Celebration for Rokugan's recent Victory

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Congratulations, Haruka-san. I wish you the bless of the Fortunes. We really appreciate your will in attend our party. You know, we have the intention, in opening again an embassy at Scorpion lands, to assure and reinforce our bonds with your clan. Besides making this evening a celebration for all Rokugan’s victory in Mountain Watch Keep, we wish to straighten our relations in the better way possible. This would be a great reason for celebration.

Mitsouko said, gently. At least, lady Bayushi languor was explained now. It made the Kakita daimyo wonder if she was able to have children as well. Her clan had chose her not only because her wealth, lateral lineage or influence, but because she was the youngest candidate to the position, and theoretically, the most able to bear a successor. They didn’t skip to remember her of it.
The party at embassy was going well, courtier having a reason to take the dust of their formal attires. But she noticed the subtle moving of fans among some Crane courtiers, Doji Mikado a bit far from them moved hers in a manner Mitsouko, even being not a master in this game, got immediately aware about some rude behavior of the Shosuro daimyo. Mitsouko stared a little longer the Kakita duelist accompanying Shosuro Ichiro, then just turning the face to the man. Not before she made sure of never forgeting his face. With hers, Mitsouko send the message: let it be for a while.

Ichiro-san, tell me, about the kabuki plays we will have here tonight, what is your favorite?

[Bayushi Haruka]

It was also at this time and all the while several nearby Scorpion courtiers seemed to be flustered about something. In a sudden graceful movement though, Haruka stood and gently approached Mitsouko, leaving her drinks and the others behind a moment.

"If you will excuse me, I would like a moment to take in some air.
Mitsouko-san.." her tone sharpening slightly, "Would you do me the honor of accompanying me? It will only be a brief moment and I wished to speak with you."

Her eyes were somewhat more focused on her, and showed some intent as she hoped for an appropriate response. Alana bowed to the other guests as she continued to serve them. Clearly for the moment she would not be needed at her mistress' side.

Haruka would not wait for an answer as she simply went to one of the side areas that was open to the outside gardens. Her palms rested on the wooden beams that formed a minor decorative barrier to the gardens before them. She silently hoped the Crane would not hesitate now, as she hoped to settle something firmly but discreetly at least.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Kakita Mitsouko acompanied Haruka-san to the gardens, after a quit and polite excuse for the other guests. At this time, she was a bit worried about the health of the Scorpion woman. Also, she was expecting much of this meeting with her.
If the talking was to be necessary include the Phoenix clan representative, speaking in the name of their council with the Scorpion and Crane clan, it could be quickly arranged.
But Mitsouko knew the strong resistance some Scorpion had in the idea of a union with the Crane, even if for a task greater than the older grudges between them.

Haruka-san, thank you again. I'd look forward for the opportunity to talk with you in a reserved way.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka would gently nod to the guards by the sliding doors, as they obediently gave the two some privacy by sliding them shut for now. Haruka was able to take a sigh of relief as she did not bow or make any extra welcoming gestures to the Crane.

With her arms gently extended she would look towards her with a delicate grin. Thankfully here her mask was not needed and the Kakita would not need to guess what her eyes might tell her.

"I am so pleased you decided to speak with me in a slightly more discreet setting."

Her gate was slow as she approached Mitsuoko to stand right before her. "But I could not help but notice you continue to call me Haruka-san. I must ask the question then that I did not wish to pose before our clan brothers and sisters, but Kakita Mitsuoko-san... "
Her eyes narrowed somewhat fiercely and her voice became quiet and sharp like her eyes.

"Do you not fear me?

You and I have never met before, and I simply wonder if I do not fit into your sense of worth to be respected?
My former station as a mere samurai passed along with my previous name. It would have been far more appropriate and respectful so have at least called me sama, even if only the once..."

She actually stopped herself and took a deep breath as she paced along the wooden outer path a few steps, turning her back on the Kakita.
Haruka showed no fear and waited for her reply. She wondered if Mitsuoko even realized Haruka had felt disrespected, but her reaction now would be critical as she was given the chance to respond.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

It was really a surprise. At least, she would never say that the new Mistress of Secrets was not adapting to her new life... Mitsouko didn't hide the consternated face, a frown of worry:

Dear Lady Haruka-san. I am truly aware of whom you are and the respect you deserve. But, think, if your honored husband was here, how should I call him? Equal to you? Both of us don’t want this and we should dishonor him if this thing would happen.

Answering your question, well, I do not fear you. I don't think we are enemies, and even if we were, I heard your sense of justice is keen. So you would know that, for the Emperor, you and I are of the same importance. Not less than it. Please, don’t let the flattering hearts to numb your mind. Your time of simple samurai ended, and now you entered in a most important role, Lady Bayushi-san. It's wise of you to ask for the ones below you the proper respect.

But I know how these things can be confusing. I never tried to offend you, never on purpose, at least. We can be friends and that is my hope. I am not woman of hiding behind games. I heard you are neither. This party don't have the display of power purpose, but it doesn't depends only on me or my clan. We can spend our precious time building intrigues or we can, at least, be the ones who will show Rokugan we are above such sordid matters and do something useful for our clans and the Empire.
Can we?

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka let out a deep sigh again as she received the Kakita's words, but after which her seriousness faded into a genuine smile.

"I wondered how strong you were in word and deed, Mitsuoko-san. Although it would have been nice, I suppose, as a gesture I think it best that we leave this matter between ourselves and furthermore behind us.

The need for these minor polite motions pale in the wake of what we both know we have come here this day for.
You wrote to my husband on the matter, and I have come here today to hear what you and your clan have to discuss."

She gave a light bow of acceptance as she was pleased. "For now I only wish to hear of what concerns our clans, and I have the honor of being able to alter things as I see fit. So my Crane friend," she came to her side, still with a smile and a spark in her eye, "What am I here to discuss?"

[Doji Naetaru]

Naetaru kept slithering between his guests, welcoming them to the event. A moments later, he was greeting his invited Otomo guests.

"Konban-wa Otomo Ai-tono. I welcome you to the celebration of Rokugan's recent victory. We're grateful for your visit."

He kept his head bowed. His guests were of the Emperor's family after all.

In turn the aged courtier spoke,

"Naetaru-san, I am honored by your Clan's invitation for this gathering. I trust that you keep everything as organized and simple as fitting to a proper Rokugani celebration."

Naetaru kept still. What he was expecting was an Otomo ally's comforting words, not some judging ones. But then again, his mother was not a "boring" individual.

"Hai sama, please allow me to show you to the Imperial dais. From there you would be served the valerian tea that pleases you. Furthermore, it would be a perfect vantage point to watch the acting contest"

He escorted her with a certain uncertainty, and moments later he was sending a servant over to Doji Mikado, his sister. The Otomo were here.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Oh seriously. Testing me? Ha. Really? She wed months ago and already thinking she was Kachiko. Not only having audacity to try was necessary to make this feat. Mitsouko considered how interesting would be heard from the storytellers the day a spouse of a Scorpion champion tried to make herself more glorious and honored than she was in fact… and failed. Well, it would be on depend of what games Haruka and Ichiro would try that evening to cause boredom to death to the Kakita daimyo. Don’t matter how low Shosuro Ichiro could curve his spine, it won’t put Bayushi Haruka in a higher status for the others than her reality deserves. And would not convince anybody that witnessed the fact that she was an equal to her husband, a clan champion.
Maybe there’s no hope of an alliance there. Maybe the Scorpion spirits were too much focused in glory and less in duty. Bayushi Haruka soon would give Mitsouko the response about that, though.

Leave behind… One day everything fades in our memories, dear Haruka-san. This singular incident in such wonderful night inspired me to a haiku.
She lowered her eyes to admire the picture in her silken fan for a moment.
I am still thinking about the final verse, though. Probably it will be about how the night ended.
On the contrary of lady Bayushi, she began with a sly smile, to make her face and tone less playful for the change of subject:

I am here, Bayushi-san, to invite your clan to an offensive against the ones that one day crossed Scorpion lands to reach Toshi Ranbo and act with audacity in the Imperial Court. I think it's not only a matter of my clan and yours, lady Haruka-san, I am here to invite Scorpion, as I said before, to join our purpose of scan our lands in search of the ones that are practicing black sorcery, the ones who are step by step gaining terrain coming from Shadowlands, disguised, able to dwell between us, able to pass by our roads unrequited, and were able to reach the core of our land. I am not only talking about ask for the help of Jade magistrates. I am telling that, if their numbers are not enough, we must think all of us failed when black sorcerers got as far and deep as Toshi Ranbo. I am aware you were there in the occasion, and had heard you acted with spirit and keenness. I think we can act to identify them, their purposes, locate and destroy the source of this spreading evil. We think we can sit together and make a plan that uses the best each clan had to offer to do it.
For all I know, that is the interest of the Phoenix clan as well, but they can speak for themselves, Agasha Shodai-san is the one who speak for the Phoenix. Where the eyes of Rokugan are focused on the Unicorn lands, plague ravages by south and there are rumors that it is broadening its tentacles from the north as well. This invitation is offered because we respect the skills of your kin and we know you can be discreet in such crusade. That is the most important weapon against this evil. At least inside our borders.
If your clan is interested, as I said, we can sit to discuss it further. My only request is that this matter gain no publicity, for obvious reasons.
.

[Bayushi Haruka]

Haruka smiled somewhat. The Kakita was quite thorough, but it seemed the Crane were a few steps behind. She couldn't help but stifle a bit of a chuckle.

"So you've heard of my actions in court. I did not realize how widespread such talk might be, but I did not act to be some sort of hero as I did what any good honorable soul should do."

Haruka seemed to back down and try and show a more humble side, trying to keep things civil. What she was and what she was showing herself to be were not the same, although the only hint of her silent conflict was her occasionally shifting glances and motions.

"But I will have to share my own bit of knowledge there, as I've seen those that were taken into custody myself. They beseeched me for help when I was still Utaku. But I did not know they were tainted then, I did not know what they were after exactly until they revealed their sinister nature before the court."

She walked slightly as she explained, as she seemed to have a need to stretch her legs now that there was some space to. She would stop again to face Mitsuoko her eyes intent and focused on her.

"I learned who their master was. And as of a few nights ago, my own husband, Bayushi Senshi-sama, killed that man in front of our home with his beloved Churetsu. With my own eyes I saw him burn, the leader of your Maho Tsukai is dead.

Whatever remnants of his group are within the empire now should be able to be easily handled. If the Crane are unable to handle such matters, I can understand where you might prefer our expertise in putting these blasphemous men to rest."

At this she smiled with a deep pride. She had nothing to hide and no reason to lie, but the danger was handled by the claws of the Scorpion long before the Crane even realized what they were handling.
A slight breeze gently stirred the wind chimes nearby as their delicate sound played sweetly nearby.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

Mitsouko observed the woman in her front, clearly trying to conceal her discomfort walking around. Acting like confined in her own ideas and plans for the future. Mitsouko Kept static, by the other way, her lips slightly pursing in some of Haruka's words.
Haruka-san, if the Scorpion clan was capable to do such thing without help, I wonder why you didn’t do yet. And why these maho tsukai reached so far coming from Scorpion lands. AND found help on the naïveté of a former Unicorn Battle Maiden to go deeper, nearer to our most Esteemed Treasure. I understand the silence now. I understand why some parts of the Empire are festered with evil and our lands still not. I will say no more. The invitation for an alliance is still waiting, but not for long.

If you are the one who will decide it, and you are willing to do it favorably to our duty to our Emperor,I am sure we have much more to talk. Otherwise, I 'd like so much to watch the poetry contest.

[Bayushi Haruka]

She huffed, clearly displeased with the reception. This Crane had far too much pride to realize when to stop and appreciate another's greatness. Her mind swirled in absolute rage but her expression remained bland as she restrained every thought that dared to desire aggressive action on the Crane.


You simply disregard my husband's heroic example.. disregard my clan's ability which is quite clearly greater than your own and you still have the sense to stand before me and call me san.
Crane, truly you are what they have all said. I had hope for your clan to be more than blind beasts to ignore everything around you. But it seems my hope was misplaced. Such beasts will never succeed at drawing anyone under their wing so long as I still draw breath... and one day you will see why I am to be feared Kakita..


Her words were discontented, as it seemed her desire for this meeting seemed to dissipate rather quickly with the Kakita, as her tone became sharp and frustrated.

"I would prefer to speak with the others who are involved in this alliance then. Let's not keep them waiting."

As Haruka began to enter back inside, she reached for the sliding door when she stopped, lurching forward somewhat as her face started to etch with some pain. It was enough so that this bushi was willing to actually vocalize it an acknowledge it in front of the Kakita as her hand went to her waistline. Perhaps her illness had not left her, as she strained and hesitated to return inside. This would not hinder the Kakita's ability to bypass her and enter in if she so wished.


Forsake me now Kakita and you forge the ire of the Scorpion clan against your cause.
Aid me and I may forgive you, when you take a knee and earn your respect in my eyes... if you can manage it past that immense pride of yours..[/color]

[Toku Hirotomo]

"My father is well, Shosuro-sama, he has taken to leadership as a duck takes to water. He led the Clan Magistrates as Hatamoto, and he sees this new challenge an merely an extension of that duty. " He was surpriesd that this Scorpion thought so highly of his father. His father must have done something enormous to earn the favor of this Daimyo. He would have to be very careful, he would not let his words soil this hard-earned friendship.

"I will deliver the message myself, Shosuro-sama, I am sure my father will be very honored to hear this. The friendship of those far greater than than ourselves is surely a blessing." Chiyuki was speaking with a Scorpion courtier, but nodded subtly. He'd done well. The Scorpion would be a valued ally. Before long, the Monkey may need to find themselves in need of allies. How his father kept earning the favor of luminous members of the other clans, was beyond his ability to grasp. A slow knot began to form in his stomach. What if? What if Sanjuro-sama was not found? What if he was not fit to lead? What if he saw his father's work, was pleased with the legacy, and left the clan to marry Mitsouko? How could he hope to match his father? He smiled as the knot tightened. He needed to meditate. He saw a fresh bottle of sake and took a cup to steady himself. This meeting left a great deal he needed to think about.

[Kakita Mitsouko]

OH Haruka-san, please!
Please take a seat! Mitsouko rushed to help, in the first signs of pain the Scorpion showed. Not thinking in how deselegant would be touch the woman without a minimum of intimacy between them, the Kakita woman helped Haruka's back to ease her to sit in the garden's bench. Mitsouko had a heart full of compassion, and was a woman like Haruka. She was able to understand how dangerous for a woman; a pregnant woman, the minimum sign of pain could represent. And that was the first son of the Scorpion Champion. She fanned Haruka-san to bring some fresh hair to the frowned face of the former Unicorn.
Look, Haruka-san. Please don't move and try to be calm. I will get help for you. You and your child will be fine, I promise.We got here the right person to assure it.
She slided the door just a little, in a casual way, searching with the eyes her friends. She captured some glances, of course, that was not unexpected, but when she got the right glance, she nodded to Shodai to come.
Maybe Mitsouko was overreacting, of course, but as soon as she saw Bayush Haruka showing some sign of that she wasn't about to faint, she heard the words of Lady Bayushi.
Don't worry, Haruka-san, I understand you more than you think.

Also, she looked for the personal servant of lady Bayushi, the the silent and discreet woman, that was vigilant near the door.
She whispered to both, when they come near.
Quick. Haruka-san is not feeling well.

[Shosuro Ichiro]

Ichiro sees the inner turmoil in young man before him and knew that he need some comforting words. He leaned in towards the young Toku and whispered some much needed words of wisdom.

"As a small favor remember these words of wisdom young Monkey. No matter what actions you take, you always do so to honor your ancestors. For good or ill it is the Kami's way of doing things. As long as you are pleased by the results then you have done well. Be content with this and become stronger because of it."

Ichiro's eyes show cunning mirth as he leans back from his conspiratorial stance, and speaks up again.

"Now Hirotomo-san if you could repay that favor by introducing me to your friend. The one whom seems to fill my Clan's Kimono very well."

With that Ichiro snaps his fan open to wave some air past himself to help hide his finger placement upon it stating to his Clan the following message: Find Haruka-sama and make sure she is alright.

Three courtiers excuse themselves from conversations to do as he ordered. Knowing not to raise the attention of Ichiro's concern nor to alert others to a possible problem. As the Shosuro Daimyo would not be above ordering the death of the gathered host to protect the Champion's wife.

[Bayushi Haruka]

The Scorpion servant Alana seemed to be ever vigilant but she did not seem to see or hear the Kakita summoning her attention. She simply continued serving Chiyuki and the others.

Haruka took a few moments to breathe but did not hesitate for long as she stood, defiant to the Crane's advice.

"I assure you Mitsuoko-san, I am fine."

She began brushing past her as she whispered in passing, sincere and sweet sounding. "But thank you for your concern."

Her gaze was low as she entered in, the guards bowing to her presence as she began coming back inside. It was at this Alana would bow to those she was serving and approach her mistress obediently.

Haruka remained out of sight for the moment as she blended in with some of the other Scorpion, but she only seemed to speak with her mute servant for now. She gently fanned herself as she spoke, as she distanced herself from the Crane and the others intensionally. Ichiro's eyes would find her easily now seeking some sanctuary for now among the Scorpion. She might look to be in slight distress but physically unharmed.