The Brush Weight (Lion-Crane Truce)

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko was quietly appreciating the gift offered to her by the Kitsu daimyo, a serene lady for all she had learned, immersed in her thoughts about going south at the beginning of the Day. She was sat in seiza position by Ikoma’s side again, sipping tea while listening to the leaders of both clans. For her own surprise she found herself in a melancholic way right now, the air kami that followed her since her birth surprisingly silent..
She had already offered him her gift** and was surprised that he remembered to bring one to her.
I am here, Akodo-sama, just appreciating this moment. She smiled to him.

**OCC: I can edit to make it happen after your offering, if you wish.

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru simply smiled in reverence to the words of the Lion champion. Those words were of casual importance but yet he had ensured that the meeting had shifted over to the beautiful Kakita daimyo.
He let Mitsouko take over from here.

((OOC: Still at work. Taking care not to have something slip from notice))

[Daidoji Fitsu]

Fitsu presented the scroll case again with a smile, Tomatsu-san, I will not be the same general I am today after I have enjoyed your generous gift, and you will not be the same general after you have enjoyed mine. Take this, and let us agree that when we play we will both be better for our grasping of each others' lessons.

[Doji Naetaru]

Several minutes later, Naetaru was found sitting amidst the company of both Clan champions. He had managed to retain the feeling of warmth and calmness that both sides wished to keep, while exchanging important gifts and pleasantries.
He looked at both men, Fitsu and Tomatsu, both of the same cut looking equals to the common eye. Their honor apparent and their glory even more so. For once Naetaru considered him lucky to be in this state, a month before he was running for his life in the company of the Emperor from the very samurais that swore fealty to this very Champion that had gifted him the sumi-e set.
He let all the thoughts go and he resumed to the conversation at present.

"Tomatsu-sama, please allow me, once more, to extend the Crane's gratitude into having this fine meeting. I cannot help but to express my astonishment as of the selection of Kyuden Seppun as the place of this meeting. One cannot but notice the serenity that this place emanates, and the glorious history that this province entails. A perfect place for the Lion to meet the Crane."

He managed to take a small sip of the tea he was offered. It was exquisite, with a flavor he'd never himself experienced. Calm and slightly aromatic but still peppery on the tip of the tongue. It was as if chewing off peppermint with a milder aroma.

"And during these times, it is fine to see the leaders of our Clans willing to find over the solution, into taking care for the tranquility in our Empire. What's more, winter is closing in and every warrior's weary soul might need a well deserved serene moment."

In the meantime he would imagine the very images that he beheld in his eyes, during the fight in both Toshi Ranbo and Permission City. He had been "blessed" to witness them both, a truly sad experience, to see brethren been cut down over to the egoistical proclaims of an individual. All good that Kaneka had caused over the Empire had he taken with the death his proclamation had brought.
However, Naetaru was optimistic that war wouldn't be the lasting solution to this conflict. Let the Emperor and the Usurper fight amongst themselves, if only the Clans had stayed out of this.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Hinto, dressed in an elegant yet simple teal kimono with the Crane and Daidoji mon on it, had been quiet for most of the evening, remaining in his position as Naetaru's yojimbo. He was unsure of when it would be appropriate for him to offer his gifts, but finally he cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Honored samas of the Lion clan, forgive me if I speak out of turn, but I am unused to such company as yourselves. I am Daidoji Hinto, a humble bushi and Doji Naetaru-sama's yojimbo, and I also come bearing gifts for you all." He bent over to a silk bag, also teal, at his feet and removed a quiver from it. Going to each of the assembled lions in turn, including their yojimbo, he bowed deeply to them and gave each one of them a single arrow from the quiver. When he was finished, it was empty. Each one had a jade arrowhead with barbs on wither side that pointed back towards the rattan shaft. The feathers were dyed gold except for the tips, which were dyed a deep green.

"Before I served Doji Naetaru-sama, I spent some time traveling the empires shipping routes. During those travels, I learned that the foul creatures that serve the lord of the shadowlands do not always stay behind the wall, and these arrows were designed by me and an old Crab associate of mine to deal with such threats. The tips are pure jade, and are designed to separate from the shaft once they have penetrated their target. The shafts are made from rattan wood, sturdy, but hollowed out to contain a concentrated dose of the Crab clan's famed Jade Petal Tea, that has been further infused with powdered jade. They are extremely potent weapons against any of the foul beings that come from beyond the wall. I myself have felled an ogre with just a single shot."

"However, these particular arrows are even more unique than the others of their kind. When I learned of your impending visit, samas, I contacted a certain Mantis Shugenja that owed me a few favors, and this man laid a powerful blessing of the Air Kami on each shaft, so that whenever they are loosed against a creature bearing taint, the Air Kami themselves will guide the arrow to the intended target. In other words, when fired at a tainted creature, these arrows will never miss. I truly hope that you never have need for this gift, but if you should find yourself in such an unfortunate position, know that you can depend on this arrow to save your life."

He bowed again to the assembled lions and returned to Naetaru's side.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

He completed the customary rituals with Fitsu, finally accepting the gift gingerly in his hands. Instead of handing it to the Geisha as he had with each other gift, allowing her to carefully pack them away for travel, he kept this one in front of him, trying hard to keep the excitement off of his face. This would be something he would start reading tonight, if he had the charcoal and parchment to make notes with.

He finally bowed his head to the Kakita daimyo and addressed her. Ah Kakita-san, how wonderful it is to see you again. It does warm my heart to see that you survived your adventures in Lion lands. I do hope you found some more friendly hospitality than just the one meeting we shared. As for your gift, this one I am quite proud of, so I do hope you accept it. He extended the wooden box towards her and opened the top. Inside was a beautiful ivory wakazashi, gold worked into the precious material to accentuate the pure whiteness of it. The gold formed the scene of a Lion and a Crane bowing to each other out of respect, with a full moon hanging over them.

I do hope you and Fitsu-san overlook the fact that I have chosen to make a gift of a weapon to you. I purely mean it as a work of functional art. It was crafted by my personal smith, a peasant named Hojo from Blessed Fishing Village. He is the one who crafted my sword Destiny. He claims the Fortune of Steel visited him during the construction of my sword and taught him a great many things. I don't know if that is true or not, but clearly the man is gifted, if he not?

[Ikoma Buretto]

The Ikoma daimyo finished his third cup of tea as his Champion finished the reception of the gift from Naetaru and made the offer to Mitsouko, leaning over with a raised brow to see just what she was being offered. And look down over her shoulder. He was thusly interrupted from his gazing by the offer from the previously unnoticed yojimbo. An arrow? Buretto set his cup down and delicately gathered up the item, listening to the recounting of its practical purpose and history of the construction, mentally comparing it to that of the other offered gifts. As the yojimbo retreated, the courtier considered before offering, "Should I find myself in the company of something thusly as repugnant as the most unholy, I am pleased that it shall fly true." he then set it aside and tried his best political smile, turning some towards the Kakita daimyo once again, perhaps awaiting another chance to speak with her once she has finished the refusal or acceptance of his Champion's gift.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

So you presented us with the story of how a clever arrow saved your life, Daidoji-san? It’s quite interesting and a lesson indeed. A Crab and a Daidoji once worked together. Shall we learn from this singular tale. Thank you very much.

After a nod of appreciation, Mitsouko handed him the arrow after a moment taken to examine the item and showing her interest for its crafting. Even if Hinto had breached the protocol she wasn’t willing to let it stain the meeting.

After a glance to Naetaru she directed to Tomatsu, listening to his words and examining the piece carefully. Indeed a work of art. But still a weapon. She swallowed, when the many of the symbolisms of this weapon, offered as gift, crossed her mind. The blade of honor, the blade of seppuku, the blade to protect you indoors; the blade that is sho of one’s daisho. The bas-relief, though, was telling her of the Lion champion's sincerity.
It’s really beautiful, Tomatsu-sama, the artisan is really talented and I, as Kakita, can understand your appreciation for his art. I like the engraving and the blade, it’s fine and reveals your good taste to everything. It’s quite intriguing, though... I never thought I deserved such thoughts of a Lion personality. She said still looking at the blade, and giving a smile she bowed deeply, refusing the gift:
I cannot accept, though, because this exquisite wakizashi is just like the little sister of Destiny, your sword. It shall remain yours, milord. Please forgive me, but I think a close friend would deserve it better than me.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

He held the box again towards her.

Please take it Kakita-san, it was crafted with you in mind and it would lessen the blade to be wielded by anyone not of your direct blood line. While it was crafted by the same man who crafted by fabled blade, I only have an average wakazashi at my side, in hopes that one day some one will deem me worthy to receive a soul of value. I cannot just give myself one, that cheapens the significance. On the other hand I deem you a worthy soul, so please take this gift with pride.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Don't worry Tomatsu-sama, the ones that know you are able to judge your honor and value. They just haven't a blade that match it. She showed dimples again. I am amazed you had this intention towards me, milord. But... she bowed again, feeling eyes fixed in her nape exposed ... about this fabulous blade, I feel myself overestimated on your eyes. Just minutes over a tea cannot have granted me your favor. If I may suggest, keep it with you, and judge if my bloodline will be worth according your standards. So one day I am sure this wakizashi will be in my house, but not by my hands.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

He clucked his tongue against his teeth with an audible sound. Come now Kakita-san, the Doji aren't the only ones who keep tabs on all the notable samurai in the Empire. We know you are worthy of great things to come. Don't underestimate yourself Kakita-san. To think, I was once the son of a minor Emerald Magistrate, now I am Clan Champion.

Now enough of this. Please, accept the blade, and wield it with honor and purity. I feel there are dark days to come where we will need both, honor and purity that is. He once again extended the open wooden box towards her.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko took the box with both hands, serious now. I accept your gift Tomatsu-sama, in the hope the engraving in this tsuka can inspire our clans for the coming future. You honor me much with this offering.
After a final bow, she carefully closed the box and delivered it to a servant.
Another servant brought a golden Lion fur, where a round buckle in Lion's head shape with a perfect and round white pearl inlaid in its mouth.This is my family’s gift for you, milord. Please, Akodo-Sama, may the Winter find our clans in peace. May the sincerity of your heart, like the pearl from a shell, inspire your decision, the same way our sincerity brought us here tonight. This singular fur and its buckle was chosen by me with your legendary courage and sincerity in mind. I offer it to you, honorable Lion Champion, as a token of my admiration for your personality, worthy of the First Akodo.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Kakita-san, in no way shape or form could I ever be considered worthy of anything that could be said of our great kami. I'm but a humble samurai as I have told Doji-san here. I was elevated to my position via merit, not because of my blood. This gift is just too much for a simple soul such as myself, I cannot accept. He bowed his head to her.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

So it cannot be better! Lord Akodo was always able to recognize the merit of one's soul. I humbly ask you, this pearl was given to me by my philosophy sensei, to remember me of the perfection and symbiosis of intention and action; permit me give it to you, Akodo-sama, because your figure remember me of it. She caressed the fur for a moment, offering it towards him once more.

[Kitsu Natsuki]

"I thank you humbly for the offer, Asahina-sama. If the Fortunes are kind, that day will not be far off. The devotion to peace of the Asahina is known throughout the Empire, and we will need it when this current unpleasantness is finally behind us, and we can unite against our eternal foe beyond the Carpenter Wall."

Natsuki took a sip of the steaming tea as she waited for Yukihime to respond.