Interview 4: Tani Minase

[Cearnach]

The door slides open to reveal Lady Doji, with Kakita Irie standing behind her and a number of servants waiting in the wings, seated in a chair. Another, empty chair sits across the low table from her. That one must be yours.

[Asahina Minase]

Minase enters, moving slowly and calmly like a crane through the reeds at a riverbank before dropping in to a deep and appropriate bow.

"You have summoned, my Lady, and this one has answered, Doji-dono. Your will?"

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D1 EA Event Meet the Daimyo: Roll 1 Etiquette/Awareness Void for +1k1 | 8k5 ⇒ 40 (TN: 25)

[Doji Minehime]

Lady Doji smiled into the middle distance--of course she does not look Minase in her eyes--but without risking her soul she extends the warmth of her welcome.

"A moment of your company, Tani-san. Please, come and sit with me. We shall learn from each other." She gestured to the empty seat. "Have you had rice?"

[Asahina Minase]

MInase keeps her eyes lowered as she takes the offered seat, having long since learned that her eyes are . . . problematic at best for many.

"Yes, my Lady. I find mornings can be particularly inspiring for my art, so I am habitually an early riser to watch Lady Sun ascend."

[Doji Minehime]

"I feel much the same way, Tani-san. The hour before dawn is an excellent time to perfect the sword's art as well. And Amaterasu's smile is a welcome reward for a routine well executed."

She gestured easily toward the tea set in invitation for Minase to perform the ceremony.

"Is Tani-san a particular devotee of Lady Sun's?"

[Asahina Minase]

"I find all the Fortunes and officials of Tengoku worthy of reverence."

A small hint of a smile forms, perhaps at the sight of the tea service or perhaps at the conversation.

"Yet I always seem to find a way to greet Lady Sun's ascension each morning."

The tea ceremony she performs is adequate, not outstanding but good enough.
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D1 EA Event Meet the Daimyo: Roll 2 Tea Ceremony/Void | 6k3 ⇒ 20 (TN: 20)

[Doji Minehime]

"She does seem to find ways to make herself known to her children, doesn't she? My cousin Noriko has always felt a deep connection there, as well. It is good to think that at least one figure associated with the Empress has decided to show us her favor."

[Asahina Minase]

Mention of their clan's problems of late brought a considered look from the small artisan.

"Then perhaps this Winter will begin to put things right. The balance is precariously swayed right now, but with proper action it may be restored."

Her tone and manner conveyed her belief in her words.
--
D1 EA Event Meet the Daimyo: Roll 3 Sincerity/Awareness Void for +1k1 | 6k5 ⇒ 29 (TN: 25)

All three rolls passed. A chicken will be offered to Sakkaku for it's benevolence.

[Doji Minehime]

"I pray that you are correct, Tani-san. Do you perhaps have an insight as to what proper action would be?"

[Asahina Minase]

"Not one single action will correct the course. No grand gesture. No stroke of inspiration of monumental import. Our progress will be a sum of its parts. Of all our parts, some small, some more significant, but all leading to our restoration to our appointed place. I am but a humble artisan here, in the words of my family Daimyo, but I may be a much-needed reminder to an Empire in crisis that the soul endures when nourished by the great art the Crane provide."

She pauses to take in just how she has spoken to her Lady.

"If just one of the gifts I create turns one hostile soul back to considering our place then it may begin a cascade of better feeling. To that end I will endeavour to create the finest so that it may be used to the fullest."

[Doji Minehime]

Lady Doji's serene smile warmed, reaching her deep blue eyes as she met Minase's mis-matched ones.

"Lord Asahina has always had a way of striking a chord, has he not? I am glad that he has lit a spark within you, or perhaps better, that he was able to recognize a fire already burning. I think that I can trust you to recognize those souls in need, but if there is anything you wished to ask of me, I humbly offer my assistance."

[Asahina Minase]

Fortune favours the bold.

"Is there anyone that Doji-dono feels is especially in need of a demonstration of the Kakita trained arts?"

[Doji Minehime]

Minehime smiled. "Do you know, there are many who would do well by such a gift, but Lady Akodo would probably receive it best. And there are times in which I feel that Shiba Higashime might just benefit from a moment of reflection."

[Asahina Minase]

Minase nodded, accepting the technically, unspoken assignment.

"I will bear that in mind. My thanks, Doji-dono, will there be anything else?"

[Doji Minehime]

"Not from me, Tani-san." She rose. "I believe that you are likely to make an excellent asset to this delegation. Please, go and do as your lord and your soul have bidden you." A shallow bow. "And, if your would be so kind, please show Tanaka Shinnosuke in as you leave. That would be much appreciated."

[Asahina Minase]

There was a very brief moment of surprise before she rose and bowed.

"As you wish, Doji-dono. It has been quite some time since I last saw Shinnosuke-san."

Then she made her withdrawal and sent in the next Crane for examination.

/exit