Some gifts have a price.

[quarim]

(A Quarim storyline)

Quarim rode alone up to Kakita Mitsouko's home. He announced himself and asked to speak with the Lady.

He had once again left behind his caravan to seek her out. He was hoping she would see him. After the events at Winter Court he was afraid that perhaps his reputation was permanently stained concerning the Crane. He was hoping to make sure that was not the case by meeting with one of the few samurai who had treated him with respect and offer another gift.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Quarim had to wait some time, but the servants made his wait as comfortable as possible. When the Kakita daimyo finally could attend him, she was intrigued with his sudden arrival and his reasons for it. though, Mitsouko smiled when saw him.
Quarim-san, how are you? Did you eat your rice today?
For a woman of her position she seems to wear too simple clothes. She sat in a cushion in front of him, and more fuming hot tea and snacks were served. Her yojimbo keeping a traditional and respectful distance from their conversation in the vast room.

[quarim]

Quarim waited patiently. When he finally entered the room he was delighted that his presence was a welcome one.

I am most honored be allowed to join you. Your hospitality is far beyond necessity, but it is greatly appreciated.

As he sat down across from her he pulled out a glass case, similar to a scroll case, from within his robes. The clear glass revealed a painting rolled up within it. He laid it next to him as he sat down.

I have heard that you have plans to embark on a very dangerous quest. I came to see if I may be of assistance.

He sipped his tea and nibbled at the snakes before him but seemed to choose not to elaborate further.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko listened and watched attentively, very interested in know more about Quarim’s connections, who keep him more informed than most generals were at this time.
Uhn… I see. Your activity of choice makes you very served of confidential information, Quarim-san. And you have a gift for popping up in the weirdest places possible… contrasting her tone, her face seemed amused. She put her cup carefully over the table and pulled her hair behind the ear, then gazed at the gaijin: Though I wonder, now I am dealing now with your merchant persona, right?

[quarim]

Dealing with Mitsouko was like dealing with someone from his own lands. So much could be said without saying it.

What other persona is there? I have come to give you a gift is all. And before you deny such a thing three times know that this gift comes at a price. The first of which must be paid in advance. I must speak with you alone.

He let his eyes briefly glance at the servants catering their meal.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko keep smiling, though her mind wandered through the possibilities.

"Then... I understand before paying I should be made aware of why I have interest in paying for a" gift".

First, Mitsouko hadn't the chance of buying things since she became a daimyo. The experience, even if considered low by most samurai, wasn't alien for her previous lifestyle, though.
But her grandma Tia-kun, was a damn good dealer with her Unicorn blood. Maybe Mitsouko family wasn't so rich only because fortune's blessings...



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[quarim]

Quarim produced a small pendant with a jewel in it. He set it in front of Mitsouko for her to examine.

This will help protect you in the Shadowlands. But I cannot reveal more than that until the first condition is met.

Qarim's own robe was covered in crystals and gems just like this one. The gaudy frivolous robe suddenly seemed to make sense. It was armor in it's own right.

Quarim slipped lightly from his tea. I assure you I have only your best interest at heart.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko waved dismissing the guard around her and the yojimbo group left the room, remaining behind the shogi pannels.

"Very well, Quarim-san, I may be interested in accept this gift without the customary refusals.
So you have your first demand attended. Tell me, though: what the interest in helping me?"

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[quarim]

Quarim was not expecting to be questioned. He considered a moment and decided honesty was the best course for dealing with Mitsouko.

My personal interest goes as far as the fact that I can make profit off of you. But there are colleges of mine who have other interests in you. I cannot say for what reason.

He laid the glass case before her. The second condition is you accept this painting and hang it in this home. When word gets out that you are displaying it. I'm sure I can double the price I would have received from the Scorpion for another painting.

He opened the case, removed the painting and unrolled it next to her. The painting itself was a scenic lake with cranes taking flight. But as the last bit unrolled a crystal dagger was hidden within. A note was tied to the dagger. He slowly reached for the dagger making no quick movement to reassure her of his intentions. He laid the dagger before her. Without even taking the dagger the note was visible.

Make me proud.

Their was no indication of who wrote it but Mitsouko recognized the hand writing instantly. She had grown up seeing it. It was her father's.

The pendant will protect hide you from kami. It is not much but should help you avoid trouble.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

She was opening a smirk about his assessment of making a profit off of her when Quarin unrolled the painting, and Mitsouko had a glimpse of the gleam of the crystal blade. Her experienced kenshinzen mind noted the gaijin wouldn’t be able to grab it before she reached her wakizashi and cut his hand off, so she waited a little more. Though, her eyes also captured something unexpected… the fluid and almost scribbled calligraphy of her father.
What…? Her heart pumped faster, she raised her eyes to meet Quarim’s.
How? The Kakita daimyo was of course speechless.

[quarim]

As I said a college of mine has an interest in you. I'm sure you know how to use such an item. And that it's origin will remain a secret. I cannot have everyone thinking I am giving away such gifts. I would be broke within a month. His innuendo was obvious: Don't tell anyone about this

I have business elsewhere but I hope to see you again upon your return. We can discuss such matters then.

He paused a moment before continuing. If I may be so bold to say something on a personal matter?

[Kakita Mitsouko]

OCC: Sorry for the delay I was travelling.

Of course. Domo arigato. Mitsouko said, referring to his hint about keeping secret, and the valuable and useful gift as well. A gift sent by her father. Then he had contact with this people, this group; then he had contact with her father. Her gaze fell upon the paper, the calligraphy of her father, for a moment once again.
Though she could do a lot of things to force him to tell where her father was, she knew it would risk everything.
Yes, Quarim-san, speak your mind.

[quarim]

You are a fool! The words were sudden and completely out of place. Quarim had always shown the utmost respect for Mitsouko.

You have been touched by the darkness and you fought it off. You are blessed beyond any other to not be lured into it grasp. You are a legend. For generations they will speak of the Battle at Seawatch Castle. And of the woman who fought off the taint as the samurai fought off the oni.

He waited a moment allowing her mind to recall the events. He knew if the images were fresh in her mind she would be more amiable to his influence.

And now that all eyes are on you, everyone is waiting to see if you will rise to be one of the greatest legends ever, or if you will fall to the taint and be reduced to shame. And how do you respond? You hide. You hid behind Shodai. You hid behind Sojiro. You fled Winter Court. Now you hide with Battou here.

You hide behind men because you fear your own greatness. It is time you stopped hiding and rose to become the legend everyone whispers about. Do yourself a favor and exile the men out of your life. They are a sign of your weakness. You depend on them because you trust them. It is time to trust yourself instead.

If this worked; if she cast aside all the men she surrounded herself with, then perhaps she could be used after all. And if she did become such a great legend (which Quarim's merchants were already gossiping to all their customers about her great deeds) then having her as a kolat agent would help to deal a mighty blow against their enemies.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Though the gaijin was exotic enough to be somewhat unpredictable, his words were beyond what she'd suppose he would dare to speak. Though, he did it.

She frowned listening to his reasonings, a hint of passion in his speech, spiced with his melodic accent. Then she laughed:

You take things seriously huh? You really spoke your mind! But… awnn you indeed have a special way to perform your round of flatteries, Quarim-san!
And then, you spoke about me being a legend. I don’t have those ambitions. I live to serve my clan. And to survive is the best way to serve... by now. But…a foreigner's overview about my acts… it isn’t underappreciated, Quarin-san...
Mitsouko tilted her head, analysing the merchant once more. Your words, though verging the offense, were kind of insightful. It have been a hard battle everyday, you know?
But I don't think I wish to give up. with a final chuckle she asked: So you think you know me that much? My "men" as well?
You and your “mysterious friends” get me really intrigued, you know?

[quarim]

No ever seeks to become a legend, but legends are born none the less. You have no say in the matter any more. You will be remembered. How you are remembered remains to be seen.

Quarim sipped his tea again. It was almost as if a mask were placed on, his body language changed so much back to the polite, courteous manner she was used to.

Do I know you so well? Perhaps not in the personal sense no. But every person plays different parts. You are a strong woman. But rather than parade around acting like a smug Utaku warrior you act as a strong leader. You show strength, yet by surrounding yourself with the men I mentioned you show gentleness and the need to be nurtured. It is expected of women after all to need a man. As such you dispel the mistrust that many men may hold over you.

As for your men what is to be said? They are dogs. All of them following you around panting waiting to be pet. They are all slaves to their baser nature. I expected more from samurai. But it seems men are men regardless if they follow bushido or not. It was slightly strange how he did not seem to consider himself a man.

But you say everyday is hard? Of course it is. Why not give in? I'll tell you why. It is not the loss of honor. It is your pride. You may act humble but you are a strong woman. And strong women always seek to prove that strength. That is why you are seeking out Alesha. Not to rid the world of him. But to prove he didn't beat you. To prove that you are not his victim.