You can't outfox a fox. (Day 3 Late afternoon)

[Hiruma Daichi]

"Ah, you misunderstood me." Daichi replied with a wry smile. "You said you might have interest in some of the other things we had to offer, so I sought to state them."

"The arms would be an easy enough need to fill (2). As well as most of your need for stone (2). The Iron we have less of a supply of (1), and we could also fill your need for Tea (1).

[Kitsune Aiko]

"I see," Aiko says, nodding.

"I like this idea we've got so far, us givin' y'all [1 dye, 2 paper, and 2 rice] f'r [2 arms, 2 stone, 1 iron, an' 1 tea]. Sounds right good.

"I wonder, though, if'n we might could sweeten th' pot f'r us both. Not with tradin' goods; there, I'm satisfied if you an' your'n are. But there's a thing as I could use a hand with, an' I might be able t' give y'all a hand with somethin' in return, y'see.

"That'd be separate from the tradin', I think."

[Hiruma Daichi]

Daichi nodded. "I'll need to get final approval from my clanmates, but that is certainly a place we can start." He agreed with a nod, before picking up his cup and taking a sip. "Though I would also inquire if there was a possible marriage in the works to seal the deal as well."

"A separate deal from trading though? Well, you do have me interested."

[Kitsune Aiko]

"Well," Aiko says, "you might know that I'm here representin' my brother. Good man, him, an' really focused on th' magic of our School and Forest. Might could oughta let him only have to worry 'bout handlin' what all he's good at an' let me handle what all I'm good at.

"Of course, a Clan Champion only serves at th' pleasure of th' Throne, with th' Younger Clans as with th' Great. But it might do well t' have a Great Clan sayin' as they think it's a good idea t' have one person or 'nother takin' that spot."

She shrugs.

"It's a big thing. An' it'd hafta be a big thing as got given back f'r it.

"Hitchin', we can talk about in a bit."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"The Crab have several young ladies that might find a good fit in that roll. Though I'd ask of a sister if there was anything in particular your brother might seek in a spouse to help narrow down that number. Of course, any such arrangement would come with our support for his future place among your clan, as a matter of course." At least Daichi thought that was what she was getting at.

At the other topic he nodded. "We won't get anywhere if all we do is try and stroll around the bush." The Hiruma agreed. "Though big things are likely going to take some consideration."

[Kitsune Aiko]

"Seems I ain't th' only one as misunderstands, sometimes," Aiko says.

"What I'm askin' after is if y'all in th' Crab'd back me as Fox Champion."

And there it is.

[Hiruma Daichi]

"You're right about misunderstanding." Daichi replied with a soft chuckle as he shook his head, that wasn't something he had been expecting.

His tone turned serious a moment later though. "I wouldn't say it's something completely out of the question though. Even if I have some questions. I would like to know if this is a move your clan as a whole would approve of, though I trust your bringing it up that you believe it to be so. You strike me as a woman who has what is best for her clan at heart."

"It's also a matter I would need to bring up to Lord Kaiu." He added. "As it's certainly not something I can decide on my own. I should also likely bring to him what you would offer in return for our support."

[Kitsune Aiko]

"Ain't gonna be much gripin' back home," Aiko says. "Can't say none, 'cause it ain't ever none. But it ain't gonna be much.

"An' I un'erstan' 'bout you gotta talk t' your boss 'bout it. Ain't no little thing.

"An's far's gettin' back goes, parta that'll depend on what all y'all still need. Might be somethin' y'all need t' get rid of, could get lost in th' Forest real easy. Might be somethin' y'all need somebody t' speak up on. Might be somethin' y'all need somebody t' speak against. Might be somethin' y'all need to know about some other folks you wanna deal with."

Aiko shrugs.

"It's flexible, yet."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"That certainly does leave us with a lot of options." Daichi agreed with a nod. There was certainly something there the Crab could use. "Perhaps we can talk again in a couple days after I'm gone through the details on my end?"

"We could perhaps talk a bit about dealing the trade deal with a marriage as well then."

[Kitsune Aiko]

"It'd be a pleasure," Aiko replies. "An' it's been a pleasure, too."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"That is Has Kitsume-sama." He agreed with a dip of his head. Not quite a bow but almost.

"I'll send you word when I get the decision, it shouldn't be long though."

[Kitsune Aiko]

"I'll look for'ard to't," Aiko replies.

(/scene?)

[Hiruma Daichi]

/scene.