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

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"That is sensible, seeing as your clan will now be living here." she says. "The Ikoma Histories would probably be the best starting point, as their clan was taking care of the land, and their grasp of history is very solid."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Ah, thank you," he smiled broadly, "I will have to find an Ikoma to speak to about such matters. Although... I do not think there are any here, unfortunately. Or at least, I have not seen one yet."

[Doji Fukawa]

"Ah, thank you," he smiled broadly, "I will have to find an Ikoma to speak to about such matters. Although... I do not think there are any here, unfortunately. Or at least, I have not seen one yet."

Fukawa nods.

"True, but that doesn't stop you from befriending a lion of a different family to make the introduction for you." she offers.

"In fact, I know a Lion who was looking for more information on your clan's steeds...what can be shared publicly of course."

[Shinjo Akil]

"That would be quite the exchange," he nodded calmly, "I am sure we could make such a meeting happen. What was the Lion's name, if you don't mind me asking?"

[Doji Fukawa]

Since she wasn't a Scorpion, she revealed her source.

"Shimizu Ryori." she says. "He's rather hard to miss as he's accompanied by an actual lion."

[Shinjo Akil]

"An actual Lion?" He smirked, "how interesting. Is it, like, a pet?" It would have been an odd pet, but he had heard the Lion were somewhat intense.

[Doji Fukawa]

"Mmm, I wouldn't use that word in front of him. He refers to her as 'his sister'. So, probably no more a pet than a Unicorn's horse is. I've heard stories about Lions charging in to battle with actual lions under their command." she explains.

[Shinjo Akil]

"Really, now? I suppose I should not be too surprised, it is not that much different than our war hounds." He rubbed his chin for a moment, before nodding. "Well, thank you for being so helpful, Doji-sama. If there is anything I can do to return the favor, you need only ask."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa bows at the thanks.

"Not at all, Shinjo-san. The Crane have a reputation for helpfulness that I am obligated to maintain. As I understand it, your Ide family is much the same?" she returns.

[Shinjo Akil]

"The Ide do endeavor to be helpful whenever possible," he nodded, "I appreciate Doji-sama's kindness, truly. Your presence has truly been a bright spot in this day."

[Seppun Aramoro]

The Imperial frowns slightly as Hirase blocked him off from the conversation: "I detest ignorance Asoko-san, or at the very least from those that possess the ability to teach themselves, like samurai."

He does not break his gaze from the Phoenix: "What I pray to the fortunes and discuss with the kami in my solitary capacity is little concern of others. I would not invite kami to our mortal conversations, that would be rude. Hence why I spoke to them before joining your conversations. What blessings they bestow me before I join discussions is between them and I."

He looks over to the Shinjo in the near distance whilst still speaking to Hirase. "It is good to remind oneself that the Unicorn is rejoining the Empire, Asako-san, and not the other way around."

[Asako Hirase]

"The Unicorn did as their Kami bade them. Their Kami who departed to learn what She could so that the knowledge gained in such trials could be used to help protect the Empire."

The older man's gaze was direct, his tone growing formal and distant.

"I certainly hope that one of the Imperial Families would know better than to refuse that knowledge, especially when he claims to espouse a love of learning. Perhaps the lessons could begin with how to be a gracious guest in another's homeland."

[Seppun Aramoro]

Aramoro gives a slight smirk at the Asako's bite.

"Oh no good Phoenix-san, perhaps you misheard, there is much to be learned from them. A vigilant samurai never passes the opportunity of learning from those he watches."

He looks away from Hirase and scans the horizon.

"I recognise the lands of my brothers and the courtesy of my hosts. That does not make us husband and wife."

He turns back to him and takes a short bow.

"If you will excuse me Asako-san, I hope a good day to you."

He pauses for a reply, turns and leaves. ((subject to what Asako says of course))

[Asako Hirase]

The Phoenix did not reply, simply bowed in turn and resumed his impromptu chaperoning of the other two samurai.

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa noted the Imperial's retreat, and the Phoenix's return.

How odd. she mused.

She had had a lovely discussion with the Shinjo, but her hostess senses were telling her that the Phoenix had gotten the short end of the conversation stick. And while it was true that as a Phoenix he deserved to have the short end of the stick shoved directly up his nose, Fukawa found it hard to harden her heart against the wayward bird.

"Welcome back, Asako-san" she offered pleasantly. "Is everything alright?"