"This is true, I could order a great many things from my position, such as it is. For instance, if I had a certain thorn I wanted pruned, you would be the person to consult, correct? Given your extensive knowledge of botany." He gave something of a knowing smirk with this statement.

Hadananzi inhaled deeply, enjoying the scents on the air. "Ah yes, not one to get sentimental then. The strong are strong and the weak are discarded. A philosophy I can thoroughly approve of." Something changed in his smile. "And you stand at the pinnacle, strongest of all, a beacon to those who wou...

"Ah, yes, delegation of duties to trusted advisors, a most important lesson to master. It cheers me to know you've taken so well to the task." Hadananzi's smile deepened in an unreadable way. "How do your blossoms fare of late? Do they thrive despite the harsh snow falling around them?"

"I am Kuu, of the Order of Heroes, and it has been quite well. Met some new people, did some morning exercises. Took a pleasant walk outside," he says with a smirk. "Once the snows stop falling I'll likely take care of the walking paths for everyone. Shouldn't take more than an hour." "Ah, a monk o...

Hadananzi sat with almost inhuman grace, settling into position with that same smile he always wore comfortably resting upon his lips. "I thank you for your hospitality in seeing me on such short notice. A woman of your talents must be perpetually busy with the workings of your small empire within t...

As a counterpoint to the more reserved Nozomi, the monk Kuu was far more socially inclined in such a setting and took no issue with the city. He liked the open road, but having a lot of people around was nice. He bowed to the emperor on arrival before moving to mingle. And so he moved around and mi...

"As well it should be. Few things should come close to imperial purity, but Doji-kami's beauty is definitely one of them. May I be seated? I have much I wish to discuss with you concerning your enterprising efforts with these tea houses." He smiled warmly. "Perhaps we could discuss it over that spec...

Hadananzi returned the bow politely, then raised one hand as if to forestall any thoughts of entertainment. "No need for that, I prefer a more private setting for what I wish to discuss." He gestured towards the door behind him with a sweep of one arm. "This is quite the establishment you've produce...

With a little more flourish than was perhaps necessary, Hadananzi made his way into the court and offered his respects to the emperor Shiba. Though the kimono he wore was less ostentatious than the one he'd worn at his wedding reception, it was still immaculate and ornate, matched only by the smile ...

Hadananzi looked around the Camellia House with an air of approval. He'd become quite aware of the successful chain of tea houses, and of its owner, Doji Tsubaki. Though Hadananzi hadn't met the woman yet, he found himself increasingly intrigued by her growing success, and had decided it was time to...

"I visited the Crane lands while travelling with my grandfather." Ayano adds after a moment, "Lady Doji and those who follow her have a talent for beauty. I would like to visit again some time." Her eyes shift back to the party, "I fear I may be keeping you too long from your other guests. And from...

"Perhaps again before we both depart, and maybe a discussion between my Lady and your Lord could be arranged for the spring as well." Ayano agreed, she was not fully authorized to make such promises but it seemed something her mother would agree to... She blinked at that...what did one speak about ...

Ayano nodded, this was turning more into her own interests. "One item of interest Lady Makime wished to discuss in a similar fashion...a common way of organizing the armies of the clans and means for them to all work together under common leadership should a threat to the Empire arise." Lady Makime...

Perhaps not so hard to admit, but a part of her felt a small unease in how it had been asked. "I suppose that is true then Nanzi-sama. But grand visions often have a lot of minor details to hammer out." Ayano's smile was a bit more unsure, "And there has been little talk between many of the clans i...

Ayano was a bit taken a back, "Well...I think of things in terms of resources...and I believe order is necessary to ensure that they can flow in the most efficient manner. Already we have seen benefits from dividing labor and letting some of the people focus on other tasks. And one can not argue wi...

"Mother prefers order and stability, but we have yet to fully commit to either path. The Makime will follow Lord Akodo's orders should he make a decision, but mother is given to deep examination of everything these days." There was a small hesitation, "I suppose you wish to know my own mind...in tr...

"Oh? Might I ask what form that future may take." Ayano was genuinely curious, her own mother had very specific ideas on the future of the Empire as well and hearing another's might give a little more insight into the other clans. "I know there are a great many ideas trying to coalesce into a whole...

Ayano canted her head slightly at those words, "Were you not already Crane Nanzi-sama? Mother said you had been a close advisor of similar to Lord Nanzi." She shook her head, "Forgive my forwardness. Of course a great many wish to see the descendants of the Kami prosper." "And...yes the weather, th...

"Forgive me for saying this...but why? You married a granddaughter of Lady Sun herself, the first to do so I believe." Ayano blinked, "And the heir of the Nanzi family as well. I would have been stunned if it was a small occurrence." She followed his gaze when she noticed it linger, curious enough ...

Ayano smiled at that, "Mother also felt it poignant. She does not often turn her hand to that old trade but for such an occasion Lady Makime felt moved." "And I only do my best to serve, it pleases me to hear such words as well." "Well, tell your mother that we were equally moved in our reception o...