[D2 EE Open] Strolling

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I think it's probably more about the people that dwell within rather than in how many of those people there are," he offers. "There are stories of great cities outside the empire that are packed full of people. But those cities are not Rokugani."

[Ryuuta Tsume]

"I have heard tales, but I have not seen."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Same for me, but I heard the stories from those who had actually visited. I'm not a storyteller myself but we have some Marta vassal family members here. They're really the ones to listen to. Storytelling is their specialty," he says with a smile. "They're our history keepers."

[Ryuuta Tsume]

"I should endeavor to meet them while I am here, though I know such important people have much better things to do with their time then educate a curious Piranha. I think everyone loves a good story."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I think this is the opportunity for that exactly, Tsume-san. Cultural exchange is part of the reason of the miai, and I'm sure they'd be interested in hearing about the Pirahna as much as I am. You should definitely get to know them just in case someone else chooses me at the end of the miai before you get the chance," he smirks playfully at her.

[Ryuuta Tsume]

"I suppose that will depend on what the market makes available for both of us, Monkhbaatar-san"

Tsume smiles to herself.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"That is true," he replies. "But at the very least, I'd still like to spend time getting to know you better that we might at least have a friendship and build connections."

[Ryuuta Tsume]

"Something both of our families need."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Indeed. Especially with the Pirahna's new founding and the Unicorn's fresh return. While it doesn't matter much to me whether I serve the Unicorn or my spouses clan in the future, I'm curious if you have a preference to remain a Pirahna." He looks at her inquisitively.

[Ryuuta Tsume]

Tsume sighs.

"Deeply. Coming to this festival may tear me away from my new home. For the sake of my family I must find someone to take back with me. I would be remiss to leave unspoken the danger, that there are many who's status would require me to join them. It will be a knife's edge I walk, but the results will be pleasant even if I do not prevail in my goal. There is so much to see."

Tsume bites her tongue, having revealed too much.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"It may be the case that you will join another clan... but you should also consider the possibility that there is a unique opportunity for the people at this miai. Even if other clan members marry into the Unicorn, those individuals would also make prime candidates for acting as emissaries to their original clans would they not? An accommodating Unicorn husband might consider seeking out such a position with you by their side presenting the chance to benefit both, no?"

[Ryuuta Tsume]

"I had not considered that. Such a small clan as mine rarely rates full time diplomats, but with the Unicorn there is a unique possibility..."

Tsume purses her lips, thinking.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I may not be the most diplomatic or well trained in propriety, but I have an eye for opportunity. This seems like it might be a good one if you're first hope falls through, Tsume-san."

[Ryuuta Tsume]

"It is best to construct a situation where even should you lose, you win. I am sure if I were a student of tactics I could tell you Akodo said as much."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"That would be the best way to plan for things," he says. "Hedging your bets. But at the same time, I'm not really sure how much I would be interested in hedging mine beyond making many friends and potentially starting off whatever marriage I'm in pleasantly," he nods his head in agreement.