[D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

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Daidoji Sae
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[D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 5:27 am

Sae looks at the Dragon House with an expression so neutral it could only be carefully masking something. After a few moments she forced herself to set her On to be a little more welcoming. It was hardly the Dragon's fault she was coming their way so late in the day, and there was still more court to attend.

Heinous.

Still, their Clan made particularly good magistrates in her experience, and if you knew the right words you could sometimes pare down the various analogies, metaphors and riddles into wordy 'yes or no' answers.

Carrying a small box with her the Crane approached the house and knocked on a wooden beam outside to announce her presence, idly wondering who she would find within.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sat Jan 04, 2025 5:38 am

Daidoji Sae wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 5:27 am
Heinous.
Jinkan had been lazing about in the corner of his room like a right-side up bat when the call came down the line. A bird of extraordinarily large size was outside and wished to speak with a member of the delegation. It was not long before the Dragon had washed his face and smoothed his silks into the proper tube shape that was all the fashion, and he had their guest come into a screen divided room.

Some bright spark had anticipated the need to sit and talk by providing cushions and tables for people to sit at, and so Jinkan availed himself of their comfort. He shuffled around with the tea cups until they were correctly placed and then had the screen pushed aside so that the Daidoji could come in, revealing his scarred face and twitchy fingers. The black of his eyes memorized her face in a grid pattern that was too intense to be entirely polite.

"Be seated, Crane-san." He said.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 5:44 am

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 5:38 am

Snip
Honestly...by Dragon standards. "Thank you-" A brief pauses as her gaze flicks down to his mon. "-Mirumoto-san. I am Sae of the Daidoji, Lady of the Miyahara family. Ah, and you have already organised tea."

Stepping inside and bowing politely. "If I may, I have brought some dango which I hope will pair well with a green tea. It is likely to be a longer day still after we are done and some extra energy will do me good."

Sae politely withstands the face memorization, gaze fixed firmly on a point over Jinkan's shoulder before offering him the box she carried as she sat.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sat Jan 04, 2025 5:55 am

Jinkan rose, bowed, and then flopped down like a puppet with its strings cut for a long moment before righting himself to mirror the ramrod straightness of the Daidoji.

"Mirumoto Jinkan, rock by any other name." He replied filling her cup up with tea, not that he had checked what color it was before he had poured it. His hands continued to twitch, leading to a couple of droplets on his sleeves which he ignored.

"As we will be sharing it, it is not a gift and I do not have to request you to keep it to yourself." The Dragon said after he had put down the teapot, though he did not seem to be speaking to her but rather to himself.

"I am not being rude." He said to the room at large.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 6:04 am

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 5:55 am
Jinkan rose, bowed, and then flopped down like a puppet with its strings cut for a long moment before righting himself to mirror the ramrod straightness of the Daidoji.

"Mirumoto Jinkan, rock by any other name." He replied filling her cup up with tea, not that he had checked what color it was before he had poured it. His hands continued to twitch, leading to a couple of droplets on his sleeves which he ignored.

"As we will be sharing it, it is not a gift and I do not have to request you to keep it to yourself." The Dragon said after he had put down the teapot, though he did not seem to be speaking to her but rather to himself.

"I am not being rude." He said to the room at large.
“Quite right. Simplifies things a little, doesn’t it? And I am sure you would never be intentionally rude.”
She bows her head.
“Thank you for the tea and your time. I had hoped to discuss some inter-clan matters. Are you… someone I can discuss those matters… with?”
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sat Jan 04, 2025 6:14 am

"I always have time to speak to pretty birds." The Mirumoto said, smiling in a way that made his scars seem even larger than before. He looked at something beside her before sighing and adopting a more polite expression.

"I have leave to discuss many things, and personally I am the heir to the jade mines of Shiro Yama. I have spent the last five years managing accounts for my elderly father and thus would know what you wish to speak of. I am someone worth speaking to. Speak and be heard." Jinkan finished by locking eyes with a wall painting behind the Daidoji.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 6:47 am

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 6:14 am
Snip
Diplomatically. "I see."Well, she supposed one of the benefits of admitting to being involved in commerce was you didn't have to continue dancing around being involved in commerce.

"My house has many dealings, but I leave specifics to my noble cousin." Sae feels an urge to turn around and look at the painting behind her but gamely fights it down."

Taking a cup of tea and sips quietly for a moment before continuing on.

"There are some things my Clan has in abundance, such as rice that the Dragon lack. At the same time the Dragon are known for the wealth of your mountains. Jade like your mine, even gold. I have no wish to discuss the...unsavoury exact details of an exchange here and now, but is that something that might pique your interest?"

Again she resits the need to look back at the painting.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sat Jan 04, 2025 12:21 pm

Jinkan snorted a little and started drinking some tea of his own. It took his eyes off the wall and put them on the Daidoji in front of him.

"The Dragon would welcome discussion of deepening friendships with many clans. I am assured that your offer of further conversation would be met warmly, especially with the framing you just put on it." He said giving another smile at the very end.

"Might I ask what makes the Crane so willing to speak to the Dragon on the first day of winter? Forgive the offense, but I was under the impression the Crane lacked for nothing but the favor of the Empress?" Jinkan asked now narrowing his eyes in curiosity.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 7:18 pm

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 12:21 pm
Snip
"In truth, Mirumoto-san." Sai carefully picks up a skewer of dango and nibbles at it. "I have little wish to spend my whole winter going back and forth on agreements of this nature. Instead I prefer to resolve what I can, when I can. If I can begin proceedings on the 1st day it means that hopefully I will not be taking messages back and forth on the last."

Another measured bite.
"As to your last question, I would not wish to speak the Empress' mind for her. But my Family is more used to adversity than most, as well as the benefits of exchanges that occur up and down the river on which we sit. If there is a result where we both benefit then I have done my duty to my House, My Clan and My Empire."

Meeting his gaze calmly. "Is that something you can agree with in principle?"
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sat Jan 04, 2025 7:37 pm

"Have you considered that a house on a hill sees the most wind? I had expected the more courtly clans to wait and see the playing field before making moves. It pleases me to be wrong though! Surpises are the fishflakes." Jinkan gave another smile that somehow made him even uglier.

"I should have considered that clans are made up of their people." He said taking some of the dango to chew on. It seemed he found it agreeable enough to take a second bite.

"But I have avoided answering your question, we can agree in principle. Naturally I will be sending a report to Togashi-ue, but he is a really lovely man. You should seek his wisdom before the season passes." Unnecessary advice was a Dragon speciality after all.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 7:50 pm

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 7:37 pm
Snip
"And the later in the season you harvest rice, the more you lose to pests." One eyebrow arches for a moment.

"But I am delighted you agree in principle. I will seek to speak to Togashi-sama, if he has the time."

Sae eats and drinks for a few moments before continuing on. "Then there is the subject of marriage." She frowns slightly as a primeval part of her brain starts screaming the danger of leaving that statement floating to a literal minded Dragon samurai. "By which I should clarify, marriage between members of my clan and yours in general. It would strength any agreements we make and I am sure a happy match would be blessed by Inari-no-kami."
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sat Jan 04, 2025 8:58 pm

"I have never harvested rice before, but I have built a house." Jinkan said wanting to get the last word in on the subject.

"Marriage is difficult to discuss at the moment, I was supposed to read some dossiers before the night's end but well..." he gestured to the tea and dango on the table.

"Personally speaking, I am looking for a spouse."
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:08 pm

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 8:58 pm
Snip
Sae to her credit merely nods and has the good grace to look surprised, as if it were a shock that he were still unmarried.

"These things are best not rush I find. My own marriage was very happy because everything was carefully arranged. But if you wish I can provide some details on eligible Crane if there is a natural pairing. Perhaps someone else who enjoys crafts and the like? I am no match-maker."

Sae finishes her skewer slowly.
"Still, I think this is a good start in my mind. I appreciate you being so open-minded."
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:16 pm

"I considered making things difficult by having this meeting on the ceiling but I couldn't figure out how to keep the tea in the bowls without my sister's help. She is back at Shiro Yama, so..." there was a shrug as his face said, what can you do?

"And you know. Propriety." He squeezes his eyes shut for a long second as if in pain before adopting a polite expression over his scarred mouth again.

"You said 'was'? Your marriage 'was very happy'?"
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:24 pm

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:16 pm
Snip
Sae's gaze slowly rises to the ceiling, then back to Jinkan.

"Yes, the bowls would have made it difficult."

Clearing her throat she continues on. "My husband was killed some years ago now. It was quite sudden and it is only recently I am re-betrothed, so you can understand why marriage is on my mind." She sips her tea again, a little slower this time. "We all have our duties."

Figuring that the Mirumoto would be more tolerant of a blunt question than most. "Your family did not arrange a match for you?"
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:35 pm

"My sister had a bad dream when the first offer for my hand was made, and I found the second offer intolerable. Nothing further has been suggested in the last year." The Dragon explained in an easy way that made it seem he gave this explanation often. He seemed more bothered by eating the small bits of dango than what he had revealed.

"Oh, and my condolences on your loss. My father is also a widower. It really sucks doesn't it? Is your new attachment agreeable enough? Did you have children?"
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:42 pm

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:35 pm
"My sister had a bad dream when the first offer for my hand was made, and I found the second offer intolerable. Nothing further has been suggested in the last year." The Dragon explained in an easy way that made it seem he gave this explanation often. He seemed more bothered by eating the small bits of dango than what he had revealed.

"Oh, and my condolences on your loss. My father is also a widower. It really sucks doesn't it? Is your new attachment agreeable enough? Did you have children?"
"They do say third time is a charm."

Sae's mouth snaps open to respond to his second point but she pauses, closes and thinks for a moment before replying. "Yes, it does 'suck', I am sorry for your family's loss as well. My fiancé seems agreeable, she is talented, kind...appears to be interested in me. I am still coming to terms with some aspects of it, but through no fault of her own."

A slight shake of her head at to the last question.
"No children of my own, but my brother has two, so the succession is secured should the worst happen. My oldest brother that is, the younger is...still finding his way in the world. I am sure you know how family can be complicated?"
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sun Jan 05, 2025 2:42 am

"It was just after I was born, so I never knew her. My father never recovered." Jinkan said like he was describing the weather or something equally inane.

"People are really very complicated. The only living family I have is my father and sister. No cousins because all my aunts and uncles died the same year my father took leadership of the house. Their families too. He was the youngest." The Dragon said remembering the details he had been given as he grew older.

"I hope to get a love match. Watching my father wither like a melon in the sun has convinced me that it must be something worth dying for."
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Daidoji Sae » Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:26 am

Mirumoto Jinkan wrote:
Sun Jan 05, 2025 2:42 am
Snip
"That is...a highly improbable and for your father extremely fortuitous series of events, he must be blessed indeed."
Gently. "I do have access to the records of the Emerald Magistrates here if you would be interested in more detail about the mu-.... about your father's history?"

As for the love match.
"Love is not a guarantee in a marriage, it's not even always likely. It's something that must be worked towards. For instance, what would you find most attractive in a partner?"
Sae mentally braces herself.
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Re: [D1, ME - Expecting] To Feed a Dragon

Post by Mirumoto Jinkan » Sun Jan 05, 2025 9:03 am

He doesn't address her offer, concerned with the last question.

Jinkan rubbed one side of his scar thoughtfully. "The face, I think. Then the neck."

He looked briefly annoyed for a moment at something to the side of the Daidoji before giving a fake smile that drew the shadows of his face together. "Of course, an honorable soul will show through any physical form."
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