Scorpion Get Together (D2 LM) [Mizuki's Room, Private]

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"...They have been gone for quite sometime and know of things the empire as a whole do not know. It is necessary that we get to know all we can." Suteichi replied as he poured tea for everyone.

'' Sure, what a great idea! Bayushi-san. We need them to teach us how to wear fur and leather garments and eat raw meat with our bare hands. What's next? Drink fresh blood? '' Yuichi says with a wicked smile behind his mask while accepting the cup of tea.

'' Kanpai! '' The Yogo says sarcastically.

A very cynical smile was upon Suteichi's face as Yuichi's comment was made.

"My sincerest apologies Yogo-san. I was not aware that I was some sort of a Kakita Jester here to perform acts of inane amusement. I thought I was a Bayushi Courtier of the Scorpion Clan. You know? The clan who's responsible for uncovering any and all information that could be deemed a threat. The clan who has a responsibility to protect this empire from threats it does not see by any means necessary. Perhaps I am at the wrong meeting then. I would hate to not be in proper decorum. Oh, and while we are on the subject of proper decorum, I recall that the drink you're having is tea. It is not shochu or sake. Kampai is for those. Not tea."

The cynical smile was immediately gone, replaced by a look of unamusement. Suteichi straighten then bowed deeply to his sempai.

"Apologies honored sempai, we must be working together. Please continue."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira followed the exchange, stone-faced, and then inquired, bluntly.

"If anyone is feeling unwell, I have found a blend which mostly treats the ill-humors caused by the Unicorn diet, and will provide it as necessary. Otherwise, I see no excuse for rudeness directed within our own clan, and without cause. This is not a game of sadane."

[Soshi Yuuru]

Yuuru simply smirked at the exchange.

Like herding cats...

"So... uhh.. the way I understand it, we're all after the same number of limited resources... I'm guessing you all want us to collaborate on how we go about doing this right? Is that what I'm getting?"

[Yogo Yuichi]

'' Haha! Now, now. Don't get so defensive, Bayushi-san.'' Yuichi laughs '' I was merely commenting about these gaijin's customs.'' Yuichi's gaze is fixed upon Suteichi. His discoloured eye measures the Bayushi courtier.

'' Oh and thanks for the lesson of etiquette, It would seem that I'm begining to forget the cultural norms of our ancestors. But don't despair, surely our new 'friends' can teach us how to behave properly, neh?''

''...Or I can always ask for your help '' He bows to him. Yuichi is still smiling but decide to not continue with this discussion.

You talk about threats? I could tell you one or two things that would turn your pretty hair and face white... He thought.

He listen to the others. For now...

[Soshi Taira]

Taira sighed, and began undoing the clasps on his satchel, looking for the herbs for the cure. Clearly he'd need to provide it.

That or a laxative, time would tell which was called for.

[Shosuro Chieri]

Chieri was delighted to witness the familial bickering between Yogo Yuichi and Bayushi Suteichi after a night of cruel sickness in this land of milk and yurts.

"Oh yes, please." There was not a mask that could hide the delight in her voice, "We require unity to complete our duty properly. Perhaps a partnership between Yogo-san and Bayushi-san could prove constructive. One might bring unique perspective to the other."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Chieri was delighted to witness the familial bickering between Yogo Yuichi and Bayushi Suteichi after a night of cruel sickness in this land of milk and yurts.

"Oh yes, please." There was not a mask that could hide the delight in her voice, "We require unity to complete our duty properly. Perhaps a partnership between Yogo-san and Bayushi-san could prove constructive. One might bring unique perspective to the other."

Suteichi smirked at his old class rival.

"Shosuro-san, I am impressed to see you here."

[Soshi Bantu]

Bantu didn't hide the rolling of his eyes at the bickering between the delegates. He merely slipped a hand inside the ever present pouch hanging from his obi and fondled his stones.

"If you need an assistant Taira-san," Bantu spoke softly, dispensing with family names to avoid confusion as was common in such meetings. "I have some small skill in the field of medicine, enough to serve as an extra pair of hands at least. And I brought some supplies in case my services were required in such a capacity."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira nodded. "I may ask you if things pick up, Bantu-san, as it stands, unless you've a background handling poison victims, I'm afraid I can't offer you much to do. For now it seems the food does not sit well with all. Perhaps something to note for the clan back home."

It was nice to see someone in the clan dispensing with honorable posturing and being pragmatic about things.

[Soshi Yuuru]

Yuuru looked around, "Well... as for me. I don't really know any of you. I plan on talking to as many of these Unicorn women as I can... So, if you want my opinion, come and ask I suppose. Though since there aren't all that many compared to the men here, it may not be in my best interest to be super forthcoming."

He shrugged.

[Soshi Taira]

Taira chuckled.

"I'm certain they can find more women, but your point is noted, Yuuru-san."

Glancing at the others, he added, "While I do not mind a little competition for standing, we should keep our eyes open and be sure that our actions give the right impression. The clan could use an ally in the Unicorn... the balance of things is shifting, and favors can be the most powerful wealth of all."

[Soshi Bantu]

Taira nodded. "I may ask you if things pick up, Bantu-san, as it stands, unless you've a background handling poison victims, I'm afraid I can't offer you much to do. For now it seems the food does not sit well with all. Perhaps something to note for the clan back home."

Bantu nodded in acknowledgment. Despite the reputation of his Clan, Bantu had no skill in either the creation or treatment of poison, after all who would poison a Scorpion?

"If you need supplies, I will leave one of my medicine kits in my tent." He replied giving directions from their current location. "And I'll serve however able." He added, raising his voice slightly to address the occupants.

"I have not taken stock of all the guests here, but I suppose it needs be addressed. I have some small skill in the art of iaijutsu should it prove necessary, I am no master but should be able to hold my own against most who have not trained at the prestigious Kakita Academy. Are there others here similarly skilled? I understand it is unlikely to be the dispute resolution of choice for our hosts, but we should be prepared for the possibility of another of the guests instigating such an incident."

[Soshi Yuuru]

Yuuru shook his head, suggesting he was no iai specialist.

[Yogo Yuichi]

'' Bah! This whole miai thing is merely a formality for me, as you all probably have guessed. '' Yuichi comments as he continues looking at Suteichi.

'' Mizuki-sama, here has better chances. Well, as long as they don't investigate what truly means to be a Yogo, right Mizuki-sama?'' He reminded the rest of them about the curse.

'' Do what you want. '' He says to everyone '' As for me, I couldn't care less ''

[Soshi Taira]

Taira crossed his arms, rapping his fingers on his elbow.

"Yuichi-san, I remind you that we are here to fulfill our duties. Our sentiments have no part in this."