Sapphire Ambassadors

Two days. She winced. Inori knew better than to keep someone important who might have something for her waiting. On top of possibly wasting a chance it was just plain rude.

Hardly ideal. Still, she had made herself halfway presentable, sent out a message, and now...

Now she waited, and fidgeted, and what's worse the tea she wanted wasn't brewed yet, so she could not even busy herself with the tea to seem occupied.

The message having been received, Otomo Gaitsu appears, adjusting his hat as he comes through the door.

Seeing Inori, he bows slightly. "It was a pleasure to receive your invitation, Matsu-san," he says. "I trust the day has been well for you so far."

Nervousness. Dry mouth. Still no tea

Inori returns the bow immediately, with good depth.

"Otomo-sama...it has. Thank you very much for coming" she said "Now that things are winding down...I'm glad you could find time to talk"

"Matters have been surprisingly busy, yes," Gaitsu agrees. "But it is always a pleasure to see the up and coming coming up."

He grins at the turn of phrase.

"If I may ask what is on order?"

"The Jade song Oolong, Otomo-sama, and some snacks"

Because that's pretty good tea and not as....overwhelming as some of the others.

"Just, you know...winding down. I still don't know how all of this will be shaking out, although I feel I've come further than I ever would have anticipated."

"The selection sounds lovely," Gaitsu says.

He adds, "From what I have seen, Matsu-san, there is a real talent there. And I am told that your art sometimes takes on...interesting qualities."

"I am honoured people think that. To put it a bit bluntly it helps me focus a talent that is very similar to Shugendo. I can...affect elemental Kami using some of my paintings to focus."

At that moment the servants brought the tea pot and two cups, and the Lion started pouring the Otomo's cup.

"I find myself wondering whether that is particular to me or whether others can benefit from the technique - or whether I can at least use it to spot talent like mine"

"Thank you," Gaitsu says as Inori pours.

He adds "That is of interest, certainly. I am acquainted with a number of shugenja, and I have not heard of such a thing--although it makes sense, as I think on it. After all, the words we write are as much paintings as anything else--or they can be, for those whose hands are steady enough."

"There seem to be a lot of similarities between what I do and what more....proper Shugenja do" Inori said. "I've started learning about these things and feel like I have a good grasp, but of course there is work left to be done. Still."

she pondered, then spoke again.

"Ultimately it is about asking the kami to do things for us, and they are elusive. It takes a lot of mental effort to make sense of them and make sense to them. I'm beginning to suspect that spell scrolls also help focussing on that"

"That is the understanding I have from my acquaintances in the Seppun, yes," Gaitsu affirms. "Although I have the thought that many of them would be intrigued by your techniques. Perhaps your embassy might take you towards Kyuden Seppun."

"I do not know whether I will even be one" Inori said defensively, and playing for time.

She was no Courtier, but this clearly sounded like an offer. She wondered if she should accept it, refuse it - or whether she COULD even refuse it. Not an easy question, that. An imperial posting, however temporary, would be a massive, if unexpected, promotion. Her head was whirling.

Tea. Play for time. Also....THINK, Inori, THINK!

*sip*

"I rather expect you will after your strong showing throughout the event here," Gaitsu replies. "And, Otomo though I am, I have great respect for the Seppun and appreciate the beauty of their lands."

"I am honoured by Otomo-sama's faith in me - and likewise honoured to serve the imperial families in the capacity they desire" Inori said.

Really no choice once you think about it. At the very least it will get me out of the Limbo I am in right now, temporary or not. A good thing, even if I'm anxious about it and hesitant to leave everything I know behind.

Gaitsu takes a sip of his tea.

"Excellent choice, this," he says. "Your lord should be commended for having so discerning a servant. I would say as much; to whom should I direct the letter?"

"That would be Matsu Chie Shoi. My mother. She commands a company of spearwomen. I mean my father would make most of the actual arrangements, but...you know"

Inori fidgeted some more. Tried to quell the impulse unsuccessfully.

"Thank you for your kind words on the tea, Otomo-sama"

"You would prefer not to receive such commendation?" Gaitsu asks. "Humility is becoming."

"Hmmm as much as I would like to claim that...no. Letters adressed to my mother are usually read by both, but my father as the Kenin and agent does a lot of the...administrative work in our household, or liases with others. At least from what I know. To be honest...I certainly did not come here seriously expected imperial appointment of any sort, but just being chosen for it, even temporary, is a boon for me as things are now"

She poured more tea for the Otomo and also had some herself. It WAS good, even if it was just the result of trying tea in 3 of the tea houses and this being the best in her opinion so far.

"It is a boon, yes," Gaitsu affirms as he accepts a refill. "The question will be 'what use will you make of it, Matsu-san?' How will you contribute to the glory of your household and your Family while in this term of service to the Throne? And will you hone your skills so that, when another Sapphire Tournament is held, you are in position to compete again?"

"The thing I thought about most once I realized I had gained control of my talents and my art was to find out whether I can help find others like me who may have an ability to see or influence the Kami - and help them on their way to stabilize and develop their talents."

Inori took a deep drink of tea.

"Working with the Seppun will definitely help me with that, even if it is probably not the most straightforward way. But it is a good way to work towards that goal nonetheless, and perhaps I will be able to provide useful insight to Seppun researchers. And if not I will most certainly be willing to put in work. I have begun studying theology, and I rather suspect my particular...leanings, as far as my skill with the spirits goes, lend themselves to the less flashy bread-and-butter work of tending to temples and providing service and blessings to supplicants."

A bit of hand-wringing. The Otomo was very friendly and accomodating, but now and then she remember just how much more powerful he was, and it made her...nervous.

"Of course I will continue to hone my painting, both the magic and the artistic side. They are closely linked anyway, and I rather suspect that if there were another such event I could put those skills to good use again. I would like that - although there is certainly a case for the Phoenix clan as the next hosts, not just for my sake, really, but because they, in my estimation, have a solid appreciation for the arts and a good understanding of the values that shaped this empire. Simply put they would be good stewards of Rokugan's art and culture"

A rather straightforward and quaint appeal, but heartfelt

(Lobbying for 1 Amigo point to Shiba Aibou)

"It's a thing worth considering," Gaitsu says. "Rather, those are all things worth considering."

He takes another sip of tea.

"I wonder if the circumstances surrounding your gempukku influence this."