Hikaru has the beginning of a very informal tea ceremony set up at one of the tables, not anywhere to the quality of the Lady Doji, but his own personal set. He has tried to pick out relaxed space, one with some room but comfortable seats. He had been contacted by Yasuki Ryoichi before Court began, and this was it, a real opportunity.

Please Fortunes, I could use this one.

A slim Yasuki in a navy blue kimono arrived at Hikaru's table at the appointed time.

"Good evening," he said with a polite bow. "I am called Yasuki Ryoichi. If I am not mistaken, I believe you must be the honorable Doji Hikaru?"

Hikaru rides and bows in return. "I am indeed. It is a pleasure to meet you in person Yasuki-san. I was thankful for your correspondence. How is Court treating you thus far?

"It's seemed a bit hectic so far, to be honest," Ryoichi admitted. "I would've liked to make a more positive impression at the gift giving ceremony; but the season is long, so I'm sure there will be more opportunities to shine in court. Mostly I am trying to meet people today, and learn the lay of the land in and around Kyuden Ikoma; like scouting a battlefield, almost." He chuckled and sipped at his tea.

"What about you, Doji-san?" he inquired politely. "How are things going for the Crane so far?"

"Likewise, it was not my best first day but our aims would never be completed on the first day no matter what I had done" Hikaru begins to pour the tea for them. "And as you say, it's important to make sure that I understand he the lay of things before pressing on. I confess though, what I found of some members of your delegation are fascinating. Kaiu Masahiko-sama has some impressive treastises on fortifications, and the endeavor that Yaskui Amiko is working on? I don't have a head for all of the numbers but, my, what an idea."

Hikaru clears his throat. "Part of ensuring that the territory matches what reconaissance says, I would appreciate you telling me if I am wrong: each of our Clans, for very different reasons, have been isolated under the current reign of the Daughter of Heaven. The Crab have held their duty unswervingly, but have not received as much support as I would have expected. The Crane have as well...if as the result of choices made coming home to roost"

Hikaru sips his tea. "What is done is done. I will not speak to the choices made of my ancestors, but the value the Yasuki provided the Crane is adundantly clear in their absense. There is no remaking the old arrangement...but perhaps, building something new from the pieces that both our people find pleasing."

____
D1-Good Neighbors-Tea for Hikaru and Royichi | 5k4 ⇒ 21 (TN: 15)

Doji Hikaru wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 06, 2025 11:08 am

"Kaiu Masahiko-sama has some impressive treastises on fortifications, and the endeavor that Yaskui Amiko is working on? I don't have a head for all of the numbers but, my, what an idea."

"Ohh, Lady Yasuki's innovations for funding merchant ventures are fascinating, simply fascinating," Ryoichi enthused. "Having several merchant patrons share the risk, in order to share the reward ... it's truly a brilliant idea."

Doji Hikaru wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 06, 2025 11:08 am

"I would appreciate you telling me if I am wrong: each of our Clans, for very different reasons, have been isolated under the current reign of the Daughter of Heaven. The Crab have held their duty unswervingly, but have not received as much support as I would have expected. The Crane have as well...if as the result of choices made coming home to roost"

Hikaru sips his tea. "What is done is done. I will not speak to the choices made of my ancestors, but the value the Yasuki provided the Crane is adundantly clear in their absense. There is no remaking the old arrangement...but perhaps, building something new from the pieces that both our people find pleasing."

The Yasuki took a sip of tea while considering a response.

"Certainly I would not question the Empress's reasons for how she orders things," Ryoichi said carefully. "But, along the lines of your suggestion, perhaps we can secure permission to make an arrangement that benefits both our clans, and the Empire as a whole."

"It really is a fascinating idea. I would encourage the Crane as a whole to consider backing the proposal, or even backing it in Court. If not, House Ikehara might be interested in taking part on their own."

Hikaru gracefully traces a finger over the rim of his cup. "I mean not to question the Empress' will on the matter, simply to state that at this time support has not been offered. I would seek to find an alternate way to bridge that gap"

HIkaru slides over a scroll. "Listed inside are some of the items we are hoping to acquire in trade, along with some of the items we have available. I would hope to learn what quanities are available, along with any other items I can procure on your behalf."

He pauses. "In addition...I achknowledge the choice the Yaskuki have made. Speaking purely on my own behalf, I believe it to be a loss of our making. I would hope that we can extend a reconciliatory gesture. Daidoji-ke no kashin Katsuragi Fumiko is looking to marry and is quite the investor"

Accepting the scroll, Ryoichi unrolled it and scanned the contents. "Yes, I certainly think there are some areas where we can help each other," he said judiciously. "Can you give me an idea of how many of these items you need? I know the demand is high for some of them."

"I've heard good things about Daidoji Fumiko," the Yasuki added. "I expect we can find a possible match for her, perhaps as part of a larger agreement."

"That is good to hear. Can we write out the beginning of a deal in principle so that we can consult each of our peers?" Hikaru pulls out a blank scroll and jots down some figures

Ryoichi inspected Hikaru's figures and shook his head.

"I'm so sorry, but I am afraid my superiors could never approve that," he said apologetically. "But ... perhaps this...?" Taking up the pen, the Yasuki adjusted the numbers to match something he hoped Lord Kaiu would approve.

The pair continue to scratch out sections, sending them back and forth as they deliberate.

(Move to Day 2 for followup?)

"I like what you are suggesting, and I think some arrangement should be possible, but perhaps we should both confer with our colleagues on what might be acceptable to our clans," Ryoichi said at last. "Shall we meet again once we've done that?"

-
Meeting up on day 2 (or maybe day 3 at this rate?) sounds good to me!

(Day 3 sounds good)