D8LE, A Lady Has to Eat (Expecting)

[Seppun Sadako]

A group of Miharu and Hidden Guard--and it is clear that that is who they are--is enjoying a meal relatively quietly in the corner when one of them looks up, stands suddenly, and bows sharply. The rest follow suit half a heartbeat later, because there are only two people who command quite that response, and only one of them yet breathes.

"Sit, please," says Seppun Sadako, and they do, moving in eerie unison. "As you were."

Conversation resumes, if quietly, and food and drink are soon brought to the Lady Seppun, who thanks the delivering servant and begins to munch idly as she reviews paperwork.

[Yasuki Masaki]

A group of Miharu and Hidden Guard--and it is clear that that is who they are--is enjoying a meal relatively quietly in the corner when one of them looks up, stands suddenly, and bows sharply. The rest follow suit half a heartbeat later, because there are only two people who command quite that response, and only one of them yet breathes.

"Sit, please," says Seppun Sadako, and they do, moving in eerie unison. "As you were."

Conversation resumes, if quietly, and food and drink are soon brought to the Lady Seppun, who thanks the delivering servant and begins to munch idly as she reviews paperwork.

Still wearing the "carp yin-yang" kimono she had on during the Art Festival, Yasuki Masaki steps into the banquet hall, her eyes quickly setting into Sadako after a quick scan of the surroundings. She bows deeply, to her and the group of Miharu and Hidden Guard, holding from any further step for now.

"Seppun-dono, Seppun-sama-tachi, good evening." Her eyes set on the front of Seppun Sadako then, not quite on her out of respect. "This humble one was hoping for a chance to speak to Seppun-dono - I trust a letter from Kaiu Masahiko-sama reached you?" A gentle, sheepish smile "At Seppun-dono's convenience, of course. I wouldn't want to interrupt such a sacred time as a meal, ne?"

[Seppun Sadako]

Sadako folds the paperwork and sets it aside, gesturing across the table for Masaki to sit.

"I did receive a missive from the Lord Kaiu," she says. "Have you eaten this evening? I can have some dinner brought to you if not."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Sadako folds the paperwork and sets it aside, gesturing across the table for Masaki to sit.

"I did receive a missive from the Lord Kaiu," she says. "Have you eaten this evening? I can have some dinner brought to you if not."

She nods politely, a small, but warm smile on her lips. "Thank you, Seppun-dono. I did find time for a few refreshments during the Festival... but not quite a proper meal. Being the host and all, ne?" The smile widens at the corner of her lips, just slightly, and she gives a small nod in acceptance.

"I hope the Fortunes have been gentle to Seppun-dono lately - as the circumstances allow, at least?"

[Seppun Sadako]

snip

The look Sadako shoots across the table is not quite black, but it is a very dark grey for less than half a heartbeat. But then she seems to fully parse the statement, and she breathes deeply.

"Were duties easy, none would fail in them," she says.

She takes another deep breath.

"But I have been given much, so I will do much. And I imagine, Yasuki-san, that you'd like me to do something for you--or for the Lord Kaiu, hence his letter."

A servant brings food and begins to set out service, as directed.

[Yasuki Masaki]

The look Sadako shoots across the table is not quite black, but it is a very dark grey for less than half a heartbeat. But then she seems to fully parse the statement, and she breathes deeply.

"Were duties easy, none would fail in them," she says.

She takes another deep breath.

"But I have been given much, so I will do much. And I imagine, Yasuki-san, that you'd like me to do something for you--or for the Lord Kaiu, hence his letter."

A servant brings food and begins to set out service, as directed.

The Seppun's initial reaction does not quite produce a reaction of Masaki's - thankfully, as she will find out later when reflecting on the meeting. The change to deep breaths, on the other hand, will be met with an empathetic nod.

"One not in your position could barely imagine just how much, Seppun-dono. Especially under such circumstances, we would not want to trouble you further with requests." A small, but warm smile.

"What I would want instead is to understand better how we can best extend our hands in difficult times. Kaiu-dono informed me of your request to him." she nods, her gaze lowers to the table, her expression a combination of worry and hope. "Seppun-dono may remember my admiration for your work at the start of the Winter Court*. And I believe firmly that we are stronger when at peace and working together - as Seppun-dono may perhaps know."

"So... if any assistance I may provide may help achieve that, I will be glad to offer it. For that, I would only ask...." she stops for a moment, as if thinking, eyes shifting around, lips slightly pursed. "Ask to understand it better. How our actions could help. And how to help if...." She shakes her head slightly, a small, friendly smile tinted with worry. She seems like she'll take it up again, but doesn't.

------
*viewtopic.php?f=63&t=456#p2396

(Also - I'm assuming Yasuki Courtier 1 doesn't *read* as something offensive to those it targets? Because using it to understand her better might make sense here, but I definitely don't want to do something that mind offend her!)

[Seppun Sadako]

snip

"I recall our talk," Sadako says, "though I almost feel a different person now than then."

She shakes her head slightly. "I do feel some affinity for the Crab," she says. "The demand for eternal vigilance, the certainty of catastrophe if it lapses. And there are never enough to stand watch as it truly needs to be done.

"I will say that the more pacific matters are at large, the easier my task becomes. Content people do not act out. People who do not act out do not prompt action.

"But people are not content, it seems, even if they will not say it where I can hear. They should not, of course, matters being as they are, and even those few to whom I would give ear about such things...no."

She drinks of her tea.

"What is the old adage? Something about the Crab who was promised anything he wanted asking for a good night's sleep?"

There is something of a smile on her face as she says it, but it is not a happy one.

(You can roll it, and unless it goes *badly*, Sadako will not take offense.)

[Yasuki Masaki]

"I recall our talk," Sadako says, "though I almost feel a different person now than then."

She shakes her head slightly. "I do feel some affinity for the Crab," she says. "The demand for eternal vigilance, the certainty of catastrophe if it lapses. And there are never enough to stand watch as it truly needs to be done.

"I will say that the more pacific matters are at large, the easier my task becomes. Content people do not act out. People who do not act out do not prompt action.

"But people are not content, it seems, even if they will not say it where I can hear. They should not, of course, matters being as they are, and even those few to whom I would give ear about such things...no."

She drinks of her tea.

"What is the old adage? Something about the Crab who was promised anything he wanted asking for a good night's sleep?"

There is something of a smile on her face as she says it, but it is not a happy one.

(You can roll it, and unless it goes *badly*, Sadako will not take offense.)

The Yasuki listens to her words in complete silence, answering at first only by nodding along her comparisons between her duties and those of the Crab.

Another, longer nod is given right at the end, her face pensive - although she makes her best effort to keep hope in her expression. When she does speak again, she does so with a somewhat apologetic smile on her face.

"The hardest gifts to offer are those one could never quite find for oneself, ne? I can only hope a good night's sleep is not the only assistance we could offer, as that we have in short supply."

The apologetic smile turns to a slightly more optimistic one. "Measures to maintain some degree of harmony - or put a lid on things, as it were. Ways to increase contentment, or other avenues Seppun-dono may have thought of... supply and acceptance of those may not be readily available at the moment... but I'd like to believe they may be easier to source than a good night's sleep. If Seppun-dono is willing to trust us on that, of course."

Another nod, this time with a reassuring smile. "There is something I would like to ask, if Seppun-dono will allow. Why the capital? A 'small conference' or sorts?"

---------
OOC:
D8 LE - Yasuki empathy activate... Commerce/Per, FR from technique (assuming a +5 since I think Raises don't matter here) | 6k4+5 ⇒ 33

Not great, not completely terrible I guess...

[Seppun Sadako]

snip

"Yasuki-san will understand the lack of detail in this response," Sadako says, and it is clear that this is not a request, "but the capital has, shall we say, embedded protective measures in place. Valiant as any samurai of the Clans may be, strong as any of their fortresses are, they do not have the generations of focused attention on Imperial protection that the capital does--and they do not have the openness to the Seppun that the capital does, either.

"And it may be that the Palace itself can help us discern who the rightful heir is, did Her Late Majesty speak the name of her intended successor before the Heavens called Her home."

Sadako bows her head for a moment. When she lifts it, she is composed, and she takes a bite of her food--noodles and vegetables, mostly.

~~~~~
Sadako will not oppose the roll; there are many things she could be expected to want, and does, but the one that emerges from the Technique is that she could *really* use a relaxed evening.

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Yasuki-san will understand the lack of detail in this response," Sadako says, and it is clear that this is not a request, "but the capital has, shall we say, embedded protective measures in place. Valiant as any samurai of the Clans may be, strong as any of their fortresses are, they do not have the generations of focused attention on Imperial protection that the capital does--and they do not have the openness to the Seppun that the capital does, either.

"And it may be that the Palace itself can help us discern who the rightful heir is, did Her Late Majesty speak the name of her intended successor before the Heavens called Her home."

Sadako bows her head for a moment. When she lifts it, she is composed, and she takes a bite of her food--noodles and vegetables, mostly.

~~~~~
Sadako will not oppose the roll; there are many things she could be expected to want, and does, but the one that emerges from the Technique is that she could *really* use a relaxed evening.

The Yasuki nods along with each part of her answer, her expression serious - but a faint, warm smile still lingering on her lips.

"I imagine you have all five names in mind at that, ne?" A slow nod.

"I thank you kindly for the answer - it is detail enough to make me trust and support your intentions even more, if anything." Another nod, her head this time keeping down for some time, as if in acknowledgement.

"I trust Seppun-dono understands our best intentions in keeping all potential heirs safe", she says - her voice firm, but gentle. "I equally understand that, by doing that, we might jeopardise a harmonious resolution as proposed by Seppun-dono."

Her eyes keep down for a moment. When they raise again to look at Sadako, they seem filled with determination. "If such a resolution is possible, I consider protecting this possibility an obligation."

Another nod. "So I would like to extend the offer again, Seppun-dono. If my assistance may help protect the harmonious path forward you suggest in any way, I will be glad to provide it."

Her eyes shift down for a moment again, then back to her. "If at some point you do believe additional eyes are needed - or additional walls, or additional distance - I will be most honoured if you will remember us then. But let us hope it does not come to that, ne?"

------------------------
OOC: Will remember that! And probably ask for a thread with her again... must check if D9 is still possible on my end. Would it be on yours, or is it better to leave it for D10 already?

[Seppun Sadako]

snip

"It is appreciated," Sadako says, smiling somewhat wearily, but not the less sincerely for that. "I will hope I can count on you to let me know if something seems amiss. That would be decidedly appreciated."

She manages to get more food into her.

"I'll join you in hope, but I have to be ready for hope to fail."

~~~~~
Probably going to be D10 at this point. The Lady Seppun is in much demand these days.

[Yasuki Masaki]

"It is appreciated," Sadako says, smiling somewhat wearily, but not the less sincerely for that. "I will hope I can count on you to let me know if something seems amiss. That would be decidedly appreciated."

She manages to get more food into her.

"I'll join you in hope, but I have to be ready for hope to fail."

~~~~~
Probably going to be D10 at this point. The Lady Seppun is in much demand these days.

"Hai... being ready for uncertainty is wise. The offer of support remains if the best hopes fail, of course." The Yasuki nods to Sadako, a small, but earnest smile on her lips. "And I will be sure to let you know if something seems..." She seems pensive for a while before finishing the sentence. "May I ask what kind of amiss you have in mind, Seppun-dono? At least some strange things have reached my ears - although not related to the succession that I could tell"

[Fukurokujin]

Snip

Sadako sits up straight, suddenly fully alert.

"What kind of strange things, Yasuki-san?"

[Yasuki Masaki]

Sadako sits up straight, suddenly fully alert.

"What kind of strange things, Yasuki-san?"

Noticing the tension rising, the Yasuki does her best to keep her own voice calm, if serious. "I hope Seppun-dono will excuse me for the lack of detail, as these are mostly rumours I've heard second hand. With these reservations in mind... there has been some talk of a possible..." she stops, purses her lips slightly "the words I heard were 'Jurojin's servant walking the land again'. By which Ebikyogami was probably meant." She tilts her head slightly, eyes down at the table. "I do not know how much truth there is to this, and whether this might be related to anything else that has happened in our time here, but..."

She stops for a moment, gaze shifting closer to Sadako, although not quite on her. "... I imagine Seppun-dono felt it as well? A... disruption after court on the fourth day here? Before..." she doesn't finish the sentence. The momentous event of that evening was all too obvious, its repercussions weighing heavily on everyone.

[Seppun Sadako]

You're it!

Sadako pinches the bridge of her nose and exhales through it.

"Regarding the latter," she says, "investigations are ongoing. But as to the former, from whom did you hear such a thing?"

[Yasuki Masaki]

Sadako pinches the bridge of her nose and exhales through it.

"Regarding the latter," she says, "investigations are ongoing. But as to the former, from whom did you hear such a thing?"

"Another member of our delegation - who in turn heard it in talks to Scorpion delegates, I believe." She purses her lips again. "As I said, I do not know how much truth there is to this, and I have not investigated it further. Not yet, at least." Her eyes cross the Seppun's for a moment before her gaze turns to the table again. "If Seppun-sama think it worth investigating further, I could try to see into it, perhaps with my clansmates' help."

[Seppun Sadako]

Ping!

"That...would actually be helpful, yes," Sadako says, nodding slightly. "That much, I can delegate out. But go softly; questions need to be answered, but asking too loudly will make things worse than they already are."

Her eyes find Masaki's, and there is a force behind them. Not for nothing is she the Mistress of the Hidden Guard, it is clear.

"We do not need matters to worsen."

[Yasuki Masaki]

"That...would actually be helpful, yes," Sadako says, nodding slightly. "That much, I can delegate out. But go softly; questions need to be answered, but asking too loudly will make things worse than they already are."

Her eyes find Masaki's, and there is a force behind them. Not for nothing is she the Mistress of the Hidden Guard, it is clear.

"We do not need matters to worsen."

"Of course, Seppun-dono. I will do my best to be careful." The answer is accompanied by an acknowledging nod, her eyes apparently trying to make that clear as well - although the force of the Seppun's gaze makes it impossible to avoid averting them down somewhat.

"... I believe the spirits may have clearer answers than most people on that matter. And... if something is amiss, they are less likely to have their interests clash with those of the Empire, ne?"

Another nod. "I will be sure to let you know of anything we find out. And..."

She breaks the next sentence before it comes out, stops for a sip of tea. Perhaps the lady Seppun would have something else to say on this before she shifts to something else, after all.

--------
OOC: Waiting on an answer on an older thread to maybe add one more thing here!

[Seppun Sadako]

"And?"

Sadako waits.

~~~~~
No worries; pick up once you have the information!

[Yasuki Masaki]

"And?"

Sadako waits.

~~~~~
No worries; pick up once you have the information!

"And... there is one other matter. Although this one, Emerald Magistrate Daidoji Sae-sama said she would reach out to you about when I met her last night. When I mentioned I was planning on meeting you today, she asked me to let you know that a letter on this matter would be coming. It's related to some minor investigations on what seem to be heimin being unaccounted for in the Eye."

A nod. "I imagine Daidoji-sama may even have reached about that already - if not, she will probably do so soon. If Seppun-dono would want me to do something else related to this, please let me know and I will do my best."