Queen in Her Court (D3, EE, Open)

[Doji Tsubaki]

"I am glad you enjoyed it Makime-sama. As for the origin some say Lady Doji learned it from her most esteemed mother others that she devised it herself. In either case it is certainly true that she is the one to bring it to the mortal realm."

[Makime Ayano]

"I wonder if the worldly version is but a dim reflection of the Heavens," Ayano muses, "But I have asked a great many questions of you Doji-sama, I know you are the hostess but would you have any of me?"

[Doji Tsubaki]

"I imagine it must be - but we shall still do our best to make it as perfect in this world as we can. As for questions..." She pauses in thought, "I assume it is by now well apparent that the Crane seek closer ties to our neighbors. That closeness is already in place when it comes to the Stag so we now look to the Lion. So I suppose my question would be if there are any goals or activities this winter that we may aid with easing so as to find mutual benefit?"

[Makime Ayano]

"I can not speak for the whole of the Lion, but the Makime desire more organization in the greater Empire." Makime smiles, "I intend to put forward a project to move in that direction...any support on such would be appreciated of course. Beyond that Lady Makime wishes to see a greater coordination with the growing armies of the clans."

"And Lord Akodo desires to expand the our maritime holdings so he may grow closer with the realm of his wife."

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki nods and pours more tea, this time simply for drinking as opposed to ceremony, and takes a sip, "On greater organization and the benefits that come to it I know our families, and clans I believe, see eye to eye. I fear my own knowledge of military, and maritime, matters are slim but if I hear of anything of import I shall be sure to keep the Lion in mind."

[Makime Ayano]

"In that regard my proposal tomorrow might be interesting, for it would help with matters beyond the martial and naval." Ayano smiled sheepishly, "A creation of a central road network to connect all the growing major cities in the Empire, when combined with individual clan efforts to connect the rest of their lands to these central hubs it should greatly increase trade. And the necessary coordination such a project will require would stand testament to what an organized and unified Empire could do. Serve as a foundation for greater projects while providing immediate benefits."

Ayano looks a bit apologetic, "Ah...but if I speak on such things too much then I fear Doji-sama will find herself bored. There is so much detail that one can fall into when examining these sorts of projects."

[Doji Tsubaki]

A slightly dismissive wave and warm smile, "A good hostess does not bore easily but I assure you that you have not even come close to testing those limits, Makime-sama. While the fine details of such matters are likely beyond my talents it is certainly a project I can see the importance and value in. Both for the Empire and for plotting my own expansions."

[Makime Ayano]

"Expansions?" Ayano asked, "Doji-sama intends to have more teahouses? Perhaps in the lands outside of the Crane and Imperial?" The curiosity is there, but perhaps even a hint of excitement.

"But yes, there will be a lot of advantages. Enough that I doubt they have even all been considered. And in the construction too, it is a large project with a lot of challenges. Meeting those challenges will likely teach us a lot that can be used for future endeavors."

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki smiles widely, "Oh, indeed. Someday I hope there may be one in every major city - though getting other clans to accept such an operation may be an effort that gets passed down to my daughters. I imagine it shall take a great deal of time even if we end up as organized as you hope."

[Makime Ayano]

Ayano rested her hand on her chin, "Perhaps one might find its way into mother's city?" She asks innocently enough.

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki offered a coy smile at the 'innocent' question, "Perhaps. Though convincing others to allow such endeavors is the hard part. If only there was someone to convince Makime-sama as to the benefits of such a bastion of the arts and culture within her lands."

[Makime Ayano]

"I suppose I could speak to mother on your behalf." Ayano returned the conspiratorial smile, "I would not expect her to frequent it, however. Her tea is a warrior's tea. Bitter, bland, and invigorating."

[Doji Tsubaki]

"Well we can always teach her that she can have the same results and enjoy it too - or at least try. If not, well, her daughter is more than enjoyable company on her own."

[Makime Ayano]

Ayano laughed softly at that, "I...would think if Doji-sama can manage that feat then she is truly among the greatest of persuaders."

"Ah...thank you Doji-sama." Her cheeks reddened a fraction.

[Doji Tsubaki]

She joins in the laugh, "Well one hopes she would at least respect tackling a challenge head-on even if nigh impossible."

[Makime Ayano]

"Then I suggest you ponder on the mysteries of moving the mountain." Ayano responded, she finishes her tea, "I think I shall visit again before winter ends...if Doji-sama is alright with entertaining such a guest again."

[Doji Tsubaki]

She laughs then smiles warmly, "I would be a fool to pass up such company. It has been a delight, Makime-sama."

[Makime Ayano]

"Thank you again Doji-sama," Ayano rises gracefully and follows into a bow, "Now to push my way back to the Lion rooms, I pray the snow lightens up."

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki's rise is almost simultaneous and smooth and practiced as is her return bow, "I have no doubt that no amount of snow can truly thwart the Makime heir. Go forth and conquer."

[Makime Ayano]

Ayano's smile shifted to something more sheepish, "Well..go forth at any rate. Thank you again Doji-sama." She then made her

/exit