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In Thunder's Echo (Legend of the Five Rings Quest)

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[X] Matsu Nimuro, son of the daimyo

Mostly because this one is so out of the blue I'm curious to see where it takes us.

(I'll take a long shot bet on "You were expecting Matsu Nimuro, but it was I, shapeshifting nameless Goju ninja!")
 
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5.17 - Tani's invitation
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    • "Oh?" You raise an eyebrow. "Did they give a name?"

    The servant flushes with momentary embarrassment. "My apologies, Soshi-sama. Asako Tani-sama of the Phoenix has come, and requested to see you."

    You nod and carefully set your brush aside, making sure the pot of ink is positioned in a way to prevent accidental spillage. "I see. Please, show the ambassador in."

    The servant bows and retreats, while you take the opportunity to clear your mind and focus on the conversation to come. For the Phoenix to visit in person rather than sending a letter is unusual, but not particularly noteworthy - it might just be a matter of impulse, or potentially something that requires a quick resolution. Either way, your interactions with Tani thus far have been generally positive and enjoyable, so this should be no different.

    A few moments later the servant reappears, followed by the Phoenix diplomat. Asako Tani nods to the heimin in thanks and then bows politely to you. "Soshi-san, thank you for seeing me. My apologies for dropping in unannounced."

    You return the bow as best you can while remaining seated - courtly etiquette generally holds that making a show of standing just so you can bow and sit back down again is inappropriate. "No apologies are necessary, Asako-sama. My door is always open to a fellow scholar. Please, sit. Have you eaten rice today?"

    The Loremaster takes a seat on the other side of your writing desk, folding her hands in her lap demurely. "I have, thank you, Soshi-san. You are practicing your calligraphy? It is quite beautiful."

    "I am, and I thank you for the compliment." You say, understanding that there are certain rituals to be observed before Tani can get to the reason she has come here today. "I find it helps to focus the mind. To dwell on the shape and formation of the characters and nothing else is a wonderful aid to clearing one's thoughts, and excellent practice for being able to do the same in... more stressful situations in the future."

    Tani nods. "I see, yes. Not the most conventional approach, but effective. The Brotherhood are known to practice a wide variety of meditation techniques, many of which involve similar degrees of focus and ritual movements. Some find physical exercise helps, or simply running through the basic katas of a sword style."

    You consider this for a moment, thinking on the easy flow of thoughtless movement that you can fall into when practicing your own weapon drills. "I can understand that. I wonder which came first - did the early samurai witness the practices of the monks and adapt them into mushin no shin? Or did retired samurai take the mindset into the Brotherhood with them?"

    "An interesting question, and not one I know the answer to." Asako Tani says thoughtfully. "It does, however, relate to my purpose in coming here today. Are you aware of the Lion Clan's relationship with the Fortune Bishamon?"

    You nod cautiously. "I am familiar with the idea that they tend to favour worship of the Fortune of Strength, yes. In fact... Bishamon Seido is located within their lands, is it not?"

    "Indeed, in Kitsu lands some distance to the west. I understand that Matsu Ketsui-sama trained there with the Lion's Pride." Tani confirms. "There is, however, a smaller shrine to the Fortune located in the nearby mountains. I intend to visit it tomorrow, both out of scholarly interest and because I feel it may give me more insight into our hosts. I would like to invite you to accompany me, if you are not otherwise engaged."

    Do you accept Tani's invitation?
    [ ] Yes
    [ ] No

    QM's note - The current schedule has you spending tomorrow introducing yourself to one of the Mantis in the morning and seeking acting lessons at the Five Arches in the afternoon. If you choose to say 'No' you can cite existing plans without causing offense, due to the last minute nature of the invitation.
     
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    • [X] Yes.
    - [X] As long as we check with Bayushi-sama first to make sure she has not developed any plans that require us.

    We haven't exactly made plans with either the Mantis or the Five Arches, so no-one will be offended if we reschedule those; taking a rare opportunity to become closer to the Phoenix ambassador and to see the sights seems more important at the moment.
     
    If we don't go, we lose her as a contact, as she will find another shaper one. .. not only that, but she could be attacked.

    If we go, we will be away from the court proper and may lose some very important side quest.

    She got here first.

    [X] Accept
     
    Look, we asked Bayushi-no-Kami for guidance, we ran right into this girl, obviously he's taken time out of his busy schedule to throw a cute shujena our way and it would be ULTIMATE DISRESPECT to blow her off.

    [X] Yes
     
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