When the Dragon met the Crane

[Doji Naetaru]

There has been a day since the Scorpion delegates had arrived and Naetaru had not received a summon from the Imperial Court, therefore he decided to look on the remaining matters at hand.
Still one day of correspondence...letters and paperwork needing to be filled in and filed onto as well.

Hiruma Akitani was thanking him for the caution of short notice regarding the recent scouting mission on the area. These days, many scouts were employed and mostly to gather intelligence over the presence of the Shadowlands. Doji Naetaru had done what a proper Rokugani should've. He sent a handful of scouting reports concerning the incident, even if the Crab ravaged the southern province of the Crane Clan. The safety of the Empire was of utmost importance. In return, Hiruma Akitani would owe him a favor.

Doji Adachi, a Crane courtier aspiring to become a legend, or so she claimed, had sent him a new report. It seems that there has been a new update regarding the matchmaking services and she was on the top of the list. Another boring paperwork just to allow her to marry something "juicier" as she was constantly saying...

Ide Uesugi, the daughter of a Unicorn governor was asking of him an update regarding the new fashion trend of the fans. She implored him to send her over a fan made of crane feathers. At the moment Naetaru was signing off the short supply of unicorn silk she was about to "gift" him in return.

Moments later a servant knocked at the shoji screen. Naetaru bid him enter and the servant reminded him of the meeting he had arranged with the Tamori daimyo. An arranged casual meeting of goodwill and meeting with the allies.

Some minutes later Naetaru was entering the room that had been arranged for the meeting. It was a brightly lit room, the sun's rays caressed the tatami mat. Naetaru had arranged for a modest decorum and yet again he had an artist arrange the place according to the philosophy of balancing energies across an area. He wanted the daimyo to feel as relaxed as possible, for he was straining himself with warring as well as daimyo activities. Thus Naetaru had arranged for him a fine blend of Asahina tea, which he wasn't fond of. The "aroma" as many people called it reminded Naetaru of brine and sulfur, yet the estimation regarded the blend as "smooth" and "elegant".
With that thought on his mind, there was a tap on the shoji screen, the daimyo was here.

Naetaru rose in advance, wishing to give a courteous welcome.

[Tamori Koichi]

It had been quite a long time since Koichi visited the Crane Embassy. Too long.

It was not that the Tamori daimyo held any animosity towards the Crane but he just simply had nothing to do with them. Negotiations and meetings were usually handled by the Kitsuki, and simply put Koichi was no courtier. He was a shugenja, a yamabushi, an alchemist, and even a duelist. But a courtier? No. His brutal honesty and frankness in saying what he thought of matters often put the Tamori daimyo into conflict with others.

The thought of a meeting with the Doji daimyo, the possibly best exemplar of etiquette and civility, made Koichi frown. He already had a lot on his hands. What could the Crane want now? In any case he would not embarass the Dragon. Koichi brushed away the dirt and loose threads that he could see in his kimono, while he was walking. He continued to follow the guide until they arrived at a room.

Koichi stood still while the guide tapped on the shoji screen to announce his arrival. From where he stood Koichi could smell the faint aroma of sulfur. 'Was somebody performing alchemy?' The smell reminded him of the foundries of his home. Koichi closed his eyes. Home. How he missed it.

"The Tamori daimyo is here my Lord.", announced the guide.

Koichi opened his eyes again, his face now showing his practiced smile as he entered the room.

"Konnichiwa Doji-sama."

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru's words were accompanied by a courteous bow. Whomever it was in front of him, he knew that deserved respect. In truth he had never ever met the Tamori daimyo, only heard of his accolades.

"Konban-wa Tamori-sama, I bid you most welcome. I guess Inari-kami has been gracious to you today?"

Naetaru was smiling appropriately, wishing to display sincerity in those "model phrases".

"I am most thankful that you found some time to meet with me and I regret the fact that I had to occupy some of your precious time. But I hope that you have some time for tea."

Whereas those words would seem strange, Naetaru knew that they meant much to a shugenja. The mind of a shugenja was constantly strained and many a practitioner would exert themselves to unbelievable limits. Communing with the kami was nothing to laugh at and even the touch with the spirits was an activity that a human being would have to test its limits with. Therefore a tea ceremony, casual or official, was the perfect solace for a mind to relax. What's more it soothed the spirit and moved the heart, a perfect setting for relationships to get nurtured and thrive.

"There has been a week since my arrival and lord Doji Yoshi-tono favored me with a magnificent Asahina blend. From the new harvest, of the Asahina daimyo's patch, diluted with cardamom."

Doji Naetaru sat down reverently wishing to be a good host. His posture was elegant, formal but relaxed. All in all he was wishing for some friendly meeting with the Dragon and so he wished to be welcoming and relaxed.

[Tamori Koichi]

Koichi returned the bow, a bow that was probably lower than what was necessary.

'Konban-wa? Was it evening already?' Koichi thought to himself. The day had gone so fast without him noticing because of all the preparations and dealings that he had been doing for months now. 'Inari...' Koichi allowed himself a small chuckle. He had not been actually eating properly for the past days. He lived on the void for sustenance and strength to do what he needed to accomplish. He left the actual food to be saved for his troops and rationed when they begin their assault on the Lion.

"Inari has already given me my fill for the day." Koichi said so with a genuine yet resigned smile. "Tea, on the other hand, would be quite welcome."

The Tamori daimyo knelt in front of the prepared table, opposite to the Doji. Koichi rubbed the back of his neck as he did so. Even the simple joy of having tea was something that had been deprived of him since the war started. To partake of a tea ceremony by the no less than the Doji daimyo was a privilege that Koichi let himslef enjoy for the meantime.

Koichi raised back his eyes to Naeteru with a smile.

"How is Asahina-sama doing? I had last seen her at the Bloom of the White Orchid. Unfortunately, the strange occurences at the competition did not allow us a chance to talk."

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru looked at the man. He was a nice fellow, and to Naetaru he emanated warmth.

"Asahina Yukihime-sama is fine. I have seen her around the infirmary, tending to the wounded and offering blessings to the departed ones."

He paused a bit. His tone was warm and his words relaxed. He did not wish to put stress in it.

"Especially the Scorpions that have pledged their life pro or contra to Hantei-tono."

And then again he resumed to the topic, leaving the recent events in a shady state.

"Personally I commend you sama, the role of the priest of the kami is filled with heavy duty and needs delicate elegance while it has a vast array of work that needs to be carried out."

He sipped his tea a bit. Heavens! This tea was bitter as hell...He thought however that even the taste of tea may be rather subjective...and there was a faint trace of cherry...cherry? Naetaru simply discarded the thought, even the tea coming from shugenja lands was multi-folded...

"Personally I wish to thank you for your effort sama. I have been informed that you were responsible for the fine coordination of our shugenja forces. Prominent Asahina commanders expressed their marvel at your use of the forces in general."

Naetaru wished to say more but he didn't know much. In truth he was told that the Tamori daimyo held all respect for the Air shugenjas, putting them in good use resonating the Earth shugenja magic. He was no adept in the mysteries of the kamis, yet again he could not hold back a gratitude.

"And our Asahina cousins speak highly of your abilities sama."

[Tamori Koichi]

Koichi couldn't help but feel sad at the mentioning of the Scorpion incidents at court. So many life had been lost. Some of them were even acquaintances of his.

"Such a tragedy. But at least their deaths were not in vain. Hopefully we truly have gained an ally in the Scorpion.."

Koichi really hoped it was true. Part of him was still hesitant in trusting the Scorpion especially since Senshi was a well known Kaneka supporter before, and only weeks ago there had been news of Senshi's wife killing Crane defenders.

Koichi took a sip of his tea. He let go of thoughts about the Scorpion. It would do no good to worry about things that were beyond his control.

Koichi took another sip of the tea. It was bitter, strong. Just the way he wanted. Just like the way he was. The tea, along with the accolades the Doji was saying, lightened up Koichi's feelings. It was nice for once to hear good things about himself, especially after his enemies had spread rumors that Koichi had usurped the role of Dragon Clan Champion from Takezo.

"You flatter me, Doji-sama." Koichi put his cup down and nodded to Naeteru as a sign of gratitude. He smiled. "I only do that which is my duty."

"It is the Asahina and your clan in general who deserve gratitude and appreciation. Your people offer their lives in the defense of his majesty, the Emperor, and his home day after day. I am eternally grateful." Koichi bowed to Naeteru. "It is my honor to coordinate and command such noble troops."

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru smiled as he was hearing the Tamori daimyo's fine words. They carried no flatter, no irony, only sympathy and appreciation. His pride bellowed but managed to calm it down. There is no place for a samurai's heart in pride, lest he strays.

"I assure you sama, the Crane Clan performs its duty as would any other Clan. We all have sworn an oath to the Emperor and we revere the Celestial Order, a thing that the Dragon Clan taught us since the beggining of the Empire. Regarding the defense of Toshi Ranbo, I assure you is a matter of geographical position, for our lands lie near to the Imperial City. Therefore our families rushed in aid to the Emperor in haste. Your presence here indicates that distance matters not, for you were beside us since the very first day sama. And now your Clan rushes on to assist us and strengthen your position. A heroic achievement might I commend."

There wasn't even the slightest trace of irony. He admired the man, especially since he had managed to drink the tea.

"I remember your first letter to the Crane back to the day when I was an ambassador. The respect and fine words you used sama. This was the reason that I took initiative to have a tea with you."

Naetaru remained relaxed, the Tamori daimyo had a soothing effect on his spirit...the Void perhaps?

"Along with an extended invitation for your and your immediate family. Should you wish, there would always be an embassy in Kyuden Doji for you or the representative you appoint. I am sure that Mirumoto Takezo-tono is already aware of your value and will condone the sanction of an ambassador that you select.
What's more, should you wish your progeny or a cousin to attend one of the Crane schools, I would be happy to invite him in Shizuka Toshi to train either among our courtiers or as a magistrate. If however he or she wish for a proper shugenja training I could vouch for a cross-training in the Asahina Temples, to complement the perfect work of the Tamori shugenja."

Naetaru smiled friendly, his courtly facade shattering as he was uttering those words. He could always acknowledge and respect a man that supported the Crane.

[Tamori Koichi]

The Tamori daimyo allowed himself a chuckle.

"Thank you for your offer Doji-sama." Koichi did his best to hold his laughter. "It is not Takezo who you should worry about. The offer is quite fine and I am flattered to receive it. But it will probably irritate Yuusha-chan too much. The Kitsuki daimyo likes to think she is in control of our clan's courtiers."

Koichi couldn't help but smile. The thought of him choosing his own people to send to the Crane was great. The thought of it irritating the Kitsuki daimyo was even better.

Koichi took another sip of tea to compose himself before talking again.

"Again thank you for the offer. I will personally select our best to study with your clan." In his mind, several names already presented himself. Yes, they would not embarass the Dragon. "It would be an honor to train with the Asahina. Let me likewise invite your clansmen to train with us. I know my family does not have the best reputation in the Empire but we do allow students from other clans to join us."

Koichi grinned. He could allow Cranes to study with the Tamori shugenja school where the basics were taught. He would of course have to restrict access, some secrets of the Tamori alchemists and yamabushi were best kept among trusted members.

"I would have to warn you though. Training with the Tamori isn't for the faint of heart. Even breathing becomes hard in the mountains."

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru let a small laugh, composed and elegant, fitting to the situation.

"I did not think otherwise. It is hard to breathe indeed when you're near the maw of the Dragon. I would be more than pleased to ever manage to visit the Tamori peaks. I have heard that the Tamori family enjoys a marvellous view from the mountains up there. I remember the previous season, in Kyuden Doji, a pocket of tsangusuri peddlers narrated to us the magnificent environment of your lands. They told that the atmosphere up there was so clear that one could feel the wind kami nurturing their lungs to dizziness. (ooc: height pressure duh!)"

Naetaru drank more from the tea, holding the back of the cup steady. He took a small sip. The tea was worsening in flavor as the time passed up to the point that he would picture the dead fish floating on the cup's surface.

"Sama, I was wondering about our whereabouts regarding the approaching bon festival..."

He remained silent for a moment in respect to those dead in the name of the Emperor.

"...it seems that everyone of us would like to participate. It is a moment of stillness where the mortals meet the ones that have passed away...I guess you're planning to attend. The Imperial Court would be much grateful if both the Tamori and the Asahina daimyos prove willing to perform the ceremony. It will grant everyone hope over our cause. What do you say?"

He felt a sudden pang of grief, combined with guilt. Naetaru claimed to have been sad of the war, but then again he hadn't fought, hadn't raised a blade or a spear. He was not in the heart of battle and yet he wondered what every sentient man would do with war in his doorstep.
The Doji daimyo might have been an influential man, but he was...a man...one among many others...

[Tamori Koichi]

Koichi was taken by surprise by what the Crane said. The idea of celebrating the bon festival simply had not crossed his mind. There were just too many reasons to postpone the festival, the most important of which was the Lion Army at the doorstep of the Emperor's home.

The Tamori daimyo put his cup down. He tried to process everything. He was after all talking with a Crane. He shouldn't have been surprised at them maintaining tradition despite what was happening. For a moment, Koichi thought carefully of the matter and when he was ready, he locked eyes with the Doji daimyo again.

"I am deeply honored by your invitation Doji-sama...", said Koichi, emphasizing on the word 'honored' as he slowly talked. "... But I humbly must decline."

Koichi straightened his posture, bearing himself with dignity.

"You must excuse me for being blunt with you. I am refusing not because of the courtly game of refusing gifts twice. I simply cannot accept your offer. While it is true that I am a priest of the kami, and know how to perform the ceremony, I do not think I am best suited to the task."

"I am the Tamori daimyo. And I am a Yamabushi first and foremost. My place is on the battlefield."

Koichi paused, letting the Doji daimyo take in what he had just said.

"As much as I would like to remember the dead, I do not want to forget the living. Yes hundreds of our allies have died doing their duty but there are still thousands more that are alive fighting. I will not let them add their numbers to the dead as well. In time... we will have the chance to give the fallen the honor that is rightfully theirs."

Koichi sighed. "But if you really must pursue this path now, let Yuikihime-sama do it. She is gentler and more adequate to the task. My militaristic inclinations are of no use in such a ceremony. They are more useful in coordinating the Imperial troops. Also, I am as of the moment presiding over the affairs of the Dragon Clan." Koichi deliberately did not use the term 'champion'. He never wanted the title and he would not grab it even if it was quite within his reach now. "Duty already keeps me quite occupied."

The Tamori daimyo forced out a smile. Koichi was known for being harsh and cunning, calculative and even to the point of being manipulative but in truth he placed high importance on etiquette and respect especially to those who were deserving of it.

"I pray I have not offended you in any way Doji-sama. I will do my best to attend the ceremony if you continue with it. But I hope you understand if I can't.."

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru retained a serious visage as he was listening the Tamori daimyo's words. His gaze rested a bit on the mon that Koichi was wearing and looked at him again.

"No need to be concerned sama, I am not displeased or offended by what you'd just said. I understand that your duty lies first and foremost amidst the parapets with the rest of the forces, and your importance in this is something that no living soul can deny."

He threw a casual smile, for he didn't like the tense formality that was piling up.

"And since we've been blessed with two high-ranking shugenjas, it won't be difficult at all to organize such a ceremony. I truly applaud the spirit of duty and honor that you display sama. I will ensure that your deceased Clansmen be appropriately honored in the festival of the departed."

He looked over at the tea. He didn't even wish to taste it again. He looked over the window, watching the sky darkening and giving way to the moon.

"Tamori-sama, it seems that I have delayed you from your duties far more than intended. Please do forgive me."

Naetaru didn't want to tire his guest, nor did he wish to bring him in an uneasy position. As etiquette demanded he could give the appropriate time bracket for his guest to leave if he wished.

[Tamori Koichi]

Koichi returned the smile.

"No apology is necessary. I am thankful for the time we have shared. Domo arigato gozaimasu Doji-sama."

Koichi stood up, adjusting the folds of his kimono as he did so.

"Thank you again for the tea. I hope that we will have the chance to do this again when the war is finished."

'And we are still alive.' Koichi kept this thought to himself, omitting it from his words. It was quite possible that neither of them would make it alive through this war.

Koichi dismissed the negative thought from his mind, and replaced it with the prime example of the final paragraph of Niten.

"Do not believe you can win, but know it."

Koichi had uttered the mantra in his mind and out loud. Koichi looked up again, just in time to see the confused look in the Doji's face. Koichi chuckled.

"Guess we'll just have to win this war to have tea again, wouldn't we?"

Koichi smiled genuinely. "I must go now. You need your time to rest as well. Thank you again Doji-sama. Please send my regards to Fitsu-sama and Yukihime-sama. Do inform Yukihime-sama about my interest in one of her vassals, a certain Asahina Yuuto. If any of you have any need of me again, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to maintain open communications with the most noble Crane Clan."

The Tamori daimyo made a final bow to the Doji daimyo, listening if the Crane has anything more to say, before finally exiting the room.

ooc: sending you a PM, cc-ed to Yuuto and Yukihime.

[Doji Naetaru]

The Doji lord rose from his kneeling position looking at the Tamori daimyo, wearing a sincere smile.

"I thank you for your time once more and for the magnificent company while savoring some tea. I truly hope that my Clan's hospitality had offered a spiritual relaxation much needed for heroes such as you sama."

He bowed in respect for a last time, rising he said.

"I bid you to have some good night's rest, much needed those days. And once the war is over I would be honored to do this again. It is refreshing to find some time to speak with the noble leaders of the Dragon."

He heard of what the daimyo had said about Yuuto and the willingness to keep open communication, but Naetaru thought he wouldn't mention it twice. He didn't either want to tire or to flatter. After the Tamori daimyo exited, he turned over to look at his desk. He dipped his brush into the ink and began writing...