The New Winds

Nobuko arrived slightly before the time set on the invitation. She did not know if her guest would be showing or not, but she had few idea of how to approach the whole matter and thought perhaps a 'fresh start' might help.

She brought the teapot that Sastume's spirit had left in the room when he had disappeared. She politely requested that when the items to conduct the tea ceremony were brought to the room - preferably after her guest arrived, but a half hour past her own arrival if he did not show in that time - the teapot she had with her be used to in place of the pot in whatever set they otherwise chose. She said (truthfully!) that a departed ancestor had left her only the pot and she wished to honor his spirit while conducting the ceremony tonight. The merchant running the shop seemed moved by the statement and agreed to allow it, taking the teapot with care after leading her to the private room she had asked for.

There, she waited.

There was a faint scratch at the door as Hitoshi stood out of the private room having been directed there by a servant.

"Please, come in," Nobuko said just loud enough for her guest to hear. She sat very properly on the other side of the room, the low table for the ceremony between them. She kept her expression pleasant.

Hitoshi enters and gives a bow.

"Hello, Otomo-sama. You sent for me?"

"Please, join me," she indicated the seat across from her. "I wish to hold a tea ceremony, with you as my honored guest."

"Thank you, it would be a pleasure."

He takes a seat slowly and respectfully.

As she had requested of the proprietors, the tea set for conducting the ceremony was brought in after Hitoshi's arrival. And as asked, they included the mis-matched teapot Satsume had left for her to use.

She conduced the ceremony to the exact standards needed for the two of them and once the formal part was over, ensured they both had a cup to hold and sip from while they spoke.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Hitoshi-san," she opened the conversation, "I was not certain you would choose to do so."


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OOC
D3; LE; Tea Cermony/Void: 5d10o10k4 24

Hitoshi finishes his tea as the ceremony concludes and gently sets the cup down.

“Most excellent, Otomo-Dana. As far as your invitation, it would be quite an insult for a Minor Clan samurai to refuse an invitation from an Imperial Family member. Of course I would be here.”

She fought back a sigh and titled her head in acknowledgment of the truth of his words.

"I thank you for treating this with such importance, it speaks well of you," Nobuko said. She had wanted to say that she didn't mean to trap him into coming and that was why the inviation had been delivered in the manner it had. So that no shame would be had if he did not accept. But he had no way of knowing that...

'I wanted to inquire as to how you are feeling, now that the tournament has started and the mistake that caused such a scene when we first met has been resolved."

"There is still much of the same fire burning in me as you saw that day, especially when I am failed by Crane judges for things I know I should have succeeded. I do not understand why they target me. There are other Mantis here, and they are doing much better than I..."

He looks down at the floor and clenches a fist reflexively.

"Peace Hitoshi," she said, softening her smile, "I am aware of your treatment in the tournament, but I... should have been clearer. I was asking only about the room. I want to be sure you have you been treated well in that regard and that no further involvement is needed to ensure your needs at the Inn are being seen to as any samurai should expect them to be."

Nobuko sighed, "The problems surrounding you in the events is another matter that we can discuss in time."

"Ah. FOrgive me. I have had no further issues with the room arrangements. Thank you for your assistance in that matter."

"I am glad to hear that."

And she was. It was a relief to know that in light of his treatment elsewhere, no one had been pursuing it more directly.

"I had hoped to have less... contentious conversation prior to speaking on the matter you have walked directly to the heart of. However, it is something that should be spoken on, so perhaps sooner is better."

Nobuko poured more tea for him and kept her voice low, so it would not carry far.

"Your struggle has not gone unnoticed. It is practically all anyone could hear being murmured about in the corners and empty spaces."

"After today at least, I should have proven that I am fit for gempuku. I couldn't imagine there being anything that would hold me back now. But, life has its way of surprising one, I suppose."

"I cannot think of anything, either," she agreed, "But with the effort focused against you already, it is good to be aware of the possibility. I do not think it would be proper or honorable to aid you in an open manner. However, as I said, there are many who are aware of your treatment, so there is scrutiny upon the actions of those who would act in a way that could be seen as dishonorable."

"Even so, what can we do, Otomo-sama? ALl of the judges are far above our station, even if we were past our gempuku."

"We can ensure there is no doubt about the worthiness of your passing. We must try to get your points as high as possible, so that any attempts to say you are not worthy can be seen as the wrongful statement they are."

A difficult thing to ensure, but...

"You have done well in all events that do not have a certain clan's sensei judging them. Do your best to pass those tests, but focus on excelling in the ones where you will be judged fairly."

He nods.

"Very well, I will be happy to show those who doubt the strength of the Mantis just how we can weather a storm."

She let her eyes rise to meet his and said very pointedly, "So long as the Mantis do not once more rage against debris cast about by the storm..."

He'd lashed out against a pawn on the day of their arrival. He needed to keep his temper in check and not do so again.

"Do not misunderstand me, Hitoshi-san," Nobuko continued, "You have my support. But it can only go so far or do so much if you are unable to control your actions and words in the face of what is put against you."

Again he clenches his fist, speaking through a tight jaw.

"Your place in this world has never let you understand or know what it is to be seen as I have. Yes, my temper can run high, but it is justified, Otomo-sama."