To see the Regent

[Kakita Mitsouko]

It's good to hear, dono. Mitsouko can't help but smile. Though... After what happened with Naetaru's wife... That was heartbreaking... Had she even received this itens from Doji Kaori, Yoshi-dono's wife? Though... I do not focus in these concerns by now, I know.... Yes, I will find a jade Magistrate to assist me. Before she was really get her leave by her champion, Kakita Mitsouko brought a last subject in her agenda for this meeting.
A final thing, Fitsu-dono. Though our courtiers had find all sorts of bureaucratic delays in their way to talk with Phoenix, by now my engagement with Agasha Shodai returned to it's initial stage, as we find the actual agreement not really fair for both sides. So I can say if my Tairo are interested in keep this going my family will send a nakado to talk with Agasha family again.
Also, I had word the Akodo daimyo Akodo Keisuke is supporting the truce. He delivered back Kakita Shinji's daisho as a token of his committment. She smiled, though a signal of weariness started to show up in her face. That's all, my tairo. Anything else you want talk with me?

The Night Before

Mitsouko listened Sojiro's words about the maho tsukai and after he spoke she told him about Shodai's experience in the north. After the long story she completed:
Seems we need to invest our forces to finish this war and exterminate this plague from our lands for good, Jiro. Though it seems both pride and lack of communication will finally overwhelm us all, sincere samurai.
She stared the lacquered design of a wooden pannel, admiring its gracious images, before dropping slowly the new:

I am going to talk with out tairo by the morning Jiro. Will put my life in his hands. He must know, I cannot feel I am hiding this shame from him.

[Daidoji Fitsu]

Fitsu let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding,We should hold off on talk of marriages until your purification, I'm sure you can see the wisdom of this.

As far as Keisuke is concerned...good. It's only going to work if both parties hold to it, but I will feel much more comfortable when we are all acknowledging the same throne, or at least the same Emporer upon it. Until then, we all sit in shifting sands trying not to get buried.

[Kakita Sojiro]

"It is good that you are going to see Fitsu-sama. I trust his judgement as well as his compassion."

He turned to face her again, having composed himself again. "A Lion wakizashi? How did this happen?"

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Indeed milord, though official position about the subject must be taken. She reminded her tairo; the Regent, were surrounded by a staff to advise and perform all those diplomatic details, exactly to not have to waste his time with minor matters. She was the Crane clan's Hatamoto and it was her duty to clarify the Champion about things a rikugunshokan like him might forget; things regarding the delicate negotiations of marriage to other clans, for instance. Even more one with so many political implications. She would gather later some guidance about that with Doji Naetaru, if possible.
I just want to avoid further expectations, dishonor and discomfort to both sides by not taking the necessary actions. Would be embarrassing and would cause a greater issue between our clans. Though, if you permit so, Kakita diplomats will take care of it during the winter court, along Phoenix courtiers. A marriage between me and the Void Master becomes once again just a possibility rather than a certainty.
So you grant me your leave, Fitsu-dono, I will write some letters and prepare myself for my duties regarding the truce issue. I am at your disposal if you need me somewhere else, though.
Mitsouko waited.





The Night Before


Akodo Tomatsu gave it to me. She said simply. Then stood, with a concerned look in her face. Listen, Jiro… It’s not about me. It’s about our clan. Politics, war, alliances… It all can be of great impact in our strategies. There's much I need to tell you... I know you are concerned with this lady you love, and I'd never ask you what I am about to if I could.. Though… I need you here. I really need you by my side. Please back me.

[Kakita Sojiro]

He nodded.

"I'm not going anywhere, Mitsu. I must admit that I want to. Every fiber of my being wanted to leave Kyuden Doji at her side when she did, but my duty is here, and my clan and family need me right now. That is something that I can't ignore."

[Daidoji Fitsu]

Yes, you are quite correct, the proper correspondences must be made. Have someone trusted see to it. As for yourself, I would have you doing nothing aside from seeking this justice, patience is not a virtue we can afford in this matter. Go with my blessing, and with my hope. Fitsu bowed in a manner showing respect and admiration.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

You honor me, Fitsu-tono.
Kakita Mitsouko's heart filled with the utmost admiration for her tairo. Of course Mitsouko knew her clan had absolute trust in daidoji Fitsu's excellence and the strength of his character, but now she feels she was priviledged to know a man like him.
She bowed showing her devotion, and left Daidoji Fitsu's quarters.

The Night Before

The Kakita daimyo nodded with a sad smile. Let's make your sacrifice worth, then. Come back here and prepare your ears for as much information as I can give you now...
The next hours were filled with the reports of her family's intelligence plans and many other subjects, regarding her experience in Seawatch Castle and their clan politics plans for the future as well.