The Middle Guest (D5, EA, Fukawa's Yurt)

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji looks a bit embarrassed as he drinks the tea. "No... I am just a humble bushi, not a builder. I do help with some manual labor every once and again, when I am asked to."

[Doji Fukawa]

Well at least he's humble about it. Fukawa thought.

"So what impresses a humble bushi, such as yourself, at a miai such as this, Kaiu-san?" she asks. "I was speaking to Matsu Nintoku the other day, and he said something along the lines that had his father given his mother a fan, she would have mauled him violently. But I know not all bushi hold the courtly traditions in such disdain. So what interests you, Kaiu-san?"

The Soul of Honor: 36

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji looks somewhat hesitant for a moment, but soon relents. "I am not fond of courtly matters, but I recognize they are a battlefield of their own, and those who excel in battle, any kind of battle, are deserving of respect." He sighs. "What interests me? The tenacity of the unicorn, they have endured much, and I respect that and find it to be a familiar quality, one which I see in my own clan as well. But their ways are strange and I... I am afraid I am not as fluent in the ways of speaking or charming as Tomonaga-sama. This bothers me somewhat, I must admit." He nods to himself. "I know how to fight and how to solve problems with my strength, but the aspects of art and court elude me. And lately I have found even my own strength to be lacking." A look of grief flashes over his face for a moment.

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa looks thoughtful at the outpouring of Honesty from the broken Kaiu dam.

"From what I understand, it's become somewhat fashionable to take horseback riding lessons from our hosts." she proposes. "And everyone has heard about what a charming conversationalist Shinjo Liu Yue is. While she may not be able to teach you much about Rokugani court, you would likely learn a great deal about the Unicorn while training with her, and perhaps a bit about conversation as well."

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji composes himself after a moment. "Yes, I had spoken to her about the possibility of such training. But we have not managed to arrange anything as of yet... Though I did manage to see her demonstrate her unique Tetsubo technique yesterday."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"What was your opinion of her demonstration?" she asks out of politeness.

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji thinks for a moment before answering. "It was... Impressive. That a woman with only one hand could be as great a warrior as any with two hands, or even greater... I did not think it possible before I saw her battle."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"It sounds like she would fit into your clan very neatly, Kaiu-san." Fukawa suggests.

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji sighs. "Yes, the Crab would benefit from having such a formidable warrior in our clan. But I will have to gather more favor with the unicorn if I am to marry her."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

'I know there is not much that can be done to influence the matchmakers outside their scheduled contests, Kaiu-san, but I would be happy to aid you in any way I can to secure a bride you so admire, Kaiu-san." she offers.

[Kaiu Hiroji]

hiroji looked surprised for a moment, but quickly nodded a small smile forming on his lips. "Yes Fukawa-san, I would appreciate all help. Thank you."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"Of course, Kaiu-san, it's the least I can do for your clan's support of mine." she says.

She looks to see if the Crab needs more tea.

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji's cup is indeed empty. A flash of understanding plays across his face. "I assume you have already spoken to Tomonaga-sama, Doji-San? "

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa deftly refills the Crab's tea.

She tilts her head a bit curiously.

"To Yasuki-sama?" she said. "I have not yet....we are to speak this evening."

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji looks surprised. "Oh. I thought you would want to speak to him before me."