[D11, EM] A stroll with a Seppun (Expecting)

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna had arranged to meet Seppun Tomaru-sama early that morning, out in the hinterlands.

She was not yet in her full court dress. A more casual outfit suitable to a stroll on potentially uneven terrain.

She had with her several scrolls, including her library research dossier on the topic of education.

[Seppun Tomaru]

Tomaru jogs up, not yet puffing.

"Young Dragon!" he says, slowing and bobbing a bow. "Have you eaten today?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She bowed very deeply to him.

"Seppun-sama, it is good to see you. I have not yet had my rice today, but will be sure to do so later this morning."

She falls into place beside him but is definitely moving at a pace best described as a courtly stroll.

"How have you been? Have you eaten? It is an honor to have a chance to talk to you again."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"I got a little bit," Tomaru says, patting his paunchy belly under his workout clothes. "Still show too much of it from previous days, though."

He grins crookedly, as ever.

"Duty continues, of course, and the night watch is, well, I imagine there'll be more to do. But it's all that can be done.

"I hear you're quite the luminary this season, though, young Dragon. Your Shiba is a lucky man."

[Agasha Yuna]

She blushed.

"You were there to experience our first meeting, and - I dare say - encourage us to notice each other. Or, at least tolerate our glances at each other. Thank you. That is very kind to say. And I am grateful for your part in providing the occasion of our first meeting."

"I am very motivated to do my best at court in part because what I do reflects on you, Seppun-sama, as one who admires you very much, and has said so to others."

"I hope to be a help to you. To which end, I wonder if you might welcome a little conversation about the very serious topic of this Empire and what might serve it well."

It was obviously a question also of 'who' but that felt a little discourteous to say so directly. They had to believe any chosen would serve well.

[Seppun Tomaru]

"We can always address how best to serve," Tomaru replies, "and how best to discern the will of Heaven."

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled.

"That is precisely the question."

"I turn to the Tao. I know you do, too. I think about all I have been taught. I try to remain teachable. Open and learning. Listening to Heaven. And those wise teachers in my path."

"A conversation with Togashi-ue led me to reflect on ... how can I serve the Empire just now, with the Dragon's needs for trade completed. Togashi-ue's words led me to think about my training. What Heaven has made of me so far. What I could possibly bring to those so excellent and so far above me. There is my enthusiasm. But of all the things I have been trained for, it is rather to be a librarian and advisor."

"I cannot presume or imagine you need such supports. But - if you would like to chat about how best to serve - I could draw from that experience."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"Both such capacities sound like good things," Tomaru says. "And you should cultivate them further. But you should also cultivate yourself when your duties are done for the day. The Lion have so much correct."

He nods.

"And you do also have a duty upcoming to consider, as well."

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded.

"I am today a Dragon. I will by Spring be a Phoenix. A Shiba. House Shigi. There is much I might wish to achieve in the years that follow, but whatever duty may come, I hope to maintain a harmonious marriage that enriches the Shigi family."

"We do not choose what our next duty will be. But we can use our time each day to build skills that will be useful in any context, and to continue to follow the Way, and all it teaches."

“While others lament on what they should have done, the wise man prepares for what he should do next.”

"What may come next for you, could have great impact for the entire Empire. For Phoenix as much as Dragon. For every person."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"For today," Tomaru replies, "I can but do my duty. If another presents itself to me, I will embrace it as I have all the duties that have been given me. There is nothing else, truly."

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded.

That very detachment and humble commitment to today's service was precisely why she admired him so much and thought he would make an excellent Emperor.

Time and Heaven would tell.

"I wonder how Heaven will tell us its will in this matter. Honestly, my prayer and meditation leads me to think you are the leader the Empire needs. But is that Heaven's voice? I don't know. It is my best effort to discern."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"The Late Empress thought it might be so," Tomaru allows. "I do not know yet. But I hope I do not disappoint you, however matters befall."

[Agasha Yuna]

"Did the Late Empress speak to you about taking on the role?"

"You cannot disappoint me. “Every day of his life a man has only one judge, and that judge is himself." If you are content that you are serving well, in any duty presented to you, you will have my admiration."

"Were you Emperor, I would ask nothing of you. I'd be glad to go to a simple life with Shiba-san on Sandpiper Island. I do not want you to be Emperor because I see some advantage to me only possible if you are Emperor. I want you to be Emperor because you are wise and kind, and Rokugan needs wisdom and kindness."

[Seppun Tomaru]

Tomaru chuckles.

"My children have not always agreed on that point," he says, grinning crookedly. "I don't imagine Agasha-san knows anything about such concerns, however."

[Agasha Yuna]

"I'd love to hear more about your children and grandchildren. Are they all married now, or some still young enough to be seeking matches?"

[Seppun Tomaru]

"Oh, all three of the children are married," Tomaru says. "The eldest, Toru, is married to a woman from the Agasha, Taikyo. I don't believe she's close kin to you, however, young Dragon. However that might be, they have four children, of whom two are adults, now: Kamatoshi and Emiko. Both shugenja, and Emiko is an astrologer.

"The second, Jama, is married to a former Miya, Katsu. They have two children, the elder of whom nears gempukku among the Miharu.

"The third, Anzai--yes, she took her mother's name--married into the Isawa, a fire tensai named Masamura. They also have two children, the younger of whom has yet to enter schooling."

He smiles fondly.

"I will look forward to seeing them again."

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled.

"It is a credit to the strong shugenja line that matches were made with Agasha and Isawa."

Plenty of unmarried grandchildren, too. Two Seppun lines. And one Isawa.

"Of all the ways this succession matter might end peaceably and in agreement between the candidates, it seems possible that the Hantei related lines might inter-marry. Is that something you and the others have discussed?"

[Seppun Tomaru]

"The Nakodo is rather jealous of her prerogatives with the Families," Tomaru says. "Understandably so."

[Agasha Yuna]

And perhaps vested in one candidate more than others. She felt like she'd made friends with the Matchmaker. Could that help?

"Were it possible, were the Matchmaker on-board, is it even a good idea? Does it lead to greater peace?"

She paused, uncertain.

"I did enjoy talking about educational initiatives with you the other day. Perhaps there will be a chance to share more with others. If they happen to ask me. I did a bit of historical research... if you'd like to hear it."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"Family isn't always tranquil," Tomaru says.

"But research? What have you found, young Dragon?"