Shiba Ryusei wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 08, 2025 6:27 am

Ryusei was, naturally present, and depending on how a thread a day earlier went, might even have business before the court, but for now...

He was dressed in his best, naturally, and stood near the more general area of the Phoenix delegation....

He is quietly approached by a monk who bows in deference to the samurai.

"Excuse me of my rudeness, would you happen to be Shiba Ryusei-sama?"

Jihen wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 08, 2025 9:37 pm

He is quietly approached by a monk who bows in deference to the samurai.

"Excuse me of my rudeness, would you happen to be Shiba Ryusei-sama?"

Ryusei bowed politly in response- almost but not quite deeper than custom would dictate.

"I hardly find directness rude, monk-san. This one is indeed Shiba Ryusei, of House Shigi."

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am called Jihen.” He bowed deeply in deference.

“I hope it is not too much on an imposition… I was speaking with Seppun Tomaru-sama this morning and he recommended I introduce myself to you given the opportunity.”

"Seppun Tomaru-sama, you say? I'm honored that he found me worthy of mention, and I am doubly pleased to make your acquaintance, Jihen-san."

He nodded, "He made mention of an interest in theology. He was happy to have met you and Agasha Yuna-sama and the interest you both displayed in the Tao. And now in court you push for support of the Brotherhood... It appears that we have a friend that I did not know about before."

"My glib response is that while the Little Teacher may have gifted us with the Tao, Shiba-Kami had the foresight to write it down."

He winked.

"Less flippantly... The Phoenix as a clan concern ourselves with spiritual matters- Fortunist and Shinseist. Spiritual harmony is not simply a nice idea to us- even a simple bushi from the coast like myself is reared to understand the gravity of it."

The young Phoenix opened his fan- with its trio of sandpipers in the surf- and casually fanned himself.

"The work of the Brotherhood is important. Therefore, while my House isn't the richest, Jihen-san, it was an honor to be of some small service. I am pleased Mirumoto-san advanced the proposal, because I confess, I was not aware of the need."

"In a world of ever-present impermanence... There is always suffering. There will always be need... just where and when change." He replies with a nod.

"Wealth in gold or silver you may lack, but such wealth 'is worth a handful of dust when compared to the; riches a samurai's family gives to him'." He smiles gently.

"You have a name. And the ability to utilize that name for good in the world.... Just as you have done today."

"And I will always try to do so, Jihen-san. It's... if all my family has at present are past glories and echoes in memory, I'll just have to work with what I've got."

He chuckled.

"It's a bit funny... do you know how many vassals serve House Shigi? How many non-samurai live under our stewardship? Practically none. Because of poor decisions in the past. I may not be able to revive our fortunes, but I will never make the mistake of taking people for granted."

“That is good. It always warms my heart to hear of those in power acting with compassion towards their fellow beings. The simple truth of the universe is that bad actions bring bad consequences… and good begets good.”

He nods in deference, “If there is anything we can assist with in bringing those good consequences to you and your people, please let me know. There are those both high and low who still listen to the wisdom of the Brotherhood.”

"I would hesitate to ask for much, Jihen-san, but... I am also not so foolish as to ignore the Brotherhood's goodwill. I will need to think on the matter- oh!"

The thought seemed to strike as if out of nowhere.

"I know the Brotherhood is not... quite the political creature the Clans are, but... if you have any goals this season, I would be most happy to know how the Phoenix might be of assistance."

“It would be rather unseemly for a monk to Desire anything would it not?” He said with a smile.

“Our aims are rather straightforward Shiba-sama. Harmony, balance, enlightenment… On every scale. We are here to help anyone with those aims with whatever expertise we can bring. That makes us naturally much more helpful facilitators than dictators. The proper order of Heaven is for the Emperor and those who ‘wait’ (samurai) on her to set the parameters… We then step in to ensure they reach as far as they can.”

He nodded, “So… truthfully. If there are things you need accomplished. It is our pleasure to offer advice and enable your righteous efforts to succeed.”

"I see... hm. Well. In that case, I suppose I can best help you by consulting you. Does that sound about right?"

“It would help me from spending too much time staring at my navel.” He smiled.

"Hm, but don't you have a reputation to maintain?"

He arched an eyebrow and grinned.

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Not all of us are navel-gazing hermits. Some are navel-gazing socialites." He replied with a smile.

"We socialize to reduce our daily intake of navel-gazing."

"Oh, is there a quota?"

"How can you mark the growth or decline of your navel-gazing if you don't monitor it?" He replied with a facetious smile.

"Hm, sounds very technical..."

Ryusei waved his fan- and used tit to screen his grin.

"Have you ever visited the lands of the Phoenix Clan, Jihen-san?"

He shook his head, “I have not been so fortunate, no.”

He then asks, “Where is your home?”

"On the coast- between Shiro Shiba and the Artisan Academy. It's... modest in scope. Just an offshore island and a stretch of the mainland facing it."

He glanced at the monk.

"If you find yourself traveling to the northeast, look us up. Father is... inhospitable and Mother would be mortified that we have no better accommodations for guest than we do, but the beauty of being the Heir is that I can extend my own hospitality, and Mom is fairly easy for me to calm down."