Once everyone has arrived and had pleasantries she sipped her tea and then began, “Good morning, thank you for meeting with such short notice. It seems there have been some events going on behind the scenes that I was not apprised of that ahs compromised my position as a delegate head and diplomat. So to make sure we are all working towards the same end, I think we need to know what everyone has been doing in relation to my mother and her minor condition.”

“Especially since I have members of the Bat giving me their condolences and apparently it seems that everyone at court assumes she is ill or dying. So if someone has been fanning that fire please explain why and with due haste.”

“Secondly I have concerns about the Bat named Kakita but that can wait till the matter with my mother is resolved to my satisfaction,” she finished.

OOC: Just assume you are there or arrived so we can skip the pleasantries and get to the meat.

Hikaru was there; he took a quick glance, judging the reactions of the others before speaking.

Tsubaki was, of course, present within her House and had made sure everyone had any tea or food necessary before dismissing any staff from the private room so things could be ensured to stay private.

"I had not heard of such either within our Clan or addressed to me by those outside. I certainly would not amplify any such scurrilous claims had I been made aware of them."

Doji Tsubaki wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 20, 2021 1:13 pm

Tsubaki was, of course, present within her House and had made sure everyone had any tea or food necessary before dismissing any staff from the private room so things could be ensured to stay private.

"I had not heard of such either within our Clan or addressed to me by those outside. I certainly would not amplify any such scurrilous claims had I been made aware of them."

“The Lady of Camellia House speaks a gentle truth, it does little good to amplify such words be they false or contain some form of truth. I am thankful that she has such wisdom to refrain from such,” she responded.

“I will add that her hospitality is greatly appreciated and this one is thankful for her accommodations on such short notice.”

Hikaru slowly acknowledged the praise with a nod.

"Doji-sama..." He began, frowning gently. "You and I, as Lady Doji's daughter and a member of her retinue respectively, have more intimate knowledge of the details of Lady Doji's household. In your judgement, may we speak about such matters in this meeting?"

Again, his eyes flickered around at the others.

Dojihime allowed the words to hang in the air as she sipped her tea leisurely, she savored the flavor and gave a nod to Tsubaki of her approval. Then she placed the cup down with her mother’s grace and said, “Hikaru-san, you have leave to speak of these matters freely, as it seems someone has been freely divulging such privileged information to any with ears. It is best we approach this matter directly so I am not ambushed by malicious strangers in court, and made to look foolish.”

Hikaru took a deep breath. "Very well." He partially turned so that he was facing everyone.

"Lady Doji's condition is worse than is generally known. Very much worse. A year ago, I was tasked by Lady Doji herself to find a cure. It is to my shame that I have been unable to do so." He paused a moment, lips pursed. "As part of that, I have been speaking with individuals of great knowledge, or esoteric powers. When I can, I have concealed what I could, but that is not much." He spread his hands. "What illnesses can affect a god, after all? And so instead I have been requesting silence, on their honor."

He paused a moment. "My task is not yet done, and Lady Doji has grown worse in my absense. I have asked some here, and likewise begged their silence." He sighed. "I may have found something, but I do not know yet. I will know tomorrow. I very much hope so, for the good of Lady Doji and the Crane."

"There Honor means nothing then because the whispers continue and intensify, who have you consulted on these matters? The Bat, I would presume?" she replied calmly looking less than pleased.

A secret mission... and she was left out in the cold. Another slight from her mother to let her know she had more to grow, to be good enough in her eyes.

Tsubaki wisely keeps quiet and observes what unfolds.

Hikaru shook his head sadly. "I hope not, or it will weigh heavily on them." He took a deep breath, looking at Dojihime. "But, Doji-sama, all the court knows that Lady Doji was ill. Even if we say it is only brief, minds will speculate, tongues will wag. Especially when it is the truth. I fear concealing the truth will soon become like stopping a breached dam by hand. Unless we find a cure, of course; I feel that should be our first priority."

He pursed his lips a moment. "Yes, I spoke with Ryoshun Rei-sama on the matter. She is both learned and has esoteric magic. Alas, there were no new answers. I also spoke with the Emperor and his closest; he has reissued Lady Doji's orders to me, so I am now doubly bound. And Togashi Satsuki-sama." He tilted his chin up. "That is where my best hope currently lies, as there may be some connection with her father, and a vision she had."

“So.. the Bat, the Emperor… I presume Kakita, anyone else you have run to and aired the business of my mother and father’s weakness?” she said, ticking off the list verbally as she looked down at her tea.

“If you burn a finger should we chop off your hand to spare you any pain?” she asked.

Doji Misaki is there of course. Not late, just quiet or something. She was not a very important person, nor did she get involved in politics much. But this surely was distressing news regarding the rumors.

"Kakita was there when I met with Ryoshun Rei-sama, yes." Hikaru acknowledged.

He looked at Dojihime a long moment. Then, slowly, he nodded. "I apologize for making your duties more challenging, Doji-sama." He said. "And I shall do my utmost to avoid making them yet more difficult in the future."

He took a deep breath; when he spoke again, it was very gently. "But while we may hope that your mother's illness turns out to be nothing, both your mother Lady Doji and your uncle Emperor Shiba have asked me to treat this matter very seriously. I am bound by their orders to treat it no less seriously than it appears to be."

"And you will do that and keep me abreast of all actions from now on, and utilize more discretion," she said calmly.

"Find the solution... and to that end what are your current and future plans. I would rather not be surprised in the future."

Hikaru bowed. "As you wish, Doji-sama."

He frowned thoughtfully, and yet his eyes brightened as talk turned to possible solutions. "The best hope I have lies with Togashi-sama. She had a vision that may or may not relate, of receiving a message, talking of wisdom found in dark places." He grimaced. "I did not understand it. However, there is some hope that when the moon becomes full, she will be able to decipher..." he pursed his lips, "-a clue." He gave Dojihime a significant look; her mother's writing might be something best not shared with anyone outside the family.

His thoughtful frown deepened. "The moon should be full soon; I know I've been trying to paint it the last few nights. We will attempt it." He refocused on Dojihime. "I had one other desperate thought... your father Lord Nanzi traveled to another realm to speak to Lady Amaterasu, or so the legend goes. Is there any chance that might be repeated?"

She nodded and understood his intent with the words. Dojihime said warmly, “My cousin in the Dragon is talented beyond measure, she is a good ally to bring into this.”

“Entering the Heavens is no easy task but it could be repeated if our need was great enough. The best place to attempt such would be at her temple, and one would need a gift or magic to traverse between the different realms.”

Hikaru slowly inclined his head. "That makes sense, yes."

He looked at Dojihime, his expression strange. "I would volunteer to make the attempt, of course. And I do not suggest that Doji-sama puts herself in harm's way. But I am forced to wonder if, as you are Lord Nanzi's daughter, you might succeed in that where others might not."

Doji Hikaru wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 20, 2021 7:11 pm

Hikaru slowly inclined his head. "That makes sense, yes."

He looked at Dojihime, his expression strange. "I would volunteer to make the attempt, of course. And I do not suggest that Doji-sama puts herself in harm's way. But I am forced to wonder if, as you are Lord Nanzi's daughter, you might succeed in that where others might not."

"A samurai does not fear, this is your charge so see it through but know I will do whatever is needed to aid the Crane," she said calmly.

"This is now our highest priority, outside of wooing the Lion."

Hikaru straightened, giving her a crisp bow. "Very good, Doji-sama." He said, his tone determined.

He straightened again, awaiting further business.

"Is there any other business I should be aware of?" Dojihime asked kindly.

"Or any fashions that demand my critical analysis."