A Special Emassary from the Lion

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Two riders approach, one on a black horse, the other on a brown horse. A pure bred Gaijin warhorse from the Burning Sands is easy for the clan most known for their horse breeding. Those who were truly knew the famous horses of Rokugan would recognize the black horse as "Lioness" the famous steed of the Lion Clan Champion. The two rode slowly, taking their time winding the roads towards the gates of Shiro Moto, no banners hung, no messengers sent forward to warn the proper diplomats of his arrival.

Tomatsu, clad in his typical lion pelt cloak, finally, after an hour of being first spotted by the guards at Shiro Moto, arrived at the gate. He dismounted and greeted the guards before producing his travel papers. Yes even Clan Champions must carry travel papers, how strange he mused to himself as the guard looked them over and nodded finally. The Champion and his servant were finally allowed through the gates.

An older man, obviously a servant of the house judging by his clothes and manner approached Tomatsu slowly, as their horses were led away to the stables. He meekly inquired as to why the honorable Lion-sama had graced Shiro Moto with his presence today.

I am here to speak with Utaku Haruka, as is my right of being, albeit very very distant, family. I have business for her and her alone, is she available? The man professed to not know, but quickly added that he would go search out someone who did and scurried off.

[Bayushi Haruka]

The servant's search was indeed short as a lovely elder woman returned with the servant back to the lion champion. Her kimono appeared just as old but still as intricate as the day it was formed, she didn't say anything just yet as she nodded and allowed Tomatsu to follow in with his companion.

Lead inside they were able to walk along the fresh tatami mats of the household, being brought to sit and rest as refreshments were immediately brought. The household seemed a quiet buzz to be hosting such a guest even if he were only to be in brief.

The older woman sat across from them as she started to serve the tea, her eyes seemed more focused away from the champion in respect.

"Forgive me Akodo Tomatsu-sama, my name is Utaku Chinatsu and I am Haruka's mother. I come to understand you wished to speak with my daughter but I am afraid she is away for the moment but should be returning home shortly. If I may perchance have to hear the matter on which you wish to speak to her this day, Tomatsu-sama, it would please me to no end."

Her slow nature and her precise poise was that of a woman who'd seen many men pass through these decorated halls, and although Chinatsu was indirect, it was very likely she already knew the matter at hand. But the presence of a champion was certainly... a new exchange.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Honorable Utaku-san, I have come on business on behalf of Bayushi Senshi. It is no secret that he and I are close friends. We recently had the pleasure of meeting your daughter that the past ascension of Hida Setsuro to Crab Champion. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice to say, the Bayushi-san has sent me to arrange the details of a potential marriage between your daughter and he. I hope you do not mind that I am rather blunt in this matter, but I am no Doji courtier and only possess rudimentary skills at being a courtier.

He paused to give her time to take all this in, he bet it was rather shocking. I do wish you to know, he paused thinking of the right words to say, that I have your daughter and your family's interests at heart. I'm not sure if your daughter told you, but I, myself, am descendant of the great Otaku and would not come to you with this matter if I did not believe that there was great gain for your, our he corrected himself family. I do have the customary gifts to present, if you have time to accept them now.

[Bayushi Haruka]

The words seem to wash over the room as everyone seemed to stop breathing, even the passing servants who happened upon his words gave quite the pause. But in the midst of this shock and awe, Chinatsu seemed unwavered and otherwise unphased as her veteran eyes came to his armor. Although in some act of release of this invisible tension of the room, Chinatsu gently took a sip of tea and looked to the eavesdropping servants with a fierce look, causing them to shut the doors after bowing themselves out.

"Tomatsu-sama, I have no doubt of a champion's word, be him Otaku or not." She seemed to smile a bit as she took another sip, her graceful motions that were evident in her daughters movements in quiet times. It would be a fair guess to say she trained her in more civil matters.

Chinatsu seemed to pause though again, as if delaying the motion of action, whether waiting on her daughter's return or merely pondering the matter over, she took her time in her response.

"And as it would seem, if the Scorpion Champion wishes for her to be his bride, then so he shall." She took another drink, her speed in her speech would somewhat irritate someone with great impatience but her eyes and soft motions seemed to portray the need for it. "I would only ask that he comes to take her to marry from this home, be it with guards or an army, but I wish to see his face before she leaves for his lands."

It seemed a fairly strong request, but it wasn't out of character for a mother to request to at least see the future husband once. The likeliness was that she wouldn't budge on the matter as she looked to Tomatsu expectantly.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

He inclined his head in acceptance. I have no doubt that can be arranged. I shall return with him, as soon as I can. I'm sure he will be happy with the outcome of our agreement. I'm sure you will notify your daimyo and champion of this matter? I would stay here and make a formal presentation, but the Shogun only gave me 4 days leave, and we are a days ride away. Would you daughter like to write or convey a message for me to take to Bayushi-san? I would gladly be the messenger.

He turned slightly to the side and motioned for his servant to come forward. Mika, bring the gifts forward.

She stepped out, and returned quickly, carrying 3 wooden boxes. She opened the first box, revealing an elegant fan, with a depiction of the original Ki-Rin clan leaving Rokugan on silk. The first gift Bayushi-san wanted me to convey was a gift to you personally, an elegant fan of the finest construction, so that you never find yourself uncomfortable while you enjoy your finer years of life.

Mika closed the first box and opened the second, it contained a broken bow, snapped in half, made out of a lacquered wood painted black with the Unicorn mon stamped on it.

Bayushi-san wishes to convey this gift to your husband. While it does not seem like much, this bow can be traced back to the Day of Thunder, and was wielded by a samurai, whose name has been lost to time, who was a member of the Unicorn armies there.

Mika closed the box and opened the third and smallest box. Enclosed was a leather bound book. On the cover was a horse, and the words on it were of a strange language. Tomatsu lifted the book out of the box and revealed another book under it, an exact copy of the book save for the lettering, which was in Rokugani and said "How to breed horses". This last gift is for your family and clan, Utaku-san. This is an original and translated copy of a book on horse breeding that Bayushi-san has painstakingly procured from the Mantis clan. I'm told the book hails all the way from Merenae and may provide some different insight into how to breed your horses. I, for one, look forward to sampling your new horse stock. Lioness does get lonely sometimes, and she is of the appropriate age for breeding. Yet that is for another time, Bayushi-san and I hope you enjoy these gifts.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Chinatsu bowed her head to him.

"Thank you so very much, Tomatsu-sama. Our contacts were already sent out in advance..."

With her very words they could hear hoof beats riding up in urgency as someone entered the house pushing through all the servants. Haruka opening and pushing her way inside as she hissed at them to dismiss them away. Panting and still wearing her light kimono she bowed to her mother.

"I'm sorry for my lateness Obaa-sama ('honorary' mother), the Unicorn Champion was far too busy from returning from the winter court to hear me immediately. But the request has been answered."

Haruka promptly rested a sealed scroll with the Unicorn Mon seal on the table. But her mother seemed rather unsurprised as her aged eyes passed onto her daughter. She still stood trying to catch her breath as she had ridden from the Shiro Moto court, her mother's gaze somewhat disapproving as she did finally sit down and bow to Tomatsu.

"My apologies for my rushed appearance Tomatsu-sama, I regret that I could not return before you came and you see me in this slightly disheveled light."

Chinatsu gently placed the boxes and gifts back together as she handed them off to her attendants, and turned back to Haruka and Tomatsu.
"With the Champion's permission the daimyo will be writing his approval out to one of my servants as we speak. These formalities will not hold up plans for this wedding if I can help it. As soon as he returns you may return with the approval necessary to Senshi-sama and his clan, Tomatsu-sama."

Haruka bowed to them both as the servants would keep them supplied with treats and drink for as long as they needed, now bringing out the sake to be ready for an honorary toast if Tomatsu so wished to say anything more.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Well I'm glad that we can conclude these meetings pleasantly and swiftly. I feared my friend would one day fall for a young Doji lady and I would have to fritter the rest of my life away at Kyuden Doji in ceremonies and back and forth arrangements. He noticed the sake coming forward and smiled. Would the honored bride care to make the customary toast? I know it is usually the matchmakers honor, but we are all family here and I am quite weary from traveling and the cold dulls my wit.

He took a cup from the servant and shifted slightly. His legs growing tired of sitting and riding.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Chinatsu just smiled, cold as it seemed, it was a genuine one at least.

"Perhaps you would rest yourself for now and join us in a celebratory dinner tonight, you could speak in front of the house then at ease. Among your family as you so purely put it."

It would be hard to disect her tone in her words as if she was either accepting or not of his use of his association to the family, but it was clear she wouldn't be defiant or proud to his face by any means. But considering the Utaku had a slight mix in their family lines it was far beyond her place to detest any connection as she lifted the sake cup filled with a small amount to both the champion and her daughter.

Taking in her drink she stood delicately. "Haruka, let him rest in the guest room for now, so he may be ready for the meal tonight and his return trip in the morning."

Chinatsu gently withdrew and took the gifts up to the higher levels as Haruka gently looked over to Tomatsu with a bit of a sigh.

"I'm sorry if she's startled you at all, she's had some run ins with a fair few lions in her time and she's a little jaded whenever she sees one. She means no offense by it."

She gently poured him some sake at the very least to be a good hostess for him.

"You're welcome to any of the rooms on this floor if you need some time to rest on something softer than a saddle, or perhaps any food or drink you might desire."

She smiled, happy to actually see him again as a friend.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

He stood and bowed to them. I thank you for your hospitality, and I shall partake of it. The roads here from the advanced guard of the Shogun's forces are long and hard, and I could use a rest before I must traverse them again. I would enjoy spending some time with your daughter before she marries my best friend, I hope that I may soon honor her with that title as well. Thank you again for your hospitality, even if you don't view me directly as family, your willingness to extend such courtesy to me is humbling. I hope that one I may host you in our lands and return the favor.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka seemed to nod. "My mother would appreciate that. But for now perhaps..."
She stood gently and showed him to one of the side rooms overlooking the small back garden which was merely the foreground to the famous Utaku Plains. Haruka made sure he had cushions to relax on and plenty of food and drink at his disposal.

Word through the house filtered as the daimyo's blessing message was now also in hand, but for now it seemed that preparations would be in order for the meal tonight. And as they would have a few hours until things were ready, Haruka merely kept company with Tomatsu with servants attending to them as needed.

"So then Tomatsu-sama, you spoke of various things you wished to learn about the Utaku, I'd say now is certainly your chance if there is anything you'd like to ask or see." She seemed to be smiling right at him as if becoming more comfortable with him, having heard the words that he hoped to cement greater friendship with his friend's future wife.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

He sighed. Truly, I wanted to see your Battle Maidens ride. I had hear your martial skills from horseback are legendary, but I fear I am too tired from riding myself to even want to think of horses. Truly however, I can offer you a gift, call it an engagement gift. As you know I have spent a great deal of time amongst the Scorpion, and now that you will do so yourself, I will answer all your questions about their daily life. I'm sure you must have some. He said as he sat down, taking his sword off and resting it against the wall, and loosening his robes so that it was more comfortable to sit down.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka seemed to nod, looking down at the table briefly in thought. "I've heard so many rumors about the scorpion, but I'm not sure what is truest. To one perspective their loyalty is unquestionable.. but as they say 'dishonor before disloyalty' does that mean they're willing to truly do whatever it takes to get things accomplished regardless?

I've heard Senshi-sama speak often, but I wonder if most scorpion hold themselves in such respects. I know he is a champion, and I know that most scorpion are in one way or another crafted by word and deed, but will I be looked down upon? Do you think I'll be able to find any true friends in scorpion lands, or just fair weather companions..."

She looked slightly nervous about it, not to question Senshi it would seem specifically, but she seemed to seek understanding about the rest of the people she would now be surrounded by. She honestly exhibited little knowledge of their clan, as for the most part it was well known that Unicorn didn't exactly trust or seek much partnership with the Scorpion clan.

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Thats the question I truly thought you'd be struggling with. I am most pleased to have an answer for you, to a degree. I cannot speak on the Scorpion as a whole, for to be honest, most of them are fair weather friends. Never trust them fully. Any you know by name, however, those you would trust your children with, know their true face, you can trust. Any Scorpion that counts you as a true friend, is truly a friend for life. Consider Senshi and I. We first met on the fields of battle, and we become friends shortly there after. There were many nights I wondered if he was truly my friend, but over the course of time, I came to realize that he needed me as much as I needed him. That when one of us was down, the other, without thinking, would rally to his defense. I can say that not even the Emperor would make a better friend than I have in Senshi. Well maybe not the best example, but you understand what I'm saying. He is like a brother to me. That being said, when you are out with the other Scorpions, be on your guard, they will seek to gain any advantage they can, in any circumstance.

He smiled and made a dismissive gesture with a wave of his hand. The best defense against the Scorpion, is to do one's duty. If you do nothing that they can use against you, then you'll not have to worry about their rumors. Always remember, that should you need to get away, my home is just a days ride over Beiden Pass, our doors are always open for you. As well, in the future I'm sure my "nieces and nephews" He used air quotes around the words will enjoy spending time amongst my clan, and, if the kami bless me, playing along side my own children.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka seemed to breath out her tension in a sigh of relief. "Tomatsu-sama, you honor me with your words and I assure you such compassion and such hope for the future will be met with the same in kind. Although I take your words to heart, as I understand how you mean, but I did hope to distinguish rumor from reality, and for this clarity I am truly grateful."

She drank a bit more sake which was still lying around on the table for their indulgence. Haruka did seem like a woman who could hold a decent bit of drink, but she seemed to practice a technique to take as much in as slowly as possible.

"And I have tested my trust with Senshi-sama already, as I know how tongues can wag and images can be painted to try and turn one against another... So I will never have a doubt unless the evidence is right in my hand. I have visited but never stayed long in Scorpion lands, who knows maybe my straight forwardness might be a slight refreshment to the Scorpion society rather than such an alien presence.

But your words are the ease I needed to put these nagging worries to bed."

Haruka bowing on her hands and knees as she was already sitting on her legs, showing her gratitude. She was indeed a kinder and simpler soul one on one, only aiming to be pleasant and nothing more.

"But surely Tomatsu-sama I should return the favor, perhaps you'd simply like to view the training grounds of the battle maidens, then you needn't be mounted and you can still relax until this evening. There will indeed be a special showing of the Utaku prowess at the meal tonight, but it's up to you if you'd like to view them or just remain here for a little longer."

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Which ever you wish, my dear. I'm happy to tour the grounds and see the young maidens train, offer them some advice and stories. I'm also just fine sitting here conversing with you. Whichever would make you happy. He said grabbing a sake cup and taking a sip, not wanting to leave her drinking by herself.

He stood and placed the cup down again. He stretched out his back, trying to get it to crack. I do not understand how you can ride for so long on horseback. I go tired after an hour in the saddle, and I become an old man after 2. You must teach me the Unicorn methods of riding, so that I don't get tired as fast.