D9 LE - Midnight sun (ok, technically late evening)

[Yasuki Masaki]

Masaki barely properly steps outside the Minor Clan House after her meeting with Aiko. It's just a quick stop by the Crab House to fetch some things, and she shows at the entrance again. Bowing to the (probably slightly puzzled) servants, she'll ask to see Moshi Akane this time.

[Moshi Akane]

"Yes, ma'am," says the same servant who had brought her in earlier.

Some snoring, and some other noises, can be heard as they progress.

There is a short wait before Masaki is admitted to the Lady Centipede, who sits quite composed as she enters.

"Welcome, Yasuki-san," she says. "Care for a drink?"

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Yes, ma'am," says the same servant who had brought her in earlier.

Some snoring, and some other noises, can be heard as they progress.

There is a short wait before Masaki is admitted to the Lady Centipede, who sits quite composed as she enters.

"Welcome, Yasuki-san," she says. "Care for a drink?"

"Pleased to see you again, Moshi-dono." She bows deeply to Akane, then takes a small, colourful paper box from her right sleeve. "This would be Moshi-dono's third time hosting me... so I would be honoured to serve us some tea and wagashi - if Moshi-dono will allow, of course."

[Moshi Akane]

"It might be a bit late for tea," Akane says, beginning the first refusal, "and one can hardly have wagashi without it."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"It might be a bit late for tea," Akane says, beginning the first refusal, "and one can hardly have wagashi without it."

"Moshi-dono, if I pour for us soon, there will be plenty of time for only its calming effects to remain after our talk. I insist that you allow me this honour."

[Moshi Akane]

For your attention

"Yasuki-san is generous," Akane says, opening her second refusal. "And such is a treasure in these troubled times. Yet how can one value a thing expended in an instant? I must insist that you keep you for you."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Yasuki-san is generous," Akane says, opening her second refusal. "And such is a treasure in these troubled times. Yet how can one value a thing expended in an instant? I must insist that you keep you for you."

"The richest of sweets would last only so long if kept - and might turn bitter if enjoyed alone. A fleeting pleasure shared, on the other hand, lasts longer when savoured - and might even last a lifetime in memory, ne? I must insist, Moshi-dono, so that we may share this small joy while we talk."

[Moshi Akane]

*waves*

"So put, I cannot but accept," Akane says. She snaps her fingers, and it is mere moments before a servant returns with hot water, ready to brew tea.

"What shall we discuss this evening, I wonder."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"So put, I cannot but accept," Akane says. She snaps her fingers, and it is mere moments before a servant returns with hot water, ready to brew tea.

"What shall we discuss this evening, I wonder."

After the last acceptance, Masaki sets the box with two colourful, flower shaped wagashi on the table, waiting for the tea - which she will gladly pour when ready.

"Last time we met, we agreed that Moshi-ke no kashin Murakami Atsui, [Status 1] would become betrothed to my fellow delegate, Kuni-ke no kashin Kuroyama Shiori [Status 2], joining the Crab. And we were hoping to reach an agreement so that one of ours would also join the Centipede to strengthen the ties between our clans. As I had mentioned, we do not have many individuals in high positions ready to marry this year, but we do have a few up and coming samurai looking for matches who would be honoured to join the Valley's people."

A small pause as she waits for the tea to be ready. Before pouring, she speaks again. "That aside... that blessing Moshi-dono had mentioned in our first meetings. Has Moshi-dono found someone worthy of it already?"

[Moshi Akane]

*arrow stirkes*
Message for you, ma'am!

"We are blessed to be able to offer it to two people this year," Akane says in response to the last. "We were fortunate to have two pass the testing and be available to be released from their other duties."

She inhales deeply. "The tea smells delightful. What is the blend?

"But, yes, there remain Centipede women who might appreciate Crab-born husbands, one at middling rank, one at high. Both yet young, both shugenja."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"We are blessed to be able to offer it to two people this year," Akane says in response to the last. "We were fortunate to have two pass the testing and be available to be released from their other duties."

She inhales deeply. "The tea smells delightful. What is the blend?

"But, yes, there remain Centipede women who might appreciate Crab-born husbands, one at middling rank, one at high. Both yet young, both shugenja."

"A great blessing indeed", she says with a gentle smile. "I remember the Valley hoped for metals for its continued development. There are some ongoing talks involved, but I would like to ask - would some amount of Copper help in that regard? Otherwise... we have other possible offers, but those might be of a kind of somewhat less interest to the Centipede, I believe."

She takes a chance to enjoy the scent for a moment as well, then. "Sencha, from the western Yasuki lands, not that far from Sunda Mizu Mura. Some of our tea harvest was particularly good this year, thank the Fortunes. I'm glad Moshi-dono likes it."

After a few more moments, she takes a first sip. She shakes her head slightly, an apologetic smile on her lips.

"Sadly, we have an unfortunate lack of men of higher social standings looking for matches this year, Moshi-dono. If the Centipede women are willing to accept a bride, we might have one possible match to offer. Otherwise... I would kindly ask if any lower-ranking Centipede are looking for matches."

[Moshi Akane]

Delightful tea

Akane takes up the tea and sips at it.

"Copper [2], for bells, and silver [2] and gold [4], for temple-dressings," she says, "the Centipede need [as far as the GM's notes go, which may have missed some update from previous conversations, since he does have to sleep sometimes]. I understand that the prayers of my sisters will not secure all such, but we have at this point only arms [1] or stone [1] to offer else, and I cannot imagine that the Crab lack for either."

She sips at her tea again. "Unfortunately, I do not believe a bride will work for either of Moshi Setsuna or Murakami Fuyumi. The former, being of my own House, must be ready to step in with a legitimate and natural heir, if matters go awry. The latter stands to lead her House, in time."

She places her cup on the table.

"If this disobliges, I am sorry for it."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Akane takes up the tea and sips at it.

"Copper [2], for bells, and silver [2] and gold [4], for temple-dressings," she says, "the Centipede need [as far as the GM's notes go, which may have missed some update from previous conversations, since he does have to sleep sometimes]. I understand that the prayers of my sisters will not secure all such, but we have at this point only arms [1] or stone [1] to offer else, and I cannot imagine that the Crab lack for either."

She sips at her tea again. "Unfortunately, I do not believe a bride will work for either of Moshi Setsuna or Murakami Fuyumi. The former, being of my own House, must be ready to step in with a legitimate and natural heir, if matters go awry. The latter stands to lead her House, in time."

She places her cup on the table.

"If this disobliges, I am sorry for it."

"I understand, of course", she acknowledges with a nod. "It is unfortunate, as we would be happy for this chance to build closer ties - but as I said the Crab has few men looking for a bride this year - and all of those who were not promised already are still at the start of their careers [i.e., all Status 1!]. If any other young Centipede in a similar position [i.e. Status 1 or 2], we would be happy to send one of ours to join your people - but I understand such is not always the will of the Fortunes."

She takes a small sip of the tea, gestures at the wagashi with a small, friendly smile. "Shall we try them?"

After a short pause, her eyes raise to meet the Centipede's for a quick moment before lowering to the table again. "This is not the most usual arrangement, but if Moshi-dono finds it acceptable, I suppose we could keep a promise for a future betrothal as well. As would work best for your people, of course."

Another short pause and she nods again, pensively this time. "As you probably imagine, a blessing from Amaterasu omikami would be a great boon to our sacred duty. And we would be glad to help our friends in the Valley however we can, as Moshi-dono knows. We do have the means to supply your needs for your bells [2 Copper] - even some more, if you would so desire [up to 4 Copper total] - but not much to offer for temple dressings, at this time, at least. If Moshi-dono would be willing to share this important blessing for our fight in the south with such an offer, we would be most honoured, and fondly remember and remind the Empire of the Valley's contributions for its continued peace and purity."

[Moshi Akane]

*sound of a tennis ball being returned*

"A marriage for one with so much potential could be arranged," Akane says. "Murakami Fuyuri is yet young, and since her husband would need to join her in any event, perhaps it might be better for her to have a spouse still flexible.

"And it would be good to have new bells."

She considers.

"I have heard that the Kaiu lands produce much tea. Have I heard truly?"

[Yasuki Masaki]

"A marriage for one with so much potential could be arranged," Akane says. "Murakami Fuyuri is yet young, and since her husband would need to join her in any event, perhaps it might be better for her to have a spouse still flexible.

"And it would be good to have new bells."

She considers.

"I have heard that the Kaiu lands produce much tea. Have I heard truly?"

"I and one of my delegates have young cousins, both bushi, who I believe might make fitting matches if she is looking for a strong arm by her side [Kawagoi Haruto, 17, bushi, status 1; Tetsumura Kazuki, 17, bushi, status 1]. Do you believe one of them would make Murakami-san happy?"

Another sip of tea.

"And you have heard right, Moshi-dono, but unfortunately the demand for our tea was exceptionally large this year. If something changes, that may become an option, but you understand we cannot fail to honour our promises, ne? What we might be able to offer instead of additional Copper..." she takes off some notes. "Well, we will have a large amount of fish available to us next year, should that be of interest. Other than that.. we have received Kaiu-dono's sanction to offer one of his family's famed armours to a samurai deserving of that honour - as many in the Valley are. I know the Centipede are involved in conflicts - may the Fortunes' blessing allow that to keep so for as long as the sun rises. But it is a valuable gift for what it represents, besides its practical purposes, and one we would be happy to offer in exchange for the Sun's blessing."

[Moshi Akane]

Your turn!

"Of course, you must do as you have said you will do," Akane allows. "So I am sad to have missed out on the tea, but perhaps another year will be different.

"But I can think that it would be good for such a man as my Kashiwa to have such protection as a Kaiu armor affords," she continues. "And it is something that future consorts of my daughter and her daughters could wear, as well."

She nods.

"I think this can be done."

A sip of tea, a bite of wagashi. "These are good.

"So, tell me of the young men you mention."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Your turn!

"Of course, you must do as you have said you will do," Akane allows. "So I am sad to have missed out on the tea, but perhaps another year will be different.

"But I can think that it would be good for such a man as my Kashiwa to have such protection as a Kaiu armor affords," she continues. "And it is something that future consorts of my daughter and her daughters could wear, as well."

She nods.

"I think this can be done."

A sip of tea, a bite of wagashi. "These are good.

"So, tell me of the young men you mention."

Masaki takes another sip of tea, nodding warmly. "Metal for bells and a heirloom for Moshi Kashiwa-sama to wear, then."

She takes a small bite of her own wagashi before continuing.

"Young Tetsumura Kazuki-san is my fellow delegate Hiruma Daichi-gunso's cousin. What Hiruma-gunso told me about him is that he was trained with the Hiruma bushi, much as Daichi himself, and he shows promise as a warrior - perhaps also in leadership positions. Now, my cousin Haruto..."

A sip of tea before continuing. Her face seems somewhat serious, but only for a moment.

"Haruto-san is an... ambitious young man, you could say. Determined too." Two words that could be positive, or show trouble. Her face doesn't make clear which of those is more likely.

Another sip of tea - maybe thinking of what to say, and how.

"His training with the Hida may have heightened that determination, I suppose. He's not a typical Yasuki, you could say that. But he can be fully dedicated to one who earns his respect, from what I know. And I feel finding a sense of purpose in the Valley could do him well - it Moshi-dono finds him a suitable match, or course."

[Moshi Akane]

Back atcha!

"I think such a man could do well for my Fuyumi," Akane replies. "I have heard that the Hida train their people well how to handle a tetsubo. I trust so much is true for your cousin."

She arches an eyebrow.

[Yasuki Masaki]

"I think such a man could do well for my Fuyumi," Akane replies. "I have heard that the Hida train their people well how to handle a tetsubo. I trust so much is true for your cousin."

She arches an eyebrow.

Masaki's head tilts slightly, the warm smile that's been on her face so far slowly changing - somewhat comically - to a blanker expression. The tea must have been rather hot, as her face seemed slightly reddened. She nods.

"Un." She shakes her head slightky, as if dismissing a thought. "Haruto-san is skilled with both sword and tetsubo, as the situation may require. A trace of his Yasuki heritage, I suppose - flexibility and some dedication to more traditional styles. But hai... remarkably skilled, from what we heard about his first postings."

[Moshi Akane]

Akane presses on, asking "If my Fuyumi does welcome him to the Valley, there's not going to be some other problem come up because of his exploits, then? Nobody is going to be seeking him because of how he handled his sword with them in his younger days?"

She leans forward and rests her chin atop her folded hands, awaiting Masaki's answer.