D10 MM - A lot going on (Open to Crab)

[Yasuki Masaki]

Masaki's morning rituals today were done more or less in a rush. The discoveries after her talk to Lady Seppun led what was already a tense situation to double up in tension - and there was also the usual work related to deals and the like.

Her morning prayers were still said, but soon afterwards, instead of some time to think about the day, she started pacing around the room, waiting for a chance to meet Masahiko.

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D10 MM - Morning prayer. Air spell ML 3 | 7k4 ⇒ 34 (TN: 20)

AKB cast, active until MA

[Kaiu Masahiko]

Masaki was shown in to see the old man.

"Ah," he said, "Yasuki-san, good morning."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Masaki was shown in to see the old man.

"Ah," he said, "Yasuki-san, good morning."

"Good morning, Kaiu-dono", she says after a respectful bow. "I hope the day finds you well?"

She takes some notes out of her sleeve. "There are... a number of things I was hoping to discuss with you today, if you have the time. A further trade deal and marriages with the Centipede, a trade deal with the Fox, and... Well, another matter with the Fox. As well as some further discussion on that plague..." Looking at the room. "Would Kaiu-dono want some tea to go with all this?", she asks apologetically.

[Kaiu Masahiko]

"No use prevaricating. All this represents progress in motion, Yasuki-san. Best to capitalize on it. Let's have this plague stuff first."

[Seppun Sadako]

Some commotion outside attracts attention before a voice says "The Lady Seppun, Kaiu-dono!"

And the Sadako is there.

A shallow bow to Masahiko precedes a glance to Masaki. "I guess my letter wasn't opened yet," she says.

[Yasuki Masaki]

.

The Yasuki nod-bows again, with perhaps a slightly tired look on her face, but ready to start. Before she starts speaking, however...

Some commotion outside attracts attention before a voice says "The Lady Seppun, Kaiu-dono!"

And the Sadako is there.

A shallow bow to Masahiko precedes a glance to Masaki. "I guess my letter wasn't opened yet," she says.

A quick glance and she sees an unopened missive on one of the desks. So much for working late...

She hardly has time for an apologetic smile before she sees herself bowing low to the Seppun.

"Seppun-dono. My apologies, I had not gone through yesterday's correspondence." A quick look to Masahiko, then her eyes go back to a point in front of the Seppun. "I imagine Seppun-dono is here on account of the letter I sent last night? If so, the timing is fortuitous, as I was about to start talking to Kaiu-dono about those matters."

[Hiruma Daichi]

It seemed Daichi may have arrived at an inopportune time, Kaiu-dono was exceedingly busy this morning. Still, he delivered deep bows to those present, though he remained silent. Waiting to be dismissed or recognized by those already there.

[Kaiu Masahiko]

"Why doesn't everybody just come in, and we can knock off this hemming and hawing? Lady Seppun, greetings. Please, have a seat, join the crew. Now, what's this about plague?"

[Seppun Sadako]

"Thank you," Sadako says, and she seats herself.

"And I find myself even more interested now than previously. Say on."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Why doesn't everybody just come in, and we can knock off this hemming and hawing? Lady Seppun, greetings. Please, have a seat, join the crew. Now, what's this about plague?"

After everyone is properly seated, Masaki gives another sitting bow and takes the word.

"If I may, then, Seppun-dono, Kaiu-dono, Hiruma-sama."

"In previous talks with Hiruma-sama", her gaze falls on Daichi, then back at the Kaiu and Seppun, "he noted the Scorpion had mentioned an offer of 'plague readiness' of some sort during dealings with them. Initially, we thought of this as something theoretical - maybe an attempt to play on our worries." She shakes her head slightly. "As something like this is concerning, when talking to Seppun-dono the day before yesterday I mentioned these worries to her - which she asked me to investigate as possible. As it turns out, the spirits of the river readily confirmed the worry, leaving little space for doubt - and suggesting an origin at sea."

Her eyes go to the floor, worry taking her face. "I asked Kuni Shiori-san for help in investigating the matter further, but so far we haven't been able to find out much more. I have some hope that the spirits or water may know more about the origins of this impending calamity - more precise locations, maybe causes. Kuni-san mentioned she might be able to learn more about its workings as well. It may not be enough to prevent it, by itself, but it could maybe provide some help. And then we come back to the Scorpion's offer..."

She looks at Daichi, as while she had participated in some talks here and there, he had guided most of them.

"It seems like the 'cooperation on plague readiness' discussed in court yesterday between the Scorpion and the Crane may relate exactly to this matter. Given that, and the spirits' confirmation of our worries, we believe a wider coalition may help, if not prevent the calamity completely, at least improve and hasten the Empire's preparations and reaction to it."

A nod-bow at Sadako. "Given the circumstances and the possible scale of this, I believe the involvement of the Hidden Guard in organising such preparations and any necessary response might be a great boon to such efforts - although of course this is only this humble one's view, Seppun-dono's opinion being obviously foremost in this."

[Seppun Sadako]

"This is not the first time today I've heard a Kuni mentioned," Sadako says. "It would be good for me to talk to this person, I think."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"This is not the first time today I've heard a Kuni mentioned," Sadako says. "It would be good for me to talk to this person, I think."

Masaki nods, looking at the Kaiu and the Hiruma for support on the matter "We can let you know that Seppun-dono wants to meet her, if that will be acceptable. Did a letter from emerald magistrate Daidoji Sae-sama reach you already? She was also hoping to meet Kuni-san due to that matter - perhaps something can be arranged to deal with both concerns at once?"

.

Then, looking at the Kaiu, then at her again, Masaki nods politely. "Did Seppun-dono or Kaiu-dono have any other questions, or particular concerns or orders regarding this matter?"

[Seppun Sadako]

"I have been out," Sadako says.

[Kaiu Masahiko]

"Well, I'd say you'd better get the Scorpion and Crane to understand what's up and maybe they'll be willing to share their findings. And if they aren't willing, then they need to be shown why it's important that they change their mind."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Well, I'd say you'd better get the Scorpion and Crane to understand what's up and maybe they'll be willing to share their findings. And if they aren't willing, then they need to be shown why it's important that they change their mind."

The Yasuki nods to Sadako, then to Masahiko. "That we'll do, Kaiu-dono. I have good hopes that we may come to an understanding."

Looking at the Hiruma then.

.

"Hiruma-gunso, you wire already in talks to the Scorpion delegation, ne? I think you mentioned you had a chance to bring up this matter with them after I told you about the spirits' answer yesterday?"

[Seppun Sadako]

"I just came from the Crane," Sadako says. "Different topic, but I have to wonder now if..."

She trails off, and her eyes widen slightly.

"Oh, no."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"I just came from the Crane," Sadako says. "Different topic, but I have to wonder now if..."

She trails off, and her eyes widen slightly.

"Oh, no."

The Yasuki's eyes turn to the Seppun's for a moment, widening slightly as well before shifting to the ground as appropriate.

"Is... something else the matter, Seppun-dono?", she asks in a voice that tries to sound supportive, but probably doesn't do a great job at it.

[Kaiu Masahiko]

Masahiko's head swivels slowly to face Sadako, but he does not say a word.

[Hiruma Daichi]

Daichi had let the others talk, listening in as things proceeded before speaking when Masaki proceeded. "To be precise Shoshi Eiji-san said they had supplies and medicines to help carry one clan through the effects of the plaque in addition to their own. As Yasuki-san said I was a bit skeptical of it all and after bringing it to Kaiu-dono's attention. Then is when we decided to investigate it."

A small pause to catch his breath. "I did not know the truth of it still and when I approached the Scorpion again to discuss terms I avoided stating any interest in it. That is until last night. I can confirm that the products that the Scorpion traded to the Crane are indeed those that were spoken of in our first meeting. They also in part of their agreement said they would host the crane clan to study the medical techniques of the Soshi they are using to combat this plaque."

"Which is a study I've since contacted Soshi-san about trying to join, and while it may cost our clan a small concession, he has agreed to let teams of investigators from the Crab and Seppun join in the study of techniques they are sharing with the Crane."

Any other talk ended though as the Lady Seppun spoke up on what be new concerns.

[Seppun Sadako]

Sadako nods.

"Very good, Hiruma-san," she says, somewhat absently, as he reports. She follows with "I remember something from my earlier readings that may bear in on this. I think I have the notes on site, though not on my person. But if I remember correctly, at least large portions of what has been going on are interconnected."

She looks at Masahiko. "I do not think it is the One Enemy," she says. "At least not if it is what I think it is. I do not believe there have been reports of the usual signs of such, nobody reacting adversely to jade. The wards have not reacted in such a way, at least, although the wards are not omnipresent."