"We are willing to discuss the exact details later." Sakura replied confidently, "I have been given a wide latitude for these negotiations; however, as a matter of Clan honor, there are certain things that must go directly to Kuwanan-Dono for us just as there are certain things that would need to go to Lady Kachiko for you. For instance, any hostages -- other than myself -- would most certainly need to be cleared. While I would love to think of my self as important, I am not ... so I doubt I would be sufficient."

"In the long term, we see the new alliance in the same light of cooperation as Lady Doji did with Lord Bayushi. Details will need to be hammered out of course -- things like what happens if one of us is ready to go to war with the other's ally -- but many things can be determined in the short run. We will, for instance, have no problem supporting the Scorpion's return to the courts in their old position. We can and will remind others, for instance, that this was the order set down by the Kami and only the Emperor himself has the right to change it."

"And, when you are successful here, Kuwanan-Dono will certainly see fit to aid you militarily should you so request it. He may even be able to lend you his voice with Toshimoko-Dono; Toshimoko-Dono is too honorable to play politics, of course, but he will listen to reason. And he will always do what is best for the Empire."

"Aas we have seen in the last war, the continued presence of the Scorpion is good for the Empire. Even if the fears of the Honorable cause them to deny it."

"The Crane will also defer to the Scorpion as the Emperor's Underhand, actively giving the Scorpion information that may be need to combat dishonor in the Empire, similar to what I did earlier."

The shugenja risks offering too much, Tsukiko thought worriedly as Sakura spoke.  Was Kuwanan-dono wrong to entrust this task to one so inexperienced in these matters?  There was no time, though, for any more consideration; Tsukiko knew she had better limit any further exuberant offers.

"The support of the Crane during such an event as the Winter Court is to be of an advantage, Bayushi-sama.  The Scorpion's path to regaining their standing in Rokugani eyes would be hastened onwards by the good words of the Crane.  Where best to show how well the Crane trust the Scorpion, how love for the Empire's stability sweeps away all other considerations, than to have our two Clans standing side-by-side in an undefeated Toshi Ranbo during the Winter Court in attendance on the Emperor?"

"Your offer of a long term alliance is interesting," Bayushi Tenma replies, "and I will send word of it directly to my Daimyo, regardless of how these negotiations go.  In years to come, an alliance between the Crane and the Scorpion could be...historic.

"But coming back to our immediate issue, what the Scorpion have to gain by standing beside the Crane against the most militarily talented Clan in the Empire," Bayushi Tenma replies wryly, "is the honor of standing beside the Crane?  Come now Daidoji-san, surely you can do better than that.  The Scorpion will be coming materially and irrevocably to the aid of the Crane and further garnering the emnity of the Lion, and all you can offer is the vague notion of your support?  Unless you intend to offer the Crane's backing to every proposal the Scorpion makes--an offer which I doubt you have the authority to present and one that I wouldn't believe even if you did--you are going to have to be more specific."

[OOC: Tsukiko's reply will be forthcoming tomorrow evening at the latest as I'm just packing to visit friends overnight.}

 A faint and thoughtful 'hmm' issues as faintly as a whisper from between the lips of the politely seated Ronin as a thought passes over the surface of his mind, stirred by the discussion happening around him into rising up from the depths of insight where his naturally meditative thought processes had filed away the map of Lion activities beyond the walls of the city.

 He makes no more noise however, nor offers his thoughts unbidden.

 Such would be deeply, unspeakably inappropriate.

Tsukiko glanced, though only for an instance, in the ronin's direction, wondering just what had crossed his mind.  Reluctantly she turned her attention back to Tenma and the tricky situation at hand.  She had been hoping to only offer some vague concession until she had more time to consider what could be arranged without giving too much to the Scorpion Clan but it seemed Tenma was more than aware of what she was trying to do, accustomed to life as a courtier as he was.

"Your aide, Shosuro Shinobu, mentioned the possibility of accepting the marriage proposal of the Crane whose affections she seems to have won.  Ties of blood, and so ties between blood through marriage, are often far stronger than anything written upon paper, Tenma-sama."

Tsukiko's expression and tone of voice were thoughtful as she spoke calmly and slowly, turning the idea over in her mind.  "If such a union were to be arranged, perhaps even finalised at the Winter Court, perhaps that would be the first step to a material bond between Scorpion and Crane.  Of course," the young courtier smiled, "the union of only two people is hardly cause for the Scorpion to wish to come to our aid, so I offer a further guarantee in the hope that it would please you.  The children born of Crane blood are most precious to our Clan, just as those born of Scorpion blood are precious to yours.  Such lives are to be nourished and protected.  As assurance of our alliance, I would propose that the first born child of Shosuro Shinobu and Doji Igarashi be sent to a Scorpion school to learn the ways of the Scorpion.  The second born child would learn at a Crane school and any further children would be subject to their parents' wishes.  Thus the first and second born children of this union between Scorpion and Crane blood would, by technicalities, be guest of one Clan as assurance of non-aggression by the other.  If that solution would please you then perhaps I might speak with Kuwanan-domo to ensure that this can take place as I have spoken?"

Sakura did have something else to say to Tenma, but at the moment it was important to allow the other pair to spar. When she heard Kedo, she gently -- and politely -- drew her fan and put it in front of her lips.

[Private to Kedo: "Yes, Kedo-Kun?" she asked softly.

OOC: If Kedo replies, the fan will be moved in front of him to make him polite as well.]

 As it should happen, Kedo does have a notion that may be of value - and when the fan is extended (a little strangely, but the pretence is enough to preserve manners) to blow across his lips they move through words spoken barely above a breath.

 "I cannot speak for the heirs of Akodo's strategy, but they have assembled a mighty force with which to implement it. Greater than the Crane could field or, I believe that it would be wise for the Scorpion to commit. But their very strength is their weakness."

 A moment to let that sentence find approval or distaste and he goes on, largely expressionless as mon and banners dance behind his eyes in a visualisation of war... "Only superstitious peasants speak of 'ninja' and accuse the clan of Masks, but it is still true that the Scorpion have amongst their number some of the finest hunters, most skillful scouts. Where an army would only stir the Lion to greater efforts, spoiled rice and warped arrowshafts, rotten fish and tainted water would compel their withdrawal. Performed with delicacy and skill, this might allow them to depart with honour, claiming a 'demonstration' rather than an invasion, whilst it would do no harm to the honour of Crane or Scorpion to have preserved the lives of countless Samurai and ensured the peace of the winter court... even if the method could not be spoken of, not for fear of dishonour but because it might rouse the ire of the Lion once more."

 Which is to say, a good general studies tactics... a great general studies logistics.
 Kedo seems to be working his way up towards the latter.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:11, Wed 02 Apr 2008.

"Assurances of a marriage alliance would indeed go far to clarify the situation between the Crane and the Scorpion, Daidoji-san,"  Bayushi Tenma smiles, "and how would you have the Scorpion earn the favor of the Crane?"

OOC:  make an Awareness/Courtier check DC 25; -5 TN if you have the Political Maneuvering Emphasis or Manipulation emphasis; -15 TN if you have both
[Private to Daidoji Sakura: Kedo's suggestion is very much like a Daidoji Harrier operation, one that Doji Kasarugi may have prevented from happening by keeping Daidoji Ryu's scouts confined to Toshi Ranbo]

When the fan dropped from in front of Sakura's lips, there was a large smile on her face. She had been thinking along those lines for a short while, but she never expected the honorable Ronin to suggest such a thing.

"If I may" Sakura politely interrupted, "I believe that Kedo-Kun has an important point. The Scorpion should not aid the Crane ... with troops."

"It would be an insult, Bayushi-Sama" Sakura continued, "not only to your intelligence but to your clan's duty as well to say that we would always agree with you in the courts."

"There is a story, circulated I believe among the Dragon, that seems appropriate. There was once twins, Ueui* and Uefuta*, both Bushi from the same school. They were from a minor family, and were quite eager to see that their family earned glory and status. So, to improve themselves for the benefit of their family and clan, they became rivals. After all, who better to challenge their growth than their own twin?"

"No matter where they went and what they did, they turned it into a contest. When on the field of battle on would call out how many enemies he had slain, and the other would call out how many he had slain."

"This rivalry went on for quite some time. Soon there were rumors circulated, that the two were bitter enemies. They did not concern themselves with rumors, however, for the two knew the truth.

<Blue>"Then, at winter court, a high ranking Imperial courtier was offended by a Shugenja from the same family as the twins. He demanded a duel, and Ueui was asked to champion for the Shugenja. The Courtier then demanded that his twin, Uefuta, champion him. It was a duel to the death, and no matter who won the Clan would loose an honorable Samurai. Either way, he reasoned, he would get his revenge."

"The day of the duel came and the two brothers appeared on the dueling field together -- both wearing white. They took their stances and focused for what seemed to be an eternity. Then, in an instant blades were drawn and one brother lay dead. A moment later the second brother took his own life in protest."

"But no one knew which brother was which."

"The matter was over, for dueling etiquette required that it was settled. If the offended parties did not know which was which, that was their problem -- but now there was the issue of which Samurai was to commit seppuku. In the end, the Shugenja was given an honorable Seppuku, the Courtier was cast to the waves for his failure, and for their honor and cunning the twins' family was honored by the Emperor himself."

"The courtier assumed that the two rivals were enemies, but they were not. They worked toward a common cause, competing with each other because they knew that no matter who won it would bring honor to their family. In other words, no matter who 'won' in public, they would both win in reality."

Sakura smiled, pausing for a dramatic moment before she continued.

"Kedo-Kun, would you please explain your observations for Tenma-Sama?"

[You're not going to make me do a Storytelling roll, are you? ;p

Ueui - "First out" (oldest twin). Uefuta - "Second out" (youngest twin). Oh, and for the record, I made that story up.

I made my courtier roll as well.

19:11, Today: Daidoji Sakura rolled 38 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,8,9,(10+6)16,4. Awareness/Courtier, TN25.]

 Kedo flows to his feet after the end of the tale, pausing before following the request of his ward only to look in turn to each of the others present and to ask, with the manners of one who knows that he is here because of necessity rather than invitation, "With the permission of the honoured Bayushi, and the noble Daidoji?" before he explains his thinking at any length.

"The Scorpion know well the value of a ronin's insights, Kedo-san," Bayushi Tenma replies, obviously enormously entertained by Daidoji Sakura's tale but also sincere in his appreciation of the ronin, "we shared the ronin's path not so long ago, and the Scorpion do not forget their history.  You may always speak freely in my presence."

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: While Bayushi Tenma was quite clear in his desire to secure a marriage alliance, you noticed that he was quick to shift the conversation away from specifics and was careful not to even imply that the couple suggested by Daidoji Tsukiko would, in fact, be the marriage arranged.  You also noticed his eyes flicker briefly towards Bayushi Kenji.]

He shows willingness to listen to a lowly ronin but faults me at every turn! Tsukiko thought incredulously.  She picked up her cup of tea, bringing it to her lips and sipping a little as she battled to retain her composure.  Her attention fell more upon Tenma than the ronin she had arrived with.  I guess, perhaps, he feels more comfortable in the presence of a man whose honour is as low as his own.  But by the Fortunes, if Kedo does not make good on this opportunity, I shall be greatly displeased.

Tsukiko nodded her grudging agreement, not trusting herself to speak levelly.

OOC: Daidoji Tsukiko rolled 17 using 8d10, keeping the 3 highest rolls, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,1,5,7,3,3,2. Aw/Courtier (Manip. + Pol. Manoeuvring).  TN was 10 due to Courtier Emphases.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Fri 04 Apr 2008.

 Kedo may lack the polished courtiers skill that the others possess in such abundance, but as he begins to speak it very rapidly becomes apparent that his strengths do not solely lie in his good right (or left) arm...

 Bowing in gratitude to each of the honourable Clan samurai in the room he raises a hand to indicate the land beyond the walls, and most specifically the arc of the known Lion armies...

 "From the known deployments of Lion forces that I have been privilaged to share the knowledge of it seems that either there is another force, at least as large either operating in concealment or maneuvering into position on their flank, or the heirs of Akodo have forsaken many of his most fundamental precepts of war."

 "Even if this is not so however, they represent a greater force than the armies of the Crane in this region can hope to face in open battle and defeat - further, unless the Scorpion have considerably more strength in the region than seems likely, no commitment of their forces will significantly change the outcome of a field battle.

 Moving forwards to the table and looking for permission from the host before his hands move, Kedo smoothly arranges the tea-mat and a few exquisite decorative cups (not without commenting softly upon their quality) to represent as best he is able the deployments on the map from the Crane war room, "But as in the first principle of Kaze-do, when an enemy is stronger than you, that strength should be turned against him. In this case the greatest strength of the Lion - well trained and disciplined though they are - appears to be their numbers."

 Looking up around the table to see if he is being humoured so far he nods a small gesture of thankfulness, and moves on "The Scorpion are known to possess some of the finest scouts and hunters in the Empire, men whose duty it is to see and not be seen, act and not be noticed. Men who know that there is honour in preventing unecessary conflict as well as in cutting down a foe."

 "None doubt the courage of the Lion forces, but a man does not fight well on tainted water and rotten fish, spoiled rice and sour fruit." - this is said with a small smile as he gestures across the earlier-explained 'deployments' on the table and lets the mind consider just how many tons of each so many thousand Lion Bushi will need in the field.

 "There are implications of course. Though I do not see this course as dishonourable it must not be spoken of - the Lion may be allowed to depart with honour if their supplies prove unreliable, perhaps claiming the maneuver to be a demonstration of intent, but should they discover that they are being laughed at by foolish foes their anger will be great. Also they may well choose to forage in the rich lands around the city, but I believe that at this juncture it would be easier to make a diplomatic solution rather than have them lose face by being responsible for destroying the countryside in which the Winter Court will be held."

 The Ronin then brings his hands together, bowing smoothly once more as his voice takes on that honest, self-deprecating tone that seems, alarmingly to be completely honest... "I am afraid that I have seen no further into the possibilities of this campaign as yet - though I have many ideas for deployment and maneuver they are... as yet untainted by experience. No doubt the insights of one who truly knows Strategy will be of great value if this idea finds merit."

Bayushi Tenma's eyes narrow at Kedo's speech.  "You are asking the Scorpion to walk that edge of dishonorable actions that brought us to ruin not long ago," he replies, "we would not hesitate to do so on behalf of the Emperor, but to do so on behalf of the Crane..." he pauses, considering, "for us to do so you would take the brunt of the responsibility for the actions we take, should it come to that.  Will the Crane take that risk?"

[Private to Daidoji Tsukiko: While Bayushi Tenma was quite clear in his desire to secure a marriage alliance, you noticed that he was quick to shift the conversation away from specifics and was careful not to even imply that the couple you suggested would, in fact, be the marriage arranged.  You also noticed his eyes flicker briefly towards Bayushi Kenji.]

Sakura looked mildly surprised, and definitely disappointed, at Tenma's reaction.

'Have the Scorpion fallen so far since I have been home?!?' she thought to herself. She took a moment to recompose herself before responding.

"I am the one asking" Sakura replied firmly, "and I am the one who will take responsibility for failure. The Crane Clan will pay for success, however. Doji Kuwanan-Dono is a very practical man when it comes to these matters."

She paused before adding one more thing.

"I am, however, very disappointed in your inference that your troops might get caught. The Scorpion I knew did not get caught unless they wished it. However, if you are seriously concerned about this possibility then I shall take care of it myself."

It was as close as she would get to open debate.

"The Scorpion do not fail, Daidoji," Bayushi Tenma sneers, "but it will be the Scorpion, not the Crane, who will be accused regardless of our actual involvement.  And it will be the Scorpion, not the Crane, who will face the Lion's wrath at the end of Winter.  The Scorpion are not so foolish as to challenge the Emperor's Right Hand on behalf of the Crane without certain assurances.  The Emperor's Left Hand is not the Emperor himself, to call upon the Scorpion's services at will."

"We may not be the Emperor himself, Bayushi-sama," Tsukiko's voice was hard and cool as the ice atop Yama sano Kaminari, "but our hearts are as set upon the restoration of Rokugan after The Ninth Kami's wave of destruction, as the Emperor's is.  We have offered to arrange the prodigious marriage between Shosuro Shinobu and Doji Igarashi as assurance of our intent to have Crane and Scorpion working side by side for the greater glory of Rokugan," the courtier stressed the names of those two particular samurai, having become suspicious that Tenma had other samurai in mind for such an arrangement as he had not dwelt upon the matter for long.

"Such a union would be announced at the Winter Court, publicly showing the amiable nature of the relationship between the Crane and Scorpion clan.  It is a generous offer; how many of the other major clans have so openly embraced the Scorpion clan in recent times?"

Before Tenma could speak, Tsukiko moved on so as not to be caught up in debate before she had finished what she wanted to say.  The words did not rush from her lips, however; her speech was measured and her voice was calm.  "Still, I do not deny that the Scorpion hold some risk in this venture.  If the Scorpion feel it is beyond their capability to carry out the plan that the ronin Kedo suggests then we shall accept the Scorpion's judgement on their own abilities and respectfully retire to consider other avenues open to us."

With a polite smile and nod in Tenma's direction, Tsukiko shuffled back a few inches, making as though to rise from the table.

 Honour is not in what another thinks of one - but in what knows of one's self. The same words that Kedo spoke to Daidoji Sakura in the hills outside of the city are no less true in this well appointed chamber - perhaps the location grants them additional weight, for do they not strike to the core of what it is to be Scorpion? (and so more than a little unexpected to be on the lips and in the mind of a Ronin).

 He nonetheless bows in apology towards the delegate and withdraws a step, leaving whatever further refinements and notions are unfolding behind his eyes unspoken, but perhaps having made a mark that will be remembered later.

 Even a Ronin can have his uses.

"Perhaps you had best reconsider what it is you wish to accomplish, Crane," Bayushi Tenma shrugs, "you are the ones who have approached the Scorpion for significant military aid--with an offer that the Sparrow would sneer at.  You are not the Emperor, to demand that the Scorpion act at your will--if you would be our allies, then know that we will not serve at your beck and call without question.  And then to question our competence?" the Scorpion courtier's eyes flash dangerously, "if your goal was to add the Scorpion to your growing list of enemies, then you are certainly on the right path," he says standing, "this interview is at an end.  Feel free to return when you are prepared to negotiate in earnest."  With that Bayushi Tenma bows and departs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:18, Mon 14 Apr 2008.

Sakura fought a tear from her eyes. Have I been gone so long? She took a deep breath before rising.

"I must find the Kitsuki trained Shosuro" she announced to anyone who might be listening. "Then Kedo and I have an appointment or three to keep."

She then turned to the other Daidoji in the room. "By all means, please make your report to the Lord of the City."

It was as close to being "dismissive" as she could get without being rude.

"I must consider a few things in relative solitude, and Kedo-Kun has an appointment to keep."

Sakura rose, the emotion poorly hidden behind her eyes. Of all the people in the room, only Bayushi Kenji could truly understand what she felt. Then, without asking or saying anything, she left the room to find the Shosuro who had previously greeted them. Kedo would follow her, of course ...

 ...Of course.

 Though convenient that the Daidoji girl is intending to ensure that he will be able to be present at the meal to which he has been invited, it is rather unfortunate that she chose to mention it - In his opinion, Kedo has already put himself rather too firmly in the eye of those whose business it is to watch by speaking up, even when invited to do so.

 Having it mentioned that an honourable clan samurai is arranging her plans to suit his 'social life' however... It can do no good, no good at all.

 He follows irregardless, after bowing with no particular hint of irony to each of the others present. There are things to be about, after all.

As Tenma left, Tsukiko stood deep in thought, more than a little surprised at the way the Scorpion has spoken.  Any courtier of the Crane would have ashamed to have been so coarse in speech; Tenma's behaviour and attitude would have fitted better into the Clan court of the Crab than that of the Scorpion she knew of old.

Perhaps life as a dishonoured and disbanded Clan has taught the Scorpion to snarl like curs and tuck their tails between their legs than to speak elegantly and listen to reason she thought in the privacy of her mind.



Turning her mind outwards to take in those around her, Tsukiko turned her head in the direction of the other Daidoji, merely nodding her head in agreement.



Daidoji Tsukiko blinked twice at the dismissal, but said nothing.  I wonder if Bayushi Tenma's abhorrent attitude is catching. she considered, irritation simmering in her mind, but carefully kept from showing on her features.



"Of course, Sakura-san.  We all have much to think about, but do not be dismayed.  It is customary for courtiers to test each others' weaknesses, to see how much might be asked of the other.  Once Bayushi Tenma has time, as we will, to consider the options available then I believe we shall be able to come to an arrangement.  In the meantime, we must be as patient as time can allow and not close our mind to other options that might turn the tide in our favour."

Tsukiko bowed as Sakura moved past her, seeming to have said all she needed to say until the other samurai were just about to leave the room.

"Sakura-san," Tsukiko's voice was soft and full of concern, although whether this concern were real or pretended was anyone's guess, "if you are to speak with Shosuro-san, I would urge caution.  She is a trained courtier and, as such, may try to make you promise things that would place you in a difficult position in return for her help.  I would urge against making any such promises unless you are certain beyond doubt that they can be kept.  I have great faith that this will not be a problem for you."  And then she was silent once more; whatever her thoughts were, only Tsukiko knew them.

If Sakura heard Tsukiko, she didn't act as if she noticed anything. Once out of earshot, Sakura turned to Kedo.

"Kedo-Kun" Sakura said in an almost-whisper, "I will need you to keep a 'discrete distance' while I talk with Shousuro-San. It should only take a minute; then I shall return with you to the Kakita-Sensei as I promised."

"Afterwards we shall have a few things to discuss ... but, for now, I must consider a few things in my own mind."

 "Of course." Kedo replies without the least apparent surprise - utterly unoffended by what is, after all a perfectly reasonable request and duly finding something interesting to do in the form of seating himself on a convenient garden bench some few yards outside of conversational range (so any 'hushed' conversation would be quite completely private) then drawing a small 'pillow book' from his gray clothing and settling to study it.