[D10, ME] Girls meet up! (Open!)

[Agasha Yuna]

Agasha Yuna had put the word out that there was a chance for the girls at winter court who were interested to gather down by the river and have a very relaxing casual chance to get to know each other better.

(See origami letters by scrolling down through the post at viewtopic.php?f=15&t=169#p11360.)

They could watch the river and have some light snacks. Her chef had prepared a delightful picnic of little lovely niblets that would not spoil the appetite for the Floating Banquet to come. Candies and fruits carved into beautiful floral designs.

https://ibb.co/4jXbMwb

And so, she was circulating, greeting each person as they arrived, and hoping to make some new friends and to have more of a chance to get to know the delegates she'd met so far in passing.

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori made an appearance at Yuna's gathering. While there were a few things that concerned her, she supposed that some socializing before the celebration wouldn't hurt. She had been a bit behind on getting to know a few people in the court, actually.

She bowed politely to greet her, "Good evening, Agasha-sama. Thank you for the invitation tonight. I hope you've been doing well since the last time we spoke?"

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

Sae arrives dressed warmly and clearly feeling a little awkward. These meetups weren't the Magistrate's usual choice of gathering (in fact, most gatherings weren't her choice of gathering). But there was a special place in Jigoku for samurai-ko who didn't support other samurai-ko and Sae was nothing but dutiful.

When Yuna passes by Sae introduces herself with a polite bow and a compliment for the elegant snacks.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Agasha-san, thank you for hosting. Already I've spotted several samurai I had meant to reach out to but never found the time.

I hope your time at court has involved as much good cheer as this party? I have come to know Mirumoto Jinkan-san passing well." Or really as well as most people could. "But otherwise have rarely spoken to the others of your Clan this winter."

She then pauses as at that exact moment the rogue Kuni she had been looking for had appeared and beaten her to the punch!

"Uh, and Kuni-san, good evening."

[Kuni Shiori]

Shoiri had little idea that she was in any sort of demand at the moment but she supposed with some of the strange occurrences that was happening in the background, a Kuni was exactly where they needed to be. She bowed politely to greet the Magistrate, placing her hands together afterwards. "Good evening, Daidoji-sama. This one is Kuni-ke no kashin Kuroyama Shiori, pleased to make your acquaintance."

She narrowed an eye for a moment, wondering if this was the cousin that Daidoji Ryu spoke about.

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"The pleasure is mine." Sae bows back in return. "I am Sae of the Daidoji, Lady of House Miyahara, Emerald Magistrate. I have heard your name already, with apologies, I may need to talk to you regarding my duties, but please."

She turns to Yuna.
"I am sure we would both rather hear from our host. Particularly when she has gone to the effort of preparing such wonderful food."
Which indeed the Daidoji was going through at a speed.

[Kuni Shiori]

"The pleasure is mine." Sae bows back in return. "I am Sae of the Daidoji, Lady of House Miyahara, Emerald Magistrate. I have heard your name already, with apologies, I may need to talk to you regarding my duties, but please."

She turns to Yuna.
"I am sure we would both rather hear from our host. Particularly when she has gone to the effort of preparing such wonderful food."
Which indeed the Daidoji was going through at a speed.

"Oh, of course," she said after a stilted pause as she glanced to Yuna, the delightful arrangement of refreshments, and back to Sae. "I have met your cousin a few times this winter and he spoke rather highly of you. He did inform me that he might have made mention of me but we can speak about that later, if you wish."

She nodded and followed her turn toward their honoured hostess. While it was tempting to indulge in what she offered, she wasn't going to be so bold to take the first initiative. After all, there might have been others who might have delighted at such a sight and wanted to share stories of the wagashi with their friends. Plus, they were in the company of a woman who clearly had some rank.

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna bowed and greeted Kuni-san and Daidoji-san. She was smiling brightly to see them.

"Good evening, Agasha-sama. Thank you for the invitation tonight. I hope you've been doing well since the last time we spoke?"

"I have been doing well, Kuni-san. I've been quite busy all of our trade deals are completed, and approved by the court. It is a good feeling to know our people will have all the food they need."

She smiled at Dadoji-san, as she said that. The Crane had provided the rice the Dragon needed.

I hope your time at court has involved as much good cheer as this party? I have come to know Mirumoto Jinkan-san passing well." Or really as well as most people could. "But otherwise have rarely spoken to the others of your Clan this winter."

"My greatest source of cheer is my betrothal to Shiba Ryusei-san. He is very admirable and kind and intelligent. And reverent and pious. And thoughtful and easy to talk to." A happy grin.

"I have enjoyed getting to know the other Dragon delegates also - the most active are Mirumoto Jinkan-san, who you have met, a bushi and diviner; Agasha Sanjuro-san, a shugenja and diplomat; and Mirumoto Kichinitonda - our very talented scribe and calligrapher. I think the other clans may have a more balanced slate of young men and young women representing them."

"I realized I had - by circumstance and chance - mostly interacted with young men delegates since arriving, so I thought I'd organize a meet-and-greet for the young women here."

"Please do help yourselves to the wagashi." A comment clearly intended for Kuni-san who had not yet indulged. "My uncle encouraged me to bring a dear friend of his, an artisan chef from Otosan Uchi, to support our delegation. He is another source of great cheer! And beauty. And deliciousness."

"I have been asking the ladies arriving," - she glanced at the other delegates chatting in small groups - "to share at least one pastime that brings them joy, and one anecdote about their family. Just to help seed the garden of conversation."

[Daidoji Sae]

"My greatest source of cheer is my betrothal to Shiba Ryusei-san. He is very admirable and kind and intelligent. And reverent and pious. And thoughtful and easy to talk to." A happy grin.

"Then allow me to be one of many wishing you a blessed marriage."
Sae's smile is slightly pained but honest.
"He sounds an excellent match, may you be together in good health, always."

"I have been asking the ladies arriving," - she glanced at the other delegates chatting in small groups - "to share at least one pastime that brings them joy, and one anecdote about their family. Just to help seed the garden of conversation."

"Oh, a pastime that brings joy?" Sae spends a moment selecting and eating another snack as she rapidly discards 'bringing justice to the enemies of the empire', 'guarding those who cannot guard themselves' and 'a particularly skillful sword stroke' in succession.

"...Sampling new foods, I should think. Like those this chef your uncle recommended has prepared. I travel frequently for my duties and the local cuisine is always delightful everywhere I go. As for my family, the Miyhara are quite new, I am the 3rd samurai to lead our house. Perhaps Agasha-san would be interested in our origins? Many of our samurai and heimin were refugees who had to make a new life for themselves. So it is we take our duties to protect the less fortunate quite seriously."

The older magistrate seems to have no objection to be included as a young lady. At least nobody had arrived yet who was young enough to be her daughter.

[Agasha Yuna]

"Then allow me to be one of many wishing you a blessed marriage."
Sae's smile is slightly pained but honest.
"He sounds an excellent match, may you be together in good health, always."
...
"...Sampling new foods, I should think. Like those this chef your uncle recommended has prepared. I travel frequently for my duties and the local cuisine is always delightful everywhere I go. As for my family, the Miyhara are quite new, I am the 3rd samurai to lead our house. Perhaps Agasha-san would be interested in our origins? Many of our samurai and heimin were refugees who had to make a new life for themselves. So it is we take our duties to protect the less fortunate quite seriously."

"Thank you for your well wishes. The Dragon are pleased to have been one of the first clans to have included an inter-marriage to the Crane in our trade deal. And to marry our junior magistrate to your senior yoriki to the Emerald Magistrate of South Hub village. That will surely be a blessed union, and one that will do much good in their support of the magistrate."

Her invitation had carefully included those presently wearing furisodes and those who had ever. Married and unmarried women of all ages. Still the Daidoji's slightly pained expression prevented her from inquiring if Daidoji-san was herself married. Just in case it was a topic she preferred to avoid either because she was, or because she wasn't.

"The opportunity to travel and sample new foods is surely an exciting one. Do you have a very favorite food? The most delightful thing you tried?"

"I would be glad to hear as much about your family's origin as you'd like to share. The duty to protect the less fortunate is one I admire very much."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"They are both fine samurai, doubtless their union will be too. I imagine any children will hear some interesting stories."
Sae dips her head slightly.

"A favourite food?" Her eyes light up. "I once enjoyed Ika sōmen in the far north of the Phoenix lands, sashimi made from squid and cut so fine it is like noodles. It was delicious, I've never had its like anywhere else."

The magistrate raises an eyebrow slightly but takes Yuna at her word. The history of House Miyahara appears to begin when a series of Lion incursions sent many Crane peasants fleeing across Mizu-umi no Fuko, a large lake near the border. Sae's grandfather had been a samurai who bravely defended the refugees and the Crane seeking to make a hero to try and salvage the disaster had picked him. The House was now living on the other side of Three Stone River.

"But I am sure that is enough about me. Doubtless you and Kuni-san come from Houses with longer histories?"
She looks between the two.

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna listened attentively. A warm smile at the description of the sashimi dish. And at the further detail about her house. She had genuinely wanted to hear more.

She turned her focus to Kuni-san, encouraging her guest to speak first on the topics, before she did as the hostess.

[Kuni Shiori]

When Sae took her pick of the confectionary, Shiori would have her second dibs after. She would stroll over and carefully eye the offerings before delicately picking up one and placing it on her palm. With care, she would slowly rotate it, perhaps much in the same way as one would do a tea bowl or maybe just for the purposes just to get a more analytical look at it.

She would quietly listen to Sae's interests and nodded soundly. "I have to admit that this is the furthest north I've travelled and I'm unfamiliar that such a dish even existed. Quite interesting, I will look for it if I find myself in the Phoenix lands. I'm sure there might be some variant or transplant in a southern province if we look around but maybe I'm hopeful that it won't be so far from my reach," she offered a quick smile as a slight joke.

"House Kuroyama is a House that has been around for a few generations but we have a short and eventless history. We used to find ourselves in the heart of the Kuni wilderness in the mountains of our namesake. Unfortunately, terrible logics had always plagued us when we lived in great seclusion and we were producing vital metals for the Clan. In our Champion's great wisdom, thought it was best to relocate us so that we could make better use of our talents in iron mine management." It was mostly true, they were in a rather precious location. It's not like they needed to know anything about a tragic backstory. "Some of my interests include reading and collecting perfumes, although I am not a connoisseur at either pursuits."

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna listened as Kuni-san spoke.

"Phoenix lands will be my home soon, though I'm not quite sure how far north Sandpiper Island is. But I'll look for the sashimi."

"You and I both come from mining families. The Ageki have a gold mine. Iron is important too, and there is probably much call for it in the south, for Crab armor and weapons. That must have been hard to leave one set of lands for another. My family is rather attached to our mountain and shiro. Though, in fairness, there was one incident in our history that had us displaced. Briefly."

"I like to read. Very much. History. Theology. Poetry. The Tao."

"I've not invested as much in fragrance. I'd be glad for your advice of what to look for. Something to buy in the market here that ..." That Shiba-san would like. "...that is pleasant and memorable, in the best way."

[Kuni Shiori]

"This happened admittedly before my generation but the move was difficult, although we have come to accept that it will be ultimately temporary. Our current base is unlikely to be our final home and we will likely find ourselves somewhere else. Eventually, we will return home to the Black Mountains." She nodded confidently at that, something she had been told since her youth.

"Iron is more necessary in the south, as you say, although I'm sure that it sees much use around the Empire as well. We've been rather content for decades to merely produce it and let our kin do the trade work abroad but as of late, we thought it would be best to at least make ourselves aware of the work involved starting with my generation. Both Yasuki-san and Hiruma-sama have taken the initiative to handle much of the trading process while I study on the sidelines."

Shiori smiled faintly at the topic of reading. "Most of the time, I've read to study topics of the spirit realms and a bit of history as well. As of late, I've tried to delve more into fictional and artistic realms, maybe overlapping them a bit with my previous studies. There's certainly an enjoyment found in reading for leisure, more so if it invokes emotions."

"I haven't really had time to look at the shops when it comes to perfumes but I need to consider when I find time in my schedule. Maybe there's a bit of interest when it comes to the chemistry of how they are formulated and the sort of effect that they invoke. I've always wondered why they are often tied to some subliminal memory and how we might find our appeals in them. Admittedly, I've taken more by floral and sandalwood scents."

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded. "I am sure the Black Mountains will be glad to see you return, when the time is right. Earth is patient. Earth waits and abides."

"Oh, I didn't realize you had an interest in matters of trade and commerce and economics. I've been trying to set up a meeting with your Yasuki, but schedules have been challenging. Perhaps tomorrow. I can include you too if you'd like. I have a proposal. But I'd like to get the input of those who study these arts."

"Daidoji-san, is there anyone in your delegation particularly interested in trade and economics? Are you the right point of contact?"

"That is an interesting question how books and scents evoke feeling. If you could bottle the smell of parchment and ink, I'd want to wear it. That's a smell that always makes me smile. And citrus. Yuzu. Mandarin. It's so light and bright. Heart lifting."

[Daidoji Sae]

She would quietly listen to Sae's interests and nodded soundly. "I have to admit that this is the furthest north I've travelled and I'm unfamiliar that such a dish even existed. Quite interesting, I will look for it if I find myself in the Phoenix lands. I'm sure there might be some variant or transplant in a southern province if we look around but maybe I'm hopeful that it won't be so far from my reach," she offered a quick smile as a slight joke.

"Crab seafood is its own delicious cuisine. Everytime I visit the south I enjoy the bounty of the sea. Perhaps one day we can enjoy a meal their and compare the two? I am often in the south, my fiancé's family is in the Asahina lands there.

"Daidoji-san, is there anyone in your delegation particularly interested in trade and economics? Are you the right point of contact?"

"I had the honour of negotiating treaties which touched on those matters with yourself, the Lion and the Crab." She nods at Shiori.
"You can always bring them to me, although I may ask some of my more knowledgeable cousins for their wisdom on the specifics. It sounds as though Agasha-san has something in mind?"

[Agasha Yuna]

I am often in the south, my fiancé's family is in the Asahina lands there.

...
"You can always bring them to me, although I may ask some of my more knowledgeable cousins for their wisdom on the specifics. It sounds as though Agasha-san has something in mind?"

"Ah, I didn't realize you are engaged also. Congratulations. Your fiance will be marrying into the Daidoji?" Just a guess given Daidoji-san's considerable status.

And then, regarding the economic matter, she nodded. "I won't trouble with you with a serious matter here, but I will follow-up. It is not an idea of my invention. A Dragon scholar. I'd like to get input from several clans and experts before bringing it forward at court."

"Still, let's focus on simply getting to know each other this evening. Is there anything personal the two of you are hoping to accomplish here at winter court? I was hoping to find a wife for my brother, and I think we've given that the best chance possible."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"Thank you, yes h-, she will." Sae's On is very neutral. "She is an impressive samurai by all accounts, but will be marrying into my House. I am hoping it will forge a lasting union."

Sae raises an eyebrow slightly but nods regarding the follow-up. "Of course, I always seek the council of others when making a big choice. I am sure that collaboratively we can provide you with some wisdom to support the idea."

Cocking her head slightly at the last question. "Hmmm, I feel somewhat silly saying it. But I had hoped to find some time to relax. Instead I find my duties as a Crane and as a magistrate have been all-encompassing."
She shrugs very slightly.
"Still, it is better to be of service than not. And in times such as these we must all be prepared to do whatever is required. I hope the search for your brother is successful, perhaps another Phoenix, mmmhm?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She looked appreciative at the offer of further conversation on the economic matter.

"Yes, another Phoenix. As part of the deal sealed by my marriage to Shiba-san, there is a young Phoenix, Isawa-ke no kashin Miwa Akihiro, a shugenja skilled with the earth kami, who will study with the Ageki for six months and decide if she is willing to take the family shugenjas' vow. If so, it is arranged for her to marry my brother who is the heir. If not, she will have a marriage arranged into another Agasha family."

"It's true - there's been little time to relax. Hopefully this little meet-and-greet can be a bit more relaxing than competitions or performances in front of such august spectators."

"The baths are very soothing and quiet if you need a place to escape."

[Otomo Mariko]

"Am I too late?"

Otomo Mariko, breathing a bit heavily, arrives, a servant with a cask in tow.