[D5, LM, expecting] Let us talk

[Kakita Masao]

Earlier in the morning, Kakita Masao had sent an invitation to late morning tea to the junior Otomo in town, to follow up on their meeting of a previous day. He had made sure to wait until the new(ish) day had dawned before sending the simple invitation, lest it be lost somewhere in the loop of time.

The soldier made sure the servants had set out what they assured him was a good tea and he awaited his guest.

[Otomo Saisei]

Saisei gets the letter an soon understands. Arriving in time as the Crane guards politely lead him there, he bows in respect to Masao. “Kakita-sama. Good morning. I hope Inari-kami has been kind in this new day that resembles yesterday.”

[Kakita Masao]

"Quite so, Otomo-san, and I hope the same for you. Please, sit." He gestures to the seat opposite him. "Inari's blessing is important every day, no matter how similar it seems to days prior. The welcome dinner," he says sounding somewhat questioning, "now feels like a long time ago, no?"

[Otomo Saisei]

The Otomo sits as suggested and replies, "Indeed, it feels like I slept more than twice. I am happy Kakita-samahas been blessed, then."

[Kakita Masao]

"I am most pleased that there are those among us working to address the... repetition that seems to be occurring. I have nothing but confidence that it will be resolved." Masao is tempted to pour team himself, the soldier not one to worry over much about etiquette, but he resists, knowing the Otomo is much more sensitive to such things.

"In the meantime, I think there is other work that can be done. More in keeping with the reason we are all here. If I may move us quickly to the point, it is the topic of marriage prospects."

[Otomo Saisei]

The Otomo notices the hint and subtly waves toward the tea kettle for permission, and begins serving. He nods a couple of times while listening and adds, "Indeed. It is imperative that we solve this ongoing issue so the spirits of these ancestors may at last rest, and we, progress."

Back to his position, he smiles, "Marriage prospects is a matter of the future. Please, do enlighten me of your thoughts, so that once this is resolved I may check with Yusuke-sama."

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane nods respectfully as the imperial serves and speaks.

"Thank you, Otomo-san. First, I wonder if we might speak of how we have found certain of our fellow guests. The circumstances have not necessarily allowed us to see them as they would like, but perhaps we have seen them as they truly are -- as they should be considered for future prospects."

He takes a long drink of tea. "Certain of our fellow guests seem to be rising to the occasion, like Toritaka Hanatsuko-san."

[Otomo Saisei]

He nods his head a couple of times, "Toritaka-san is a kind and compassionate samurai. I've had the honor to be with her during the fertility festival. " He cougs, and takes a sip, "She was quite inspiring. But let's focus on what is really also about Toritaka-san: she's a kind and compassionate soul. The last day, she provided me a gift out of pure altruism."

After setting the cup to his lap, he says, "She does have the animals around, too. Which shows nurturing is part of her. What does Kakita-sama has in mind, more specifically?"

[Kakita Masao]

Masao smiles as the Otomo speaks. "It seems we have seen many of the same qualities in Toritaka-san. You didn't mention her skill with the flute though, as another favorable quality. But then I'm afraid I missed seeing her at the festival." Sip of tea. "It was... controversial... for some samurai. What did she think of the controversial elements?"

[Otomo Saisei]

He crosses his arms, saying, "I held if over my shoulders and both, while Toritaka-san and Kitsuki-san held the task at hand with a perfect rhythmic. They both were completely focused. I am honored to have had such a pairing. Please, do disconsider any potential controversy. The Crane, after all, displayed it all to please the Fortunes."

[Kakita Masao]

Masao smiles with the steely resolve of generations of Crane, but there's a certain embarrassment that remains despite the Cranes' noted effort.

"Otomo-san will be relieved to know I have but great respect for all the festival participants. This one was honored to aid Hida-dono on her team, and far be it from a humble soldier to color his opinions with hypocrisy." After a small drink of tea: "I was simply asking after Toritaka-san's reactions, but you seem to have found them... unconcerning?"

[Otomo Saisei]

"Absolutely." He confirms again, and asks, "Would Kakita-sama like me to, well, check with Yusuke-sama his insights about a potential connection?"

[Kakita Masao]

"If Otomo-san would so entertain, and understanding it is only a bit of a game, I wonder what Otomo-san himself would say of such a match. Lest we bother your honored cousin with trivialities unworthy of his valuable time, of course."

[Otomo Saisei]

"Being completely rational: Kakita-sama is an honorable and dutiful samurai that has the potential to find many suitable matches that could grant his family much honor and prosperity within the original Great Clans themselves. Yet, if there's a personal connection, or attraction shared with Toritaka-san, then I believe the Falcon would be very pleased in having one of their joining the Crane. They would, though, lose one of their few. Which would require some sort of compensation." He mentions, analytically.

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane listens well, and when Saisei finishes, he adds -- perhaps unhelpfully -- "This is not made any easier by the uncertainty around whether I am to become my father's heir as governor. Much more interest will arise if we are talking about my wife being the next lady of Cold Wind City."

Masao grimaces a bit, the endurance of his on leaving something to be desired.

"May I ask, Otomo-san, how you think about your own marriage prospects? For I see some similarity between our situations, where one's status now may not reflect the actual value they have as a spouse. Do you see what I mean?"

[Otomo Saisei]

The Otomo freezes for a mere moment, wondering if Masao was actually aware of everything. He nods in agreement afterwards and raises an eyebrow, "I have not yet began officially searching for marriage prospects. Although, I have been advised by Yusuke-sama to begin looking. I believe he's giving me a head start. Which I greatly appreciate."

He chuckles rather comically, "There are many that might wish me married sooner than later."

[Kakita Masao]

Masao sets his tea down, his on clearly shifting from his approximation of a courtier's face to the simple, unrefined expression of a soldier.

"Otomo Saisei-san, I hope you will forgive me, but as a humble soldier who may yet be much more, serving a clan whose interests well align with your family's interests -- dedicated servants of the emperor that they are -- and recognizing in you a person only beginning to show their potential value in this world, I believe we can be of much mutual assistance, especially if we speak candidly. Might we proceed that way, without any distress on either of our parts?"

[Otomo Saisei]

Saisei takes a deep breath and sets his teacup down. Looking at Masao's eyes directly, now –– something he wasn't doing so far –– he inquires, "Kakita Masao-sama seeks my compassion to any potential offense his own thoughts could potentially offer, and genuine courtesy to in our friendly exchanges. Worry not, he already has them. Now, if he seeks a confidant and ally, I understand an oath of friendship is due."

[Kakita Masao]

"Certainly, dedicated followers of Bushido that we are, neither compassion, nor courtesy, nor honesty should ever be in doubt." He sighs. "I appreciate that it is strange to so soon seek alliance, but it seems wise. And I will happily swear on my honor that I will not use anything we may discuss against you or your family, and that I will endeavor to assist your aims as my capability and opportunity -- and honor, of course -- will allow. If you would so swear as well."

[Otomo Saisei]

"Kakita-sama has this one's oath of alliance." He bows down and remains there to show deference to their accord. Lifting himself up, he says, "I would be honored if Kakita-sama could address me by my chosen name while we are discussing friendly matters."

[Kakita Masao]

"Then so shall it be, friend Saisei-san. And likewise, please."

The Crane thinks for a moment, obviously more at ease, but still discomforted in some way. Rather than his new friend doubt his sincerity, Masao shares, "It will not surprise you to hear that my curiosity about Toritaka-san is more than a passing thing. But when we spoke a few moments ago, it seemed perhaps you had more thoughts about her than you shared. Please share them now, no matter what they may be," he says earnestly, a tinge of worry apparent in his voice.

[Otomo Saisei]

The Otomo tilts his head a bit, not fully understanding Masao. He explains, "Masao-san, I have been completely logical in my explanation. I don't think Toritaka-san is a good for you. Yet, if there are personal motivations you would like to pursue, then it is important to make sure the Crane can offer the Falcon some leverage for losing someone, since they are few. To her character, I can only say good things."

[Kakita Masao]

"Of course, Ot-- Saisei-san, of course." The Crane takes up his tea cup again, though he makes no particular move to drink from it. What do you expect him to tell you, hmm? That you're not crazy, this is perfectly fine, no one will say the sort of things I have told you?

Masao inhales deeply, seeming to steady himself.

"Thank you for your clarity, Saisei-san. I will endeavor to not make you repeat yourself in future." He sighs, but seems to be refocused: "You mentioned Kitsuki Naida-san, who I've met only in passing. Should I make more effort to make her acquaintance? I have been... less than excited... by some of the samurai I've met here."

[Otomo Saisei]

"Kitsuki Naida-san is definitely something to treasure. Diamond in the rough, my sensei would say. A jewel that one eyes are difficult to divert from. Mine were caught at the grooms party. Fitting for the event and place, I could say. Still, I would perhaps try to understand more of her family lineage and understand if it is a match for Masao-sama," He corrects himself lifting a finger, and provides a smiling bow.

[Kakita Masao]

Masao snorts a little and shakes his head. "Being called sama still doesn't sound right in my ears, even coming from my soldiers. But Saisei-san should use it as makes him most comfortable."

"And clearly Kitsuki Naida-san is worthy of attention, given your high regard. A 'diamond in the rough'... how interesting. Has any other samurai-ko here been so worthy as she?" The Crane, only barely knowing of the Dragon, seems a bit incredulous.