A Scorpion in the House of Mantis

[Shosuro Ichiro]

As soon as the ship he is on docks, Shosuro Ichiro disembarks. He still finds the sea uncomfortable, but he still like to visit Kyuden Gotei. The chance to see forbidden gajin wonders always intrigued him. Yet this was not a shopping trip. He was here to talk with the current Clan Champion, Tsuruchi Kourin. With this in mind he gathered his things and headed towards the Palace.

Once there he was stopped by the Yoritomo guards and asked for his credentials. Showing his travel papers , he gave them a stern reprimand.

"I applaud you for performing your duty, but I am disappointed that you do not know me. I am Shosuro Ichiro, Daimyo of the Shosuro Family. As you can easily see the Mons of my Family and my Clan. I am here to seek an audience with your Champion, Tsuruchi Kourin-sama. Will you let me pass?"

He did not want to sound that indignant but some of these men he had met while learning to sail or even at court at this very location before. War though makes for strange actions, and he for one will be trying to go forth with a positive foot forward. Ichiro waited to see if they would let him enter.

[Yoritomo Sueno]

After a brief delay a Samurai of higher rank comes to inspect Ichiro's travel papers. "Sorry Ichiro-san. If that's who you really are!" He chuckles as he inspects them and then hands them back with a nod. "Well, that all seems to be in order. Sorry for the formalities but we Mantis have many enemies and even if we are a long way away from Mountain Watch Keep, we are at war as much as any other Clan. And even if there are no Yobanjin, there are always pirates" He hands the papers back.

"Kourin is always glad to receive a visitor from the Scorpion. But I'm afraid that she is very busy. As you know she's just become Champion! So there is a lot to take care of. Maybe if you'd not mind I could give you some tea and you could tell me what your visit concerns. Or is it for the Champion's ears only?"

[Shosuro Ichiro]

Ichiro listens to the Samurai and his plausible excuse. Taking it in stride he nods and replies.

"I come to offer my respect to Kourin-sama, congratulations, and a gift for her. I will gladly take your offer of tea and I will wait for the Champion to be free. As I wish to know of her and of her thoughts upon the current events across the land. I do this as a diplomat and a neighbor. I wish to make sure that peace is kept between the Clans instead of the constant strife that always finds a way to haunt us."

He waits to lead in. He asks one question.

"Honorable Samurai-san, whom do I have the honor of addressing? I hate to continue to call you Samurai-san while we had tea."

[Yoritomo Sueno]

Sueno nods and orders some of the Yoritomo bushi to fall in as an escort. They take a quick trip to a small teahouse overlooking the bustling harbour of Kyuden Gotei. It is decorated with strange artifacts from foreign lands. Sueno seems known to the staff who show them to a private room where the Yoritomo relaxes, letting out a long sigh and telling his men to stand outside.

"I'm happy to introduce myself. My name is Yoritomo Sueno. I know you. Well, we've never been introduced but I have seen you in court at Kyuden Doji and again in Toshi Ranbo. I've got many jobs. I'm the Captain of the Lucky Dragon, that fine ship you see there. I'm a Chui in the Yoritomo House Guard. I'm also patron to some pretty cunning merchants such as the fine hardworking chap who runs this establishment. And sometimes Kourin-sama trusts me to take care of small tasks. Not that the arrival of such a prestigious ambassador is a small task! But giving you tea and checking your papers, that's about my skill level. I'm sure Kourin-sama will be very impressed to hear that the Scorpion are so happy to have good relations with us that they send a Daimyo as their envoy. We're most flattered. And I'm sure your gift will be well received"

"But actually if you'll indulge me a bit. So it seems the Empire is all caught up in controversy over Three Sides River. I know the Crane and Lion clashed there during autumn. Is it true the Scorpion are also pressing a claim? This is the kind of thing Kourin-sama would be very interested in. She's often asked me my opinion on who should control the River. I don't know very much about the history of the area though. Perhaps you could teach me? While we wait, of course. Hopefully the delay will be short but that's no need not to pass it in pleasant conversation"

Sueno sips the tea. "Mmm, Iron Princess brand. Try it!"

[Shosuro Ichiro]

Ichiro saw that there would be no avoiding the matter so he sipped his tea, and letting the flavor and aroma assault his senses. He then placed the cup down and addressed Sueno. All the while taking in the decor of the Tea House.

"You cut to the matter as quickly as a Katika Duel Master, Sueno-san. I see why your Champion sends you to deal with visitors first. You are to be commended."

Ichiro continues to look around at the decorations and fiddles with his tea cup before continuing.

"Three Sides River, has at one time or another claimed by all three Clans, for good or ill. There has been conflict and there has been peace. All the while each side has a legitimate claim in someway. This lobbying has yet again forced the issue of ownership to what end? Personally the Crane and the Lion have brought this issue to the forefront. Garnering votes to their banners. All we can do is to make sure that every Clan, both Major and Minor knows that there are legally three claimants to the issue. After that we leave our fate to the Fortunes."

Ichiro takes another sip of tea and then places down the cup. he looks deeply into the cup as if trying to read the future, but to no avail. When he continues he whispers softly so only Sueno can hear him.

"Personally I think the timing of this vote is not the best, with the Shogun on the march and Mountain Watch Keep under siege. I want to see a favorable end to this matter, for all sides involved, and quickly. Alas the Crane and the Lion will not let that happen. Their collective egos and pride have been bruised. If either of them win we will have another front on our hands. This one though will be another internal fight that will draw in all the Clans I am afraid."

Ichiro sits back and tries to enjoy the tea but the his sour mood about Three Sides River has overpowered his tastes. Yet he finishes the tea and places the cup down.

[Yoritomo Sueno]

Sueno sips his own tea and nods as he listens. "That's very interesting. I don't think anybody, even the Crane or Lion, would disagree that the timing isn't good. But that is the story of politics timing is never good. You certainly make an interesting case for your Clan. I'm sure Kourin-sama wopuld be be very interested to hear your explanation for the Scorpion's interests in the area. He has a few issues that the Scorpion could help us with too, so you could talk about them at the same time"

A bushi comes in and murmurs to Sueno. "Well, it seems Kourin-sama is ready to receive you now. Shall we journey to Kyuden Gotei?" He already stands obviously expecting a yes.

[Shosuro Ichiro]

Ichiro nods and stands.

"Then we should not keep your Champion waiting. Lead and I shall follow Sueno-san. I do thank your business associate for their fine tea. I shall endeavor to stop by again before I leave for a package to take with me to remember these fond times."

With that Ichiro picks up his pack and follows Sueno to Kyuden Gotei. All along wonder what The Scorpion can do for the Mantis.

[Yoritomo Sueno]

Sueno smiles. "PLease do so Ichiro-san. I will make sure that he does not require you to pay for it. My small way of ensuring friendship between our Clans"

As they leave the teahouse Sueno claps his hands and seven Yoritomo bushi fall in alongside them. They move through the streets of Kyuden Gotei-shi before they reach the palace itself. They pass through many ranks of guards who check Ichiro and Sueno's papers. Finally they are inside a lavishly appointed audience room. As they enter a small group of Moshi delegates leave, stopping to bow to Ichiro and Sueno. Sueno bids Ichiro to wait in a small antechamber decorated with a gigantic frieze depicting Yoritomo's Ascent to Tengoku. Sueno disappears through a sliding door. A muffled conversation follows, and then Sueno steps out, bows to Ichiro, and gestures to the door. "Kourin-sama will see you now. Dozo"

[Shosuro Ichiro]

Ichiro admires the fresco while waiting for his audience. It is shortly lived though as he is called to the door offered him.

He quickly adjusts his kimono and makes ready the gift he brings. Once certain of his readiness he enters the Champion's Chamber. He bows deeply and announces his presence.

"Champion Kourin-sama, I am Shosuro Ichiro, Daimyo of the Shosuro Family, Diplomat of the Scorpion Clan and hopefully a future friend to you and your Clan.

Still bowed, his eyes adjust to take note of the layout of the room and positions of possible guard entries. One could never be certain when one needed an exit.

[Yoritomo Sueno]

Sueno discretely closes the door behind Ichiro and then retreats to kneel quietly next to it, head bowed, listening to the conversation between his Champion and the ambassador... there if she needs him.

[Tsuruchi Kourin]

(( Apologies for the delays, Ichiro-san. I was far too ill to post anything until now. ))

Tsuruchi Kourin sat behind a desk at the far end of the room, quietly writing a letter of somekind. She was dressed in a simple kimono of typical Mantis style – blended greens and gold – and wore the same band across her upper right arm as she always did. Her long, black hair was tied back to keep it out of her face, but was otherwise allowed to hang down behind her. She lifted the brush from the scroll and set it aside when she heard the door open, but otherwise made no movement to address the visitor until he announced himself. Quietly, Kourin rose and bowed politely to the Scorpion.

“Shosuro-san, we are honoured that the Scorpion Clan would send such an esteemed representative,” she stated quietly stepping over to a table in the middle of the room. Motioning for him to join her, she sat at the side nearest her. “I trust your travels here were uneventful and as pleasant as possible?” It was small talk, but she used such to try and gauge the kind of person she was speaking to. She had yet to meet Shosuro Ichiro, and she wanted to study him for a moment before moving to whatever business brought him here.

[Shosuro Ichiro]

(OOC: NP RL happens. Hope you are feeling better.)

Ichiro lifts his head from his bow. He moves to the offered seat and replies pleasantly.

"The trip was uneventful, though I still have not acquire my sea legs. I was a little put out with the heightened security, but that is the unfortunate price of war. Sueno-san was gracious enough to take me to a tea house while I waited for your readiness, but I am sure you are already aware of this and the conversation that took place."

Ichiro pauses a second and takes assessment of the Champion about his reply and to make sure that Sueno was still at the door. Once certain he continued.

"I would rather congratulate you on your ascension to Champion of your Clan. I find it oddly refreshing to see the system and tradition of the Yoritomo Family taking the title get thrown off course. Mind you have I no ill will against the Family, I just see this change as being progressive. As a token of my respect to you and your Position I wish to gift you with something."

Ichiro pulls forth a case and opens it. Inside is one hundred arrowheads. fifty of jade and fifty of obsidian. The are all placed withing the case with gentle care and arranged in the pattern of the Mon of the Wasp Clan. Each arrowhead is carved so where the shaft meets the head a stylized wasp appears to hold the shaft in place.

'I do hope that you will accept this gift. I am sure you can find great use of these. I went to great expense to have these made once I received word of your elevation Kourin-sama."

[Tsuruchi Kourin]

Tsuruchi Kourin nodded approvingly to the news of an uneventful voyage. The words themselves were not the focus of her attention, but she chose to look more into Shosuro Ichiro's posture, his tone, even which how his eyes traversed across the room. She understood many of the advantages of the mempo that all the Scorpion Clan wore. Her attentions and posture shifted slightly as the topic changed, and a faint smile began to play across her expression. Nothing, though, would have properly prepared her for the gift. Steeled against a significant display, Kourin's eyes still widened slightly and her inhale was longer than a natural breath. She was momentarily torn between forgoing tradition and maintaining it. This not just a quiver of arrows, after all; it was a work of art.

“Shosuro-san, I thank you for the well-wishes. While there are some among the Yoritomo who see this as inexcusable, the good majority believe that a brief break in tradition will be good for the Mantis as a whole. I am, understandably, inclined to agree. However, we are both well aware that not all traditions are without their purposes. Further, these purposes are not always stated, but merely understood to also be present.

“It is with this in mind, Shosuro-san, that am obligated to refuse your gift at this time. It is not that I doubt your sincerity, and I find myself extremely honored by your selection. It is what is not said about this ritual, however, that compels me to carry it out.”

[Shosuro Ichiro]

Ichiro watched the response of the Champion, noting every twitch and glance. He knew he was being scrutinized, and he knew that it was for all the right reasons, for the safety of Kourin. Yet in the end his mempo hide his devilish smile as she lost composure upon seeing the gift he offered. His eyes betrayed nothing, as he was one of the best trained Actor, Courtier, Diplomat and Spy that the Scorpion can offer. Yet he knew that tradition must be followed. He knew this all too well and prepared for this next act of the play he has scripted.

He placed the case in front of Kourin and released it from his grip. As it lays open before the Champion he rolls up the left sleeve of his Kimono and then his right. Showing one hundred cuts across their lengths. All in the state of mending. His voice is humble and sincere in its request.

"Champion-sama, I truly respect your stand point upon the gift. One must be certain that any gift of this sort to be of the utmost readiness for the duty that they are called for. As such I have personally tested the razor sharpness of each arrow before they were placed in their display case. As my arms can attest these arrowheads are the sharpest made in this Age. I offer you these fine instruments of precision to you grand personage. So all can know the mastery of your skills, as both a warrior and a huntress. I even offer my arms to test an arrowhead of each type of your choice, of course, to prove that I do not deceive you of my boast or my sincerity. Please say you will accept."

Ichiro bows respectfully. Awaiting the reply of the Champion. Know full well he caught this fish upon the first offer. Sometimes the sea isn't such a cruel mistress, he mused.