Placation and Pleas (D2, Early Aft., OPEN)

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa bowed to the Imperial properly.

"Seppun-sama, we are honored to have you join us." she replied. "I am Doji Fukawa, and these are Asako Hirase, and Shinjo Akil."

She turns her attention back to the Unicorn.

"Unfortunately, my own training has focused upon performance arts. How best to sing, storytell, and give oratory. " she admits. "I know one of my fellow Cranes is a confectioner. But I am willing to look for someone to teach you painting or Ikebana, Shinjo-san."

[Shinjo Akil]

He bowed to the Seppun politely, holding the bow a moment. "It is an honor to meet Seppun-sama."

His attention swiftly though turned back to Fukawa. "Perhaps instead the exchange might be my riding knowledge for Doji-sama's musical talent? It seems to me as it would be a more sensible complement to the skills I already possess." And, well, it gives him more opportunity to talk to the Doji.

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa smiles.

"That would be quite nice, I think Shinjo-san.....perhaps not today, but very soon I would like to perform with you." she offers pleasantly.

[Shinjo Akil]

"Another day would be good indeed," he nodded, holding his stomach knowingly. "I am under no pressing schedule, so whenever Doji-sama's wishes to perform I would gladly do so."

[Asako Hirase]

Hirase, too, bowed to the Imperial. He moved in the man's direction, leaving the other two to their discussion.

"I am glad to hear you speak well of education. Perhaps, Seppun-sama, it might have been best to announce your intention with the kami." He spoke very softly, his gaze on the Shinjo. "I'm not certain our returned kin are aware that it's an expected courtesy in company."

[Doji Fukawa]

"Another day would be good indeed," he nodded, holding his stomach knowingly. "I am under no pressing schedule, so whenever Doji-sama's wishes to perform I would gladly do so."

It was convenient that the Phoenix had moved to pair off with the Imperial. The Shinjo certainly was a different sort of Unicorn from the Moto.

"I'm certain we can arrange that." she says confidently. "Tomorrow, perhaps will seem a more favorable day."


"We could also speak more about the arts. I may not have trained in every art, but I can talk a bit about them, and have spent a night or two playing the game of Sadane." she admits.

[Shinjo Akil]

"I will look forward to it," he smiled, "perhaps just as the Sun begins to set [early evening], unless a planned event takes precedence?" A moment later, he seemed to recognize that he didn't know something.. "Oh, Doji-sama, what is sadane?"

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa tapped her fan. Apparently at least one person in the village was interested in rumors that spread.

"Ah, it's a game of Winter Court, typically." she says. "The idea is to subtly and humorously critique artwork. It's quite challenging. If you are too subtle, no one will catch the critique, but if you are too obvious no one will think you clever. And, of course, finding an amusing way to critique something is a challenge in itself. Of course, for some that is not dangerous enough, and they play the game to critique people....that has lead to duels when not handled properly."

[Shinjo Akil]

He considered her words carefully. "Interesting. So some make it intentionally antagonistic?". His hands folded in front of him. "I suppose I will have to learn, since I will be in the courts more often after I am wed."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"Well, as they say, 'Court is a Battlefield'." she says.

She looks at the Unicorn curiously.

"Your superior intends to assign you to courtly duties often?"

[Shinjo Akil]

He nodded. "I am no longer fit for combat, unfortunately, and my story is interesting enough to be used in courts. And, well," he laughed, "you can't let your story subject be a poor conversation piece."

[Doji Fukawa]

There was a touch of sympathy for the injured Unicorn in the Crane's eyes. She abhorred violence, but that did not mean she gloried in those who dealt it becoming so grievously injured.

Though if he had been injured that way...at least it did little to detract from his good looks.

"Ah, I see." she said. "At least they are confident in your abilities. When one fails on the battlefield, it tends to lead to their death. When one fails in court, many people suffer."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Either that or this is some elaborate plot to be rid of me," he smirked lightly at his own joke, before returning to a serious expression. "At this point, I simply hope I can represent my Clan well in whatever endeavor I am seen as fit for. No matter which clan that ends up being at the end of this miai."

[Doji Fukawa]

Hmmmm, handsome, good sense of humor, going to be spending time in the courts.....Maybe Kakita was listening. she muses.

"Well, if there is anything I can share with you Shinjo-san to help you prepare, please let me know."

[The Soul of Honor: 40]

[Shinjo Akil]

He smiled and nodded. She seemed very trustworthy, in fact, and certainly at this point his guard was down. "Well..." he considered, "I have been hoping to get more information on the history surrounding these plains..." It seems that this Shinjo was a man of reasonably simple needs.

(OOC: Yeah, never was gonna resist that)