[D2 LE] Reunion and Politics

[Asako Kenichi]

Kenichi was wearing his fine kimono and his gifed fan, eyeing the spread on the table before him. Fruity tea, even some sake. Even some riceballs he managed to beg off from the kitchens!

He now sat, waiting for a familiar friend.

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna arrived, dressed in an elegant green and gold kimono in the height of fashion. Thread-of-gold embroidery - today of mountain peaks. It matched the gold of her lovely headdress.

She had not looked so elegant back in school. Then, she had worn her hair mostly down. And her clothes were simpler. More designed to hide than shine.

"Thank you for inviting me, Asako-san. It was such a delight to see a familiar face yesterday. I'm glad we finally have a chance to catch up."

"How have you been? How are you finding winter court so far? Ah, I've missed those school days. So much reading and learning. A river that turned into an ocean."

[Asako Kenichi]

"Agasha-san, welxome. Tge years have treated you kindly, I must say. Winter Court is interesting, to put it mildly. To see so many important and august oersonages descend upon tge abode I consider my second home at the moment, is an experience for sure."

He spread his hands. "Please, take part in the Lion delights. I also havetea, if you care. Strong, black local fare, or something lighter from Asako lands."

[Agasha Yuna]

She took a moment to study how the Phoenix had decorated their space. Any art or other notable Phoenix contributions to the space?

"Now tell me about that. You were assigned here? Oh, at the library? That's a rather thrilling duty. It is one of the best libraries in Rokugan."

"I quite enjoy my role as Librarian at the Dragon-Phoenix shared library in Izaku lands. And it has given me a chance to continue to make friends among the Phoenix."

"Ah, I miss Phoenix tea. Perhaps - out of sight of our Lion hosts - we could indulge in a lighter tea?"

"Oh, but I may have missed another possibility. Are you engaged to a Lion here?"

[Asako Kenichi]

The Asako's smile was a biter one. "Not exactly Agasha-san."

His hands were steady as he poured, silent for a time.

"As part of some earlier settlements, I am a hostage here, for the last six years." The fragrance of the tea could be felt in the room. White tea, apparently.

" Waiting on those more important than me to make a decision on my release. In the meanwhile, I serve as a diplomat for my cla."

He glanced up at her. "The kibrary sounds lovely. The local one as well, the few times I was permitted inside."

[Agasha Yuna]

"Oh." She tried to steady her expression. For courtesy's sake. But he could see the flicker of concern.

"Perhaps it is something that might be included as an aspect of a trade between the Phoenix and Lion? Your freedom?"

"It must be nice to be surrounded by Phoenix again. Have you enjoyed meeting the other delegates? I've been so impressed by the Dragon here. And the Phoenix. That I've had a chance to meet."

[Asako Kenichi]

"It is what it is, for now Agasha-san." He respinded gently. It was his burden after alk.

"Compan, has been good, of course with my Champion here, I am a bit overwhelmed, I feel. But I will do my best tu support her and my clan. I hsve not met many of the other Dragons so far, ut I trust your judgment. How are you finding Kyuden Ikoma so far?"

[Agasha Yuna]

"Kyuden Ikoma is a lovely place to visit. Of course, I pine most to visit the library. I have hopes to gain permission. But we will see."

"It was a charming task to organize the Dragon space to our needs. To think about the balance of the space, the flow, the decor. I made calligraphy hangings with quotes from the Tao." She smiled at that. “As an ocean to a small stream, the leader to his people, this is the Tao to the world.”


"I too am eager to determine how best to support my family and clan."

"Have you had a chance to anyone lofty and remarkable yet? I had a chance to talk to Seppun-sama! Seppun Tomaru. He is as wise and kind as I had imagined. I can't imagine a better man setting the empire's priorities. Shiba-san was there. He can tell you about the conversation."

[Asako Kenichi]

"Ikoma-ue is quite reasonable, I am sure an arrangement could be finalized for a visit at least."

He smiked, fond memories if the library coming up.

"Ah, I must visit sometkme then, the Dragon guesthouse." He took a sip of his tea. "I cannot say, Shiba-ue only so far. I hope to meet others though, that is the purpose of Winter Court after all."

He offered a small piece of fruit towards Yuna. "Hiw are the Dragon doing, Agasha-san?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She gladly took the fruit and enjoyed a bite. She took another sip of the white tea.

"As a delegation? There was more time to talk today about goals and how we might divide up the needed follow-up. I appreciate feeling a little clearer in my direction, and it guides my thinking about the conversations to plan for tomorrow."

"One thought is to simply gather information as the chances present. To that end, would you be interested in chatting about resources you might have in excess, or might most seek? I could do the same. It might be useful groundwork for future deal-making between our clans. I feel sure we will have opportunities to work together and to be of aid to each other."

[Asako Kenichi]

She gladly took the fruit and enjoyed a bite. She took another sip of the white tea.

"As a delegation? There was more time to talk today about goals and how we might divide up the needed follow-up. I appreciate feeling a little clearer in my direction, and it guides my thinking about the conversations to plan for tomorrow."

"One thought is to simply gather information as the chances present. To that end, would you be interested in chatting about resources you might have in excess, or might most seek? I could do the same. It might be useful groundwork for future deal-making between our clans. I feel sure we will have opportunities to work together and to be of aid to each other."

Kenichi noded. "Hai, thst does sound good. Shiba-ue was quite firm on her expectation with us the other day, something to appreciate I feel. And yes, I feel that such a discussion would be useful."

He started pulling out something from his pouch, then hesitated. "No need to write anything down, eh? I am sure I can remember anything we discuss, if that is comfortable for you Agasha-san."

He took a bite of a sback, then settled down. "The Phoenix have been blessed by an abundance in some areas. While Inari-no-kami has been gracious, we do are in search of some precious materials, gold and silver, alongside less precious ones, like iron."

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled brightly.

"I think we are both keenly trained in matters of memory."

"Those are indeed all things we have in excess. I think we can definitely help each other."

"Do you by chance have tea? Vegetables? Paper? Or lumber?"

[Asako Kenichi]

She smiled brightly.

"I think we are both keenly trained in matters of memory."

"Those are indeed all things we have in excess. I think we can definitely help each other."

"Do you by chance have tea? Vegetables? Paper? Or lumber?"

"Hm, sounds like a peomisong start. We have sone supply of lumber and paper. Not tea though. Avid drinkers, my brethren are, apparently.:

"Anything else the Dragon might be of in need, or couod provide in Agasha-san's learned opinion?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded.

"Perhaps rice? Sake? Dyes?"

"Or other supports beyond trade."

[Asako Kenichi]

Kenichi nodded.

"Honestly, maybd we can offer some rice, or something else. Limited access to the Asako libraries perhaps? Or a blessing upon your crops?"

[Agasha Yuna]

"Oh! Those are all good ideas."

"And perhaps support for a critical vote in court? I am not sure if that is a habitual aspect of such deals, but it is surely desirable. And a matter that could discussed in much greater detail."

"And there is always the possibility of a mutually welcomed marriage."

[Asako Kenichi]

"Oh! Those are all good ideas."

"And perhaps support for a critical vote in court? I am not sure if that is a habitual aspect of such deals, but it is surely desirable. And a matter that could discussed in much greater detail."

"And there is always the possibility of a mutually welcomed marriage."

"Well, support is court is something we can geet behind. In general, the Phoenix woukd like to ascend in courtly matters, woth some key allies perhaps. Is there any particilar vote that you are thinking of Agasha-san? Or any prospects in general? You are...unwed correct?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded.

"I am. I am available for marriage out of clan." Her heart raced. "I ... I trained with the Phoenix. I have lived in Phoenix lands. I ... believe there is a possibility there. One that ... that both clans might appreciate."

"Let me confer with my clan, confirm what we have available, and propose something. And alert your colleagues to what I have said. Let's put something together."

[Asako Kenichi]

She nodded.

"I am. I am available for marriage out of clan." Her heart raced. "I ... I trained with the Phoenix. I have lived in Phoenix lands. I ... believe there is a possibility there. One that ... that both clans might appreciate."

"Let me confer with my clan, confirm what we have available, and propose something. And alert your colleagues to what I have said. Let's put something together."

"A familiar situation, I must confess." He offered her a fig in the meanwhile.

"Sounds good. If I may ask a personal question, do you have any preferences in marriage?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled brightly.

"I do."

"I have been greatly impressed by Shiba Ryusei since my arrival at the court. Prior actually. We exchanged letters beforehand. But to meet him is even better than a letter."

"He has told me earlier today that he feels the same way!" She looked so happy.

"I promise you I am motivated to find a deal that pleases both our clans, so that it might be an occasion for a marriage. And I am very glad our conversation has helped me confirm the opportunities."