Wedding at Fire Shrimp Village an L5R PbP

Lady Sun's presence is too powerful to watch, and today, to bare. Too many people in the cabins made it worse. Also, he wouldn't occupy the room that his master and yojimbo were staying with his unworthy presence to make the place even more unbearable.

Sweating too much for his liking, Saisei moves forward in the ship to get some breeze in. Loosing the kimono neck to make the wind have swirl around inside, the Otomo opens his fan to cover his head. He uses it to block a potential frown coming down from Lady Sun by seeing such lack of manners from one of his lineage. Harsh times required even harsher measures.

Remaining at one's own quarters was the most effective way of avoiding bumping with ronin or the like. Unfortunately, he also did not bring any pillow books, so the entire thing was being boring to pieces. Giving up on his self-imposed social isolation, he went outside. Things could not be possibly that bad, could they?

He was glad to almost always carry with him his courtierlike fan. Having three layers of cloth over your skin under this sun was no nice thing. At least he could give a quick scoop on who was up there before he justified giving up to return to his q-.

Oh, an Otomo. This is interesting company. He approached Saisei, and then bowed. "Have you eaten your portion of rice today?"

A Crane. Courtier, by looks. Worse would have been a Scorpion, or his master. Startled, Saisei instantly pulls down his kimono to a proper fit and lifts himself up to provide a bow. "The Mantis have been generous, as Suitengu blesses them. I have had fish, in fact. Together with rice. I imagine Crane-sama might have had the same fortune. I am called Otomo Saisei. It is an honor to meet another traveller."

Although he did not notice the irregularity before, the startling of the Otomo to cover something attracted his attention. Perhaps this one was too young from gempukku, for they could not hide the surprise. He did seem very young. "It is a blessing to meet you, Otomo-sama. If it is not much trouble to ask, do you not think it may be more comfortable indoors rather than covering the sun with your fan?"

He opens a flat smile, confessing, "I would indeed. But I would not have my master Nakodo disturbed in a tight cabin with my presence if I can allow him the comfort, and, in return, be able to find some good breeze up here."

"There is both breeze and shadow if we stand inside one of the rooms that lead to here." He replies. "Please follow me if that would be your wish, Otomo-sama". Sanaharu starts to walk.

Saisei nods, not really reminding of such a place. But then again, Crane's knew about comfort, and about offering things to friends. Often with an indirect cost, of course. Thinking about the Crane mannerisms and tactics in court, the young Otomo follows Sanaharu without faltering, even though he hasn't actually learned his name.

No one would be so dumb as to mistreat an Otomo. Specially one that works for a Nakodo. Crane on top of all of them.

"Thank you for the the kind offer and perception, Crane-sama. I had no idea of such a place." The Imperial says, pleasantly.

He answers with a short bow. "Thank me not, Otomo-sama. As well, I am very likely your lesser, even if your lineage is vassal. Let lords be treated as lords, for I am simply an orateur."

Arriving at the place, still fanning himself, he scans the room for a cabin with two seats, arranging them on the ground like heimin at manors often did.

He sat on one of the cushions, waiting for the Otomo to take the other seat. Normally tea would be ritual, but excusably here it would be not.

"My name is Asahina Sanaharu, Otomo-sama. I am on this ship to arrive at the lands of the Hida." Which was basically a courtier's suffering sentence. No Courtier of any regard, specially Crane, would like to serve at the Crab courts.

Saisei shows a bit of a surprised expression towards the Asahina's aptitude in finding a very decent place to sit down with a ceiling tall enough for the Crane's head. Taking his seat with one of his legs still finding footing, the Otomo apologizes, "Forgive me, I would sit in a more proper form to greet a Crane courtier were we in solid ground. It is a great honor to meet you Asahina-san. Specially in such circumstances."

The comment about being a vassal lineage booms into the back of his head.

It repeats itself. In different tones.

Many voices.

His lips were faster than his on, squishing to the side. He drew the fan over his mouth the moment he perceives this, so insulting it could be to a clueless Otomo.

"I was trained with the Kakita, Otomo-sama, not the Doji. I'm sorry my past words were not as clear."

He felt genuinely happy: Although being missed by a courtier was funny, it was also a compliment. He adjusted his headpiece pendant with his fingers, then a slight nod.

"It is as well a great honor to meet you, nevertheless. May I ask what is your destination on this same ship?"

"It is sin to fear, but many courtier would say they do. My destination is, perhaps, the same as yours. The Crab court to attend the wedding." He opens a smile, saying, "I have received the honor to act as the Imperial Nokodo's assistant."

With a shake of his head, he confirms, "Worry not, I do not fear. Serving is a pleasure, and an honor. Also, no need to be sorry. The Kakita are masters in many arts, as well as the Doji. Perhaps more so in certain topics."

"I see. I heard that often, young courtiers are sent to less prestigious courts in order to train their skills there for the same reason more experienced courtiers are sent as a punishment."
He starts to fan himself.
"Slips and courtly mishaps are probably not going to be noticed by the hosts. But one with many years on their back has to endure all manners of etiquette breeches with a straight on."
He blinks. "But that is what I heard, of course."

The Otomo nods, and takes some time to reply. Reminding himself of the words of his sensei, he says, "Some mishaps, when noticed, have to be pointed out. Privately, not to embarrass anyone, of course. It is the duty of those that understand the ways of the Kami a bit better to lecture those willing to learn, and those unwilling to listen."

He nods. "It is fortunate, then, there is an alliance between my clan and your family. The duty you give me is one I accept."
He nods again, closing his eyes for a bit longer than usual in a flourish. "Did you say before you were a companion to the imperial nakodo?"

He smiles, adding up, "It is the path of Doji-kami, of course, that we Otomo follow. It is guided by Akodo-kami's tenents, and the other siblings many wise councils. It is my personal view."

Dimissing his acceptance with a shake of his head, Saisei explains, "You flatter me, Asahina-san. I am in no position of passing out duties. I am simply the clerk and assistant to the Imperial Nakodo that arranged such wedding. Unworthy as I may be, in this young age."

He heed his words with another nod and a faint, friendly smile, looking around the room. He wondered how much he could communicate with the nakodo through the little apprentice. But seeing now inexperienced this one was, it was safer not to rely on the idea. "I thought the nakodo had not much to do and that we were merely going as guests for the celebration, everything else being already done?"

"I believe this is the case. Otomo-sama is –– among other qualities –– incredibly diligent. Until the marriage is celebrated, and... well... consumed." He says, serious, and continues, "The duty of a matchmaker is similar to that of a general. There's only a victory in war when after the battles are done, the matter is settled between the parts."

"I see. Though rarely marriage celebrations end in tragedy, do you have reason to believe this will be a conturbed one that will call in changes on Otomo-sama's plans? You did say you were to help with paperwork, even when the arrangements have been done and all there is left is to wait."

"Otomo-sama is a very important man. There are many, many bureaucratic details a marriage of this level requires. As minor as they may be, they are time consuming, and Otomo-sama, I believe, would like to provide full attention to both families. My duty is to worry about the rest while he provides focus."

Saisei blinks a bit, then says, "Why would you think I would ever have reasons for this union to be... conturbed?"

"Not all guests to the cerimony will be Imperials, Crab or Crane. You are young, Otomo-sama, but already know that celebrations are not merely place for festivity, but as well for politics. I hope that it will be peaceful and blessful as Doji-no-kami, as well the clans of the groom and bride, intended for the cerimony to be."

"Asahina-san has valid and sound point of view." He says, simply, with a maintained smile, and asks, "Being from the family of the famed Artisans, could you share with me if there's a special gift the Crane has been preparing?"

"The Kakita Academy has not sent only me. You may expect our presentations." He nods slightly. "Do you know of other guests that may attend? Aside from your master, of course, it is?"

Saisei shakes his head negatively, but then reminds himself of someone else, and shrugs, "Well, my master's yojimbo will surely be there as well. Some of the crew here, I've been made aware. I am not sure who, though."

He nods slightly. "I am arriving in the company of a Daidoji-trained Kakita. Possibly there are more people here from other clans, though this I would not know, as am I not to leave my quarters frequently."

"Under this heat. You do well not to leave quarters. Lady Sun seems to pay closer attention down here in Crab lands than she does up at the Golden Sun bay. I wonder why." He opens a smirk and allows the rest of chat to flow as they get acquainted.

/Scene?