Trying Tea Again (Open)

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"Ah."

Sasaiko takes more tea.

"And for what future does Yogo-san prepare?"

[Yogo Otoko]

Otoko gave a small shrug. "Preparation for every eventuality is paramount. Expect the worst while striving for the best."

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"Yet some are more likely than others."

[Yogo Otoko]

"Of course. Yet everyone who only prepares for the likely will be lost when the unlikely finally happens." Siiiiip.

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

Sasaiko finishes her cup and begins to wipe it out.

"And one who does not give more to the likely suffers the same, if more commonly."

[Yogo Otoko]

Another small shrug. "If it were not a balancing act, life would be much more simple. Some likely things take more planning, some less, just as some unlikely things require more attention for their potential effects."

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"Is there any particular example of such a thing that comes to mind for you?"

[Yogo Otoko]

She looked thoughtful a moment as she finished her own tea, setting the cup back down. "...Nnn... for instance, it is likely that Lady Sun will rise again in the morning, but one does not need to plan around it. On the other hand, if gaijin were to attack Rokugan, there is something we could all do, even if it is unlikely. To plan for the former is pointless, to plan for the later could save the Emperor."

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"Only likely and not certain?"

[Yogo Otoko]

"Nothing is certain. How certain was it for the Kami to fall? The Heavens are stable, but beyond our control. What will happen, will happen." Pessimism was ever the Yogo way.

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"One might well argue that fate ever goes as it must. But that would mean it was certain the Kami would fall, too."

[Yogo Otoko]

"If everything is purely fate, then there is no preparation that could truly change anything. It is better to go through life believing we can make a change, that our actions have meaning outside fate. Or at least, that is what I believe."

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

Sasaiko nods.

"And what change would you make, were it up to you?"

[Yogo Otoko]

"...Thank the Fortune's that it is not," she commented softly. There was just a small touch of actual emotion in her tone. Was it... bitter? "I would rather help others make the changes they see than be in such a position. It is not fitting for a Yogo... it is not right."

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

"Hm."

There's quite a nerve to touch, she thinks. But she wipes down more of the accoutrements.

[Yogo Otoko]

Otoko was silent a moment longer before she gave a seated bow. "...I think that tea was quite lovely. I know the past has brought disappointment, but I know that you will find your pace Toritaka-san, and that you will do sensei proud if you but keep at it."

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

Sasaiko returns the bow.

"Thank you for your words. I hope we can share tea again."

[Yogo Otoko]

She nodded as she stood. "I will look forward to it."

With that, she took her leave.

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

(/scene, and thank you!)