A Polite Request (D7 - EE - Takeo's Room)

[Togashi Udo]

Udo listens quietly, and stays quiet for a time, clearly contemplating what was said.

"That does sound problematic, Kitsune-sama." A simple response for a complex issue, to not further muddy what is being said.

[Kitsune Takeo]

"I believe Otaku-sama is amenable to such aims, though I would not presume to speak for her. Ultimately of course some things may be out of our hands. That is why I seek your assistance in this regard. There has been talk, early talk, but talk nonetheless, of the Kitsune rejoining the Unicorn. In this I believe Otaku-sama and I are fully aligned. And for this reason I believe that securing a marriage between the heirs of two of our families might be even more precious. It would do much to ensure the continued survival of the Kitsune. "

[Togashi Udo]

Udo sits for a time, sipping the tea.

"I met Otaku-sama on the second day of the miai. She is an impressive woman and samurai. Honorable, with a balance of wisdom and emotion that follows the code of Bushido. I cannot blame you for interest in her, whether for personal reasons or for Clan. Unfortunately, she has always been too preoccupied with pressing matters to speak with me." Udo shrugs with one shoulder. "It is of no importance."

"It seems the only wait I could aid you in this is, if I am able to choose before you, to abstain from choosing Otaku-sama. Is there perhaps some other way I can aid you that I am not aware of?"

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo shook his head.

"You have the gist of it - and I realize this is more than an imposition. No one would fault you, myself included, if you chose her anyway. She is, of course, an impeccable samurai...perhaps still somewhat green to the Empire," he said, recalling how she had sung to the Tonbo, "But most things improve in time. Moreover, just because you agree to lend me your aid in this endeavor does not mean all will. The Seppun...Aramoro I think it is? He has also performed well and could easily thwart my own aims.

"You see the problems of performing poorly are made readily manifest as we approach the close of the miai," he said, with a forced smile.

[Togashi Udo]

"There are a few high on the list. They will be tricky waters to navigate..." Udo pauses for a moment. "You are aware that Otaku-sama is involved in a duel tomorrow? One she suggested be to the death? This may all be moot..."

Udo sets his tea cup down and look at Takeo. "If I am to be honest, I question the very foundations of the duel. I met the Miya yesterday, and she suggested her intense desire to duel someone at the time, while cleaning the very blade she would use for it. I fear that this duel was contrived by the Miya, insulting Otaku-sama's honor in order to prove dueling prowess."

Udo sighs a bit. "I am aware of the size of the accusation, but my mind tells me it is true. And, as someone hoping to marry Otaku-sama, you need to be aware of it."

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo's eyes widened at the mention of the duel.

"I...no...no I was not aware," he said, his discomfort apparent on his face, "I met Miya-san a few days past. We practiced our stances together. She was capable, but not beyond my reach, though she did win..." he stammered.

"What - what was the cause of the offense? Or the purported cause, if it was a charade as you claim?"

[Togashi Udo]

"I cannot say. It occurred during the Moto song challenge. I was in the stands when the Miya raised her voice and issued the challenge. It caused quite a stir, but I was not aware of the conversation before that moment. Things were said after, but I find that words after a challenge are more likely to be tinged by emotion, so I would doubt their veracity."

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo frowned.

"That is unfortunate. Hopefully the worst ramifications of their interactions can be avoided....but who can say when temperatures run high. It would be a shame if one samurai fell by another at a miai."

He screwed his face up again.

"Thank you for telling me Togashi-san. I shall have to make sure to attend tomorrow to observe and offer what support I may."

[Togashi Udo]

"Of course. It is nothing."

Udo looks around the yurt. "Have you settled in quite well? If you marry Otaku-sama, you may live in many yurts."

[Kitsune Takeo]

Another frown.

"Yes - I expect that may be hard for me to adapt to at first. I have spent my entire life on the forest. The plains will be quite an adjustment - many things will I expect... "

He looked out a nearby window.

"Marriage is a funny thing, Togashi-San."

[Togashi Udo]

"Oh? Among the Togashi, it is so rare that I've only met one who is married."

[Kitsune Takeo]

"I understand most monks do not take spouses, though the Dragon have always had their own way. You will be the second then, that you know of?" he asked.

"Quite the accomplishment for one so young."

[Togashi Udo]

"Special times call for special circumstances," he says simply. "Hopefully it brings honor to both of our Clans."

[Kitsune Takeo]

"I am certain that it will, Togashi-san. What of your time before now? I know very little about the training methods of the ise zumi, save perhaps that they may be described as...unconventional?" he said, asking at the end.