[D4, MA] Yuna calls on Ikoma Ryota

[Agasha Yuna]

That afternoon, after court, Yuna made her way to the Daimyo's villa where she had an appointment with Ikoma Ryota.

She was dressed in her fine court outfit. Today, the green and gold kimono with the two golden dragons occupying the upper back and hem. https://collections.mfa.org/objects/126 ... fe&idx=160 Her hair was elegantly bound in the golden headdress. She had checked to make sure every detail of her hair and makeup was impeccable for this meeting.

It had been good fortune that her conversation with the librarian after the earthquake with a few quietly offered tips for post-earthquake collection review and preservation had led to this further meeting. (Thank Tenjin! - and she had. On her knees.)

She gave her name to the attendant and waited courteously on his leisure. Calm and serene.

[Ikoma Ryota]

Yuna was shown into Ryota's office, where the Lord of the Ikoma sat at his desk, reading what appeared to be a letter. As she came in, he rose and bowed.

"Agasha-san, good afternoon."

[Agasha Yuna]

She bowed deeply.

"I wanted to first thank you, Ikoma-sama, for all that the Lion have provided since I arrived here. Our Dragon House is meeting our needs splendidly. My trip to the library yesterday was fruitful. The Ikoma library is all I had imagined. A remarkable resource, and a beautiful temple to Tenjin."

[Ikoma Ryota]

"Agasha-san is gracious to remember its primary function. It warms my heart to know that at least one of those visiting us approaches our greatest work with the proper reverence."

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded.

"It would gladden my heart to be able to continue to visit, to make offering and research. The chance of a lifetime."

She brought out the gift that she had brought for him.

"I brought you a treasure from the Izaku library. A gift, in thanks for hosting us here. For all you do. For all you have built. It is a copy of a first century account of an Ageki shugenja's journey to the sixth Great Convocation. The first attended by the Agasha after fifty years of seclusion. The spiritual attainments of that cohort of Agasha led to the rules of the Path of Purification to be amended to allow retreat in the mountains while seeking enlightenment. A momentous occasion in history."

[Ikoma Ryota]

"That is quite a gift." Ryota extended his hand. "And all the more desirable for its being given here, privately, rather than amid the strutting and preening of court. Thank you, Agasha-san."

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled.

"The Izaku library is focused on the spiritual records and research of the Dragon and Phoenix clans. But there are certainly items of broad historical interest. Like that one."

"If you wished for a Lion scholar to visit for a week or two to explore the collection, Daimyo Izaku-sama extends that invitation." She was his junior-in-training karo. "Visiting scholars may not copy texts, but they have access to all works except the scrolls of custom spells deemed to have a potential use to cause destruction, which are kept on a separate floor."

"Everything of historical interest is on the floor accessible to invited scholars. Descriptions of people and places and events recorded by shugenja, and of greatest interest to them. The history of specific nemuranai."

He had not specifically said that she could make free use of the Ikoma library, but it was certainly on her mind.

[Ikoma Ryota]

"A tempting offer...but you've already buttered me up, Agasha-san. Why not take the bite you're looking for?"

[Agasha Yuna]

"The gifts are given freely." As they must be.

"But ... you are not wrong that I had the hope to ask to use the library while I am here. For prayer and research both. And for love of libraries and librarianship." She smiled a little shyly.

[Ikoma Ryota]

"You promise to approach it with the reverence that Tengen demands?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded, expression serious.

"Yes, Ikoma-sama. I will pray and make offering, always, before seeking what the written word holds. And in gratitude for history and truth." Her piety was genuine.

"I will handle books and scrolls with the utmost care, as a trained librarian."

[Ikoma Ryota]

"Then you have my permission."

[Agasha Yuna]

She bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Ikoma-sama."

She paused and then added: "I wonder. You have been so kind to me. I realize the Ikoma have the small matter of the earthquake well in hand. But I did want to mention. There is a diviner among our delegation who believes there will be at least one more."

"I ... would never impose or presume you needed anything. You have this well in hand. But matters of the earth and earth kami are the Ageki family's unique purpose and great work. I am alas no shugenja. But I could write and ask their advice, and quietly share it with you. If you would find that welcome."

[Ikoma Ryota]

"And here I thought this would have it all wrapped in a bow," he says, holding up her gift. "Was that not the maneuver? You will find, when you work with others, that the less you ask them to accept, the more willing they will be to take it. Now, I have no wish to endure another earthquake, so I am willing to take your help, but only because you asked me privately. In the future, when you are dealing with proud people---and they are all proud people---try not to offer help in words. It goes down much more smoothly."

[Agasha Yuna]

She gave a deep bow, acknowledging his advice and reprimand.

"Of course, Ikoma-sama."

Less words. Action. Only mention a topic when you have something valuable to report. Give the help, when appropriate, without forcing anyone to acknowledge it as help. He doesn't have time for anything else.

"I appreciate your time and advice."

Another bow. Ready to be dismissed.

[Ikoma Ryota]

"I will expect the letter from the Ageki soon." He nodded to her. "Carry the Fortunes, Agasha-san."

[Agasha Yuna]

"Fortunes watch over you, Ikoma-sama."

And with a final bow she departed.



(/scene? thanks so much!)