Arrival of the Lion Ambassador

[Ikoma Buretto]

Outside the gates of Kyuden Asako a rider with a small retinue arrives. He calls out to the posted guards,
Ohaiyo gozaimasu noble Phoenix! I am Ikoma Buretto, storyteller, courtier, and scholar of the mighty Lion Clan! I come on behalf of my family and clan to beseech our northern neighbors aid in these troubled times as well as discuss possible other matters beneficial to both our great houses! I anticipate word from your superiors and allow us to enter into your palace. Dozo yorishiku. Okagesamadae~!
The courtier then smiles over at his yojimbo, That ought to butter 'em up. He then settles in and sits up rightly in his saddle.
(OOC: I'm using italics for whispered conversation or even private thoughts (might do those in a different color later))

[tadakasan]

The doors slowly open and a man wearing a black mempo, red monks clothes, and a wide hat walks out flanked by what look like to shaved monks. He bows low, hands clasped in front of him. "Konichiwa Buretto-san, and welcome to Kyuden Isawa. I have been expecting you. I am Master of Void Isawa Takada."

He motions into the gates to the courtyard where a group of three Shiba wait. "We have a room waiting for you if you would like to stable your horse and put your possesions in a comfortable place, we can meet to discuss these troubled times. As well as... those other possible matters."

[Ikoma Buretto]

The lion courtier bows at the waist from his saddle and nods, moving his horse towards the guards to be led towards the stables. Ah. Arigato, Tadaka-sama. after we wash away the dirt of travel I will gladly meet with you at a place you delegate within these splendid walls. And so the courtier and his retinue stable their animals, allow themselves to be led to their rooms and baths, and after a bit of freshening up, Buretto is ready to meet with the oddly attired man who met with him. As he waits he takes in the decor and design of the building he is in, contemplating the meaning of the placement of any notable items or paintings.

[tadakasan]

Kyuden Asako is a peaceful building, minimalist and yet artful. Where a more grand palace might have weapons, statues, and banners, the Asako had paintings, plants, and scrolls of peotry. All of it seemed to be one continuous flow, leading your eyes from one peice to a focal point on a vase; it was no wonder that the Emperors often choose this place to hold Winter Court in despite it's smaller size.

Buretto does not need to wait long before Tadaka shows up with his two Asako retainers. "I trust your accomidations are adequate and the facilities made availible to you as well?" It is more a formality than an actual question as Tadaka does not wait for an answer. "For now, our meal awaits. Come Buretto-san, I would not wish to havean esteemed guest such as yourself have ameal that is not as fresh as possible."

His retainers bow to you as Tadaka turns and walks down a long hallway, past a courtyard with a plum tree in it, the retainers walking behind him.*

[Ikoma Buretto]

The Lion is rather pleased with the way the display tells a story in of itself, considering some of the poetry. When Tadaka collects him, he bows as deep as is appropriate, if not a few inches lower as a sign of additional respect. When he follows the Phoenix entourage he glances to the plum tree and speaks up, Pardon me. Is not the story of the plum tree that one of Shinsei-sama and Togashi-kami?

[tadakasan]

Tadaka nods as he continues walking, "You are correct Buretto-san; According to legend the branch the Nightengale carried to Togashi came from that very tree, though there is no proof of that. Still, the tree has been there since the palace was built, so I choose to believe the story."

They come to a set of double double doors which the ASako monks opened. Inside was a simple long table wiith a meal set out. "Anyways, the meal is ready and I would be honored to eat with you; take your seat and I should join you."

[Ikoma Buretto]

While tapping his fan to his lips, the Ikoma looks thoughtful. He smiles some and spouts out, History and myth; Often a tale told simply; enlightened plum drop He moves along and settles at his appointed seat, casually regarding not only the arrayed dishes but also the decor of the dining hall and any other companions for the meal. when his host has seated himself he inclines his head slightly and asks in a tone both light and humble, Is it common for the Asako to have an Isawa meet with guests in their palace? I do not mean any disrespect to either family or position, however I did think I would be met by an Asako dignitary. I am merely curious.

[tadakasan]

He smiles as he sits, both at the poetry and the question, "No, it is not terribly unusual; the Asako are largely monastic,and the Daimyo is currently at the Shrine to the Ki-Rin. I also hear he is terribly concerned about the goings on in this Yobanjin village that is supposed to exist just north west of there. I can understand the concern, but this seems to be a matter he wants to handle personally. As for myself, I have come here for the libraries, which are almost the equal of those in Kyuden Isawa, and often times of more value."

The servants serve the dishes in the first course, a simple clear fish soup with fresh spring vegetables in it. Tadaka smiles, "Ah, simple yet elegant, both in appearance and in taste."

[Ikoma Buretto]

Buretto regards the soup for a moment and nods a little," There is something to be said for the appearance of the ordinary. How when one glances down, they see naught but a broth. However," the courtier has a sip, "upon tasting it, they can find a hidden quality of remarkable culinary expertise, the choice of seasoning and the right balance of stock to meat to garnish. So too, like their soup, I might expect the Asako. humble in appearance, but within capable of a great many and possibly surprising things, yes?" He leans back a little after having a few more spoonfuls, considering the proper amount of time to pass before bringing up a subject as sensitive as conflict with the Yobanjin. Ettiquette might have dictated the "business" portion of the meeting to be conducted after the meal, yet Tadaka mentioned it off-hand as a reason for the daimyo's absence. The Lion inquires, feeling that he's been given permission, "The Asako daimyo goes to meditate upon this recent turn of military events, what says the Elemental Council?"

[tadakasan]

He pauses between bites, looking thoughtful as Buretto speaks. After he finishes, Tadaka stays silenta little while longer before waving out the Asako monks standing near the door. Alone in the formal dining room with Buretto now, he speaks up softly, "The recent turn of events... well I will say to you that the Elemental Council is just as concerned as our Champions is, as well as the rest of the Empire in such a dire situation. Really, there's not much to think about there, since there is no question that the Yobanjin attack is something that should be met with the utmost force; even our normally peaceful Clan."

He puts his elbows on the low table and looks over at Buretto. "Is there something more sepecific you wished Buretto-san? I am not afraid of the truth, so you need not worry yourself about that. Tadaka fold his hands in frnt of his face, looking at Buretto curiously.

[Ikoma Buretto]

Some politicians may balk at the abrupt nature and tone of the meeting. Many trained in the flowery words of court would seem to feign a degree of noble sensibilities, however the Lion does not. In fact he grins earnestly and rolls a shoulder, scooting his bowl aside. "Excellent. I have arrived with the desire to request assistance of the Phoenix to meet with the growing forces of the Lion as well as other committed allies to march upon the Yobanjin and strike them where they hide. I have reason to believe with the proximity of the Phoenix holdings to the mountains these barbarians arrive from, your Clan may have some insight or resources that may be utilized to a common goal of removing this threat to our northern borders."

[tadakasan]

Tadaka listens to the smiling Lion, smiling himself as he sips some tea. He listens carefully but does not give an answer right away, seemingly deep in thought. His smile is gone as he looks at Buretto, but not a look of anger or any such thing, merely a look of someone who has some important things to say, "I was fairly certain it was for such a thing that you came here for ever since I met you at the gate. I would have you given a... more direct answer earlier if I was sure of what precisely your Clan wished and if I was sure of my answer Buretto-san."

He stands up, walking over to the opening in the wall with the winter shutters opened despite the time of year. Looking out into the valley below filled with evergreen trees amongt the falling snow, he speaks softly, but loud enough for Buretto to easilly hear, "I am actually here at Shiro Asako to find those very answers. I will say flat out that you have the complete and one hundred percent support of our armies Ikoma-san; the Council and our Champion have been of the same mind since this war started and in fact we have assembled one of the largest armies we have ever had fielded in years. It is at your Clan and the Empire's service to help rid the Empire of this threat, for I greatly respect the military and tactical prowess of the Lion."

He turns to Buretto and smiles a little, "However, it has come to my attention that there might be more to this than we know of; for the moment, the Council has no special insight into these matters other than what I have been able to provide by my contrivertial travels to the front lines, as is my way. That said, the official letter that the Asako Daimyo sent to the Council saying he was leaving for the north has made me think that perhaps there is something in the Asako libraries that I am not personally aware of. We are already aware that the Yobanjin who lives on our own northern borders are peaceful and ready to help us against the armies from the other tribe. But, despite my travels to their villages, I have still been unable to find the reason for the large number of tribes banding together at once, at this time, in the middle of winter. I fear the Asako have taken it upon themselves to discover the reasons behind this war."

He pauses, looking as if to hear something from all around. It is not long before he gets to the heart of the matters, "Anyways, I appear to be beating around the bush here; you have the support of our armies, and at this time we have no particular insight into this war or the Yobanjin we are fighting. If the Lion wish to help me find what it is the Asako are looking for, I would be most grateful for the help; having seem their camps to the northwest myself and having fought their almost fanatical armies, I have a deep desire to get to the bottom of this and see if I cannot attempt to stop this war before it goes any further onto the soil of our holy Emperor's domains." He bows to Buretto slightly and sitting back at his seat, having been walking as he talked, "I know the Lion's place is war, which is the only reason I hesitate to bring up the request in the first place Buretto-san; I would not deny the honor of the duty of the Right Hand of the Emperor. But I believe that this information might be the insight you are looking for, and who better to ask for aid than the Clan who boasts the Ikoma Libraries and some of the greatest tactical minds in the world?"

[Ikoma Buretto]

The Lion remains attentive, focusing on the robed man who walks around. He nods a few times at the words as they are spoken, giving a little grunt in his throat during pauses. "Well. I am glad we have similar goals in mind then. I shall need a moment of time before I can make a final proposal, however I am glad to hear that there are similarities in our Clan's current endeavors. Hmm. As for these libraries, I do not, presently, have the means to allow you the opportunity to peruse what we have in our lands, but perhaps if my dealings go well enough, there shall be an invitation I am permitted to extend." The courtier regards his tea cup a moment, "You have seen these men, then? You know the ways to reach the battlefronts of the enemy camps? That there is valuable information to pass on, even if it may bring the uncomfortable truth of having an army walk through your backyard, as it were. Your quest to bring an end to this conflict by being out in the field itself has gotten me curious and fired up a bit of an adventuresome desire. I might ask to accompany."

[tadakasan]

"I have seen no more than many of the brave bushi who have been on the front, and likely less than some Unicorn scouts have seen Buretto-san; I have seen their camps but I was most certainly not alone in this case. If I saw anything more it was thanks to the kami, and I am fairly certain a Shinjo and a horse have seen more than that at this point." He bows slightly.

Looking back up after finishing his soup he speaks some more, "As far as the invitation to the Ikoma libraries, it is not required; like I said, I have a strong feeling the information I desire is in the libraries here. I was more asking for more researchers to help sift through the information Buretto-san, rather than access to different libraries. I am more worried about the west and the source of the invasion there then the "backyard" of the Phoenix; I do not fear we are in immediate danger at all, though if they choose to attack from a different direction I am sure between the Dragon, the Lion, and ourselves we are ready."

He folds his arms in is sleeves, "I was merely curious if the Lion are as interested in finding the source of these attacks further to the northwest, rather than the more immediate threat that presents itself to the Right Hand in the Unicorn and Badger lands." As if at some unseen signal the Asako servants return into the room, taking Tadaka's dishes and bowing on the floor to Buretto, asking if he is finished with his food.

[Ikoma Buretto]

The courtier nods to the Asako who take the mostly empty bowl away and he considers, "I shall send word back to see if there is anything within the Ikoma libraries pertaining to this matter." He shifts his weight some upon his seat and scratches a little at the side of his neck before commenting, "Do you think the larger danger lies further from these lands? Perhaps that we are gathering in Toshi Ranbo but are not aimed in the right direction? The stance is that these barbarians will be dealt with, and we would meet them within the mountains before they set foot further into our borders, yet I infer that you may feel differently. If you are willing to share, please elucidate. The Right Hand may wield the sword, but it takes the council of Wisdom to know when and where to strike with it."