[D8 LM Expecting] - Blood Among the Crows

[Kitsu Moshumaru]

"An impressive suggestion, I wish I'd thought of it before I preformed so well among these worthy tasks the Shika gave us", he said without an ounce of feeling. "Think of all the time I could have back by throwing away my efforts."

Staaaaaaaare.

The Kitsu looked between a fool who realized he forgot to explain something important, or speaking to a fool who forgot something obvious.

"You can use your score to secure a bride from the other Miais going on at this time, Shosuros-san. Likewise, if they so wanted, someone could pick us up from a different Miai if they scored high enough - you may find someone you would enjoy life with among them."

(ooc: This is the "marry a generic npc" option)

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"I have no concerns over marrying someone I wish to", the Scorpion said, head shaking side to side slightly, voice sounding a bit...amused. "Perhaps I am a bit spoiled for choice though, I'm certain Kitsu-san has similar issues, as do all his Lion comrades." He nodded. "Though interesting you talk on politics, have you secured the Shika as an ally away from the Crane so soon? A shame if you have."

[Kitsu Moshumaru]

"I have no concerns over marrying someone I wish to", the Scorpion said, head shaking side to side slightly, voice sounding a bit...amused. "Perhaps I am a bit spoiled for choice though, I'm certain Kitsu-san has similar issues, as do all his Lion comrades." He nodded. "Though interesting you talk on politics, have you secured the Shika as an ally away from the Crane so soon? A shame if you have."

The Kitsu shook a negative.

"Frankly, the clan might erupt into civil war at the rate they're divided, which is the last fate I hope for them. Interesting that you call it a shame, though - do you have some reason for wanting them involved?"

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"I would think the Lion would accept a token force involvement, it's your clan's war. It would be simpler to have a guard of Shika to gain glory for their clan in battle..." he said steadily. "As...well, the alternative is..", he chuckled slightly. "Fighting the Lion clan, alongside the Crane. Honor can demand a great deal, but what it doesn't do is rebuild your city should the Lion counterattack for the Shika's interference."

[Kitsu Moshumaru]

"I would think the Lion would accept a token force involvement, it's your clan's war. It would be simpler to have a guard of Shika to gain glory for their clan in battle..." he said steadily. "As...well, the alternative is..", he chuckled slightly. "Fighting the Lion clan, alongside the Crane. Honor can demand a great deal, but what it doesn't do is rebuild your city should the Lion counterattack for the Shika's interference."

The Kitsu considered this.

"There is military sense in what you are saying, but there is little Compassion in drafting such a small clan into a great clan war. Perhaps my view of honour is skewed, as my work's demands are not well suited for times of war."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"Small clans like the Shika should be left alone, anyway", he said. Perhaps an odd thing for a Scorpion to say, but he seemed to mean it.

[Kitsu Moshumaru]

The Kitsu nodded sternly in agreement.

"Supported sure, but definitely left out of the conflicts and machinations of the great clans."

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

He didn't think the Kitsu was honest about that, but perhaps it was his own mood.

"And then these Mantis, I've met Hiroto-san only once, I see him compete, I am unimpressed for the rumors about him", Hikimasu said flatly. "Is it he you spoke to? I doubt he has much real pull with his clan."

[Kitsu Moshumaru]

The Kitsu nodded.

"I did indeed speak to Hiroto-san. While he may not hold much pull, he is still willing to put my lord in touch with his. Every bridge must start with a few stones, after all. I have not heard the rumours about him - what do they say, if you don't mind me asking?"

Elsewhere, a number of Crows had gathered around the theater. They seemed to be chatting happily.

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

"Isn't he some Crane's bastard?" he said, it was a question but he wasn't truly asking Moshumaru. "So I've heard whispered."