(D14, EM) Thank you, Phoenix

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nodded.

"There's also the distinct possibility that such gifts come with...a price shall we say? Eyes focused on a future we cannot see can be rather blind to the present everyone else is looking at." he offered.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"In any event, these visions spoke of another possible outcome?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nodded.

"Forgive me for being dramatic, Shiba-san, but this how Mirumoto-san presented it to me, 'A sixth wind, broken and rotting on the inside.'" he said.

He shook his head.

"A lesson in choosing one's allegories carefully. We started court with four winds, North, West, South, and East. But during the course of the court, we've apparently added upwind and downwind." he mused.

[Shiba Ryusei]

That... rang a bell.

"... have you spoken to anyone about some... spiritual research going on? It might, ah... refer to a former Emperor unwilling to face Emma-O's judgment..."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji shakes his head.

"Ie, I've had little time to speak to the shugenja of my delgation. I don't think I've gotten to have a real conversation with Yogo-san since the first day of court, having to rely upon correspondance to an extent you wouldn't expect for two people within a Kyuden. As far as I know, he's spent the entire season negotiating our singular deal with the badger clan, preparing to present it to the court, and then presenting it to the court." he offered honestly.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Well. Agasha-sama has advised me that there is a bit of spiritual research going on concerning, ah... Hantei Ningi."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nodded.

"Hmm, I see. I suppose that would align with what Mirumoto-san said....though it doesn't really prove he can see the future. After all, had you simply hidden your sources, Shiba-san, you could have claimed that you were the one with a vision specifically of Emperor Ningi." he offers.

"Should I assume that their research efforts not be sufficient to save us, you will skip the formality of looking for a winter home, and instead grab Agasha-san and hop on the first outbound ship you can find?"

[Shiba Ryusei]

"It's a tempting option even if all goes well, but...more or less?"

He chuckled.

"Frankly, given the skilled shugenja present, I am perhaps less concerned about that outcome than I should be, but as a Shiba, I'm accustomed to trusting priests..."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nodded.

"I don't think a rampaging ghost is going to be particularly interested in my stories. The finest priests of the Empire are at this court, and so I put my faith in them to see to spiritual matters." he agreed.

[Shiba Ryusei]

Oh, the Master of Fire would HATE that, since he's not here.

How delightful.

"I thus... don't discount it as a possibility, but it simply forms a more grievous outcome than some others that would alreayd require some, ah. Travel."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nods.

"I suppose so." he agreed. "You might check with Kasuga-sama if it comes to that, should you not be sure where to go."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Given who I spoke to this season and how Court went, Gusai-sama might be a better bet..."

He seemed simultaneously amused and perturbed.

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nods.

"We had deals with both, though I seem to get along better with Kasuga-sama." he offered. "But perhaps Shiba-san's holdings put them closer to the realm of the Mantis?"

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei made a seesaw motion with his hand.

"More the tenor of the agreements between the Phoenix and the Crab, and the Crab and the Mantis than strict geography. It's easier to offer a berth at a port you're already sharing with a mutual ally..."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nods.

"True enough. I am pleased overall with the deals that were struck this court. Though I certainly did not expect all of the deals with the minor clans alone, let alone together would so throughly dwarf our trade with the Dragon, nor did I expect my old clan to need so many goods, while offering none in return." he admitted.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Hm? That is odd. The Lion had copper, and rice, and I believe some other odds and ends."

He shrugged.

"But then again, we found our dealings with the Scorpion so satisfactory that we had two formal agreements, One thing our dealings with you and the Crab had in common was a forthright quality- we looked for ways to meet one anothers' needs. Which meant that backup agreements were a simple matter. Still. If it was the Minor Clans' time to shine, I trust the Scorpion's needs have been met?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nodded.

"Fortunately they have. Yogo-san's treaty was the final piece of the puzzle to bring us the copper we needed, that the Lion could not spare us." he offered.

"Also, don't think I did not notice the number of times you stood behind me in court and backed my words. I am glad I did not face any strenous objections to the treaties I brought, but still, the support was very much appreciated."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"I couldn't help noting that you seemed to stand alone in Court most days. And that wouldn't do."

He offered a half-bow.

"The Phoenix might not share in the Scorpion's methods, but we understand loyalty. And besides."

Sip.

"I don't have enough friends to let them go unuspported."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji smiled.

"And I look forward to the day I can repay that support, Shiba-san. I truly do. If there is anything you ever need, that is within my power to give, you need but ask." he offered sincerely.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Well, for one thing... I think Agasha-sama and I would both enjoy a record of some of your stories. Both for their own sake, and as a token of a mutual friend."