokuro could understand why she wanted to talk to other diplomats, or think things over. And since he had the time, he opted not to pressure her, as that would be counter productive. Better wait a couple of days and get a good agreement than force the issue and have the opt out. At least he knew that the Dragon clan wasn't in a position to organise the winter court themselves, due to their food shortages. Luckily the Mantis, depending heavily on the sea and tropical fruits, were spared most of those problems. By next summer they would probably eat mostly fish and dried mango, but eating only fish was still better than not eating at all.
And with the trouble in the Crane provinces, they would be in a more difficult position to claim that right for themselves, as it was a shame they needed imperial legions to collect the taxes. Rokuro suspected that the Crane would also support the Mantis claim and then try to get the winter court a couple of times in a row the following years. He was fine with that, as it would mean he would probably be able to go next year.
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