D10 LM - Birdwatching

[Suzume Ryobu]

"We could find a use for [4 units] of fish," Ryobu replies. "But, of course, any will be a blessing."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"I will confer some matters with my delegation, but we might be able to provide at least some of that to ensure the well-being of our neighbours and friends." A friendly nod. "We will be happy if Suzume-sama will remember the Crab's friendship and keep us close to heart."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"It would be a pleasure to do so," Ryobu says, although there is a hint of uncertainty in her voice at saying it.

[Yasuki Masaki]

"It would be a pleasure to do so," Ryobu says, although there is a hint of uncertainty in her voice at saying it.

"I am happy to hear that, Suzume-sama. We have our friends' and the Empire's best interests in heart." Her smile is again friendly and gentle, perhaps in an attempt to reassure.

Her fan opens for a moment, and her eyes widen slighty - not in surprise, rather as someone just remembering something. The question itself is asked with the same friendly smile.

"Oh, speaking of increasing justice and security in our lands and that of our neighbours. If Suzume-sama would allow me to ask - I hope the Sparrow's relations with our shared neighbours the Fox have been harmonious, as they usually are?"

[Suzume Ryobu]

"The Sparrow work to remain at ease with all of the Younger Clans," Ryobu replies, "not least the Fox. And Kitsune Aiko, although her speech is sometimes challenging to parse, is a good representative of her people."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"The Sparrow work to remain at ease with all of the Younger Clans," Ryobu replies, "not least the Fox. And Kitsune Aiko, although her speech is sometimes challenging to parse, is a good representative of her people."

The Yasuki nods, seemingly genuinely happy to hear that. "I'm glad to hear - reliable friends *do* build strength, ne?" Another nod. "And Kitsune-sama did seem to care a lot for her people when we spoke. Suzume-sama wouldn't have had the chance to know her brother, by any chance?"

[Suzume Ryobu]

Ryobu sighs.

It is a moment before she speaks.

"He is a good man," she says, "and a skilled shugenja. But I am glad to deal with his sister instead of him."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Ryobu sighs.

It is a moment before she speaks.

"He is a good man," she says, "and a skilled shugenja. But I am glad to deal with his sister instead of him."

Masaki nods, her eyes widening ever so slightly. "Oh? Might this humble one ask why? I have heard some mention of him, but never too much - other than his love of the Kitsune Mori."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"Oh, he loves his woods," Ryobu says, "and what is within them. To distraction, one might note."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Oh, he loves his woods," Ryobu says, "and what is within them. To distraction, one might note."

Masaki nods again. "That much I'd heard. And... that's the reason why you're glad to deal with Kitsune Aiko-sama instead?"

[Suzume Ryobu]

"It is hard to treat with a man whose eyes follow things unseen," Ryobu says, "and whose words trail off to speak to ears nobody else can address."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"It is hard to treat with a man whose eyes follow things unseen," Ryobu says, "and whose words trail off to speak to ears nobody else can address."

She nods again. "Un... that does sound troublesome. For the clan as well, if decisions must depend on that." A deep breath, her expression pensive. "Spiritual attunement, I imagine, not... actual issues?" Her eyes raise to meet Ryobu's for a short moment. "I understand this may be a matter Suzume-sama would rather stay silent about, of course. But if you allow me to ask... in your experience with Kitsune Fumihito-sama, would Suzume-sama know if he ever expressed the wish to step down, so he could focus fully on those spiritual matters?"

[Suzume Ryobu]

"I have not heard him say it," Ryobu replies. "But I have not been much in his company for some time, and I cannot believe that his attentions are at all divided."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"I have not heard him say it," Ryobu replies. "But I have not been much in his company for some time, and I cannot believe that his attentions are at all divided."

She nods again, still in a gentle voice, but a bit more serious than before. "Un. I could see how that is worrying." She tilts her head slightly. "Hopefully this is not something that might lead the clan to difficulties, ne? It would be sad to see our neighbours in trouble."

[Suzume Ryobu]

"Kitsune Aiko has stepped forward admirably in her brother's, ah, absence," Ryobu replies. "Without her, I think the Fox would do poorly, indeed."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Kitsune Aiko has stepped forward admirably in her brother's, ah, absence," Ryobu replies. "Without her, I think the Fox would do poorly, indeed."

The Yasuki nods again, pensive. Twice. "It is a good thing Kitsune Fumihito-dono can have his sister to count on then, ne?"

Half a minute goes by with the same pensive face, the the kind smile slowly comes back to her face.

"Well. I will speak to our delegation head before bringing this to court, of course. But I will be happy to see to the copper needs of the Sparrow [2 Copper], and share our fish as well [4 fish] to ensure you have additional food. Rice we unfortunately cannot commit to provide at this time, as mentioned. If you would be in a position to gift us [1 paper], the gesture would be most appreciated. But, most importantly, we are happy to provide to ensure our neighbours keep strong and stalwart."

A nod, a friendly smile showing on her eyes and one corner of her lips. "We will be glad if the Sparrow will keep our friendship close to heart - especially if the need arises to safeguaed the Empire's peace, harmony, stability and safety before the Winter Court is over."

"Would that be acceptable for Suzume-sama, if Kaiu-dono accepts it?"

[Suzume Ryobu]

"The Sparrow would be thankful for such kindness from their neighbors," Ryobu says, bowing deeply.

[Yasuki Masaki]

The Yasuki offers a deep bow as well. After a small pause, she speaks again.

"There is one further step we could take to further strengthen our collaborarion", she says with a kind smile. "Are there samurai in Sparrow lands hoping for a blessing by Musubi-no-kami?"

[Suzume Ryobu]

"The only marriage candidate we have yet to arrange is Suzume-ke no kashin Takayama Chigusa," Ryobu replies. "She is [Status 6] and a widow with children, so if there is some lord in need of heirs, she might be a good match for him."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"The only marriage candidate we have yet to arrange is Suzume-ke no kashin Takayama Chigusa," Ryobu replies. "She is [Status 6] and a widow with children, so if there is some lord in need of heirs, she might be a good match for him."

The Yasuki shakes her head slightly, an apologetic smile on her face. "Oh... unfortunately the Crab have few people of fittingly high position that could join her, I'm afraid. Perhaps future opportunities may provide for a chance that we may further build the ties between our peoples, ne?"