Kiuchi arrived with his gift in tow in small box. He knocked on the Badger's door and waited.

The door opens, and the mountains of men that are Himari and his yojimbo fill the room behind it.

"Yogo-san, come on in," Himari says, giving a short bow.

"How does the day find you?"

Kiuchi returns the bow and enters when allowed. "I am well. I hope Inari-kami has treated you well today." He then holds up a small box. "I have brought a gift to honor our friendship."

"You know you didn't need to do so, Yogo-san," Himari says. "Friendship is gift enough."

"But need has nothing to do with this. I want you to have this."

"Wanting seems sinful, Yogo-san," Himari replies. "What kind of friend would I be if I helped you sin?"

A friend that should that visit Ryoko Owari with me. Kiuchi was proud he held his tongue and didn't let that slip. He didn't think the Badger would be offended, but best not tempt fate in a blossoming friendship. "Do not fear. My heart remains with my duty. I merely wish to return the joy your gift has brought me."

"Then," Himari says, third offer being made, "I am grateful to accept it, but less than I am the friendship that prompts it."

If Himari opens it, it appears to be a story. Kiuchi will explain his mother is from the Lion and trained with the Ikoma and told him and his sister stories. This was his beloved sister's favorite story, a retelling of the tournament of the Kami.

"It is a good rendition of the tale," Himari says. "I will tell it to my children in time.

"Now, what brings you to me today, my friend?"

"You indicated in our last meeting that there may be more our Clans can do for each other. I simply want to know how we can help our Northern friends."

"Well, I'm informed that the Scorpion have some surplus production, particularly agriculturally, and the Badger mountains aren't the most fertile fields," Himari says. "But I also know that our mines have done some good this year, and I think the Scorpion might have some use for what they yield.

"And we could," he goes on, "make some arrangements for cross-training and the like, if that's to the Scorpion's pleasure."

"I believe we have about 2 units of rice we can part with. And cross-training would be an interesting. We have many mountains in the Scorpion lands. I think learning from each other can be beneficial to both Clans."

"We could send as much iron as you do rice," Himari says, "and place maybe that many students in each others' Schools?"

"I believe Bayushi-dono will find such arrangements acceptable."

EDIT:

Just want to make sure the deal is...

Badger give: 3 Copper, 2 Iron

Scorpion give: Information Services, 2 Rice

An Ichiro marries into Scorpion through Yogo Yoshie.

2 students from the Badger and Scorpion study in each other's schools.

"I'll look forward to the confirmation," Himari replies. "I know you've got to have it."

"I will speak to my Champion tomorrow."

"Great!" Himari says. "Until then..."

(feels like /scene)