Care for a Libra-tion? D2 ME

[Jihen]

Having received word that the Ikoma Daimyo would meet with him per his request sent through his master, Jihen arrived promptly at the appointed time and in his best frock.

As he was directed to the appropriate room to wait for the arrival of the daimyo, Jihen centered his thoughts on the aesthetics of the villa. What kind of man was he about to speak with? Perhaps the world around him could help answer the question… or perhaps he would just need to trust in his conversational skills…

Find the center…

[Ikoma Ryota]

Jihen was not kept waiting long. Lord Ikoma entered the room, looking a little the worse for the wear his cares had inflicted on him. A little stooped despite his youth, and clearly favoring his right leg (perhaps evidence of a cramp?), the Daimyo moved over to the small stove and stoked the fire a bit while his guards fan out to cover the entrances of the room.

"Good evening, brother. What brings you to my parlor?"

[Jihen]

Jihen bows respectfully when the daimyo enters the room. He observes the tiredness of the man passively and replies in a clear voice.

"Thank you for having me Ikoma-sama. This one is called, Jihen, an aide to Chou-sin of the Four Temples. I hope I do not impose on you in this time of responsibility for you and your family."

He continues, "I come first to thank you for your efforts in identifying the list of future heirs of the Hantei line. It is a project that has great import for the future of the Empire... and was certainly an arduous one for a number of reasons. Firstly I came to express my gratitude for your service to the Empire, and in creating a greater period of harmony than we have seen since the days of Hantei Genji."

[Ikoma Ryota]

Ikoma Ryota blinked. Greater period of harmony? What?

"I appreciate what you are trying to do, brother, but I think any gesture at harmony here is ephemeral at best. Maybe you're seeing something I am not?"

[Jihen]

“My perspective is undoubtedly tinted by the over-zealous optimism of youth.” He replies with a bow of deference.

“It strikes me as a student of history that we and the past few generations have lived through periods of disharmony at a greater scale and frequency than those of the past.”

He continues, “One can only hope that as we proceed into the next generation that the people will choose to follow the path that leads to greater harmony and prosperity for the Empire.”

He bows in apology, “Please forgive me for waxing philosophical… the events of the court are obviously upon my mind. I find it a difficult decision to make for the Emperor… to decide on who should succeed her. I wonder if I may ask your current thoughts on the matter… seeing you are one who has been tasked with such an important role in that process.”

[Ikoma Ryota]

Ryota grimaced.

"I can forgive a little philosophy, but my thoughts are that the Empress should make the decision quickly, so that we can have stability and avoid people asking themselves what choice they should make."

[Jihen]

Jihen nods in affirmation, "A very prudent and practical choice. Your words remind me of the teachings of Lord Akodo... 'When one commits fully to a course of action, with no doubt or remorse in one’s heart, defeat cannot be the outcome'."

Jihen adds, "Hopefully the Emperor will find that proper course of action and act quickly for the benefit of all in the Empire."

He then bows again in deference.

"Thank you for your thoughts on the matter... I do not wish to take too much of your time. I have come not to fill the air with endless discourse, but to ask for a favor for a friend of mine and a potential friend of your family."

He straightens his posture and continues, "There is one Agasha Yuna, a karo of the Dragon clan who is attending this Winter Court who has a keen interest in understanding the perspectives of your family and the monks who serve here in this area. She is a librarian in her home provinces, and has asked that I seek permission for her to be granted access to the libraries here while present for the court. She has offered similar access to a member of your family were they to find themselves in need of the resources of the library for which she serves in her home province. I have spoken with Agasha-sama and found her to be an earnest and genuine burgeoning scholar. It would be a great favor to me should you allow her to use the libraries in her time here."

[Ikoma Ryota]

"I am happy to permit an occasional visit to the libraries if it assists some purpose, but I am not willing to bare the greatest repository of knowledge in the Empire to indiscriminate research. What is this Agasha Yuna looking for?"

[Jihen]

He nods in agreement, "She is seeking information regarding a rather minor fortune named Gobai whose popularity is more prevalent in the northern provinces of the empire. Gobai is a deity related to balance... and it could be said that she is interested in the concept of balance and its understanding here among the Lion and the monks who live here. She has a deep interest in material of a religious nature... It is those kinds of documents that she would most likely be spending her time observing."

[Ikoma Ryota]

Ryota turned that over in his mind for a moment, but it didn't raise any red flags.

"Well, I suppose a better understanding of balance isn't going to hurt anything. By all means, Agasha Yuna may have access to the libraries during the daylight hours tomorrow to conduct her research."

[Jihen]

Jihen bows deeply, pressing his forehead to the tatami beneath him.

"My deepest gratitude for your kindness Ikoma-sama. I will notify Agasha-sama this evening."

He then asked, "If future access is required... in order to not occupy Ikoma-sama's schedule, would it be acceptable to pass further requests on via letter through your office?"

[Ikoma Ryota]

Ryota nodded slowly.

"That would be acceptable."

[Jihen]

He pressed his head against the tatami once again in appreciation.

"Thank you so much for this consideration. If there is anything I or my master can do to help with the festivities this winter... please do not hesitate to ask. Please allow me to repay this favor to you in a way you see best fit."

[Ikoma Ryota]

Ryota nodded. "I will be sure to do so."

[Jihen]

He pressed his head to the floor one final time before slowly getting up.

"With your leave then... I will return to my residence for the evening."

[Ikoma Ryota]

"Farewell, brother," Lord Ikoma replied with a nod.

[Jihen]

Jihen bowed deeply at the waist one more time, offered a small blessing with a practiced wave of his hand and turned to leave as escorted by the daimyo's servants.

He pondered on the words of the daimyo as he left... and create a mandala in his mind for each of the actors at play...