Sapphire Ambassadors

A tall-hatted man in orange and gold slurps noisily from a bowl of noodles, delighting in the sibilance of their passing and enjoying the richness of the broth, the gentle flavor of the fishcake.

This will be a scene worth painting, he thinks. It's a good location for this.

Aibou continues to eat.

Another tall-hatted man, this one in teal and gold, walks by.

He stops, suddenly, looking into the stand and seeing another already there.

And he smiles.

Soon, he has his own bowl of noodles, and after adding a liberal handful of pepper to it, begins to tuck in.

He glances at the other there, but for the moment, Tomodachi says nothing.

A slender and masked figure in red and black familiar to both men walks by the ramen stand in the company of a minor Crane functionary.

"Ah, but of course, Doji-san. Your insights into Winter are quite keen. I must admit, I had never thought about the possibility of a work focusing on the Crane's third cousin briefly mentioned on page 124, but it is an intriguing thought." she offered, her voice suggesting it was truly a wonderful idea.

And as if on cue, she halts at the ramen stand.

"Ah, forgive me Doji-san, but I find myself somewhat fatigued from the day's wanderings. I would not wish to keep you from your duties any further, but rest assured, we shall speak later." he offered, expressing a certain remorse in the conversation coming to the end, a hope for the future meeting...and a dismissal.

The Crane exits, and the Scorpion takes a seat from where she can better appreciate the Mantis patron....and ignore the Phoenix one.

She places a hand on the stand only to withdraw it to reveal a coin.

"You have my thanks, good merchant, for providing a much needed respite. Truly, your stand could not be in a more fortuitous position." she said, ordering nothing.

Aibou stands as she approaches, bows.

"Shosuro-san, it is lovely to see you again!

"The miso ramen is particularly good here," he adds. "It would be well worth your time."

Tomodachi's knuckles crack as he flexes a callused hand.

"Shosuro-san," he says from where he sits, a flat acknowledgment.

His eyes flicker over to Aibou.

"What brings you--the two of you--to Teitaku Town?"

All Scorpion grace, Otoko offers a well practiced bow to the pair addressing her.

"Ah, indeed, Shiba-san, I'm sure it is. But my apologies to the chef, I simply can not favor it at this time. Ever since I've arrived the Crane have simply been such generous hosts in all matters including culinary, I am nearly overwhelmed. Were I attempt to consume the the seemingly endless procession of sweets, snacks, and fruits in addition to the feasts they are trying to pass off as 'simple meals' I would be unable to fit into my mask by the end of this week, let alone my kimono. So alas, I must gaze upon such generousity, acknowledge it's offering, and wonder about what may of been." she replies, with a subtle glance at the midsection of the Phoenix, before turning her attention more fully to the Mantis.

"Ah, while I cannot speak for Shiba-san, I am attending to some mere formalities of inter-clan relations, Yoritomo-san. A few brief discussions about the Scorpion hosting the tournament next year, and I should be free for the rest of the tournament. Perhaps we might take a walk and enjoy the floral stylings of the Crane during such easy-going times? One is not often afforded such opportunities while walking the path of Duty." she suggests.

Aibou shakes his head as he seats himself.

"None could doubt your grace, Shosuro-san," he says. "But it will be a difficult thing for the Scorpion to host the tournament next year, since the Phoenix will be the ones to do so. To which end I am here, of course."

He smiles.

"Although it could be hoped that Shosuro-san is competing here. It would be a delight to see her skills employed."

She'd know all about her kimono coming off, wouldn't she? Tomodachi thinks.

He shakes his head.

"Minna-san, you seem to misunderstand matters," he says. "The Mantis will be the next hosts, being obviously best suited to it. Who could enjoy the chill of the Phoenix lands not born to them, and as to the Scorpion, after Naishou...it would be a burden that others would better bear, wouldn't it?"

He eats more, then adds, "The Mantis lands are ideally suited to it, and who can resist call of the sea to art?"

Otoko tilts her head curiously at the Mantis's words.

"A rather...harsh assessment of the capabilities of the Crane's oldest allies, Yoritomo-san. I myself have often enjoyed travelling the lands of the Dragon, but I surely do see the appeal of the sea as an inspiration to artists." she offered with a small shake of her head.

"But the Mantis lands DO provide a rather unique set of challenges to artists do they not? The sea winds are invigorating, the local climate warms the hearts of it inhabitants....but such environs are not particularly forgiving to creations of paper and cloth. The Mantis would be excellent hosts, indeed...but for the third hosting of the tournament, when it's tradition has been completely established by Crane and Scorpion." she suggests warmly.

"Harsh. And inaccurate."

Aibou's face is carefully still.

"But the Phoenix coastline is long, and the paper in our provinces is peerless. And, as Shosuro-san says, our alliance with the Crane endures, unswayed by shining trinkets."

His head shakes slightly.

"And are not books written of winters? The cold does not discommode those who have fortitude."

"Then perhaps I shall visit the Phoenix lands and see what they offer," Tomodachi says, eyes flickering over Aibou. "But after the Mantis have secured the new tradition. For we are not so hidebound as some, and we are more appreciative than most."

Otoko leaned back slightly.

"Ah, such good points you both raise. The Phoenix have much to offer to artistic traditions as anyone, as Shiba-san so rightfully proclaims. And yet, Yoritomo-san's words have merit as well. There are some who would view the Phoenix hosting next as well....playing Kemari by themselves you might say. It is not meant to be another position of Crane honor, such as the Topaz championship, but more widespread, travelling the land much as the Imperial Winter Court does. And as one of the most often hosts of the Imperial Winter Court, having the Scorpion host next would similarly provide a solid tradition for the tournament as impartial. I doubt any would imply that the Crane are overly influential over the Scorpion after all." she explained, weaving together the arguments of the two, twisting the words slightly, and weaving her own design.

"The Phoenix have often hosted the Winter Court, as well, Shosuro-san," Aibou remarks. "And, as you remark, there are fine traditions or artistry among my Clan--divinely inspired, one might even add.

"Too, when the Phoenix host the next Sapphire Tournament, it will indeed move things. And surely the Scorpion--or the Mantis--do not want to be seen too much as trailing after the Crane?

"Fortunately, the children of the Kami Who Knelt are less taken with such concerns and can focus more fully on enriching all."

"More like setting the highest possible standard, when it comes to Mantis lands," Tomodachi replies.

"After all, what is art but the assertion of self into the world? And who better for the support of that than those who made their own fortunes--the Mantis?"

Otoko nodded along with the Mantis.

"Such wise words, Yoritomo-san. And so well spoken. We should find some time during the tournament for a more...intimate conversation on the topic." she suggested.

She then turned her attention back to the Phoenix.

"Hmm, and you're saying the Phoenix are happy to trail after the Crane, Shiba-san? You seem to be making my point about the need to have it somewhere else than the Phoenix lands to make sure the tournament is kept politically neutral." She added.

"Think rather that the Phoenix would be the choice to keep things peaceful," Aibou replies. "Rather than tossed about in storm or having to shake sand out of sandals.

"One would think after so much upset that a more pacific setting would be preferred."

Tomodachi snorts derisively.

"Art grows from tension, from conflict," he says. "Juxtaposition, the pairing of things together. And the diversity of Mantis holdings suits that well."

Otoko nodded.

"A concept the Scorpion understand well, Yoritomo-san. If you've ever been to a showing of 'The Sins of Lord Bumikari' you'd see that's really gripping art challenges the audience as well. If you haven't, I'd be happy to invite you along to a showing sometime were you in Scorpion lands." she said.

She glanced back at the Phoenix.

"But perhaps you are both right. Both Phoenix and Mantis geography is challenging to members of certain clans. The Scorpion lands, on the other hand, are quire temperate....at least as far as the weather goes. But there is still inspiration a plenty in it's environs."

Aibou looks Otoko up and down. "I'll not deny that there are...attractions to be found there," he admits. "And I see I am not able to convince either of you to relent. It's a sadness, truly, that I shall have to prevail at your expense."

"Bold of you to presume such a thing," Tomodachi says. "I appreciate boldness--but you are wrong, here. It shall be I who prevails, and the Mantis who make the Sapphire Tournament more than a one-time event."