[Day 1 - MA] Not Completely Terrible

[Dapper Dog]

The interior was a bit garish and lacked a certain aesthetic appeal but at least the Crab tried. That would be her best and most gracious comment she could make about this structure. They tried, and thankfully it would only be their home for a short time.

The shorter the better, the bride to be, thought. She had the servants set her things in the room, and then dismissed them with a wave.

At least they tried.

[Otomo Saisei]

Wondering where his master would be within the House, Saisei enters a random room while following the increasing level of decorative details. As few as they were –– they were there nonethless. Noticing a potential higher ranking Crane, and unaware who the bride or groom actually would be, he simply stops and bows, waiting until he's acknowledged, or simply stand there if not, trying not to be a nuisance.

[Daidoji Yushoko]

She spoke kindly to the young Imperial, "Otomo-san, please excuse the mess we are just getting situated here."

[Kakita Masao]

Arranging his modest travel possessions in one of the small rooms -- this isn't even lavish by comparison to Daidoji barracks, he thinks grimly -- Kakita Masao hears voices down the hall. After a few minor adjustments, and a double check that his beloved flute was secure, he straightens his obi and moves down the hallway to see who's there. He is pleasantly surprised to see not only an imperial that he dimly recalls from the Mantis ship, but his (distant) cousin Yushoko.

"Greetings, honored cousin," Masao announces himself in a strong but warm voice. "On behalf of my most honorable father, the governor of Samui Kaze Toshi, Kakita Haruka, and all our line, I bear best wishes and congratulations for you and your betrothed." Masao bows deeply, and rises with a smile.

"And, Otomo-san, wasn't it?" He asks and bows his head respectfully. "From the Sea Fox?"

[Daidoji Yushoko]

She nodded quietly and said, "This servant is humbled by your attentions, she is not worthy of such praise from one so high. If the son is willing, will he play the role of courier and deliver her thanks to his honored father?"

[Otomo Saisei]

Already bowed, his surprised expression in hearing she's the bride passes unnoticed. The bow gets a bit deeper and he introduces himself to both Crane, now that he gets acknowledged. "I feel most welcomed here, Crane-tachi-sama. I am the one to ask for excuses, I deliberately took some extra steps this way while waiting for my master to return and stumbled here. Forgive this one's intrusion."

Returning from the bow, he replies to Masao, "Hai. Otomo Saisei. Assistant to the Imperial Nakodo. We just arrived with the Mantis delegation from the Sea Fox. Kakita-sama is correct."

[Daidoji Yushoko]

"Then be at ease, Otomo-sama has been good company and very accommodating, and presented a satisfactory match that honors both families. This one is elated," she said kindly.

[Otomo Saisei]

"This one is humbled by such compliment to his master Nakodo skills." The Otomo bows in thanks once again and approaches, to mention, "I had the honor to meet with Asahina Sanaharu while aboard the Mantis vessel. It makes me happy to see the Crane so well intertwined with the event. A Crane bride is a gift fit for an Emperor. The Crab should be enormously grateful for such a blessing like Daidoji-sama provides."

[Daidoji Yushoko]

"I pray that I bring such joy to my future husband," she said politely.

[Kakita Masao]

Masao smiles politely, the speed of the carefully chosen words just the thing to put a warrior on his guard around courtiers. But he knows well enough how this game is played.

"Daidoji-sama, I am ever your humble servant. Father and indeed the whole family would never hear of a need you had at this time that I did not attend." He pauses. "I have news of the family as well, for a time of your convenience. As we are settling in here is perhaps not ideal." He smiles politely to his cousin.

"And Otomo-san, welcome. It is a great honor that Otomo Yusuke-sama and you are here in person. Your continued dedication to this important work is noticed and appreciated." The Crane bows only a little, but enough to reinforce his sincere words.

[Daidoji Yushoko]

"I would be pleased to receive so stalwart a warrior, Kakita-san," she replied kindly.

[Otomo Saisei]

"I pray that I bring such joy to my future husband," she said politely.

Saisei nods to that with a smile, confident any husband would certainly be joyful to have a bride of this caliber. But then, Hida are quite the different stereotype of the traditional Rokugani samurai. He checks mons again and relives his consciousness. The Daidoji are the tougher of their lot.

"And Otomo-san, welcome. It is a great honor that Otomo Yusuke-sama and you are here in person. Your continued dedication to this important work is noticed and appreciated." The Crane bows only a little, but enough to reinforce his sincere words.

“Kakita-sama’s welcoming words to his master warms this one’s heart. I am unworthy of such gesture, yet I do appreciate with high hopes to dutifully provide the best service.” He provides another bow.

[Kakita Masao]

"Perhaps we should give Daidoji-sama this time to make herself more comfortable after the journey? Come, Otomo-san, and chat with me in my room. Just down the hall here," the Kakita guides the way, smiling to his cousin as they vacate her space. "So dedicated of a servant surely finds little time for his own pursuits, but tell me how you spend those moments of personal opportunity..."

[Otomo Saisei]

He smiles and provides a nod to explain, whole walking alongside Masao and politely leaving the bride's presence with another bows. He says, "This is actually a one the most difficult places for a courtier to be. A Crab court, that is. I find myself very Fortunate to be able to face such a challenge. So, I don't lament myself about it. Steel can only be forged into a great blade when put through the most intense of the fires, and the clashing of metal."

[Kakita Masao]

As they pass down the hall, Masao deftly borrows a small cushion from a neighboring -- seemingly not yet occupied -- room, and offers the Otomo a seat as they enter Masao's room.

"Wise and well said. But Otomo-san answers a different question than I posed. Surely you don't spend all your personal time simply contemplating the good fortune to be in the heart of the forge?" The Crane gives a half-smile to affirm the jest, but his eyes remain intently questioning.

[Otomo Saisei]

"As a servant to the Child of Heavens, well, I cannot fully indulge in personal opportunities that wouldn't benefit the Empire." He says, accepting the cushion with both hands and waiting for the invitation to properly place it on the ground and sitting in seiza to continue his explanation.

"I train some kenjutsu when I have... well... free time. If that is something a samurai like ourselves could say. What about Kakita-sama?"

[Kakita Masao]

Masao smiles at the answer, and likewise makes himself -- comfortable isn't the right word -- seated like his guest.

"Hai, 'free' time it is not. But the time in which we find additional ways to best serve our lords. Developing additional skills that may have value. Like with the blade" he gestures to Saisei, "or with the flute," he waves at himself. "My honored grandmother said often that a true samurai must be strong in war and strong in peace. Ready to serve in all seasons, I think she called it."

Masao smiles fondly at that memory of his grandmother. "I hope that it will be only the ways of the courtier and the artist that will be needed for this wedding, and the way of the sword may stand ready for another day."

[Otomo Saisei]

Saisei watches how Masao's mood change from mentioning a dear memory of his grandmother to the wariness of a conflict. In that latter part, the young Imperial makes sure to take another level of reading. After a moment of silence, and satisfied with the outcome, he says, "Likewise Kakita-sama."

Suddenly, he beams up, and asks, "I didn't know Kakita-sama knew the bride. Have you been friends for a long time?"

[Kakita Masao]

Masao weathers the Otomo's evaluative gaze with an unremarkable smile, in the way a long suffering soldier withstands a commander's stare. When the imperial brightens, the Crane does the same.

"Daidoji-sama is a relation -- somewhat close, at least by traditional standards. My mother's brother is married to Daidoji-sama's aunt. So when I say cousin, it is not an affectation, like when some samurai call every fellow Crane their cousin. And that is why I am here, all the way from Samui Kaze Toshi, to bear my family's best wishes, and ensure all is well with the wedding," Masao says proudly. He adjusts his daisho without remark, but gives Saisei a thoughtful look after doing so.

[Otomo Saisei]

"I understand. Otomo Yusuke-sama is a cousin of mine in a similar level as the bride is to Kakita-sama." Saisei explains and continues to ask, "Talking about them, though, have you had the chance to meet the groom –– what do you think of him?"

[Kakita Masao]

"Not yet, but I look forward to it. I'm confident that those involved in the match have ensured it will be a blessed one. And the Crab, the Crane -- and your family as well -- will all be benefiting from a successful marriage here," Masao observes pointedly. "We would all be ... less favored ... should something go awry, hm? So we have every reason to be the best of friends." Masao smiles, somewhere between warm and businesslike.

[Otomo Saisei]

He nods, as honor makes his statement crystal clear, "The Crane has always been family to us. A Crab that will soon become one of yours is indeed a great benefit for all. I hope to meet him soon, too. Becoming the best of friends, as Kakita-sama mention, requires a bit of getting to know."

[Kakita Masao]

Masao nods approvingly. "Quite so. I understand there is to be some Crab party for the groom late this evening, so perhaps we shall meet him then. I've heard he is a large man -- likely to stand out in a crowd," the Crane jokes lightly.

"That will also be a time to watch for those who may not wish to see strength in the Crab, Crane, and Imperial families." He makes the comment somewhat lightly, inviting the conversation if the imperial wishes to pursue it.

[Otomo Saisei]

"Kakita-sama thoughts find common ground with many of mine. Being attentive is wise, and soemthing we should keep within a close group. Specially if there are suspicions. In this case, please, do count with me."

[Kakita Masao]

The Kakita nods. "Without being paranoid, it is still easy to see who might gain advantage from a defeat for us. A clan whose lands border both the Crane and Crab, and who often seek to undermine the authority of the Imperial families in the Empire's courts, neh?" Masao makes it plain, and leaves the silence open as long as it takes for Saisei to nod in recognition.

"We will, of course, be sure to safeguard the Otomo's interests here as well, and please feel welcome to reach out when we may be of additional help. On behalf of my honored father, though he may be near to retirement as governor, we would welcome more engagement with your honored cousin, Otomo Yusuke-sama, as well." Masao's words don't have the sophistication of a fully-trained courtier, but the clarity has virtue of its own. And the raised eyebrow makes his meaning even more clear.