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[X] Akodo Delegation
Burden of the Emerald Empire (A Legend of the Five Rings Tale)
- Thread starter gman391
- Start date
- Fantasy
Who exactly?
Year 3: Lion Summit: Meeting the Matsu
Meh counting that into Plan Sirrocco, of the Tiny Squid Dynasty.
-------------Plan:Sirocco
You wish you could say that you slept well, but that would be a lie. As you wake up to Lord Sun's baleful gaze, the strong blend of Iron Benten tea is probably the only thing that makes you feel human before you finish the morning routine, and wake up fully.
The plan was a relatively simple one. Go talk to Kaname, find out what happened, why, and figure out a way to get her to apologize to Satomi. Then talk to Satomi and find a solution that would make everyone happy.
Although that apology thing might take a lot more work than it first sounded. Kaname had by dint of you putting in literal days of time and effort, learned to bend a little. But she still refused to back down when she thought she was right, which was all the time.
Mind, she was cute when she was doing the righteous anger thing.
Focus Hisao, you tell yourself. Pushing the thought aside, you stride confidently into the Empress own quarters. The Daidoji around you going straighter than arrows as you approach. Their leader, a Daidoji by the name of Ayeka as you recall, kowtows to you. The sight of a woman nearly a head taller than you kow towing should be somewhat funny but it isn't.
She begs forgiveness from you and offers her life, taking the blame of her subordinates on herself.
You tell her that her punishment is up to Kaname. You know that Kaname would never allow Ayeka to suffer because of her, but it's good to make them squirm a little.
Ayeka agrees, and without moving some signal is given to let you into Kaname's inner chambers.
There on the futon you see Kaname arm in sling looking somewhat exasperated as the elderly Imperial Physician. Otomo Kauro, studies her arm with exhausting detail. The white bandage wrapped around it shows that for all her skill. Kaname can still be hurt, a thought that worries you more than you let on.
"Otomo-sensei, am I interrupting?" You call.
Kauro turns around and kowtows.
"Sorry my Emperor, the Empress is...reluctant to take my advice and I wished to be sure that her meridians were not unduly affecting her judgement"
"And?"
"No, it seems that the Empress is just naturally like this."
He mumbles something about bushi being too damned prideful, but you choose to ignore that.
"Then if it is all right, I'd like to speak to my wife in private."
Kauro looks between you and Kaname for a moment and quietly sights.
"I will be waiting outside Emperor, should you again have need of me....nothing too exotic please, her stitches are holding but not by that much."
Wait what?
The man again kowtows leaving you alone.
Kaname shakes her head.
"That man, I've had worse blows in the dojo and come out of it fine. I may be the Empress, but that does not make me a porcelain doll." She grumps.
"That man is reportedly the best physician in the Empire. I understand your impatience, but do try to listen to him...I'll make it up to you later."
Kaname gives a sly look.
"...as you say my Emperor."
"How are you feeling otherwise?" You ask.
Her face turns downward as she looks at her lap.
"Annoyed, tired, and more than a little confused. Nothing I said was dishonourable, for Matsu-san to react as though I did...it makes no sense to me. I knew the Matsu were...violently obsessed with violence but with the Empire going to war soon how can she do this?"
You sit down beside her on the futon. It is an irony of ironies that your wife would make a good Matsu in another life, you suppose.
"Start from the beginning, what happened?" You ask.
"I knew that you were waiting a few days before granting audience to both sides after speaking with them privately. I...wanted to help, to end this cleanly. Bayushi Hoshi-san agreed with me and offered a solution."
"Shosuro Jimen's-san yojimbo?" You ask.
"Hai." she answers.
"Wasn't aware you two were close."
Kaname shrugs.
"There are few in the capital who are willing to actually...fight me. I am no Lion or Crab in love with battle for it's own sake. But if I am to protect you and my children, then I must be at my best....the Daidoji, the Seppun, they both hold back. Bayushi-san, doesn't." She says.
You suppress a frown, something about that doesn't feel right. But you aren't sure what. Bayushi Hoshi was one of your potential wives, but you had decided against her, but even if she killed Kaname in an untraceable way, you were no more likely to marry the Unicorn or the Lion than the Scorpion, if you even did marry again. So assassination wasn't likely, but still, the woman was said to be politically skilled, and a skilled Scorpion woman befriending your wife without your knowledge...was concerning.
Pushing the thought aside, you refocus on Kaname.
"What solution did Bayushi-san come up with."
"Akodo-san has a young daughter Himiko, only two years younger than Matsu Yoshino-san. If they were to wed then the claims could be united into one line. As your great Uncle married into the Matsu it is appropriate for Matsu-san to marry out. However, the heir could decide which family they belonged to on their gempukku, like Lord Kakita and Doji-no-kami's children did."
All in all it was an elegant solution. Satomi would never go for marrying Yoshino out, but modified the other way with a gurauntee that the heir would be an Akodo...it could have worked.
"Did you mention the Crane to Matsu-san?" You ask.
"Hai...the Crane and Lion are allies now, that blood feud needs to be put to rest."
Well that explained everything now didn't it. Kaname had with the best of intentions you were sure explained her idea, Satomi was incensed by the idea of her nephew losing the Matsu name, but able to control it...and then Kaname suggested they imitate the children of Kakita...the Kakita that had humiliated Matsu over a thousand years ago. (Or treated her the way she treated everyone else, depending on whose side you were on) And well, things had exploded from there.
"I understand....then what happened?"
"She called me a cowardly Phoenix that fought with words and not weapons, and that if I was so eager for peace, that I should just go convince you to rule for the Matsu using my 'wiles' after all, that was why you chose me."
"...What" You say quietly.
"To be more accurate, she said that 'If you are so eager for peace, go counsel your husband to do the right thing, using the same method that you convinced him to marry you in the first place, it's obviously effective' I know you chose me for reasons other than my beauty...but..." Kaname trails off.
There was no real insult in the words, nothing you could directly punish Satomi for, yet even for a Matsu who were almost as blunt as Crabs, that level of innuendo was...uncouth.
"So then you fought her." You say.
"I told her to draw her sword and grabbed a naginata from one of my guards and attacked her yes."
"...Kaname-chan you can't just attack people like that." You say gently.
She stares at you with angry eyes.
"Matsu-san insulted you by implying you were so petty as to be distracted by beauty, and me by saying I would stoop so low to convince you. I did the right thing Hisao."
You find yourself reaching for her, but she scoots away.
She looks at you.
"No, if you are going to scold me, then scold me, but don't try to scold me and then comfort me Hisao, I am not some minor functionary to be managed, I am your wife."
You sigh, and nod.
"Hai, you are my wife. It's not that I don't understand your anger, I feel it too...but anger cannot rule me. It cannot rule you either. The Matsu will use this in their favour, and to avoid the appearance of bias, I will have to give them something for that."
"She is the one--!"
You cut her off
"But her words were not a direct insult, all you had to do was ask that she apologize and she would have. You were the one who attacked. This isn't about right Kaname-chan, I wish it was. It's about politics"
"Hisao, I have tried, and studied, and done everything I can to accept that politics are politics and no on is doing things just because of their evil. But you will not make me bend on this. Matsu-san is in the wrong. If they use that against you, then their vaunted loyalty is worth less than the dirt on the ground."
There was a saying your sensei taught you when you asked about women.
'A wise man knows that a woman who knows she is right, is as immovable as a river'
You suspect that saying holds true here. Kaname is not going to do anything but forge ahead on this. She certainly isn't going to apologize for the fight. Still, you were a stubborn sort when you got down to it.
"Your plan wasn't a bad one Kaname, but Matsu Satomi, is one of the people who never gave up the feud with the Kakita, she was as angry as you are now, and spoke without thinking. It does not absolve her words, I won't make you apologize, but try to see her perspective."
Kaname sighs.
"...Fine, I will...think about it..."
She's still angry about it, so you figure that maybe in the name of marital relations, you should take the first step.
"I'm sorry I upset you" you say.
There's a long pause as if she's mulling it over. Kaname scoots back over and puts her good arm around you.
"I'm sorry I made more work for you." she says.
You kiss her on the lips.
"It's alright, you didn't do anything wrong."
"I know...but why is Matsu-san so...angry."
"I think it's because her nephew is the last of her real family she has left. She's seen everything sacrificed to the Lion, and the Empire, she won't sacrifice her family again, not easily."
"...I'm still not apologizing" She says.
"I know, you don't have to apologize for that, but if there's anything at all...something to sooth her pride."
"Hisao, the gods declared me right in my actions. It might not have been a formal duel, but it was duel. I have nothing to apologize for."
And that was that you suppose.
You could push it, but did you want to?
No not really. You'd manage without it.
You give her another kiss.
"I'm sorry"
"You try for the best outcome Hisao, I know that, but sometimes your ideals blind you to truth" she says.
"Hai" You agree.
"Are you meeting the Matsu today?"
"Hai, the Akodo have been mollified by being given a private audience with my uncle." You explain.
"Go prepare then. Tell Matsu-san that I only meant to break one of her ribs, and apologize for the other four." Kaname says at last.
With that in your ears, you leave. It's not quite what you want, but on the other hand you suspect that putting Kaname and Satomi in the same room will start an argument that will once again leave you looking at the shattered remains of diplomacy.
The Imperial Hospice, is all in all not a large part of the Imperial Complex, the truly sick are expected to go to the Temple of Juroijin on the other side of the city. However, it is well appointed and carefully built with marble, bamboo and glass to maximize the purity of the place, and keep it warm yet cool. The bright light of Lord Sun beats down in a small trail across the the white marble.
A half dozen Matsu and one Abbess of the Ancestors surrounds the single bed. So Sister Aya, Matsu Satomi's mother was here. Wonderful, Aya was probably the political advisor that the Matsu relied on. It wasn't that the Matsu didn't have courtiers. But the woman once known as Matsu Ketsui had a wealth of experience to draw on that most didn't have. She had never been known as a politician but Ketsui had managed in an age of Ide Tadaji, Otomo Hoketuhime, and your own father. That was not without merit.
"Matsu-san, I hope I'm not late for our meeting?" You call out.
As one the Matsu and Aya spin and kowtow to you. Revealing Matsu Satomi, legs and arms held in place by bindings, as her torso is covered in bandages. Kaname had really done a number on the woman. To her credit, Satomi tried to kowtow as well but was stopped to her shame.
You wondered how badly she was wounded for the healing magic that your guests traditionally enjoyed to not be able to bring her back completely.
Perhaps, Satomi had refused that magic, such things had happened in the past.
"No Tenno, you are of course on time." came the chorus of replies.
You strode through the room, Seppun flanking you, as you approached the foot of the bed.
"Matsu Satomi-san, I greet you."
"My Emperor" She says. her voice slightly dry.
"It is unfortunate when an altercation is severe enough to put one of my samurai into bed. Even more so when it is one known her for her honour and pride. You have my blessings for a quick healing"
"Thank you for graciousness Emperor" She says a little dully.
"I would ask then, Matsu-san, what else can be done to make your stay more comfortable?" You ask.
"My heart would be relieved my benevolent Mikado, if my nephew was confirmed in his position of Champion of the Lion, so that he can serve you with the strength the Lion will need in the coming war."
"The Akodo have of course claimed that they would fit better, but it is the Matsu who fought loyally for your father, not the Akodo" Aya chimes in.
That wasn't strictly speaking true, but close enough for you not to push too hard on it. The Lion that supported your uncle, were indeed mostly Akodo.
"This is true. However, the Akodo have also served loyally and we will need them in the coming war, just as we will need the strength of the Matsu." You say blandly.
"Akodo-sama seeks to steal a birthright of her family" Aya says.
You give a short glare.
"Sister, I respect your counsel, but I speak to one of my trusted vassals, not you."
Aya pulls back.
"She is not wrong holy Emperor"
"There are some who say the claim is deeper and truer to the Akodo than it has ever been with the Matsu. Tell me, are you truly so wary of your brothers in the Lion?" You ask.
Another Matsu, you don't remember her name off hand speaks.
"Lady Matsu was ever the hand of war for Akodo-no-kami. The Lion have ever been the hand of war for the Empire. With Toturi-shiryo taking the line of Akodo-no-kami to the Imperial Throne, it makes sense for Lady Matsu's line to continue to serve as it has been."
"There is a certain symmetry to it" You say quietly.
"But as I said, I ask Matsu Satomi-san for her thoughts."
Satomi looks at the others and then draws up a well of strength.
"My family has sacrificed and bled for the Lion, over and over again it was we who answered the call of honour and duty. When the Akodo were gone, we were the Lion's protectors. When the Kitsu failed, we were the Lion's protectors, when the Ikoma submitted, we were the Lion's protectors. A Champion rules because she is the strongest Samurai who can protect everyone in her clan with that strength. Akodo-sama is not someone who can do that. My nephew can."
Well that was blunt.
"And what makes you think that. Akodo-san has to my knowledge served well and ably in every position he has had."
"He is not Matsu, the strength of the Akodo lies in your line Emperor."
"So then there is no reconciliation between your two families? Akodo-no-kami himself commanded you to be as brothers and sisters" You say.
There's a slight tensing as they all take that rebuke with carefully concealed anger. You had placed the onus on them to accommodate in a way they could not just reject.
"My Emperor we would gradually reconcile if Akodo Shigetoshi-sama were to drop his claim and accept that the championship is in Matsu hands now." Satomi says simply.
"I see, is there nothing else that can assuage the Matsu's concerns?"
"..." They look at each other in silence as they look at you.
They're not going to say that they would like to beat up the Kakita again. But they really don't need to. The grudge the Matsu and Kakita share is legendary for a reason.
"Very well. I will be honest about this Matsu-san. There is a war coming, and I will need my right hand to be strong for it. Can I have you word, that whatever happens, you will remain loyal?" You ask.
The Matsu look uncomfortable as they slowly give their oaths. You suspect that they will hold to it but that does not guarantee the Matsu as a whole will. If nothing else Yoshino is just old enough to convince people to do something stupid, and young enough to think of it.
"Thank you, I will of course keep the Matsu concerns in my thoughts and deliberations. Matsu-san, I wish to express my well wishes for your recovery, and my wife offers her apologies for letting her temper get the better of her."
"...I thank you for your words Tenno"
They kowtow again as your turn to get out.
There was more to this than they were willing to admit. The Akodo might have insights. Or you could turn to Kotaro it was nice having a competent spy master, or you could talk to Akane...
[] Just have the meeting with the Akodo and see what they say.
[] Talk to Otomo Kotaro
[] Talk to Kitsuki Akane
AN: That was a long one. Kaname refused to play ball.
-------------Plan:Sirocco
You wish you could say that you slept well, but that would be a lie. As you wake up to Lord Sun's baleful gaze, the strong blend of Iron Benten tea is probably the only thing that makes you feel human before you finish the morning routine, and wake up fully.
The plan was a relatively simple one. Go talk to Kaname, find out what happened, why, and figure out a way to get her to apologize to Satomi. Then talk to Satomi and find a solution that would make everyone happy.
Although that apology thing might take a lot more work than it first sounded. Kaname had by dint of you putting in literal days of time and effort, learned to bend a little. But she still refused to back down when she thought she was right, which was all the time.
Mind, she was cute when she was doing the righteous anger thing.
Focus Hisao, you tell yourself. Pushing the thought aside, you stride confidently into the Empress own quarters. The Daidoji around you going straighter than arrows as you approach. Their leader, a Daidoji by the name of Ayeka as you recall, kowtows to you. The sight of a woman nearly a head taller than you kow towing should be somewhat funny but it isn't.
She begs forgiveness from you and offers her life, taking the blame of her subordinates on herself.
You tell her that her punishment is up to Kaname. You know that Kaname would never allow Ayeka to suffer because of her, but it's good to make them squirm a little.
Ayeka agrees, and without moving some signal is given to let you into Kaname's inner chambers.
There on the futon you see Kaname arm in sling looking somewhat exasperated as the elderly Imperial Physician. Otomo Kauro, studies her arm with exhausting detail. The white bandage wrapped around it shows that for all her skill. Kaname can still be hurt, a thought that worries you more than you let on.
"Otomo-sensei, am I interrupting?" You call.
Kauro turns around and kowtows.
"Sorry my Emperor, the Empress is...reluctant to take my advice and I wished to be sure that her meridians were not unduly affecting her judgement"
"And?"
"No, it seems that the Empress is just naturally like this."
He mumbles something about bushi being too damned prideful, but you choose to ignore that.
"Then if it is all right, I'd like to speak to my wife in private."
Kauro looks between you and Kaname for a moment and quietly sights.
"I will be waiting outside Emperor, should you again have need of me....nothing too exotic please, her stitches are holding but not by that much."
Wait what?
The man again kowtows leaving you alone.
Kaname shakes her head.
"That man, I've had worse blows in the dojo and come out of it fine. I may be the Empress, but that does not make me a porcelain doll." She grumps.
"That man is reportedly the best physician in the Empire. I understand your impatience, but do try to listen to him...I'll make it up to you later."
Kaname gives a sly look.
"...as you say my Emperor."
"How are you feeling otherwise?" You ask.
Her face turns downward as she looks at her lap.
"Annoyed, tired, and more than a little confused. Nothing I said was dishonourable, for Matsu-san to react as though I did...it makes no sense to me. I knew the Matsu were...violently obsessed with violence but with the Empire going to war soon how can she do this?"
You sit down beside her on the futon. It is an irony of ironies that your wife would make a good Matsu in another life, you suppose.
"Start from the beginning, what happened?" You ask.
"I knew that you were waiting a few days before granting audience to both sides after speaking with them privately. I...wanted to help, to end this cleanly. Bayushi Hoshi-san agreed with me and offered a solution."
"Shosuro Jimen's-san yojimbo?" You ask.
"Hai." she answers.
"Wasn't aware you two were close."
Kaname shrugs.
"There are few in the capital who are willing to actually...fight me. I am no Lion or Crab in love with battle for it's own sake. But if I am to protect you and my children, then I must be at my best....the Daidoji, the Seppun, they both hold back. Bayushi-san, doesn't." She says.
You suppress a frown, something about that doesn't feel right. But you aren't sure what. Bayushi Hoshi was one of your potential wives, but you had decided against her, but even if she killed Kaname in an untraceable way, you were no more likely to marry the Unicorn or the Lion than the Scorpion, if you even did marry again. So assassination wasn't likely, but still, the woman was said to be politically skilled, and a skilled Scorpion woman befriending your wife without your knowledge...was concerning.
Pushing the thought aside, you refocus on Kaname.
"What solution did Bayushi-san come up with."
"Akodo-san has a young daughter Himiko, only two years younger than Matsu Yoshino-san. If they were to wed then the claims could be united into one line. As your great Uncle married into the Matsu it is appropriate for Matsu-san to marry out. However, the heir could decide which family they belonged to on their gempukku, like Lord Kakita and Doji-no-kami's children did."
All in all it was an elegant solution. Satomi would never go for marrying Yoshino out, but modified the other way with a gurauntee that the heir would be an Akodo...it could have worked.
"Did you mention the Crane to Matsu-san?" You ask.
"Hai...the Crane and Lion are allies now, that blood feud needs to be put to rest."
Well that explained everything now didn't it. Kaname had with the best of intentions you were sure explained her idea, Satomi was incensed by the idea of her nephew losing the Matsu name, but able to control it...and then Kaname suggested they imitate the children of Kakita...the Kakita that had humiliated Matsu over a thousand years ago. (Or treated her the way she treated everyone else, depending on whose side you were on) And well, things had exploded from there.
"I understand....then what happened?"
"She called me a cowardly Phoenix that fought with words and not weapons, and that if I was so eager for peace, that I should just go convince you to rule for the Matsu using my 'wiles' after all, that was why you chose me."
"...What" You say quietly.
"To be more accurate, she said that 'If you are so eager for peace, go counsel your husband to do the right thing, using the same method that you convinced him to marry you in the first place, it's obviously effective' I know you chose me for reasons other than my beauty...but..." Kaname trails off.
There was no real insult in the words, nothing you could directly punish Satomi for, yet even for a Matsu who were almost as blunt as Crabs, that level of innuendo was...uncouth.
"So then you fought her." You say.
"I told her to draw her sword and grabbed a naginata from one of my guards and attacked her yes."
"...Kaname-chan you can't just attack people like that." You say gently.
She stares at you with angry eyes.
"Matsu-san insulted you by implying you were so petty as to be distracted by beauty, and me by saying I would stoop so low to convince you. I did the right thing Hisao."
You find yourself reaching for her, but she scoots away.
She looks at you.
"No, if you are going to scold me, then scold me, but don't try to scold me and then comfort me Hisao, I am not some minor functionary to be managed, I am your wife."
You sigh, and nod.
"Hai, you are my wife. It's not that I don't understand your anger, I feel it too...but anger cannot rule me. It cannot rule you either. The Matsu will use this in their favour, and to avoid the appearance of bias, I will have to give them something for that."
"She is the one--!"
You cut her off
"But her words were not a direct insult, all you had to do was ask that she apologize and she would have. You were the one who attacked. This isn't about right Kaname-chan, I wish it was. It's about politics"
"Hisao, I have tried, and studied, and done everything I can to accept that politics are politics and no on is doing things just because of their evil. But you will not make me bend on this. Matsu-san is in the wrong. If they use that against you, then their vaunted loyalty is worth less than the dirt on the ground."
There was a saying your sensei taught you when you asked about women.
'A wise man knows that a woman who knows she is right, is as immovable as a river'
You suspect that saying holds true here. Kaname is not going to do anything but forge ahead on this. She certainly isn't going to apologize for the fight. Still, you were a stubborn sort when you got down to it.
"Your plan wasn't a bad one Kaname, but Matsu Satomi, is one of the people who never gave up the feud with the Kakita, she was as angry as you are now, and spoke without thinking. It does not absolve her words, I won't make you apologize, but try to see her perspective."
Kaname sighs.
"...Fine, I will...think about it..."
She's still angry about it, so you figure that maybe in the name of marital relations, you should take the first step.
"I'm sorry I upset you" you say.
There's a long pause as if she's mulling it over. Kaname scoots back over and puts her good arm around you.
"I'm sorry I made more work for you." she says.
You kiss her on the lips.
"It's alright, you didn't do anything wrong."
"I know...but why is Matsu-san so...angry."
"I think it's because her nephew is the last of her real family she has left. She's seen everything sacrificed to the Lion, and the Empire, she won't sacrifice her family again, not easily."
"...I'm still not apologizing" She says.
"I know, you don't have to apologize for that, but if there's anything at all...something to sooth her pride."
"Hisao, the gods declared me right in my actions. It might not have been a formal duel, but it was duel. I have nothing to apologize for."
And that was that you suppose.
You could push it, but did you want to?
No not really. You'd manage without it.
You give her another kiss.
"I'm sorry"
"You try for the best outcome Hisao, I know that, but sometimes your ideals blind you to truth" she says.
"Hai" You agree.
"Are you meeting the Matsu today?"
"Hai, the Akodo have been mollified by being given a private audience with my uncle." You explain.
"Go prepare then. Tell Matsu-san that I only meant to break one of her ribs, and apologize for the other four." Kaname says at last.
With that in your ears, you leave. It's not quite what you want, but on the other hand you suspect that putting Kaname and Satomi in the same room will start an argument that will once again leave you looking at the shattered remains of diplomacy.
The Imperial Hospice, is all in all not a large part of the Imperial Complex, the truly sick are expected to go to the Temple of Juroijin on the other side of the city. However, it is well appointed and carefully built with marble, bamboo and glass to maximize the purity of the place, and keep it warm yet cool. The bright light of Lord Sun beats down in a small trail across the the white marble.
A half dozen Matsu and one Abbess of the Ancestors surrounds the single bed. So Sister Aya, Matsu Satomi's mother was here. Wonderful, Aya was probably the political advisor that the Matsu relied on. It wasn't that the Matsu didn't have courtiers. But the woman once known as Matsu Ketsui had a wealth of experience to draw on that most didn't have. She had never been known as a politician but Ketsui had managed in an age of Ide Tadaji, Otomo Hoketuhime, and your own father. That was not without merit.
"Matsu-san, I hope I'm not late for our meeting?" You call out.
As one the Matsu and Aya spin and kowtow to you. Revealing Matsu Satomi, legs and arms held in place by bindings, as her torso is covered in bandages. Kaname had really done a number on the woman. To her credit, Satomi tried to kowtow as well but was stopped to her shame.
You wondered how badly she was wounded for the healing magic that your guests traditionally enjoyed to not be able to bring her back completely.
Perhaps, Satomi had refused that magic, such things had happened in the past.
"No Tenno, you are of course on time." came the chorus of replies.
You strode through the room, Seppun flanking you, as you approached the foot of the bed.
"Matsu Satomi-san, I greet you."
"My Emperor" She says. her voice slightly dry.
"It is unfortunate when an altercation is severe enough to put one of my samurai into bed. Even more so when it is one known her for her honour and pride. You have my blessings for a quick healing"
"Thank you for graciousness Emperor" She says a little dully.
"I would ask then, Matsu-san, what else can be done to make your stay more comfortable?" You ask.
"My heart would be relieved my benevolent Mikado, if my nephew was confirmed in his position of Champion of the Lion, so that he can serve you with the strength the Lion will need in the coming war."
"The Akodo have of course claimed that they would fit better, but it is the Matsu who fought loyally for your father, not the Akodo" Aya chimes in.
That wasn't strictly speaking true, but close enough for you not to push too hard on it. The Lion that supported your uncle, were indeed mostly Akodo.
"This is true. However, the Akodo have also served loyally and we will need them in the coming war, just as we will need the strength of the Matsu." You say blandly.
"Akodo-sama seeks to steal a birthright of her family" Aya says.
You give a short glare.
"Sister, I respect your counsel, but I speak to one of my trusted vassals, not you."
Aya pulls back.
"She is not wrong holy Emperor"
"There are some who say the claim is deeper and truer to the Akodo than it has ever been with the Matsu. Tell me, are you truly so wary of your brothers in the Lion?" You ask.
Another Matsu, you don't remember her name off hand speaks.
"Lady Matsu was ever the hand of war for Akodo-no-kami. The Lion have ever been the hand of war for the Empire. With Toturi-shiryo taking the line of Akodo-no-kami to the Imperial Throne, it makes sense for Lady Matsu's line to continue to serve as it has been."
"There is a certain symmetry to it" You say quietly.
"But as I said, I ask Matsu Satomi-san for her thoughts."
Satomi looks at the others and then draws up a well of strength.
"My family has sacrificed and bled for the Lion, over and over again it was we who answered the call of honour and duty. When the Akodo were gone, we were the Lion's protectors. When the Kitsu failed, we were the Lion's protectors, when the Ikoma submitted, we were the Lion's protectors. A Champion rules because she is the strongest Samurai who can protect everyone in her clan with that strength. Akodo-sama is not someone who can do that. My nephew can."
Well that was blunt.
"And what makes you think that. Akodo-san has to my knowledge served well and ably in every position he has had."
"He is not Matsu, the strength of the Akodo lies in your line Emperor."
"So then there is no reconciliation between your two families? Akodo-no-kami himself commanded you to be as brothers and sisters" You say.
There's a slight tensing as they all take that rebuke with carefully concealed anger. You had placed the onus on them to accommodate in a way they could not just reject.
"My Emperor we would gradually reconcile if Akodo Shigetoshi-sama were to drop his claim and accept that the championship is in Matsu hands now." Satomi says simply.
"I see, is there nothing else that can assuage the Matsu's concerns?"
"..." They look at each other in silence as they look at you.
They're not going to say that they would like to beat up the Kakita again. But they really don't need to. The grudge the Matsu and Kakita share is legendary for a reason.
"Very well. I will be honest about this Matsu-san. There is a war coming, and I will need my right hand to be strong for it. Can I have you word, that whatever happens, you will remain loyal?" You ask.
The Matsu look uncomfortable as they slowly give their oaths. You suspect that they will hold to it but that does not guarantee the Matsu as a whole will. If nothing else Yoshino is just old enough to convince people to do something stupid, and young enough to think of it.
"Thank you, I will of course keep the Matsu concerns in my thoughts and deliberations. Matsu-san, I wish to express my well wishes for your recovery, and my wife offers her apologies for letting her temper get the better of her."
"...I thank you for your words Tenno"
They kowtow again as your turn to get out.
There was more to this than they were willing to admit. The Akodo might have insights. Or you could turn to Kotaro it was nice having a competent spy master, or you could talk to Akane...
[] Just have the meeting with the Akodo and see what they say.
[] Talk to Otomo Kotaro
[] Talk to Kitsuki Akane
AN: That was a long one. Kaname refused to play ball.
- Location
- Moon-Station
[X] Just have the meeting with the Akodo and see what they say.
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[X] Just have the meeting with the Akodo and see what they say.
- Location
- Canada
[X] Just have the meeting with the Akodo and see what they say.
We have to do it sometime so yeah lets go for it
We have to do it sometime so yeah lets go for it
lavanderjasmine
Master of decoration
- Location
- R'lyeh
[X] Just have the meeting with the Akodo and see what they say.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Just had a middle-of-the-night idea for a compromise position that might manage to keep everyone at least reasonably happy, while continuing the "singleminded obsession on fighting against the threats to the empire" theme.
Basically, we leave it up to the coming war. We ask the Lion to field two armies - each led by one of those who would wish to be champion. Have them in somewhat different theaters of the campaign to avoid strife between them. The army that achieves the most success in stopping and driving back and destroying the enemy will earn the Champion slot for the family it represents. Basically, the Lion are supposed to be the Right Hand. This gives us a chance to determine which is the better-suited to do that for this generation... and if the Will of the Heavens has anything to say about it... well, the Will fo the Heavens can make itself known. Something something "Why debate which of you is the better leader in Court when we can determine the truth of it on the battlefield, fighting against the enemies of the Empire?"
@gman391 is this the sort of thing that might work? How terrible would it be to not have that decision made for the intervening couple of years?
Basically, we leave it up to the coming war. We ask the Lion to field two armies - each led by one of those who would wish to be champion. Have them in somewhat different theaters of the campaign to avoid strife between them. The army that achieves the most success in stopping and driving back and destroying the enemy will earn the Champion slot for the family it represents. Basically, the Lion are supposed to be the Right Hand. This gives us a chance to determine which is the better-suited to do that for this generation... and if the Will of the Heavens has anything to say about it... well, the Will fo the Heavens can make itself known. Something something "Why debate which of you is the better leader in Court when we can determine the truth of it on the battlefield, fighting against the enemies of the Empire?"
@gman391 is this the sort of thing that might work? How terrible would it be to not have that decision made for the intervening couple of years?
I like this idea but we'd have to sell it to both families although I think that once one of them accepts the other will as well so as not to look cowardly, we'd also have to figure out who will administrate the lion lands while there's no clan champion and by what criteria to decide who accomplished most. This might actually be an opportunity to gain significant additional influence if we can swing any kind of imperial administration of the lion lands.
It could work. There are those who would see you as a bit of a coward for not just making the decision yourself, but in effect you're basically forcing the Ikoma to continue the regency while the Akodo and Matsu fight it out. Which while poor Ikoma Korin will be hilariously spastic about, is something the Ikoma have been doing already (what with Otemi's regency) so they can do it.
Ultimately though, this would serve as precedent for the Lion if they ever wanted to change leadership again. Which you might judge as Future Hisao/Toturi V's problem and not care about, but it's worth considering whether you want a war every generation or so for the Lion Championship.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
The point of it would be a war *against a great foe of the Empire*. I can see how the precedent might get adjusted pretty rapidly, though.
If we just cave to the Matsu, I think it weakens us. She shows up, gets in a fight with our wife and plays hardball. If we just let her have what she's asking for, that's not exactly showing strength. Of course, we have yet to hear the Akodo side of things.
Great Foe of the Empire is a fairly ambiguous term in Rokugan.
The Matsu are aware of their relative lack of political savvy thus stay on point.
Going to see about getting an update out tonight, honestly feeling pretty cruddy.
Year 3: Lion Summit: Playing with the Akodo
--The Akodo
It took a day to arrange the meeting with the Akodo. In the end you ended up sitting across from Akodo Shigetoshi, playing a game of Go to your annoyance, he's winning. Behind you, the seppun guards watch Akodo Bakin and Akodo Natsumi wearily. No on expects a fight, no one wants a fight. Yet, your Seppun have found that they must always be on guard.
Shigeotoshi places a black piece down, as he waits for you to speak. Clearly relying on his patience to carry the day rather than brash declarations, you suppose you could out wait him, but that would be wasting both of your time.
You place down a white piece catching him off guard.
"You play well Akodo-san, how often do you practice?" You ask.
"I don't, I play the game as often as I am able but it is not practice for me...more meditation" Shigeotshi answers.
He places another black piece, neatly trapping you.
"I see, you must meditate often, was that meditation what led you to this position?"
You see a feint within a feint, but place your piece to turn it back on him.
"Hai, in part. In honesty it was your request for brides that brought this about."
You raise an eyebrow.
"I remember, Ikoma Motoko was her name, a master spear woman. My wife often wonders if her naginata would match her spear."
Shigetoshi nods.
"It's good to have rivals to propel you to new heights, but yes. After the Empress was chosen, I decided to make use of Ikoma-san's new found visibility by letting Akodo Bakin turn her into one of his proteges"
"A fine reward, Akodo Bakin-san is justly renowned for his skill." You say.
"Indeed, Bakin-san, perhaps you should explain this?"
Akodo Bakin nods and the smaller man takes a breath.
"I set her a task I set all of my students, most when they are children, but well I did not have a chance train her as a child to my sorrow, if I had..." He trails off. "Regardless the task is a simple one, any student of war is familiar with it. Chart out the greatest strategic threats to the Clan. Or Empire. Most prefer the Clan as it's easier to grasp"
You place another piece, springing your own trap around Shigetoshi, dragging the game back to a stalemate.
"Ikoma-san did not want to show me her results. I was confused, and thought perhaps she had been lazy...but that woman is many things but lazy wasn't one of them. I eventually ordered her to show me the work she did. And she revealed why she did not want to speak it. From the evaluation she did, the greatest strategic threat to the Lion...was ourselves"
You pause for a moment, the three Lion looking distinctly ashamed to have that said, but resolute in it.
"There was no mistake?" You at last get out.
Bikan had a bitter wryness to his voice.
"Not that I could determine. It's a simple sort of logic, but it is not one that any normal Lion would see. The Lion have fought and bled since the time of your Great Grandfather, we have fought and bled too much in every conflict, more and more of us honour our ancestors. At our current rate of engagement, this is not sustainable"
"With respect Akodo-san, I need the Lion for the next war."
Shigetoshi is gruff as he declares.
"Of course, we would never forsake that duty. But we cannot war again against all of Rokugan."
You blink for a moment putting it together.
"No it is not the Lion as a whole that is the problem, you foresee Matsu Yoshino dragging you into more wars. To keep you from recovering even a little strength until..."
Shigetoshi nods.
"Until the Lion must give the position of Right Hand to another. On that day, we die in spirit if not in truth."
The third Akodo, Natsumi speaks up.
"We mean no disrespect to Matsu Yoshino-san or his house. He is fine man, a fine samurai one who would lead us with honour."
"I could simply order him to not wage war on anyone."
They look at each other.
"Matsu-san would likely take that as an insult, and seppuku for offending you so" Bakin says at last.
Okay, but you didn't have to grant that either.
"A very honourable Samurai indeed, but I could forbid it."
"Our holy Mikado, even you are not permitted to deny a man kanshi" Shigetoshi says stoically.
Well that was a novel concept now wasn't it? Ceremonially killing yourself to protest that you weren't given the right to ceremonially kill yourself. Although, it would work, and damage your prestige besides.
Natsumi speaks again.
"My Emperor, we have discussed this...we do not see an outcome where the Lion are able to hold a peace so long as the Matsu rule us. Their honour will compel them to war again and again and they will be good wars, proper wars. But they will be wars that kills us slowly, and though they know that, they say it is worth it for honour's sake."
The air is heavy as you take all of that in. You look at them, they are all thoroughly miserable about doing this, but they do not see any choice. That looks was on your face when you ordered your Uncle north. They do not want to do this, but they must.
Finally Shigetoshi speaks up again.
"Were it only for myself, I would never seek to take Matsu-san's place. But for my Clan, for my people, I will take this burden and bear it until it is my time"
You place down your last piece.
"Have you heard of the proposal the Empress floated to Matsu Satomi-san?"
Shigetoshi nods.
"Hai...I am not opposed. I do not think my daughter and Matsu Yoshino will have a happy marriage, but marriage is about politics and children, not love" Shigetoshi says.
"It is an honourable solution, I do not think that he will object, while his...zeal is something of an issue, his honour is not in question" Bakin says.
Shigetoshi places the last piece of the game. You can see he's won.
"You've given me much to think about Akodo-san, I will summon you and Matsu Satomi-san for a true conference as soon as she is fully healed."
"Of course."
They kowtow and leave the small room, with only your two guards beside you.
What a mess, you can see that the Akodo believe truly that the Matsu will destroy them in the end. Thinking back and thinking about how much blood, sweat, and koku they've spent in the last forty years you aren't sure you disagree with it. The Clan Wars were a bloody free for all, but one that the Lion arguably won. The War Against Shadow, needed a full multi clan coalition to win. And the War of Spirits so a multi sided civil war for nearly two generations. That isn't getting into the Wars again Daigotsu and Iuchiban...no the Lion have bled and died for forty years now. Bled so other clans didn't have to, bled to save the Empire...also to rule it but details. However, unlike the Crab, they didn't have the infrastructure set up to support that kind of system.
You stand up and walk outside to the garden looking for some air. Your guards of course follow you, but other than that, you seem to be alone in the mostly dead garden, the spring life is just beginning to come back in full.
A sound in a nearby alcove, you move around the alcove and you see...
[] Otomo Hoketuhime the aged matron of the Otomo and arguably the greatest politician alive
[] Kaneka, your uncle, and perhaps the man closest to the Lion while still being in another Clan
[] You younger brother, apparently enjoying the spring air.
[] Bayushi Hoshi, the yojimbo to the Imperial Chancellor.
[] (Write in within reason.)
It took a day to arrange the meeting with the Akodo. In the end you ended up sitting across from Akodo Shigetoshi, playing a game of Go to your annoyance, he's winning. Behind you, the seppun guards watch Akodo Bakin and Akodo Natsumi wearily. No on expects a fight, no one wants a fight. Yet, your Seppun have found that they must always be on guard.
Shigeotoshi places a black piece down, as he waits for you to speak. Clearly relying on his patience to carry the day rather than brash declarations, you suppose you could out wait him, but that would be wasting both of your time.
You place down a white piece catching him off guard.
"You play well Akodo-san, how often do you practice?" You ask.
"I don't, I play the game as often as I am able but it is not practice for me...more meditation" Shigeotshi answers.
He places another black piece, neatly trapping you.
"I see, you must meditate often, was that meditation what led you to this position?"
You see a feint within a feint, but place your piece to turn it back on him.
"Hai, in part. In honesty it was your request for brides that brought this about."
You raise an eyebrow.
"I remember, Ikoma Motoko was her name, a master spear woman. My wife often wonders if her naginata would match her spear."
Shigetoshi nods.
"It's good to have rivals to propel you to new heights, but yes. After the Empress was chosen, I decided to make use of Ikoma-san's new found visibility by letting Akodo Bakin turn her into one of his proteges"
"A fine reward, Akodo Bakin-san is justly renowned for his skill." You say.
"Indeed, Bakin-san, perhaps you should explain this?"
Akodo Bakin nods and the smaller man takes a breath.
"I set her a task I set all of my students, most when they are children, but well I did not have a chance train her as a child to my sorrow, if I had..." He trails off. "Regardless the task is a simple one, any student of war is familiar with it. Chart out the greatest strategic threats to the Clan. Or Empire. Most prefer the Clan as it's easier to grasp"
You place another piece, springing your own trap around Shigetoshi, dragging the game back to a stalemate.
"Ikoma-san did not want to show me her results. I was confused, and thought perhaps she had been lazy...but that woman is many things but lazy wasn't one of them. I eventually ordered her to show me the work she did. And she revealed why she did not want to speak it. From the evaluation she did, the greatest strategic threat to the Lion...was ourselves"
You pause for a moment, the three Lion looking distinctly ashamed to have that said, but resolute in it.
"There was no mistake?" You at last get out.
Bikan had a bitter wryness to his voice.
"Not that I could determine. It's a simple sort of logic, but it is not one that any normal Lion would see. The Lion have fought and bled since the time of your Great Grandfather, we have fought and bled too much in every conflict, more and more of us honour our ancestors. At our current rate of engagement, this is not sustainable"
"With respect Akodo-san, I need the Lion for the next war."
Shigetoshi is gruff as he declares.
"Of course, we would never forsake that duty. But we cannot war again against all of Rokugan."
You blink for a moment putting it together.
"No it is not the Lion as a whole that is the problem, you foresee Matsu Yoshino dragging you into more wars. To keep you from recovering even a little strength until..."
Shigetoshi nods.
"Until the Lion must give the position of Right Hand to another. On that day, we die in spirit if not in truth."
The third Akodo, Natsumi speaks up.
"We mean no disrespect to Matsu Yoshino-san or his house. He is fine man, a fine samurai one who would lead us with honour."
"I could simply order him to not wage war on anyone."
They look at each other.
"Matsu-san would likely take that as an insult, and seppuku for offending you so" Bakin says at last.
Okay, but you didn't have to grant that either.
"A very honourable Samurai indeed, but I could forbid it."
"Our holy Mikado, even you are not permitted to deny a man kanshi" Shigetoshi says stoically.
Well that was a novel concept now wasn't it? Ceremonially killing yourself to protest that you weren't given the right to ceremonially kill yourself. Although, it would work, and damage your prestige besides.
Natsumi speaks again.
"My Emperor, we have discussed this...we do not see an outcome where the Lion are able to hold a peace so long as the Matsu rule us. Their honour will compel them to war again and again and they will be good wars, proper wars. But they will be wars that kills us slowly, and though they know that, they say it is worth it for honour's sake."
The air is heavy as you take all of that in. You look at them, they are all thoroughly miserable about doing this, but they do not see any choice. That looks was on your face when you ordered your Uncle north. They do not want to do this, but they must.
Finally Shigetoshi speaks up again.
"Were it only for myself, I would never seek to take Matsu-san's place. But for my Clan, for my people, I will take this burden and bear it until it is my time"
You place down your last piece.
"Have you heard of the proposal the Empress floated to Matsu Satomi-san?"
Shigetoshi nods.
"Hai...I am not opposed. I do not think my daughter and Matsu Yoshino will have a happy marriage, but marriage is about politics and children, not love" Shigetoshi says.
"It is an honourable solution, I do not think that he will object, while his...zeal is something of an issue, his honour is not in question" Bakin says.
Shigetoshi places the last piece of the game. You can see he's won.
"You've given me much to think about Akodo-san, I will summon you and Matsu Satomi-san for a true conference as soon as she is fully healed."
"Of course."
They kowtow and leave the small room, with only your two guards beside you.
What a mess, you can see that the Akodo believe truly that the Matsu will destroy them in the end. Thinking back and thinking about how much blood, sweat, and koku they've spent in the last forty years you aren't sure you disagree with it. The Clan Wars were a bloody free for all, but one that the Lion arguably won. The War Against Shadow, needed a full multi clan coalition to win. And the War of Spirits so a multi sided civil war for nearly two generations. That isn't getting into the Wars again Daigotsu and Iuchiban...no the Lion have bled and died for forty years now. Bled so other clans didn't have to, bled to save the Empire...also to rule it but details. However, unlike the Crab, they didn't have the infrastructure set up to support that kind of system.
You stand up and walk outside to the garden looking for some air. Your guards of course follow you, but other than that, you seem to be alone in the mostly dead garden, the spring life is just beginning to come back in full.
A sound in a nearby alcove, you move around the alcove and you see...
[] Otomo Hoketuhime the aged matron of the Otomo and arguably the greatest politician alive
[] Kaneka, your uncle, and perhaps the man closest to the Lion while still being in another Clan
[] You younger brother, apparently enjoying the spring air.
[] Bayushi Hoshi, the yojimbo to the Imperial Chancellor.
[] (Write in within reason.)
Last edited:
- Location
- Virginia
[X] Otomo Hoketuhime the aged matron of the Otomo and arguably the greatest politician alive
Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
[X] Otomo Hoketuhime the aged matron of the Otomo and arguably the greatest politician alive
- Location
- Leeds
Where does the madness stop? Ceremonially killing others to protest the ban on ceremonially killing yourself ^n?
Would have been great to hear from her at any point. Literally any.
[X] Otomo Hoketuhime the aged matron of the Otomo and arguably the greatest politician alive.