[D14, LA, Open] The Betting Hall

[Kuni Shiori]

"I trust that you're far more mobile than me when it comes to duties around the Empire. While I'm not sure if I would find myself in the Capital so easily, even with the Crab developments there, that's something that I wouldn't shirk from if they consider me fit for an appointment there. Still, the Empire is also a small place where coincidences can happen, I'm sure." She would get a refill of her drink and drink after her words.

[Kasuga Izumi]

Izumi nods.

"For all that most people never go more than, what, 150 li from where they are born, the Empire is not as large as many think," she says. "It may get smaller, yet, soon, depending on how some of the developments from this court play out."

[Kuni Shiori]

"I've gathered that everyone's intentions here in Winter Court is to hopefully weave themselves and their Clan into the growing fabric of the Empire. That seems like an apt analogy, I think. Much like how a fabric can find itself stretched or folded too in some ways." She would say before taking another sip. "Would you say the Kasuga have been successful this season?"

[Kasuga Izumi]

"I see Kuni-san has spent some time with Soshi Eiji this season," Izumi says. "It seems very much his kind of simile.

"But matters could be better for my people, I admit," she continues. "We do well enough; we will get by. But there will be much for us to address in the coming year, not least of which emerges from negotiations that have happened at this Court. After all, there will be much construction in Otosan Uchi, and the Capital is in the care of the Tortoise by Imperial decree."

She takes a drink, motions for refills.

"It is good, then, that so many have such interest in it. And we will, of course, benefit from improved facilities, as well, which will help your own Clan's investments in things."

[Kuni Shiori]

"Perhaps only twice..." she said before providing said refills or also summoning for them if they had run out of sake at their table It seemed like Izumi had been drinking prior to their conversation. She could only imagine that the Kasuga must have a koku allowance for alcohol higher than the Crab, which is perhaps already saying much. "But we did have a longer conversation once and I admit that I'm trying to aspire more toward weaving my own tales and poems in the future."

"I don't know if many Clans will be walking away with all of their goals fulfilled but likely that's something that won't be gloated so easily until the end of the season. It's good to hear that the Tortoise will be busy with the growing prosperity of the capital. I can only imagine your Clan have full coffers in times of peace."

[Kasuga Izumi]

"We all hope for such things," Izumi replies easily enough. "And I will look with interest for your tales being told."

[Kuni Shiori]

"Kasuga-sama's great confidence that my tales will see popularity in the Empire is at least one bright spot in the conclusion of this bet," she smiled earnestly on the point with a bow given in thanks. "Perhaps it will be the last bit of inspiration I'll need before achieving greater fame in the Empire."

"But, for now, I'm content to let such thought brew in the realm of Yume-do." She finished her cup of sake and bowed to excuse herself. "I should allow Kasuga-sama to get on with her day, and to collect any other wagers. Thank you for the company and the opportunity to game with you."

[Kasuga Izumi]

"Of course, Kuni-san," Izumi says, bowing slightly from her seat. "I'll look forward to doing so again."

[Kuni Shiori]

"The Fortunes seem to favour you today already. Have a pleasant day, Kasuga-sama," she said in parting and made her exit.

/exit, thanks!

[Fukurokujin]

(/scene, and thanks!)