RP: Before the Feast, Off to the Side [Yuusha]

[Hida Setsuro]

Setsuro looked down at the woman in front of him, Kitsuki by the mons she wore, and he nodded her a polite greeting. Then he bowed slightly, but it was stiff, he was above her status but he was showing what he could to be respectful.

One of the guardsmen to his side started to make a movement towards the Dragon samurai, but the Crab champion shot him a glance that stopped the yojimbo in his tracks. Setsuro then smiled and nodded once more, "Kitsuki Yuushahime-san, it is a pleasure. I have much respect for anyone willing to take up the investigative nature that your family is known for." He spoke calmly and clearly, despite the fact that there were times when his natural voice was booming and demanding of attention. Today it was different. The tone of his voice was filled with a quiet reservation, one that he had taken to respect the Phoenix and their ways. "I believe you already know who I am, but for the sake of etiquette, I will tell you, as I have no attendants on hand right now. I have had them rather busy since the start of the party. I am Hida Setsuro, Crab Clan Champion." A wry smile quickly appeared on his face before fading back to the normal stoic lack of expression that Setsuro usually carried.

"I am simply here because it is I that am honored by the Phoenix for their invitation. Their strength and courage are well known to me." Setsuro turned his head towards Shiba Kazuma and the Phoenix hosts and bowed respectfully. Even though Setsuro and his Crab clansmen stuck out like a sore thumb, they did their best not to be the center of attention. This was the Phoenix Champion's day, after all, and it would be rude to steal the show. This was why Setsuro had not been announced in the first place.

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

(ooc: Of course she knew who you were. She addressed you by your name and spoke of your deeds )

Yuushahime listened attentively, smiling pleasantly as she nodded to show her agreement "as were we so honoured. It was a splendid ceremony. Kazuma-sama will lead his Clan well". She fiddled with her kimono, thinking back to the first time she had seen him in action in the imperial capital. He could certainly lead others well and take care of himself. She had a slight urge to speak of the matter but decided against it.

She took a step closer, speaking still clearly but a little quieter "I have heard that you have met our ambassadors. I hope the meeting went well. That was some time ago though and much has developed recently. I understand that you appreciate straight forward words and actions. I wish others thought the same, though it would make most courts a much less... engaging affair. I wanted to see if there were any matters you wished to discuss? Perhaps, at the very least, some way for you to better understand our Clan..." Yuushahime raised her hand to her chin, purposefully looking up in the air as if in thought "I was happy to hear of your respect for my family. We take our duties seriously and commit ourselves to everything we investigate. No less should be expected. We, in turn, respect anyone willing to develop themselves and diversify their skills. Anyone from the Crab who is interested in learning a different but nonetheless worthwhile approach to investigations would be welcome to join us in our training. If they can be spared of course..." She smiled awkwardly at the taller samurai, fully aware of the heavy duty that weighed on his Clan's shoulders.

Adjusting to a more serious poker face and checking to make sure others were not actively reading her lips, she continued "Do tell me if there is something you wish to discuss Hida Setsuro-sama. Our Clans are far apart so opportunities to learn or arrange cooperation should not be missed. For example, I have not been tempered by time near the Shadowlands and am always interested in learning more about the dangers lurking there. Dangers the Hida are veterans of overcoming. This is a grim fascination certainly but necessary - all threats to the Empire must be remembered, ne?"

[Akodo Tomatsu]

Tomatsu scanned the room. He found the Crab Champion talking to the beautiful Kitsuki investigator. He smiled, and took a piece of sushi, trying to figure out his next move. He took a slow scan around the room, no one near him or trying to make their way to him, Good, no one to interrupt me, now to just get some courage. He thought nervously.

He finished off his piece of sushi, and slowly made his way over to a position near their conversation. However instead of interrupting, he positioned himself in Yushahime's eye sight, but far enough away to afford the conversation some privacy and not to intrude or interrupt. He quietly waited, trying to look busy but at the same time, let her know he wished to speak with her when she was done, or at least as best that could be accomplished with non-verbal communications.

[Hida Setsuro]

"A thirst for knowledge is something I can respect so long as one has ample control of it. You are right in that the opportunities we have to learn from one another are few and far in between. I had indeed spoken with the ambassador, but he seemed more interested in fighting upon the wall than really making any sort of arrangement or any talks between the two clans. Perhaps more than one ambassador is in order?" Setsuro glanced to the side and nodded respectfully when she addressed him by his full name, the honorifics of it resounding in his mind.

"As of late, I believe the threats of the Shadowlands grow. I will be taking up the defense of the wall soon, but not before heading north once more to assist the Unicorn. When I'm done there, you and yours are welcome to stand upon the wall if you believe yourselves strong enough. I welcome all of your clan, should they choose to accept, for what you say is true. The Crab have overcome some of the strangest and most bizarre things that the Shadowlands has to offer. Our time upon the wall has not jaded us to the point that we do not see the usefulness of assistance. Most of us are merely too proud." As he spoke, Setsuro briefly smiled, though it was not a happy smile but more of a forced one that made his expression look almost amusing.

"I, however, can not afford to be too proud. I am always willing to lend an ear to those who would ask for it, even if I am not always able to accept whatever proposition they may lend." He concluded the sentence and finally his stoic expression came back, settling the rest of his features into what would be considered normal for the large Crab Champion.

[Kitsuki Yuushahime]

Yuushahime listened attentively but became slightly concerned by the Crab's comment regarding the Dragon ambassadors. It would have to be looked into urgently. "That is odd. We had sent two actually. I can guess which one has taken to the wall. I will communicate with them both and see what the trouble is. In the meanwhile, I'm more than happy to speak on any matter you might wish Hida Setsuro-sama"

As Setsuro continued and described the dangers of the wall, Yuushahime made a mental note regarding the assistance. She had become more impressed at the Crab's accurate assessment of the situation and his own Clan.

Yuushahime smiled as her went back to his usual expression. She also caught sight of Tomatsu in the background, attempting to look casual and busy. However, with nobody around to talk to his intentions were fairly clear. She couldn't help but smile more as her attention went back to Setsuro, though her eyes flicked to the side occassionally to check what Tomatsu was up to next. He was a curious man.

"I have no proposition for you and would not think to offer one at such an occasion. I am glad to have met you though. May I say there is more strength in you than just the obvious Hida Setsuro-sama. The Dragon are currently interested in limiting the spread of certain groups who wish to spread their influence. Groups you may be aware of, especially as many make a home on the wrong side of the wall. They pose as ronin when in the Empire and are following what we gather to be a dangerous agenda". Yuushahime paused to put a hand to her chin "I suppose the exchange of information on them would be mutually beneficial, if you've heard something? If so, then we could talk about this in full at a later date?"