RP-OPEN: Mantis Ambassador

[vegandeathmachine]

[OOC: This is intended to take place at Yasuki Yashiki. Open to all Crab, or anyone else who would be hanging around in Crab Court.]

A small fleet of Mantis kobune pulls into the harbor at Yasuki Yashiki. The flagship is flying the standard of Yoritomo Akihiko, the Yoritomo daimyo.

All the vessels, while excellent in construction, have seen action recently.

After clearing with the harbor master, they pull in to dock. Crewmen immediately begin work repairing the vessels.

Yoritomo Akihiko, still attired in battle armor, disembarks from his flagship. Approaching the harbor master,

"Yasuki-san, I am Yoritomo Akihiko, daimyo of the Yoritomo. If it is not too much trouble, may we use your docks for repairing our fleet? Obviously, we will let such trivial matters as supplies, fees, etc. be handled by the merchants."

"And, to impose yet again, I am looking for a bath, a meal, and a meeting with the Crab. I was in the area battling wako, and decided to stop in and visit my beloved Crab cousins."

[Soshi Kiso]

The news that the Mantis Clan had favored the route through Crab and Scorpion lands did not take long to reach Kiso's ears. He had been expecting this, after all. He did not plan for the Yoritomo Daimyo to immediately set sail to Yasuki Yashiki however.

It took a little time, but he arranged passage on a kobune taking sail for the Crab lands to prepare the new route. The passage had been rather uneventful, till pirates were sighted off the port side. The vessel which carried the young Mantis sailors was not prepared for any sort of engagement, weapons kept at a minimal to store as much sake as possible. Kiso did not have time to foolish pirates, there was too much work to be done.

As they grew closer, the sailors prepared for a battle that would never occur. Facing the threat, none of them really took notice to the Soshi Daimyo pulling a scroll of Inflame from his satchel. In but a moment, the Pirate Ship was aflame. Before long, the fire had sprung up from multiple locations, too much for the crew aboard to handle. Their fate was inevitable.

A cheer rose amongst the crew for the turn of fate, unknowing that the shugenja that paid for passage had saved them from the encounter. After their initial joy, the sailors eased and returned to duty, safely bringing them to the docks of Yasuki Yashiki. He could see Akihiko's standard flapping lightly in the wind.

Once the ship was fastened to the dock, he took step off ship, thanking the Mantis for their passage and proceeded to the palace.

I bring greetings from the most glorious Bayushi Senshi, Daimyo of the Scorpion. I am Soshi Kiso, Daimyo of the Soshi, Ambassador to the Crab Clan. I last visited these estates for the honoring of your Champion, Hida Setsuro-sama. I wish audience with your Family Daimyo, (is there even a Yasuki on the boards yet?) and Yoritomo Akihiko-san. I ask only you give me the opportunity to take a bath before I meet their presence.

[vegandeathmachine]

Akihiko, soaking in the tubs at the bath, is given news of the arrival of the Soshi Daimyo. Reluctantly leaving the heated water and mineral salts, he is shaved, groomed, coiffed and dressed in a fine kimono, one of a Scorpion cut, though in Mantis colors.

He proceeds to the quarters that have been provided for him [ooc: presumably...] in Yasuki Yashiki.

To Kitano,

"Hmm, I had expected to meet with the Crab, but no matter. I was intending to pay my respects to Scorpion on my return to Mountain Watch Keep, but no harm in some earlier contact. Please arrange suitable refreshments, geisha, etc., and then invite Soshi Kiso-sama to visit at his leisure."

[OOC: Come on, no Crab love? I made you guys my first official visit. My feelings are now totally hurt...]

[Soshi Kiso]

Having gotten Akihiko's message, Kiso donned his kimono from the finest tailors of Toshi Ranbo. When he arrived at the Yoritomo's quarters, the guard outside admitted him without problem.
Inside he found the Mantis seated at a table with the finest meal he might have ever seen in the Crab Lands.

Yoritomo Akihiko-san, it is an honor to meet your acquaintance. Though I am sure neither of us expected our first real encounter to be outside of the lands of our respective clans. He bowed slightly, and sat down opposite the other Daimyo. I had traveled swiftly back to the Mantis Isles when word had reached my ear that the trade route was to go through the Crab and Scorpion territories. Imagine my surprise to arrive moments after you've set sail.

It is my desire to give the aid of the Scorpion to establishing the route as efficiently and expediently as possible. I would hope we could speak on the matter and perhaps make some arrangements for this to occur. Kiso drew his sake cup from within his sleeve to allow a nearby servant to fill it, lifted it towards Akihiko in salute, and drank.

[ooc - yeah, some Crab presence would be great, surely someone could break from the wall to help work on the route? Dunno about crab loving....Kiso's father once got that from Kisada's daughter while they were drunk....crab do it sideways you know.)

[vegandeathmachine]

Akihiko took a small sip from his sake, far more moderately than his reputation would have led one to expect.

"It is truly an unexpected pleasure to meet with you, Soshi Kiso-sama. Please, partake of the food; my men seemed more adapt at catching fish than pirates..."

"As to the matters of the Burning Sands trade route, the Mantis can easily handle the riverine portions. What we require from the Scorpion is intelligence on the Burning Sands, and the tribes therein."

"I apologize for the debacle of this embassy; I simply put in for repairs after battling the pirates, and decided to make a call on the Crab."

[OOC: Well, the Crab love' was intended as meaning some reply from the Crab, not meant in a physical sense. Dirty mind. That said, Akihiko is unspoken for as of yet.]

[Soshi Kiso]

(waited some time for a possible crab, moving on...)

Kiso partook of the small feast before him.

I have no doubt the pirate problem will be dealt with by your most capable men, as I myself took care of one of their ships on the way here.

I did not mean to question the Mantis knowledge of the rivers that run the land, and apologize if I came off that way. I was referring more to the roads across the Scorpion lands, and which ones might best serve the purpose of the route, avoiding unnecessary complications. I doubt we would need to tie up trade goods with customs checks... (wow no matter how I write it, it sounds like a threat, but Kiso is saying it with an opportunistic tone, with a wink in his eye!)

The Scorpion have some knowledge pertaining to the tribes we would trade with, what they might desire, what we could obtain from them, and what we could convince them they desire.

(so, since Jay-sama put in actions faster then I think either of us expected, do we want some of our negotiations IC to reflect some of the new actions, and maybe work on some other future ones? )

[vegandeathmachine]

Akihiko smiled broadly

"Excellent! The general details of trading, my merchants have well in hand. But the specifics of this trade, well..."

He takes another morsel from the table, and chews it thoughtfully,

"I have seen some of the trade on the Unicorn end, while my troops are resting from the battles at Mountain Watch Keep. I have not seen the course of trade in Scorpion or Hare provinces as of yet. Are there any particular locales deserving of my attention?"

Akihiko seems a bit nervous as he broaches this next subject:

"On another matter: it appears that our current Clan Champion, Tsuruchi Kourin-sama, has stepped down from the role; at least for the foreseeable future. She is on a personal mission, one that leaves her unable to run the Clan. What this means, has not been settled yet; I must confer with Kitsune Keshi-sama, the Kitsune daimyo."

[OOC: Karl, the player of Tsuruchi Kourin, has been called to active duty in the military. We are still working out the leadership transition; I haven't heard back from Keshi yet.]

[kunitsubin]

The shoji screen slides open and a tall crab in light armor enters. His face is painted in a fierce manner and he carries a large jade medallion bearing the mon of the crab. As the screen slides shut behind him he bows deeply to both ambassadors.

"Greetings noble daimyo. I am Kuni Tsubin. I apoligize for your unusual reception. A recent sally from the fallen lands demanded the attention of the lords of the castle. For the moment, I have the duty to entertain you both and answer your questions."

With that rather awkward introduction, the Kuni kneels at the table looking expectantly at the Mantis.

[Shagi the Mad]

[OOC - this was started before Kuni Tsubin's post. Obviously one servant doesn't quite know what's happening elsewhere!]

A lone Samurai approached the Northern Gate of Yasuki Yashiki. Weary and dusty from his travels, his eyes were yet bright, as though the sight of the city lightened his soul. He was youthful in face, though his travelling clothes showed many signs of use. His sinewy body and occasional scars marked him as a man who had seen his share of action in service to his clan and the Empire.

As he came nearer his destination, he saw an elegant courtier appear at the gate, speak quietly with the guards and gesture in his direction. He stopped himself from frowning. It was pointless pondering on the meaning of this scene, for he could simply discover any such meaning by continuing to the gate. As he approached the final few yards. the courtier bowed respectfully, slightly lower than a courtier should. So, not a courtier, but with the same elegant cut of kimono. Some high ranking castle servant perhaps? There was only one way to find out.

"I have travelled long and hard on this road, I need a bath, a drink and rest," he addressed the servant. "If you wish to speak to me before I have dealt with those matters, then your words must be important enough that I should listen."

"Samurai-sama," the servant began. "The Daimyos of the Soshi and the Yoritomo have recently arrived in Yasuki Yashiki. But those Samurai of the Crab who are not serving at the Wall, or with the Shogun, have answered the call of the Emerald Champion. Though all due hospitality has been shown to them, there has been no-one of sufficient standing to afford them a proper greeting.

"We have been keeping watch on the gates and at the harbour for the arrival of someone suitable. The Guards here have informed me that they recognise you as the esteemed Hiruma Shagi..." the servants voice trailed off, as if unsure how to frame a suggestion or request.

Shagi smirked slightly at this turn of events. Him? Greeting Daimyos on behalf of the Crab? With his reputation? He was under no illusions that if the guests had been Crane or Lion, he would not have been an option. Not unless an insult was intended. But the Scorpion were ever known as practical people. The Mantis likewise. They may know of his past, but would judge him on his present actions. He could do this!

He waved away the stammerings of the servant. "Find me chambers, refreshment and hot water. Inform our guests that I will attend them as soon as I am presentable. And send someone to brief me. I know Soshi Kiso by reputation, but I'll be damned if I know who leads the Yoritomo beyond his name. Akihiko is it? And one more thing," he turned to the nearby guards and addressed them directly. "Tell the tavern-keepers to keep the Sake warm and the women plentiful. Shagi the Bastard is back in town."

Pausing only to enjoy the look of horror on the servant's face, Hiruma Shagi entered the city.

[Soshi Kiso]

Greetings Kuni-san. I was starting to wonder if any Crab delegate was going to honor us this evening. Though we have been thoroughly enjoying the accommodations presented, and the warm food before us.

We were just speaking on the trade route bound to bring riches to all our respective clans for the betterment of the Empire. Kiso paused, an inquisitive look upon his face.

Tell me Tsubin, are you to speak for your clan on matters of the trade route? I am sure Akihiko-san had hopes of speaking with the Yasuki Daimyo or his representative, or should he desire a greater hand in the matter, Hida Setsuro-sama himself. If not, do you know who should be speaking on behalf of the Crab in the dealings of foreign trade?

In any matter, thank you for the hospitality.

(ooc: Knows me by reputation, huh? I don't know if that's a good or bad thing... *grin*)

[vegandeathmachine]

Akihiko chuckled good-naturedly,

"I'm afraid I'm a better warlord than diplomat. This little embarassment is all my fault; I should have given advance notice of my visit. I have much to learn, I suspect."

"My visit here was primarily a stop over. I have been occupied at Mountain Watch Keep, but with the opening of the Burning Sands trade route, I have been honor bound to insure it's safety. So, I find myself hunting pirates again. And, I must admit, these are more familiar battlefields to me than the Unicorn plains."

"My only other agenda is to foster more personal relationships with my cousins in other clans. As my retainers never cease to remind me," shoots daggers with his eyes at Kitano, who simply grimaces and shakes his head, "I am not yet married, and the omiai offers are not exactly rolling in."

Akihiko smiles,

"That aside, I must thank the Crab for the hospitality they've shown me on this surprise visit. Is there anything I may do to assist the Crab?"

[kunitsubin]

Tsubin glances to the door before speaking.

"My honorable champion and the Yasuki daimyo are attending to other duties at the moment. While I am sure they would be happy to speak to you both, your visit was unexpected and unanouced. Runners have been dispached to them with news of your arrival, but given the nature of their current duty, I would be most surprised to see them return soon."

"I can discuss the trade route with you. I can't help with your relationship status, but would be pleased to pass the matter on to Kuni Itsuko, the Crab Nakodo, if you would seek a wife from us."

A servant steps in and, after bowing low to the gathered samurai, whispers something to Tsubin. He grimaces as she bows and leaves.

"Hiruma Shagi will be joining us momentarily," Tsubin says with distaste.

[Soshi Kiso]

Well, I can not blame them for not being here when we had neither planned or announced our presence until we arrived, of course. While I will not speak for Akihiko-sama, I am not currently scouring the land for a wife. If I had known he was looking, I'm sure a suitable mate could be found to please him.

You say that Shagi will be joining us. I am curious what it is you don't like about the man... What juicy details should we know about the samurai about to join us?

[vegandeathmachine]

Akihiko laughed over his tea.

"I don't know that I'm precisely 'scouring the land' for a prospective wife. I'm simply exploring my romantic options while waging war, policing the oceans and rivers, and trying my hand at diplomacy. Because, you know, I felt that I didn't have quite enough irons in the fire."

"That aside, greetings, Kuni-san. Again, my idiocy as a diplomat is to blame for any snafus. Ah well, lesson learned. Please let me know if there is any assistance the Mantis can render the Crab, or any details of the trade we can work out."

[kunitsubin]

"Hiruma Shagi is..... a singularly dedicated man," Tsubins brow furrows. He appears to take great care in choosing his next words.

"Shagi is an asset to the Crab, but on that requires a very close eye. I will not comment on his doings beyond that. You may ask him yourself. He may even answer you."

"I believe the trade route will be a success. We've had to hire ronin to help guard the shipments in light on increased raids by the Lost, but we make more then we spend. It's really too early to tell."