Otomo Mariko wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 18, 2025 10:24 pm

Kitsu Sayomi wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 18, 2025 7:36 pm

The Lion approached the older-but-not-by-much Otomo, bowing. "Otomo-sama, blessed day. May I have a moment of your time?"

Mariko turns, sees who it is, and nods.

"Of course, Kitsu-san."

(Thread to GM Fukurokujin, please.)

"Thank you, I understand your time is quite valuable. But I humbly would like to ask you for your insight on some possible marriages?" she bowed once more.

Mariko gives another nod.

"I am happy to offer it," she says. "It is my duty, after all, and a pleasant one."

"I am Kitsu Sayomi of House Tatsukawa," she introduced herself properly now, "and I am conducting a trade arrangement between the Lion and the Crab. In addition to the trade, our talks have turned to marriages to strengthen relations and stability between the Clans, and... some of the candidates are rather important ones."

"I figured it would be wise to speak with the Imperial Matchmaker herself to gain her insight on who would be suitable matches."

Mariko's eyebrows rise.

"I had the pleasure of an early visit from a Yasuki Ryoichi this morning," she says. "I believe some of what he had mentioned touched on the Lion."

"Did he?" her own eyebrows rose. "I guess great minds think alike!"

"Did you have any words of wisdom to offer him then, may I ask, since we are on the same errand?"

"I understand that you are, indeed," Mariko agrees. "Including a possible union with the Champion's brother, as well as a rather quiet sort and a man who has already shown that he can give his Clan children to carry on after him. Not inauspicious, certainly.

"But for wisdom," she continues, smiling her tight smile, "perhaps not to come to young women before breakfast."

"Ah... of course," she chuckled a bit awkwardly at Mariko's humor about her age. Or act. It was something at least. One had to indulge the elderly sometimes.

"And yes, those are all auspicious matches. Would Otomo-sama like to see our dossier on our marriage candidates? Or would you prefer perhaps to do so outside of court...?" Sayomi figured she might as well ask, as it was her first time dealing with a matchmaker!

"I'd be happy to meet with you another time, Kitsu-san," Mariko says. "Perhaps tomorrow? Although not before the duel that has been promised, of course; that must take precedence, and I am certain you will want to stand with your fellow Lion."

"Of course I will be there to observe event. It's not every day we see one of our young rising stars face a Clan Champion in a duel." And the Dragon Champion to boot, historically known to be very hands-off on most affairs.

"Would before court be suitable for Otomo-sama?"

"A bit of tea beforehand would be welcome," Mariko allows. "Perhaps in the Banquet Hall?"

"Tea in the banquet hall would be lovely, yes," she agreed with a smile and a nod. "Until then, may the Ancestors bless you."

"And you, Kitsu-san," Mariko replies with a nod.

(Thread me, please!)