Strange Ways (D6, Late AM, OPEN)

[Asako Hirase]

"Yes, though it's a bit strained. There was an unfortunate incident at the end of the campaign in Shiro Hiruma." Hirase wasn't actually certain what precisely had happened, only that something had. "The Phoenix, being pacifists, are commonly allies with others. At the least, we generally manage neutral. The war with the Lion is the first major conflict in many, many years that we have entered Clan-to-Clan. There was some skirmishing on the border with the Dragon before that, but it was never classified as a full war."

[Moto Khulun]

"So now no wars, yes?" She asks.

[Asako Hirase]

"For now, hai. We are enjoying a rare period of peace." That pleased him, but he was honest enough to add, "Though it is likely temporary. Once all of the Clans heal from the battles of recent past, replace their numbers, I expect we will again contest one another. It is the natural result of raising a population where more than a third of the leadership carries a two swords."

[Moto Khulun]

"Good... battle makes Moto strong," she replies.

[Asako Hirase]

"Certainly it will prove to the rest of the Empire that if they wish to slander you, there will be a harsh penalty for doing so." It was inevitable some would; it was vital the Unicorn's first war be decisive. "It will be interesting to see how cavalry affects the tactics. It hasn't really been a concern prior to your return."

[Moto Khulun]

"We need to get strength first, but war rarely comes when one is ready for it," he says grimly.

[Asako Hirase]

"Are your numbers still so few?" The possibility had never occurred to him before and his brows both rose. "I know your Ride was long, but I hadn't considered that might have hindered your population..."

[Moto Khulun]

"We have many warriors but we need our peasants to multiply as well, yes?" she says honestly.

"Other clans would be foolish to fight us, but as you say, it will come."

[Asako Hirase]

He hadn't thought of the peasants. Now he realized he should have.

"The ones you've inherited, for lack of a better term, from the Lion have great potential. The Lion are known for particularly brutal treatment of their peasantry; if you show them an open hand of kindness, it will be a major reversal for them. I expect that would result in a much happier populace; in my experience, happy people tend to make larger families."

[Moto Khulun]

“They are our people, why cut your hand when it drops a blade. Seems foolish, best to treat them well and respect what they do for clan and family,” she says.

“Unicorn way, not so brutal I think.”

[Asako Hirase]

"There is actually a superstition that if a peasant crosses a Lion's path on his way to war, it will bring him bad luck in battle." Hirase grimaced. "They tend to cut such peasants down. That is how it was for them before. Almost anything will prove better."

[Moto Khulun]

“Wasteful and stupid any Lion husband of mine will be broken of such stupid practices or I will be widow quick as Lightning,” she says spitting on the ground in disgust.

[Asako Hirase]

"Is that a possibility?" Hirase liked Khulun and, if she'd made a choice, hoped he might be able to help in that regard. "The Lion husband, I mean."

[Moto Khulun]

"It is an option I favor, Matsu Nintoku has shown himself to be appealing," she says with a light airy laugh.

[Asako Hirase]

A slow nod. A Matsu might suit her well indeed. "Matsu are fierce, as a whole, and some of the most respected warriors in the Empire. They pair ferocity with a strong sense of honor. One of them recently saved the Emperor, in fact, and was granted a Vassal Family of her own within the Matsu as a result." A slow smile followed. "They also tent to be matrilineal, though not so much as Otaku seem to be. No Matsu man would ever begrudge a bride who was his equal or even his better in war."