Hot water was ready for tea and breakfast had been brought in. Rei quickly saw to Hen, then sat down for the meal. Two letters were set beside her.

"You seem to have created quite a stir with the Crane, Kakita-san." She looked over at the man. There was no judgment in her eyes or disapproval in her voice. If anything, she seemed amused.

He nodded solemnly.

“It appears so… the pair of Hadananzi and Dojihime approached me yesterday at court.”

He gestured to the letters, “I assume they are about me? Is there anything which concerns you?”

"They have asked me to address the issue." she nodded. "Suggesting that if your behavior continues the Crane will take it as an insult from the Bat and respond accordingly. You really struck a nerve."

He nodded, “I have no idea what would have offered offense… but when people are trying to be offended they look really hard for something to be upset about.”

He paused, “Though I said nothing to them personally… I will tell you. Hadananzi is not to be trusted… I would be very cautious around him. He harbors a dark heart… and dark secrets with it.”

She nodded. "From what we've seen so far, I have concerns about the Crane. However, until we know more, we should be careful about antagonizing them. It will become harder to gather information."

"The other letter has questions about you and your history." she explained. "How much do you want revealed?"

“The ‘Crane’ is too broad of a classification… there are those within the Crane who are under the influence of the darkness I have previously spoken of… but there are those who still hold to the light.” He replied and took a sip of his tea.

“I seek not to antagonize the ‘Crane’… I seek to help show them the false light which leads them into darkness. I will only do that which is honorable, I swear to you. I will not forsake my honor.”

He paused, “As for my past. I am no liar. You may be as candid with them as you will. You may give them the name of the magistrate I spoke to upon returning to their lands… I am sure that Hadananzi will know this… in fact I am sure he already knows… he merely does not wish to share his reasoning with others he does not control. He is a coward… but a cruel and crafty coward.”

"I believe you. I hope whatever is influencing the Crane is limited. But, that influence may be affecting their leadership. This needs to be handled carefully."

He nodded, “Destiny pulls towards resolution. The darkness must be defeated… but can be done so only with light. Those with pure purpose have strength to never fall.”

He bowed deeply, putting his head near the floor, “I am sorry that such troubles must burden your own duties. I will avoid whatever conflict when it is possible.”

She gave a dismissive wave. "I appreciate what is driving you. The Bat will support you however we can, but there are cleary things happening that none of us understand."

He raised his head and nodded.

“Indeed…”

He then looked up towards her, “And do your efforts require any assistance?”

"I'm not even sure what those efforts are." she admitted. "There has been some interest from some of the other clans in negotiating stronger ties."

He nodded, “Yes, I’m sure you’re aware but the Lady Kinsen had interest in our metalworkers. I directed her towards you.”

"Her son, Genji, spoke with me first." she nodded. "So far, they are the only ones asking about weapons. The Crab want to secure routes between our lands and theirs. The Spider seek an exchange of knowledge and training. They all seem like good proposals."

He nodded, “Do any prevent us from pursuing any of the others?”

"I do not believe so." She prepared tea for both of them. "But, our resources are limited. We don't want to commit more than we can afford."

He nodded, “It seems the perfect opportunity to test your skills as a decision maker for the clan.”

"It does. But, I appreciate your opinion and advice." she said. "Such decisions should not be made without considering how other members of the clan feel about them."

He nodded and paused for a moment to think.

“The proposals from the Crab and Spider seem mutually beneficial. It allows us to provide our talents to ensure the Crab may fulfill their new duty as protectors of the Empire and the sharing of knowledge with the Spider ensure that all that can be known between us is known.”

He paused, “I do not see what the Stag stand to offer us that would be to our benefit… but perhaps we should not be so inward focused when considering such arrangements either.”

"They were not sure what to offer and I was unsure what to request." she agreed. "It is quite a distance for training."

“Indeed. If we could find some common point of interest…”