[D3, LE] Tea and Conversation

[Bayushi Jiro]

Jiro cleared his throat. "We retained ours. It isn't...well, it is more elegant than anything seen in Rokugan. It seems unlikely that its match would be in a teahouse, even one in Tsuma. But if Kitsuki-san wishes to search, I have precious few other leads."

[Kitsuki Asahi]

"Hmm... it may not be one here then, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything here." He looked around. "Regardless, I would be interested in examining the one you have, if you would permit it."

[Bayushi Jiro]

"By all means. It is at the inn. I shan't be gone a moment."

He exits temporarily, after quick bows, to retrieve the prize.

[Isawa Tanshin]

Tanshin looked surprised.

"That is incredible! You say the style of cup is not like rokugani cups. Could you show us? Either the cup itself, or perhaps in drawing or description?"

"I am not well-travelled, have you asked anyone else of the design?"

[Bayushi Jiro]

Jiro soon returns with the teapot in question. It is a lovely thing, and elegant as described, but he presents it to the Kitsuki without further comment. Best to let the master observer do his work.

[Kitsuki Asahi]

He studied it carefully, in several ways. It was unlikely he would see the spirit himself, but the Dragon was hopeful.

- - -
[D3, LE] Tea and Conversation, Studying the tea set, Investigation/Perception, 1 FR (Kitsuki) and 1 CR, to note unusual details: 9d10o10k4 37

[D3, LE] Tea and Conversation, Studying the tea set, Spirit Touch, Awareness TN 15, VP +1k1: 4d10o10 22

[Vutall]

Asahi definitely gets the sensation that many people have touched this object before, and the most recent being that of Doji Satsume. The pot is incredibly detailed. At first glance it seems like an ordinary work of a skilled artisan from Rokugan, but upon closer inspection the etchings and painting on it are much more fine than should be possible by human hands, creating tiny scenes within the scenes.

[Kitsuki Asahi]

"This is...." He stared a moment longer. "I have never seen detail like this. I don't know how it would even be possible. Not in this world. But, I do feel the impression of him. What you've described and what he claimed to be appear to be true. Unfortunately, that doesn't tell us why Hitoshi is important."

[Isawa Tanshin]

"Can you make out any of the scenes on the pot Itself?
Perhaps they may give us more information?"

[Kitsuki Asahi]

"It's not that specific." He shook his head. "The theme of the designs is fairly mundane. The overall sakura pattern isn't remarkable in itself. But, the grain of the branches form different shapes. You can see a stag here and a fox here. The cherry petals, on the other hand seem to be landscapes. You can see the outline of mountains here. Even beyond that, the stag's antlers form a constellation. Design within design within design. It's amazing. But, not very helpful."

[Isawa Tanshin]

Consternation crossed Tanshin's features.

"I don't suppose a spirit would pop out if you rubbed it."
He stated with dry humour.

"I still think this to be an important item that should be safeguarded. I have suspicions that are as yet unfounded that this may help.

Tanshin paused.

Have either of you noticed how reminiscent Hitoshi's features are of our Crane Brethren, and the Doji inparticular?"

[Bayushi Jiro]

Knowing the reputation of the Isawa around objects of spiritual significance, Jiro takes the teapot back, slowly so as not to cause offense, and sets it to his immediate right.

"Be sure that I shall look after it," he says. "As for Hitoshi himself, I was rather keeping my distance. Members of my clan have an interesting way of drawing attention; I did not wish to inadvertently alert the boy's adversaries of my attention."

[Kitsuki Asahi]

"Today was the first time I'd met him and we were both struggling to stay on our mounts." He shrugged. "I hadn't thought about comparing his features with anyone else, but you are not wrong."

[Isawa Tanshin]

Tanshin nodded to Jiro.

"I think an item of such exquisite manufacture would make an interesting gift to the right person who can appreciate its beauty, and all it represents."

Tanshin beckoned to the house staff for a fresh pot of tea.

"Do you suppose others who have had similar visions would have other parts of the set?"

[Bayushi Jiro]

"Did the Phoenix retain a part?" Jiro asked.

[Isawa Tanshin]

"I recall the visit, but not of the vision ending, exactly.
I do not have a piece myself, but I will ask if one of the other Phoenix does."

"This was my first opportunity to speak to anyone outside my clan on this topic. I had hopes that we might work together to achieve Satsume-shiryu's goals."

[Kitsuki Asahi]

"I do not know if he visited another Dragon." Asahi shrugged.

[Bayushi Jiro]

"A little bit of coordination would not go amiss, I think. If the vision was as widespread as I begin to imagine, then there is a very real danger that samurai wishing to be of service will trip over one another in schemes to get to the bottom of the issue."

[Isawa Tanshin]

Tanshin nodded in agreement.

"I do not know who all is actively pursuing this. So coordination may be difficult. Also, that half our time is gone within the tournament."

Tanshin looked between the Dragon and the Scotpion.

"The courts and negotiation are not my skill set. How should we proceed?"

[Bayushi Jiro]

Jiro cleared his throat.

"There are two concerns. First, that Hitoshi should pass his gempukku. Second, that we should find out the nature of the issue between him and the Crane clan. It should be noted that our visitor only requested the former, and that the second stems from curiosity at best. Let us take the former first, then. How close is Hitoshi to passing his gempukku already?"