D7 EA - The Art of Where

[Yasuki Masaki]

At some point - after the incident leading to the duel, which quickly brought the fan to her face and led to an unusually somber shade on her eyes - Masaki will come closer to the Crane delegation, trying to manoeuvre herself to a spot closer to Doji Noriko.

When she does, she will bow respectfully to her. "Doji-sama. Might this humble one ask for a quick word?", she says in a respectful, gentle tone.

"Certainly, Yasuki-san," she says with a warm smile.

[go ahead and make the thread.]

The Yasuki answers with a similarly warm smile as she walks over to a slightly more reserved place - not much, of course, as court would not allow that.

"Thank you, Doji-sama." She says with another bow. "Firstly, this one would like to express my appreciation for your words in defence of another of those raised by Ikoma-sama's research, just a few days ago. This, and the defence made by you and the Crane in support of a retrieval of increased collaboration between the clans" A warm smile.

"This one is but a humble servant of the Yasuki, and it would be conceited of me to expect Doji-sama has heard of me or house Kawagoi. We have long kept strong, friendly and familial ties with the Crane, so it brings me great joy to see our clans drawing closer again"

[Doji Noriko]

"Increased cooperation between our clans can only help to bring stability to the Empire, Yasuki-san." Noriko replies calmly. "It is pleasing to see." A small smile. "Does Yasuki-san perhaps feel some vindication for her family's efforts? Will we see a formal treaty between Crab and Crane soon?"

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Increased cooperation between our clans can only help to bring stability to the Empire, Yasuki-san." Noriko replies calmly. "It is pleasing to see." A small smile. "Does Yasuki-san perhaps feel some vindication for her family's efforts? Will we see a formal treaty between Crab and Crane soon?"

The question seems to please Masaki, as she gives a small, but warm nod. "There are indeed ongoing discussions on one, Doji-sama. We hope to see it come to fruition in the next days, the Fortunes allowing. My upbringing may temper my views, of course, but I am convinced closer collaboration between our people will be a great boon, ne?"

She nods, a small, warm smile still on her lips, although it seems to grow slightly more worried. "More so given the current uncertainties, ne?" The smile seems to make an effort to hold back the worry, beaming brighter. The effort may not be wholly successful. "From Doji-sama's words, and the stories the leaves whisper about you... would this one be assuming too much in believing Doji-sama's hopes for peace and collaboration among the clans mirror my own - or even outshine it?"

[Doji Noriko]

Doji Noriko's blue eyes meet Masaki's. "I do desire peace, Yasuki Masaki, all the more so because it seems to slip further away each day."

[Yasuki Masaki]

Doji Noriko's blue eyes meet Masaki's. "I do desire peace, Yasuki Masaki, all the more so because it seems to slip further away each day."

Noriko's gaze and words almost seem to take some of the wind off the Yasuki's sails. Not for long, but noticeably. "... so it does, ne? And at a time when it is all the most important for the Empire's rudder to keep steady and strong."

Her hand instictively fetch her fan, which she uses as if to dissipate at least some of the tension. "All I had seen and heard did suggest that our hopes are aligned, Doji-sama. But it is still heartening to hear it directly from you." A warmer smile slowly tries to grow on her lips again.

"I... wanted you to know that Doji-sama will not stand alone in that hope", she says with a polite nod, indicating her support in that regard. "I am almost certain this is nothing new for you, but there are also others who would like a peaceful - and hopefully swift - solution to the current quandaries."

She fans herself a bit again, then after a while uses a corner of the fan to point slightly at the Seppun, Miharu and Hidden Guard, standing on the dais.

[Doji Noriko]

"Lady Seppun's position is well-understood, Yasuki-san, but you are kind to point it out nonetheless. I wish her well, but I think her strength will be sorely tested, and that she has less support than she imagines." Doji Noriko raises an eyebrow. "Isn't that so?"

[Yasuki Masaki]

"Lady Seppun's position is well-understood, Yasuki-san, but you are kind to point it out nonetheless. I wish her well, but I think her strength will be sorely tested, and that she has less support than she imagines." Doji Noriko raises an eyebrow. "Isn't that so?"

The Yasuki nods, a warmer expression still slowly attempting to grow on her face, although some worry lingers on her eyes. "I can barely imagine the weight Seppun-dono must be carrying." A nod towards Noriko. "Or Doji-sama, for that matter."

The fan closes, her face pensive, warmth still working its way through it. "I wish I could readily affirm that she has enough support. But... she has some, ne?" A contained, but friendly smile "And it is my hope more will find its way to her."

The fan is raised close to her face again. "One must imagine it may not be easy, as some dissonant voices already suggest". Her eyes are fully on the ground now, providing no hint as to who she means.

"One may also believe a challenge, remarkable as it may be, becomes easier to meet with more reliable hands to rely on, ne?" When her eyes raise again, the friendly smile is there again. Perhaps slightly less contained this time.

[Doji Noriko]

"Indeed. And we cannot all be so fortunate as to have kinship bonds to provide those for us. Poor Gorobei."