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Post by tadakasan on May 18, 2011 14:59:00 GMT -5
"Mysterious certainly. But I have been to the City of the Lost, the Fingers of Bone, Shiro Saisei... I don't think you need the act about the Spider each being independent helpers of the people, I know that is not Daigotsu's plans for the Spider after all; I know Haruka knows more than you might think as well since she has her own connections with the Spider. If you think you have suffered for the reputation of certain people in the Spider, I would suggest leaving it, for their image will not be improving in the near future."
Ishida took another sip of his tea. and leaned back on the cushion he was on, "I know that this plan, as it were, to help the people is indeed out there. But I'm also aware you're Clan leaders care little for the peasants except as tools, whether that be sacrifices for maho or as examples of the Spider Clan's generosity." He holds up a hand, "Still, I am not meaning to say this as if you should worry; everyone has their secrets and I do not condemn your choices, for I might be condemning my own in the process. And know it has nothing to do with refusing the sake in my case; for some reason jade petal sake seems to do absolutely nothing. Though it might make the Crab Clan a little more interesting if it did..."
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Post by sprinkles on May 18, 2011 15:16:35 GMT -5
Sprinkles breaks out laughing.
"It's refreshing to be able to be so honest. I should have known better to try and keep secrets from a Scorpion. After all almost all I've learned has come from your clan. I hope you choose to believe that I have nothing but respect yourself and your clan. The Unicorn and the Crab are also within my esteem. I was here seeking to promote trade with the Unicorn when I became trapped. Perhaps with the help of yourself and Haruka-sama I can begin trade with the Scorpion as well. I'm sure we could come to an agreement that will be mutually beneficial."
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on May 19, 2011 1:51:19 GMT -5
Haruka had quietly watched the two mingling, and though she'd taken up her sake cup, for now she did not drink for one reason alone. She looked gently to Soshi Ishida with a glint in her eye at times.
"Depends on what goods you intend to trade. There have been many new Gaijin curiosities flooding the markets through the southern trade route. Perhaps I could give you some insight into where you might head." Her voice was softer now, reserved even as she put on an air of courtesy.
"However I am somewhat curious as to what you might be doing as a merchant, but then again it is hardly a position for me to question considering your... station." She gazed down at the sake in her cup. "May I offer some simple advice as to guard your words when speaking of your clan. You are in good fortune to have spoken with my friend and I, however I suspect there are many others who would have challenged you on the spot. From now on I might strongly suggest you merely give your name and that alone until you find your place in the world."
She swirled the drink lightly before her nose, taking in the scent of the sake with some care. It was good quality indeed, she only seemed slightly bitter that without knowing if it was untainted, she could not have a drop. "There are a few clans that might be able to assist you. The fact that you are here now sharing our conversation could mean there is hope for you yet. The spider clan is moving in strange ways, and Maho users have infiltrated the empire. Perhaps if you were able to assist us in apprehending and dealing with the offenders appropriately you might find a friend in the great clan."
She spoke slowly as her words held some weight to them, her gaze watching Sprinkles' for how he might take what she said.
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Post by tadakasan on May 19, 2011 2:07:34 GMT -5
Ishida nods in agreement as he listens, lounging casually on one hand. He taps a finger on the table as he speaks, after Haruka is finished, "Well, you do not need to be ~too~ careful; after all, most rumors about the Spider are considered just rumors. But you would be treated no worse and often better posing as a simple ronin."
"Anyways..." Ishida sits up and carefully pulls out a folded map, pointing to the River of Gold, "Though I am hardly a merchant myself, I personally would say you are in luck Sprinkles-san. You seem to have picked just the right time to increase any trading you might be interested in; Since the imperial decree allowing it, the Mantis have been trading up the River here and through Unicorn lands to the friendly Yobanjin tribes. This means a steady supply of ships, caravans, and peddlers."
"In other words, I think it would take little convincing to allow some of these interested parties to increase their profits by merely offering to ferry the goods you have in mind." Ishida glances over at Haruka then back at Sprinkles, "As Haruka-sama said, it depends on the goods. Normal trade would be a given, gaijin and exotics goods easy enough considering the circumstances... but even the Mantis have standards beyond that."
He leaned back on both hands now, eyes looking half closed as he looked up at the sunny sky through the center smoke hole in the tent. He smiled a little wryly, "Honestly though that's as much as I myself am helping; advice. I have far much to do to soil my hands with such things."
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Post by sprinkles on May 19, 2011 12:51:51 GMT -5
Sprinkles nods appreciatively. "Thank you both. I am seeking to move mostly gold, sake and silk. As to the maho issue I may be able to help there. I was not lying when I said most Spider operate independently and some see this as an...opportunity. After all even a great clan such as the Phoenix have had this very issue before. But of course we need to solve it before it stains us too badly. Perhaps we could help each other more than I originally thought. Are you open to more intense negotiations at a further time?"
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on May 19, 2011 13:02:33 GMT -5
Haruka nodded. "Anyone wishing to work towards banishing the Maho from our land is a welcome assistant in my eyes. You need only seek me in Kyuden Bayushi if that is your desire."
She bowed lightly to Sprinkles.
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Post by tadakasan on May 19, 2011 14:27:51 GMT -5
"Agreed, my Lady." He turns to Sprinkles as Haruka bows. He speaks quietly after Haruka finishes, "For my part I would not seek me out as there would be little point. If you need me for something, you of course may ask Haruka-sama to fetch me, as it were. But as I said before, I have pretty much given my advice. So unless you have other questions to ask that need knowledge rather than anything else, I will be of little help to you Sprinkles-san"
Ishida sat back again; What he wasn't saying is he did not want to get mixed up with the Spider again, at least not just yet. His time in the shadowlands had been fruitful if not uncomfortable in a way, but it seemed best for the moment to lay low and focus on what needed to be done right now. As opposed to dealing with the longer term complexities that came from the worshipers of Fu Leng.
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Post by sprinkles on May 19, 2011 23:13:20 GMT -5
Sprinkles bows again. "Thank you both. I'll be in touch." With that Sprinkles departs the two Scorpion. Hoping that he has accomplished in furthering his goals.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on May 20, 2011 2:02:23 GMT -5
As the sake rested before her, Haruka folded her arms gently and bowed lightly to Sprinkles. "I look forward to a good hunt then, and do try to stay safe and not travel into any territories overrun by barbarians."
She seemed to be remembering her days as a battle maiden and decided less said was more, at least for now.
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Post by tadakasan on May 20, 2011 3:20:53 GMT -5
Ishida stared at his own sake cup before taking out a small tube, uncorking it and pouring the sake into it, "You will be most interesting to study later; if nothing else just as really good sake." He grins and sniffs it a bit before putting the cork back on. Putting the vial away in his bag again, Ishida turned to Haruka, "That was odd, but interesting; a Spider wanting to start a trade route... I certainly did not expect that when I woke up this morning. I wonder about it still though..."
Ishida bends his head a little, lost in thought. He speaks up after a moment, "Anyways..." He lifts his head, "I'm sure you'll be finding more out about that soon enough; no point in wasting my time on it now. So, to where we were for the present unless something else comes up; we were finishing our conversation? I'm not entirely sure. I had just answered one of your questions as the Spider came up to us, so I'm not sure where you wanted to go from there Haruka-sama. It's really up to you; you mentioned joining the celebration and finding more "collaborators" as you put it."
Ishida trails off slightly, waiting for Haruka's decision.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on May 20, 2011 3:52:38 GMT -5
Haruka nodded to Tadaka as she got up and began to walk gently along through the celebrations. Her eyes were gently scanning the scene as they went. "I'm sure we'll meet up with our conversation partners soon enough. But I do believe we were cut off somewhat. I believe you were telling me about this love of yours."
Her gaze shifting to him, although she seemed to be able to look past him and around comfortably just the same. "The Kitsune daimyo you said. I am intrigued, but I'm afraid I have never had the pleasure of meeting her. What is her name, and why has such an interesting soul suddenly caught your desire?"
He couldn't see it, but her own husband would know she was smiling widely underneath her head wrap. It was a bit of gossip really just between the two, but it seemed to be something she enjoyed speaking on. She handled enough dark news in her life and it seemed the simpler beautiful things were her preference.
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Post by tadakasan on May 20, 2011 4:29:30 GMT -5
Ishida nods as he threads his way behind Haruka, not quite able to match her grace in his robes but doing well enough to keep up. The ground is a little churned from all the people and horses, and he tries his best to stay out of the mud... lest he start a war with the Crane or such. "It doesn't surprise me you haven't met her; up until... well recently, she has been a bit reclusive, mostly studying and only doing necessary things for her station. Her name is Kitsuki Keshi; I met her on the way back from the Iris Festival. To be honest she caught my attention because of how honest and curious she was. And as much as I want to protect her, she's still being honest with herself and curious, even if it may take her down a darker path. That's no different than you and I though, but that's the point; I respect that in people."
Ishida leaned on his staff and half vaulted a puddle, not commenting on it as he continued, seeing Haruka's occasional glaces even as she walked, lagging behind her a bit, "Combine that with the almost gentle nature of a Phoenix, the artistic sight of a Crane, and the beauty of a Scorpion even if she doesn't know it I think... mmm. Well, you'll forgive me if I find it hard not to be facinated by such a complex soul. Much like you in a way, though not like you at the same time of course Haruka-sama."
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