Post by Kakita Asamura on Feb 20, 2011 10:19:28 GMT -5
The Crane smiled serenely as he moved through the ritual of three refusals [[I'm skipping this for ease of play, unless you would rather go through the motions.]], finally accepting the bokken.
"I cannot imagine a situation wherein a clan so devoted to Bushido and Enlightenment as the Dragon would support a position that the Crane would not also benefit from supporting. You may have our support in an issue of your choice, barring unforeseen difficulties. Obviously, we could never take a position that was actively harmful to the position of our clan or the safety of our samurai, but any other issue would certainly be appropriate. For example, I foresee a situation where the Crane could support elevating the Kitsuki method to general use."
He paused.
"It is only appropriate that I provide a gift in return for this marvelous bokken. I find that, while it is certainly true that I must come to an understanding of the customs and mindset of your august clan, there must be a similar understanding developed of those of the Crane if there is to be any sort of warm relationship between us. Therefore, I present to you this."
He produces an ornately engraved silver netsuke in the shape of a Crane in flight.
"It was made by my cousin, Kakita Asahime, who was trained among the Asahina. Is it not beautiful?"
He traced the singularly intricate scrollwork that formed the feathers with his finger.
"This is, in microcosm, the image of the Crane. Pure, strong, soaring in the favor of the celestial heavens, beautiful. Too many believe that we are this way because of things we receive, gifts that we did not deserve. Too many believe that we are effete, weak, of no use. Like a netsuke meant only to adorn, but having no practical purpose."
He sighed, his handsome face clouding.
"This is not the case. We are, like this netsuke, the product of pur materials and a sure and steady hand. As my cousin labored over this for a year, so did we labor to elevate our clan over centuries. Delicate negotiation, infintesimal adjustments, all to create and maintain a unified whole. This is what the Crane do for the Empire, the true crux of our ancient duty. We provide a common culture, a means whereby one clan can speak to another as brothers, rather than strangers."
His dark expression lifted and he met the eyes of the Champion.
"So too will this netsuke serve you." He bowed slightly, whispered something to the tiny silver bird, and extended his hand. The crane turned its long, fluid neck to regard the Champion, spread its wings and flew over the intervening distance. It whispered in the Champion's ear:
"In the house built by Hantei, there is room enough for all."
"I cannot imagine a situation wherein a clan so devoted to Bushido and Enlightenment as the Dragon would support a position that the Crane would not also benefit from supporting. You may have our support in an issue of your choice, barring unforeseen difficulties. Obviously, we could never take a position that was actively harmful to the position of our clan or the safety of our samurai, but any other issue would certainly be appropriate. For example, I foresee a situation where the Crane could support elevating the Kitsuki method to general use."
He paused.
"It is only appropriate that I provide a gift in return for this marvelous bokken. I find that, while it is certainly true that I must come to an understanding of the customs and mindset of your august clan, there must be a similar understanding developed of those of the Crane if there is to be any sort of warm relationship between us. Therefore, I present to you this."
He produces an ornately engraved silver netsuke in the shape of a Crane in flight.
"It was made by my cousin, Kakita Asahime, who was trained among the Asahina. Is it not beautiful?"
He traced the singularly intricate scrollwork that formed the feathers with his finger.
"This is, in microcosm, the image of the Crane. Pure, strong, soaring in the favor of the celestial heavens, beautiful. Too many believe that we are this way because of things we receive, gifts that we did not deserve. Too many believe that we are effete, weak, of no use. Like a netsuke meant only to adorn, but having no practical purpose."
He sighed, his handsome face clouding.
"This is not the case. We are, like this netsuke, the product of pur materials and a sure and steady hand. As my cousin labored over this for a year, so did we labor to elevate our clan over centuries. Delicate negotiation, infintesimal adjustments, all to create and maintain a unified whole. This is what the Crane do for the Empire, the true crux of our ancient duty. We provide a common culture, a means whereby one clan can speak to another as brothers, rather than strangers."
His dark expression lifted and he met the eyes of the Champion.
"So too will this netsuke serve you." He bowed slightly, whispered something to the tiny silver bird, and extended his hand. The crane turned its long, fluid neck to regard the Champion, spread its wings and flew over the intervening distance. It whispered in the Champion's ear:
"In the house built by Hantei, there is room enough for all."