"That would indeed answer Ru-Fang-san's concerns," Doji Kasarugi replies distractedly as he reads the letter, "but that still...Fortunes DAMN that man!

"My apologies," he bows, "I suddenly have more pressing concerns.  I will invite you back at some later point, but please leave."

[Private to Kedo; Lin Ru-Fang: as you leave, a servant wearing the Doji mon asks you to follow her]
[Private to Tsuruchi Sumi: as you leave, a servant wearing the Kakita mon asks you to follow him]

Sumi quietly does as requested and after giving Kasarugi a respectful bow, backs up a few steps, then turns to walk out. On the way out, having noticed something peculiar, she follows it.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: That being the Kakita servant.]

 A small smile passes helplessly across Kedo's face as he reaches the low point of his bow, not one of smugness or superior intent, but simply an acknowledgement of the way in which the world never ceases to surprise and amaze as we move through it - and occasionally, just occasionally put the boot right in.

 Rising, he retreats a few steps and - with a slight nod of acknowledgement to Lin Ru-fang, moves to accompany the servant when she politely but inexorably requests his presence, hoping faintly that there will, please, finally be a chance to bath at the end of this short journey.

Ru-Fang frowned a bit as it seemed he would be dimissed before he even had a chance to present his counter-proposal to the Tsuruchi's offer from Yoritomo. He'd already calculated a way to break the Akodo blockade, but without a chance to speak it he could not present it.

But, then again, his idea did put him in a good bit of danger and the profit wasn't guaranteed to be high. And no matter which family owned this city, it wasn't as though his position changed at all. Thus, having not been asked for his reasons for being here he accepts being dismissed, clasping his hands together and bowing graciously before turning and leaving.

He also exchanges glances with Kedo, noting how that ronin seems even more dirty and injured than just a couple hours ago. Perhaps that spot of trouble he'd encountered earlier was trouble that plagued the other ronin's every footstep.

Pausing as a servant in a powder blue robe motions for him to stop and follow he gives her a wide, pleasant smile before piping up in a jovial voice, "Ah, good evening, miss. May I be of assistance?" again, he seems to be incapable telling the difference between a servant and a samurai, but treats both with a friendly and relatively respectful manner.

PM
[Private to Tsuruchi Sumi: The servant leads Sumi to another set of offices, those of Kakita Asakura--the aging commander of Toshi Ranbo's armies, with the death of Doji Kusanagi, and the highest ranking Crane beneath the Governor.  Upon entering the servant whispers somewhat lengthily in Kakita Asakura's ear before departing.

"Well, Tsuruchi-san," Asakura bows, "it seems that more immediate concerns have caught up with our illustrious Governor.  I hope that you take no offense that you must negotiate with this old man," he smiles, before proffering a cup of steaming tea, "tea, Tsuruchi-san?  I always find it helps to talk with something to drink, and negotiations such as this one often involve more than a little talking."]

[Private to Kedo; Lin Ru-Fang: The servant leads Kedo and Ru-Fang back to Doji Kasarugi.  "My apologies to take up so much of your time, gentlemen," Kasarugi says brusquely, "but time is quite suddenly of the essence.  Lin Ru-Fang-san," he says, handing the ronin a scroll and a small box, "you have served the Crane well in the past and I expect you to continue to do so.  Your instructions are in that letter, we can negotiate the contractual fee later.

<blue>"Kedo-san," he says, looking at the other ronin, "dealing with you promises to be somewhat more problematic.  The Crane does not have a long term contract with you as we do with Lin Ru-Fang-san, but your battle prowess and combat expertise are valuable assets which we would like to retain.  Daidoji Ryu writes that you are not interested in a long term contract, but would you be open to service to the Crane for the duration of this siege?  You would, of course, be rewarded handsomely, but I think that love of koku is not the force which drives you."]

[Private to Lin Ru-Fang: the note reads:  There is a sealed door within the prisoner complex.  Inside the box is a key, use it to unlock the door, but do not enter with an open flame.
Doji Kasarugi is aware of your role as a Crane agent, and is trusting your with a mysterious but obviously urgent task.]

[Private to Kedo: though I doubt Kedo would be tempted, he would nonetheless be aware that he could ask the hand of Kakita Kaori as his price; he might also ask to train with the Kakita smiths or any number of other things which would aide him in his personal quest that I can't think of off the top of my head ^_^]

 Kedo, when he returns is once more made acutely aware of the degree to which he shames his very existence by his presentation - the crusted blood under his fingernails seems to itch all the more moment by moment, and yet he allows little of it to show upon his face, consoling himself with the fact that every drop of that blood - both his and others - was shed in the defence of his hosts, in one form or another.

 He does however, have a slightly curious smile when he rises out of his bow towards the Lord of the City, one that as ever hints at the mind of a man who just doesn't see things quite the same as those who live in the mundane world of the everyday...

 "Since choosing to aid Daidoji Sakura-san and come to Toshi Ranbo, I have received hospitality in this beautiful city Lord." he replies simply and honestly, "Where I was raised, it was said to be the mark of a churlish soul not to repay hospitality with loyalty in time of struggle." - smoothly, and with deft control his hands rise and part, as though to express the dilemma of a man caught up in the fate assigned to him, "If there is any honour due from my deeds, it properly belongs in the hands of those same teachers who set my feet upon this path."

[Private to GM:  It's just occurred to me that there's a certain alarmingly delicious quality of 'one riot, one Dragon' to Kedo's arrival in the city, where in two days he's proven to be a master tactician, philosopher and deadly swordsman out of all proportion to his years. I can't resist yanking his chain a little by implying (even if Kedo just thinks he's being gently humourous) that he's here at the behest of his Clan to support the Crane subtly... and that he's all they think will be needed to effect the outcome - which is such a beautifully Dragon thing to do. ^_^

 As for price - well, his true love isn't available as a bargaining chip. The deal is (from a senior and well-respected swordsmith of some considerable rank) that she cannot wed anyone who cannot match her fathers steel. This of course broke her standing engagement, earning him shame and Kedo an enemy, but it's not subject to being casually set aside or it already would have been... Otherwise, so long as The Boss gives me time to finally talk to people and get a damn' bath free of ninjas... I'm well up for helping out. ^_^]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Wed 15 July 2009.

Lin Ru-Fang slipped the box into his robes almost subconsciously as his eyes went over the note. An expression of puzzlement quickly appeared on his face, an indication that the note must certainly contain something quite different than he had expected to see.

"This sounds quite a bit outside my usual areas of expertise, Doji-san..." he commented quietly, "Typically my tasks involve economic regulation and stimulus or finding items of great rarity and ensuring they end up in the right hands..."

He pauses briefly before speaking again on a subject of greater interest to him, "Speaking of which, I wanted to suggest the possibility of indirect trade with the Yasuki to arm the peasants. With the Shadowlands having grown so quiet, the Hida and Hiruma have a glut of weaponry, but a shortage of food... Of course, they cannot assist you directly or it'd be considered an act of war." a quick grin appeared on his face for as soon as he pointed out the problem he offered the solution, "However, if they were to sell them to a reputable ronin and the supplies happened to end up in the hands of peasants and ronin in this area who happened to find it in their interest to blockade the Akodo's blockading troops... well, they could hardly be faulted for that."

PM [Private to Kaze no Kage:
Sumi bowed deeply and respectfully once she and the servant reached Lord Asakura's office and saw him sitting there. She then said nothing further until he was finished speaking, but did find a place to sit if it seemed she was invited to, which it did when he offered tea.
"Hai, please Asakura-dono. Tea would be most welcome. It is good perhaps that no such concerns have troubled you, if I assume correctly that we have considerable talking to do."]

"Excellent, Kedo-san," Kasarugi bows, respectfully dismissing the ronin, "a messenger will find you when preparations for our battle require your presence.

"That is an excellent plan, Ru-Fang-san," the governor nods, acknowledging the other ronin, "one which we shall need to discuss in more detail--after you have completed your delivery.  Once that is done, return here to discuss your plan with those most suited to aide you in carrying it out."

[Private to Tsuruchi Sumi: "Indeed we do, Tsuruchi-san," he smiles, taking a sip of the tea, "but let us not lose sight of the important things in life.  Now, as I understand the current situation, the Mantis are offering military aide in this one battle with the Lion in exchange for permanent rights to represent the Minor Clans in Court.  I'm sure you can see why my lord Governor--and any other Crane--might balk at such an uneven exchange."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:07, Wed 29 July 2009.

 Kedo's answering bow is once more low, respectful and remarkably well-formed for a Ronin, and as he flows out of it he moves to depart without turning his back, slipping out of the door without a word (as he recognises a dismissal when it's given, couched in terms of honour though it might be) and promptly starts making his way to the only bath-house in the city where he's both sure of it's location and he expects that his greys will be overlooked in favour of recognition...

 ...hopefully the bodies should have been cleaned away by now, the Crane are good at that sort of thing.

PM...
[Private to Kaze no Kage: Sumi took a sip of her own tea as she listened to Asakura. When it came time for her to reply, she took a moment to consider her words and then spoke. "Hai, I can see Asakura-dono. I understand the reluctance. However, perhaps the exchange could be modified to where it does not seem so uneven. The Mantis seek something permanent, perhaps in exchange their offer could be lengthened. Would that ease the Lord Governor's concerns. The trade would not seem quite so uneven then."]

"A generous offer indeed, Tsuruchi-san," Kakita Asakura nods, "but while the Crane's request for assistance is immediate, it is not, I think, permanent.  And I would hate for us to be the cause of so many of your people to be stationed so far from the oceans that are their home.  No, something less...strenuous for both parties is in order here...perhaps some sort of trade agreement?"

OOC:  I'm moving it out of pm since it seems that we're no longer in danger of getting our conversations confused ^_^

Ru-Fang is still quite concerned about the details of the mission he was given. However, he has not survived in Rokugan for so long nor made so many friends by flatly turning down missions from a local govenor.

Taking a heavy breath he forces a smile before bowing to the govenor. "Of course, sir. I shall do as you request at once." However, realizing that he-- a simple merchant, is being sent back to the place where the previous group is ambushed before he does make a simple request, "Is there an ashigeru available that you could send to accompany me? With the city in its heightened state, I am a bit concerned about safety. Unlike other ronin, I am not well versed on the ways of melee combat."

It wasn't entirely true-- he could take care of himself quite well with his large dao sword if necessary, he simply preferred to allow others to do the fighting with swords while he chose to fight with words and coin.

"Of course, Ru-Fang-san," the governor replies agreeably, pulling on a bell cord, "three ought to be enough to defend you from the vagaries of chance considering the threats you have already faced.  Just...leave them with the guards.  No sense is them spreading gossip, if you know what I mean."

As the governor speaks, three spearmen dressed in the colors of the Doji bow and enter.

"You three will accompany Lin Ru-Fang to the prison and back, keep him safe with your life."

"Hai, sama," they bow.

"A very wise solution, Asakura-domo. A trade agreement. I am certain would be a welcome suggestion to the Mantis. What would you suggest as the terms of this agreement?" Sumi asked, hoping that she wouldn't overstep her authority.

"Exclusive trade rights for Mantis goods for five years and favored trade status thereafter," Kakita Asakura replies.

Sumi nodded once, slowly as if considering the offer carefully. "Certainly an attractive offer. I must ask you indulgence before I become too distracted, but this agreement is in addition to the Mantis gaining the right to represent to the minor clans, correct?" Sumi felt that she needed to clarify that point since she felt that she was in danger of being double-talked.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:50, Wed 12 Aug 2009.

OOC:  by the way, exclusive trade rights to Mantis goods means that the Mantis will only be able to trade with the Crane.  This would result in extreme financial hardship for the Mantis and would likely result in their eventually becoming Crane vassals.  Kakita Asakura set his negotiating price intentionally high.

I think I'll start asking for Awareness/Commerce or Awareness/Courtier for continued negotiation.

OOC: Ah. I see. I was taking that entirely the wrong way then. I was under the belief that he meant the Crane would only buy goods from the Mantis for that many years. It would put a hardship on the Mantis to supply the demand, but it would mean that the Crane was obligated to buy from the Mantis.

"Yes, indeed," Kakita Asakura agrees, "after all, the duty of protecting the Minor Clans and mediating their disputes is not a duty lightly taken up."

"Indeed, and it should not be taken so lightly," Sumi answered. "However, I would like to know more about the trade agreement portion of this pact. To which side would it most apply? Would the Crane trade exclusively with the Mantis for goods during the five years, or would the Mantis need to limit themselves to trading only with the Crane for that time?"

"Well," Kakita Asakura temporizes, "I can't imagine that either of our Clans have everything that the other needs, but certain goods--native to the Mantis Isles--would be traded exclusively to the Crane."

Sumi studied the Kakita carefully for a moment. "Are there certain goods that the Crane need?"

"There are certain goods that only the Mantis can provide," Asakura replies, "delicacies of the sea, rare fruits and spices, things that would make the Mantis courts the envy of any in the empire."

Sumi, enjoying the verbal sparring replied, "Would, Asakura-dono, or do? Surely the Crane courts envy none but perhaps the Emperor's, do they?"