(D3, MA) 1 Star Review

[Soshi Eiji]

It had been awhile since Eiji had had an opportunity to visit the Copper Hills Teahouse. And while not too much had changed on it's surface, the service Eiji gotten certainly was. Gone was the gentle nature of the servers, the inquiries of how he his family was doing, the fretting over making sure he had a nice table. No, now he could practically feel the bruqueness and the desire that he'd drink his tea swiftly and leave.

He rubbed a bit at his mask.

So much changes when you change your colors.

But he wasn't going to be run off, he had been invited to tea with a charming Crab and he was going to have tea with a charming Crab.

[Yasuki Masaki]

.

Masaki didn't expect the brusqueness either, even though she'd been more or less warned of it. Coming in after the Soshi and bowing respectfully to him, she treated the servants with her usual politeness as the pair asked for a table.

"Soshi-san. Glad to see you again. Have you received Inari-no-kami's blessing?", she'd say when they had done the necessary steps and were sitting properly.

(OOC: Sorry for the wash that was D3. Maybe we can get at least some talk done here? Could be a short thing to avoid dragging with earlier days)

[Soshi Eiji]

.

Masaki didn't expect the brusqueness either, even though she'd been more or less warned of it. Coming in after the Soshi and bowing respectfully to him, she treated the servants with her usual politeness as the pair asked for a table.

"Soshi-san. Glad to see you again. Have you received Inari-no-kami's blessing?", she'd say when they had done the necessary steps and were sitting properly.

(OOC: Sorry for the wash that was D3. Maybe we can get at least some talk done here? Could be a short thing to avoid dragging with earlier days)

The Scorpion was relieved when the Yasuki showed up. The withering glares were one thing, but bearing them alone was another indeed.\

"Ah, I have Yasuki-san, the generousity of our hosts remains remarkable." he said, though the sort of remarks he'd leave about this particular tea house were much less pleasant. "And yourself?"

(OOC: Hey, no worries, you did warn me rl no oni had you grabbed, I'm just happy to get more Yasuki-san time. We can go for however long you wish.)

[Yasuki Masaki]

The Scorpion was relieved when the Yasuki showed up. The withering glares were one thing, but bearing them alone was another indeed.\

"Ah, I have Yasuki-san, the generousity of our hosts remains remarkable." he said, though the sort of remarks he'd leave about this particular tea house were much less pleasant. "And yourself?"

(OOC: Hey, no worries, you did warn me rl no oni had you grabbed, I'm just happy to get more Yasuki-san time. We can go for however long you wish.)

"Myself as well, thankfully. The miso in particular is always very good, ne?", she answers warmly before looking at the servants again. "Has Soshi-san decided on a blend?"

She tries to see if there are signs or anything else on what is available - relying less in the staff seemed like it would be easier for everyone involved, then speaks again with her eyes not quite on him. "The day has been quite... eventful so far, hasn't it? I ended up not quite leaving the Crab House this morning, so I missed most of it, but it seemed rather worrying."

[Soshi Eiji]

"Myself as well, thankfully. The miso in particular is always very good, ne?", she answers warmly before looking at the servants again. "Has Soshi-san decided on a blend?"

She tries to see if there are signs or anything else on what is available - relying less in the staff seemed like it would be easier for everyone involved, then speaks again with her eyes not quite on him. "The day has been quite... eventful so far, hasn't it? I ended up not quite leading the Crab House this morning, so I missed most of it, but it seemed rather worrying."

The Soshi had been considering the 'special' Scorpion-Crab menu with the tripled prices. Still, it would not do to let it look like he cared about money.

"On troubling days, I'm sure Yasuki-san would agree that a white tea is best, to help balance the elements within. I would recommend Kitsu's Serenity." he said.

He thought about the details of the day.

"Hmmm, using a potential heir's honor as a debate topic, Yasuki Ryoichi's presentation of an amazing deal with the Boar clan, and the announcement of a serious security breach of the Crane quarters." he said considering it all.

"I fear this may be simply another day in the Imperial Winter Court, Yasuki-san, flowing as swiftly as rapids. But I assume it is not your fellow Crab's trading prowess that has you worried, unless the worry is that he could possibly outhsine you." he added.

[Yasuki Masaki]

The Soshi had been considering the 'special' Scorpion-Crab menu with the tripled prices. Still, it would not do to let it look like he cared about money.

"On troubling days, I'm sure Yasuki-san would agree that a white tea is best, to help balance the elements within. I would recommend Kitsu's Serenity." he said.

He thought about the details of the day.

"Hmmm, using a potential heir's honor as a debate topic, Yasuki Ryoichi's presentation of an amazing deal with the Boar clan, and the announcement of a serious security breach of the Crane quarters." he said considering it all.

"I fear this may be simply another day in the Imperial Winter Court, Yasuki-san, flowing as swiftly as rapids. But I assume it is not your fellow Crab's trading prowess that has you worried, unless the worry is that he could possibly outhsine you." he added.

"I'll gladly go with Soshi-san's suggestion - it's said you *are* much more acquainted with Kyuden Ikoma than I could be, ne? As long as you agree with me covering the costs."

She nods at his words - the last ones bringing a small grin to her lips. "Oh, I suppose you could say the treaty with the Boar is eventful, in a way, but that's certainly not what I had in mind. Yasuki Ryoichi-san's successes are my own much as mine are his, ne?"

Her eyes drift away for a moment. "The security breach in the Crane House is indeed worrying. I do trust that with both clans involved it shall be resolved firmly and swiftly though, ne? Or... does Soshi-san have particular worries in that regard?"

"The succession..." She feels silent for a good while. "Seppun Tomaru-sama inspected me on my daily blessings today at court. Seems very competent, and has a long experience in his duties." Which was somewhat orthogonal to Eiji's point... but that was that.

A small smile plays on her lips for a moment when her eyes return to the man. "I meant the disturbance in the first hours of the day, actually. For that to happen now... it's somewhat portentous, don't you think, Soshi-san?"

[Soshi Eiji]

"I'll gladly go with Soshi-san's suggestion - it's said you *are* much more acquainted with Kyuden Ikoma than I could be, ne? As long as you agree with me covering the costs."

She nods at his words - the last ones bringing a small grin to her lips. "Oh, I suppose you could say the treaty with the Boar is eventful, in a way, but that's certainly not what I had in mind. Yasuki Ryoichi-san's successes are my own much as mine are his, ne?"

Her eyes drift away for a moment. "The security breach in the Crane House is indeed worrying. I do trust that with both clans involved it shall be resolved firmly and swiftly though, ne? Or... does Soshi-san have particular worries in that regard?"

"The succession..." She feels silent for a good while. "Seppun Tomaru-sama inspected me on my daily blessings today at court. Seems very competent, and has a long experience in his duties." Which was somewhat orthogonal to Eiji's point... but that was that.

A small smile plays on her lips for a moment when her eyes return to the man. "I meant the disturbance in the first hours of the day, actually. For that to happen now... it's somewhat portentous, don't you think, Soshi-san?"

There is a blank stare for a moment...followed by a short bark of a laugh swiftly covered via fan.

"Aha, my apologies Yasuki-san. In a smaller court, in more peaceful times, the earthquake would have been the talk of the town for weeks. Stories of the brave rescuers, mourning of those lost, and reconstruction efforts rallied. But in this chaotic swirl that is the imperial winter court, it honestly slipped my mind for a second there."

He shook his head.

"I fear once the court is over, I shall sleep for a month, though whether that is from exhaustion or boredom, I cannot guess. But yes, portentous indeed. When the Empire strays from the path that the Heavens feel is just, there are many Fortunes that the Heavens use to communicate their displeasure. One hopes that those who lead can bring us back onto the proper path before the Heavens decide we need another sign that we are going the wrong way." he agreed.

He also agreed to splitting the costs of the tea...which arrived after some clear foot dragging.

[Yasuki Masaki]

There is a blank stare for a moment...followed by a short bark of a laugh swiftly covered via fan.

"Aha, my apologies Yasuki-san. In a smaller court, in more peaceful times, the earthquake would have been the talk of the town for weeks. Stories of the brave rescuers, mourning of those lost, and reconstruction efforts rallied. But in this chaotic swirl that is the imperial winter court, it honestly slipped my mind for a second there."

He shook his head.

"I fear once the court is over, I shall sleep for a month, though whether that is from exhaustion or boredom, I cannot guess. But yes, portentous indeed. When the Empire strays from the path that the Heavens feel is just, there are many Fortunes that the Heavens use to communicate their displeasure. One hopes that those who lead can bring us back onto the proper path before the Heavens decide we need another sign that we are going the wrong way." he agreed.

He also agreed to splitting the costs of the tea...which arrived after some clear foot dragging.

The Yasuki would thank the servant, and say she didn't need to pour - not that she was very eager to anyway.

"Shall I pour for you, Soshi-san?", she asks with a calm tone, not quite answering or commenting on anything for a rather long time.

When both are served, she'll take a deep breath, take in the scent of the tea. Only then does she talk again, her face mostly neutral - although some small signs of concern are maybe visible here and there.

"Makes one wonder if the fortunes *already* have reason to believe the Empire strayed from the rightful path. That a crossroads lies ahead is clear... but have we *already* set off down a wrong path? Does Soshi-san think so?"

She shakes her head slightly, a silent chuckle quickly covered. "This is quickly turning very serious for a friendly conversation though, isn't it? I assume there were other things Soshi-san wished to talk about? And... perhaps particular *interests* you were hoping to discuss?"

(OOC: No Yasuki 1 here given dayflip has happened though XD I may ask if it's possible to use later or if it has to happen during the conversation I guess)

[Soshi Eiji]

The Yasuki would thank the servant, and say she didn't need to pour - not that she was very eager to anyway.

"Shall I pour for you, Soshi-san?", she asks with a calm tone, not quite answering or commenting on anything for a rather long time.

When both are served, she'll take a deep breath, take in the scent of the tea. Only then does she talk again, her face mostly neutral - although some small signs of concern are maybe visible here and there.

"Makes one wonder if the fortunes *already* have reason to believe the Empire strayed from the rightful path. That a crossroads lies ahead is clear... but have we *already* set off down a wrong path? Does Soshi-san think so?"

She shakes her head slightly, a silent chuckle quickly covered. "This is quickly turning very serious for a friendly conversation though, isn't it? I assume there were other things Soshi-san wished to talk about? And... perhaps particular *interests* you were hoping to discuss?"

(OOC: No Yasuki 1 here given dayflip has happened though XD I may ask if it's possible to use later or if it has to happen during the conversation I guess)

The Soshi merely nodded at the Crab's request to pour the tea, and enjoyed the silence for as long as it lasted.

"It is a difficult thing to judge when the Heavens make their will known through disaster. Were the will of Heaven communicated through strictly worded letter, it would be much easier for us mere mortals to comprehend and execute." he said. "But the Heavens see all, and has chosen to communicate with us this way. It makes me think of the opinionated servant and the wise lord. The servant thinks he knows the answer to everything, and feels it his duty to communicate his opinions on everything to the wise lord. But the wise lord is privy to so much more, so decisions he makes may run completly counter to the servant's opinions, much to their chagrin."

He waved away the Crab's concern over the tone of the conversaton.

"It is pleasing to see another side of Yasuki-san. Pleasant when times are good, pensive when times are serious. It speaks well of her character."

He took a sip of tea.

"Perhaps a little light talk of trade?" he suggested. "Unless the Crab have officially wrapped up all their negotiating for the season and intend to spend the entire rest of the court sculpting in the snow."

[Yasuki Masaki]

The Soshi merely nodded at the Crab's request to pour the tea, and enjoyed the silence for as long as it lasted.

"It is a difficult thing to judge when the Heavens make their will known through disaster. Were the will of Heaven communicated through strictly worded letter, it would be much easier for us mere mortals to comprehend and execute." he said. "But the Heavens see all, and has chosen to communicate with us this way. It makes me think of the opinionated servant and the wise lord. The servant thinks he knows the answer to everything, and feels it his duty to communicate his opinions on everything to the wise lord. But the wise lord is privy to so much more, so decisions he makes may run completly counter to the servant's opinions, much to their chagrin."

He waved away the Crab's concern over the tone of the conversaton.

"It is pleasing to see another side of Yasuki-san. Pleasant when times are good, pensive when times are serious. It speaks well of her character."

He took a sip of tea.

"Perhaps a little light talk of trade?" he suggested. "Unless the Crab have officially wrapped up all their negotiating for the season and intend to spend the entire rest of the court sculpting in the snow."

The Soshi's remark is received with a small grin and a silent chuckle, again quickly hidden under her hand. "I suppose if I ever meet someone who is pleased and pleasant the whole time no matter what happened I'd be rather worried. For them and myself."

"Oh, snow-sculpting is lovely, isn't it? Sadly snow is not as common in my family's lands as it is farther north, so I'm afraid that's not a form I'm particularly well-acquainted with. If Soshi-san is, I'd be glad for an opportunity to watch and learn though!"

Another quiet chuckle later, she settles into a friendly, but very composed expression. "There is always a lot to discuss, isn't there? We have gladly found good opportunities so far - all the better to keep the Empire safe and pure as we are sworn to do as Hida-no-kami's followers. But there are still some strengths we need to build for the year - and opportunities are found even, or perhaps even more so, when one's strengths are already well developed, ne?"

A small smile. "But as Soshi-san brought up the topic, I would be glad to hear you. I imagine there are strengths Bayushi's retainers are hoping to build?" The smile grows a bit. "Or perhaps Soshi-san, personally? I will be happy to find ways to help, to the best of my abilities. The chain's strength depends on all its links, ne?"

[Soshi Eiji]

A small smile. "But as Soshi-san brought up the topic, I would be glad to hear you. I imagine there are strengths Bayushi's retainers are hoping to build?" The smile grows a bit. "Or perhaps Soshi-san, personally? I will be happy to find ways to help, to the best of my abilities. The chain's strength depends on all its links, ne?"

For the most part, the Soshi took in the Yasuki's words like they were fine wine. But the mention of his own needs did cause a momentary blink of confusion.

"Personally, Yasuki-san? I was gifted a new lord and wife this very year, I'm not sure what more I could possibly ask for." he said.

There was probably plenty of things that would be useful to a Lion marrying into the Scorpion could use..Eiji just hadn't considered what they might be.

"Ah, but speaking of chains, our smiths have had an excellent year turning imported ore into weapons, axes, and tools as quickly as they could get there hands on it. Now their forges are hungry again. It's great to have skilled artisans of any variety, but it would be more convenient if they had a steady supply of raw matrials to work with. We've smiths, but not enough mines to keep them supplied in anything but jade and gold, and we have lumber, but not enough paper makers to easily turn the lumber into paper." he mused.

[Yasuki Masaki]

For the most part, the Soshi took in the Yasuki's words like they were fine wine. But the mention of his own needs did cause a momentary blink of confusion.

"Personally, Yasuki-san? I was gifted a new lord and wife this very year, I'm not sure what more I could possibly ask for." he said.

There was probably plenty of things that would be useful to a Lion marrying into the Scorpion could use..Eiji just hadn't considered what they might be.

"Ah, but speaking of chains, our smiths have had an excellent year turning imported ore into weapons, axes, and tools as quickly as they could get there hands on it. Now their forges are hungry again. It's great to have skilled artisans of any variety, but it would be more convenient if they had a steady supply of raw matrials to work with. We've smiths, but not enough mines to keep them supplied in anything but jade and gold, and we have lumber, but not enough paper makers to easily turn the lumber into paper." he mused.

The Soshi's confused look is received with another properly contained, but warm smile. "The tapestry of each proud lineage that makes up our Houses, Families and Clans would not be if not for the interwoven threads of the histories of many individuals, would it, Soshi-san? Could the connections between us that make the larger, intricate tapestry of the Empire be if not for relations between individuals?"

The words are followed by a pause for some tea. The words do not quite ring in the silence, as they were spoken in a gentle tone. Not literally, at least.

The next words are listened with great care, the Yasuki nodding along. "Un. Keeping the forges fed is always important. I'm not sure we could easily attend to those needs at the moment, as demand for our mines' production has been rather high this year. Neither are trees one of our main strengths in the south, sadly, as Soshi-san may probably imagine. But it just might be that we might be able to find ways to help. Should that opportunity arise, I'll be sure to keep Soshi-san in mind."

Another quick sip of tea.

"Is it only metal fit weapons Bayushi's kin and servants are after this year? We still do have some other ores available - and as you probably know, more of the sacred green stone is always a welcome addition for our sacred duty of keeping watch over the Empire's soul. Other than that... our engineers might be able to provide other offers. Perhaps we could find shared interests of another sort?"

[Soshi Eiji]

The Soshi's confused look is received with another properly contained, but warm smile. "The tapestry of each proud lineage that makes up our Houses, Families and Clans would not be if not for the interwoven threads of the histories of many individuals, would it, Soshi-san? Could the connections between us that make the larger, intricate tapestry of the Empire be if not for relations between individuals?"

The words are followed by a pause for some tea. The words do not quite ring in the silence, as they were spoken in a gentle tone. Not literally, at least.

The next words are listened with great care, the Yasuki nodding along. "Un. Keeping the forges fed is always important. I'm not sure we could easily attend to those needs at the moment, as demand for our mines' production has been rather high this year. Neither are trees one of our main strengths in the south, sadly, as Soshi-san may probably imagine. But it just might be that we might be able to find ways to help. Should that opportunity arise, I'll be sure to keep Soshi-san in mind."

Another quick sip of tea.

"Is it only metal fit weapons Bayushi's kin and servants are after this year? We still do have some other ores available - and as you probably know, more of the sacred green stone is always a welcome addition for our sacred duty of keeping watch over the Empire's soul. Other than that... our engineers might be able to provide other offers. Perhaps we could find shared interests of another sort?"

Eiji shakes his head.

"Not just iron, Yasuki-san, Copper, Silver, other than jade and gold, our smiths and jewellers are in need. " he raises his cup. "It's also been a hard year for tea planatations. When one focuses on smaller planatations, you are hit harder in harder years."

"Jade is something we could trade. The Crab have always been good buyers of it when we don't send it to the Crane to turn into jewelry."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Eiji shakes his head.

"Not just iron, Yasuki-san, Copper, Silver, other than jade and gold, our smiths and jewellers are in need. " he raises his cup. "It's also been a hard year for tea planatations. When one focuses on smaller planatations, you are hit harder in harder years."

"Jade is something we could trade. The Crab have always been good buyers of it when we don't send it to the Crane to turn into jewelry."

"Bells, agricultural tools, or more colourful weapons?", the Yasuki asks, the familiar warm smile on her lips again. "Silver I believe Soshi-san may have better luck with farther north, but the more reddish hues of gold we might be able to find some with greater ease, to a degree. Yasuki lands are also known for our tea, so we might be able to arrange that - to some degree as well, as demand has been unusually high this year. Our sake is also well-known, as you surely know, if that would interest Soshi-san.

"On our side... Jade, as you said, is generally not something Hida's people would deny. Might this one ask if there are other offers you're ready to make?"

[Soshi Eiji]

"Bells, agricultural tools, or more colourful weapons?", the Yasuki asks, the familiar warm smile on her lips again. "Silver I believe Soshi-san may have better luck with farther north, but the more reddish hues of gold we might be able to find some with greater ease, to a degree. Yasuki lands are also known for our tea, so we might be able to arrange that - to some degree as well, as demand has been unusually high this year. Our sake is also well-known, as you surely know, if that would interest Soshi-san.

"On our side... Jade, as you said, is generally not something Hida's people would deny. Might this one ask if there are other offers you're ready to make?"

Eiji grinned a bit.

"Some night we will have to pit your sake against ours, Yasuki-san. I know the Crab have a penchant for strong drink, but there's some Scorpion brews that burn. It's been a good year for them."

Eiji looked thoughtful.

"There are some deals in negotiation, so it might not be entirely fair to put them on the table at this time. Agricultural products might be of interest to Yasuki-san. Our forests have been bountiful. And there's a possibility of rice, but we've also have an investment opporunity for rice, so we're trying to assess the various clan needs. You don't keep a very good reputation among people if you let them starve for your own gain, ne? We are, after all, merely stewards of what rightfully belongs to the Empress. And yet if we CAN invest wisely, is it not something we should consider?"

[Yasuki Masaki]

Eiji grinned a bit.

"Some night we will have to pit your sake against ours, Yasuki-san. I know the Crab have a penchant for strong drink, but there's some Scorpion brews that burn. It's been a good year for them."

Eiji looked thoughtful.

"There are some deals in negotiation, so it might not be entirely fair to put them on the table at this time. Agricultural products might be of interest to Yasuki-san. Our forests have been bountiful. And there's a possibility of rice, but we've also have an investment opporunity for rice, so we're trying to assess the various clan needs. You don't keep a very good reputation among people if you let them starve for your own gain, ne? We are, after all, merely stewards of what rightfully belongs to the Empress. And yet if we CAN invest wisely, is it not something we should consider?"

The grin is answered with one of her own. "I'm not sure this is a competition one side will easily win, especially if we have only us both refereeing it, Soshi-san. But if you have brought some good examples of your production, an evening to taste Koigawa-zake and your brew may be another opportunity for a shared victory, ne?"

The next words are received with understanding nods. "Southern lands are not particularly known for their rice fields, as Soshi-san certainly knows as well. But I understand - our own offers are likewise limited by our other promises, as I'm sure Soshi-san expects."

It's her time to look thoughtful, then. "Agricultural products... other than rice and lumber? And... I imagine offers other than products are not something the Scorpion are ready to offer this year, then?"

[Soshi Eiji]

The grin is answered with one of her own. "I'm not sure this is a competition one side will easily win, especially if we have only us both refereeing it, Soshi-san. But if you have brought some good examples of your production, an evening to taste Koigawa-zake and your brew may be another opportunity for a shared victory, ne?"

The next words are received with understanding nods. "Southern lands are not particularly known for their rice fields, as Soshi-san certainly knows as well. But I understand - our own offers are likewise limited by our other promises, as I'm sure Soshi-san expects."

It's her time to look thoughtful, then. "Agricultural products... other than rice and lumber? And... I imagine offers other than products are not something the Scorpion are ready to offer this year, then?"

Eiji smiles.

"Ah, I think a battle of sake would be enjoyable even if there were no winners, Yasuki-san, though we may all regret it in the morning."

He considered the question.

"Ah, my apologies, Yasuki-san, the courtier who was in charge of recording in our ledgers what our clan had and what we needed, got a little bit sloppy when it came to foodstuffs. He dutifully recorded as such for rice and tea and sake....then he just wrote down 'Other food.' So if Yasuki-san is looking for fish, or vegetables, or fruit....all I can really say is our demands are met, and were we to try to negotiate to trade out, I actually have no idea other than any surpluses we might end up from our other deals."

He shakes his head. You just couldn't get good help these days.

He did brighten a bit at the topic of non-goods.

"Ah some of the best trades are for those things that do not need space on a cart, ne? The Scorpion have, shall we say, a goodly number of 'scholars' who, unlike the Phoenix, focus their studies on practical matters. We have a few who are...looking for a new topic to study. So if there was a particular question that a clan who love the answer to, we can trade them that."

He tilted his head a little.

"I am curious though, as a matter of conversational interest, were such a boon gifted to Yasuki-san, what question, from all the many that could be, would she ask?" he queried.

[Yasuki Masaki]

Eiji smiles.

"Ah, I think a battle of sake would be enjoyable even if there were no winners, Yasuki-san, though we may all regret it in the morning."

He considered the question.

"Ah, my apologies, Yasuki-san, the courtier who was in charge of recording in our ledgers what our clan had and what we needed, got a little bit sloppy when it came to foodstuffs. He dutifully recorded as such for rice and tea and sake....then he just wrote down 'Other food.' So if Yasuki-san is looking for fish, or vegetables, or fruit....all I can really say is our demands are met, and were we to try to negotiate to trade out, I actually have no idea other than any surpluses we might end up from our other deals."

He shakes his head. You just couldn't get good help these days.

He did brighten a bit at the topic of non-goods.

"Ah some of the best trades are for those things that do not need space on a cart, ne? The Scorpion have, shall we say, a goodly number of 'scholars' who, unlike the Phoenix, focus their studies on practical matters. We have a few who are...looking for a new topic to study. So if there was a particular question that a clan who love the answer to, we can trade them that."

He tilted his head a little.

"I am curious though, as a matter of conversational interest, were such a boon gifted to Yasuki-san, what question, from all the many that could be, would she ask?" he queried.

"Un, I understand. Now you mention, I believe our scribe did something similar when mentioning that type of goods. We're well served of fish, for now, and some vegetables apparently grow well in Yasuki and Hida lands - but if we do find a need for additional produce, I'll be sure to keep Soshi-san in mind - much as in the other cases we mentioned earlier."

The offer mentioned next does lead the Yasuki to raise an eyebrow. Eiji's question raised it a bit further - although in a way it was not unwelcome, as it gave her some time to think.

"Hm. That's an interesting question, isn't it? The obvious question right now on many people's minds is one that probably couldn't be answered that way, so that is clearly... well, out of the question."

A slow sip of tea. After some time thinking, she lets out a soft chuckle.

"I must confess keep thinking of rather mudane questions, funnily enough. The best way to breed more colourful carps. How to reduce the time for our sake shipments further. Better ways to ship our ornamental fish out." She shakes her head slightly. "This reminds me of a number of stories on unexpected blessings. When one receives one in such stories, the choice is rarely wise, ne?"

Another sip. She thinks for a while longer, then her face lightens up.

"Oh! I know!" A moment of silence, her eyes look around, she takes another sip of tea. She looks at his eyes, almost as if gauging the tension.

"What is the best strategy to kick-start a promising author's writing career."

A warm smile "Do you think the Scorpion could find a way to that answer, Soshi-san?"

[Soshi Eiji]

"Un, I understand. Now you mention, I believe our scribe did something similar when mentioning that type of goods. We're well served of fish, for now, and some vegetables apparently grow well in Yasuki and Hida lands - but if we do find a need for additional produce, I'll be sure to keep Soshi-san in mind - much as in the other cases we mentioned earlier."

The offer mentioned next does lead the Yasuki to raise an eyebrow. Eiji's question raised it a bit further - although in a way it was not unwelcome, as it gave her some time to think.

"Hm. That's an interesting question, isn't it? The obvious question right now on many people's minds is one that probably couldn't be answered that way, so that is clearly... well, out of the question."

A slow sip of tea. After some time thinking, she lets out a soft chuckle.

"I must confess keep thinking of rather mudane questions, funnily enough. The best way to breed more colourful carps. How to reduce the time for our sake shipments further. Better ways to ship our ornamental fish out." She shakes her head slightly. "This reminds me of a number of stories on unexpected blessings. When one receives one in such stories, the choice is rarely wise, ne?"

Another sip. She thinks for a while longer, then her face lightens up.

"Oh! I know!" A moment of silence, her eyes look around, she takes another sip of tea. She looks at his eyes, almost as if gauging the tension.

"What is the best strategy to kick-start a promising author's writing career."

A warm smile "Do you think the Scorpion could find a way to that answer, Soshi-san?"

Eiji smiles.

"I have had similar thoughts on what is the best question. It reminds me of the tale of a hidden treasure vault, guarded by the spirit of a beautiful samurai-ko. Her curse stipulates that only that which is most vaulable may be removed from the vault, and she must slay any who choose otherwise. A group of samurai from across the clans discover the vault and have many heated discussions over what that thing is? A jewel encrusted ring? An ancestor's sword? The lost wisdom of a renknowned monk? On and on they argue until well......" he teases. "....I'm sure Yasuki-san can guess how the story ends."

He nods.

"Indeed the Scorpion could answer that. Whom best to approach to spread your stories among the most prestigious courts, which playwrights would most faithfully adapt your words into plays seen in the largest theaters, and more."

He smiles a bit.

"I did not realize Yasuki-san had ambitions as an author." he says, deliberately missing the point.

[Yasuki Masaki]

Eiji smiles.

"I have had similar thoughts on what is the best question. It reminds me of the tale of a hidden treasure vault, guarded by the spirit of a beautiful samurai-ko. Her curse stipulates that only that which is most vaulable may be removed from the vault, and she must slay any who choose otherwise. A group of samurai from across the clans discover the vault and have many heated discussions over what that thing is? A jewel encrusted ring? An ancestor's sword? The lost wisdom of a renknowned monk? On and on they argue until well......" he teases. "....I'm sure Yasuki-san can guess how the story ends."

He nods.

"Indeed the Scorpion could answer that. Whom best to approach to spread your stories among the most prestigious courts, which playwrights would most faithfully adapt your words into plays seen in the largest theaters, and more."

He smiles a bit.

"I did not realize Yasuki-san had ambitions as an author." he says, deliberately missing the point.

"One can imagine the samurai themselves were probably not valuable enough to be removed from the vault", she remarks with a faint, cheeky grin.

At the man's next words, she answers with a slight shake of her head. "I'm afraid my artistic talents and my skills with words do not intersect in that manner, Soshi-san - my wordcrafting tends to be of a rather more mundane sort, sadly. But I do have an acquaintance who I believe could greatly benefit from such knowledge." A small, sheepish smile grows on one corner of her lips. "I do tend to believe some of my skills might be useful if that acquaintace wishes to reap such benefits - but one can never be sure, ne?"

Another sip of tea.

"One can't help but ask, then. Is that knowledge Soshi-san is already privy to? And... I suppose it's inevitable to ask - what practical question would you see researched, Soshi-san?"