- Invitation Status
- Posting Speed
- One post per day
- 1-3 posts per week
- Writing Levels
- Intermediate
- Adept
- Preferred Character Gender
- Female
- Genres
- Fantasy, modern and magical.
Asami Sanosuke
Raikage Assistant |Lightning Country, far north.
Listening to Masano, Asami subtly nodded. She shouldn't be too surprised. The idea that the Sato would attempt to learn some of the ways of those who they traded with wasn't strange. It secured better business when they would travel far north, into the borders of the Sanosuke jarldoms. If anything, Asami wondered silently how much more Masano knew. But this wasn't the time to indulge into such curiosities.
"Lord Sato," she began and speaking in Taika, figuring it would be easier for both, "I will just cut to the chase. I am not here to exchange many pleasantries but I have been in search of you for a specific reason."
"To seek an alliance." Masano calmly stated as he took a sip of his drink.
"Indeed. It is no secret that many of my clansmen are a tad hotheaded." Asami banned the thoughts of Miu out of her head. "And with the current idiotic demands of the regency council, many northerners are quite in... disagreement." Asami opted to take a sip, waiting to see how Masano would react.
It stayed silent for a few seconds before the man spoke up. His tone was polite and quite respectful but a certain caution remained present as he replied.
"I understand the situation completely. The demands of the regency council have sowed a lot of discontent and confusion among my people. However, unlike the great clans like yours," a polite smile found its way on the man's lips, "You won't find a large quantity among my people that are eager for a military career. We aren't defenceless but we are far from militant."
She nodded. In truth, Asami had expected this. The Sato wasn't renowned to be overeager to prove their martial worth. If she remembered correctly, they had tried to avoid the conflict zones and moved far north during the Great War as well. The ironic fact that the Sato clan was actually the origin of two jinchuriki who had apparently tamed their bijuu didn't seem to inspire many other Sato to take up a path in any military organisation.
"I understand that you are trying to find the best for your people. But I hope you understand that if the regency council press their demands that many of your kin and clan will be bounded to serve in the military. One way or another." Asami paused. "Besides, I fear that there is nowhere to move to this time. In the north, we Sanosuke are preparing for the worst. In the south, the Raikage is mobilising its remaining resources. It will be a matter of time before the Hojo and Alaricus make their move."
For a brief moment, Masano's polite smile vanished. He had his eyes locked with Asami's. A bitterness seemed to surface but it was only briefly, vanishing as the man replied in turn. "Very true. Only way out seems to go to the Empire if we want to avoid any conflict. But I doubt that it will be any easier to find a place in a realm that has a bad experience with nomads." Masano paused as he seemed to consider something. "I take it that you're free to negotiate terms for a supposed alliance between mine and your people?"
Asami indeed wondered how easily the Sato would be welcomed. If the rumours were correct, the Kusanagi had left quite the bad taste when they were cautiously admitted to trying to find their place within the borders of the Akenian empire. Not that she much cared for either the empire to their south or the Kusanagi. "I am indeed allowed to conduct some negotiations in regards for alliances between the Sanosuke and those willing to form a pact against the regency council. However," Asami continued, "the purpose isn't to dismantle or attack the regency council. The purpose of the alliances is to simply secure our rights and freedom. If the regency council desires to take it away, we will band together."
"A defensive pact, I see." Masano paused and took a sip of his drink. "But a defensive pact won't help much if my people are caught outside and just have to hope that newfound allies will come to our aid. Outside of their favourable mountain borders." The man slightly leaned forward. "If you want the Sato to side with the Sanosuke, there have to be some requirements that grant my people more than the promise of military aid."
Asami waited two seconds, wondering if Masano would suggest some requirements. But he waited and Asami could appreciate the clever trick. Leaning slightly forward as well, she nodded. "Fair. I suppose I can run the idea by that the Sato can stay for a prolonged time within the borders of the jarldom. I don't think there has been any cause for distrust between our clans."
"A prolonged stay? I think that if it is clear that we side with the Sanosuke that some will become quite vexed with us. Much like I imagine you would trust us less if we would openly side with the Hojo in this turbulent time." Masano replied, slightly frowning. "If we want to make this defensive alliance work properly, I would like to see that my people have free passage to travel and stay into the Sanosuke jarldoms. Or a certain area where we can stay without being threatened or any other danger."
If anything, Asami would have rather prevented to agree to such terms. Tensions were already running high and she wasn't entirely sure on how every jarl would react to such requirements to establish an alliance with the Sato. It could be likely that they would face fierce opposition due to the Sato's culture being the same from those that the jarls considered their oppressors. There wasn't, however, any other compromise that Masano would likely agree with.
"Very well. The Sato can move and stay safe within our borders. But we do expect that when conflict comes to us, that the Sato will move with us. And not just a small force but everything that can ensure that both our clans will not be subjugated to the demands of the regency council."
No smile formed on Masano's lips after Asami's words. No indication that he was content with that he got what for his clan. A firm and yet short nod was made before he spoke up. "Understood. Your people can count on mine. May this alliance see to it that our freedoms shall be guaranteed." He paused for a second, clearly considering something else. "I shall send riders to direct my people further north. If it would please your own folk, I can send some riders over a day or two. Presenting the information that we have acquired on our own, during our trek northwards."
She did hope that the freedom of her people would be guaranteed by this alliance. And that none of the jarls would be foolish enough to destroy this alliance by acts of distrust or frustration. Asami didn't need much time to consider the suggestion that Masano made. "That would be quite profitable. I am ongoing to try to ride forth to another clan that I desire to rally to our cause. But I shall send some of my own escorts to make sure that the jarls won't be suspecting that your people are part of the regency council's side."
Making a small bow with his head, Asami noticed a change in the Sato clan leader. The lines in his face became softer as his shoulders starting to hang more, what Asami examined as the man experiencing a load of stress flowing off him.
"Thanks, lady Sanosuke. I am truly grateful that you're willing to give my people a chance. We may not be renowned warriors but you can count on us."
Flashing a polite smile, Asami would wait a second. "Good. I shall not burden you any further. I take it that you know the fast routes through the passes?" She asked, deciding to add something. "Else the few of my escort shall be capable to guide your people through the mountain passes."
"We know of some routes. But I am sure that your warriors can know of better routes." As Masano spotted that Asami rose up, he followed as well. "I wish you good luck on your quest to gain more allies, Lady Sanosuke. Would you perhaps else desire to have some of my riders to escort you?"
The offer was tempting but Asami shook her head as they would exit the tent, entering the cold air outside. Small white flakes started to descend from above, attempting to keep the land covered in a blanket of snow. "No, I imagine that they would come quite handy. But I prefer that you and your people move north as quick as possible. I doubt we will have much time before the regency council or an ally of theirs will respond to our new alliance."
Raikage Assistant |Lightning Country, far north.
Listening to Masano, Asami subtly nodded. She shouldn't be too surprised. The idea that the Sato would attempt to learn some of the ways of those who they traded with wasn't strange. It secured better business when they would travel far north, into the borders of the Sanosuke jarldoms. If anything, Asami wondered silently how much more Masano knew. But this wasn't the time to indulge into such curiosities.
"Lord Sato," she began and speaking in Taika, figuring it would be easier for both, "I will just cut to the chase. I am not here to exchange many pleasantries but I have been in search of you for a specific reason."
"To seek an alliance." Masano calmly stated as he took a sip of his drink.
"Indeed. It is no secret that many of my clansmen are a tad hotheaded." Asami banned the thoughts of Miu out of her head. "And with the current idiotic demands of the regency council, many northerners are quite in... disagreement." Asami opted to take a sip, waiting to see how Masano would react.
It stayed silent for a few seconds before the man spoke up. His tone was polite and quite respectful but a certain caution remained present as he replied.
"I understand the situation completely. The demands of the regency council have sowed a lot of discontent and confusion among my people. However, unlike the great clans like yours," a polite smile found its way on the man's lips, "You won't find a large quantity among my people that are eager for a military career. We aren't defenceless but we are far from militant."
She nodded. In truth, Asami had expected this. The Sato wasn't renowned to be overeager to prove their martial worth. If she remembered correctly, they had tried to avoid the conflict zones and moved far north during the Great War as well. The ironic fact that the Sato clan was actually the origin of two jinchuriki who had apparently tamed their bijuu didn't seem to inspire many other Sato to take up a path in any military organisation.
"I understand that you are trying to find the best for your people. But I hope you understand that if the regency council press their demands that many of your kin and clan will be bounded to serve in the military. One way or another." Asami paused. "Besides, I fear that there is nowhere to move to this time. In the north, we Sanosuke are preparing for the worst. In the south, the Raikage is mobilising its remaining resources. It will be a matter of time before the Hojo and Alaricus make their move."
For a brief moment, Masano's polite smile vanished. He had his eyes locked with Asami's. A bitterness seemed to surface but it was only briefly, vanishing as the man replied in turn. "Very true. Only way out seems to go to the Empire if we want to avoid any conflict. But I doubt that it will be any easier to find a place in a realm that has a bad experience with nomads." Masano paused as he seemed to consider something. "I take it that you're free to negotiate terms for a supposed alliance between mine and your people?"
Asami indeed wondered how easily the Sato would be welcomed. If the rumours were correct, the Kusanagi had left quite the bad taste when they were cautiously admitted to trying to find their place within the borders of the Akenian empire. Not that she much cared for either the empire to their south or the Kusanagi. "I am indeed allowed to conduct some negotiations in regards for alliances between the Sanosuke and those willing to form a pact against the regency council. However," Asami continued, "the purpose isn't to dismantle or attack the regency council. The purpose of the alliances is to simply secure our rights and freedom. If the regency council desires to take it away, we will band together."
"A defensive pact, I see." Masano paused and took a sip of his drink. "But a defensive pact won't help much if my people are caught outside and just have to hope that newfound allies will come to our aid. Outside of their favourable mountain borders." The man slightly leaned forward. "If you want the Sato to side with the Sanosuke, there have to be some requirements that grant my people more than the promise of military aid."
Asami waited two seconds, wondering if Masano would suggest some requirements. But he waited and Asami could appreciate the clever trick. Leaning slightly forward as well, she nodded. "Fair. I suppose I can run the idea by that the Sato can stay for a prolonged time within the borders of the jarldom. I don't think there has been any cause for distrust between our clans."
"A prolonged stay? I think that if it is clear that we side with the Sanosuke that some will become quite vexed with us. Much like I imagine you would trust us less if we would openly side with the Hojo in this turbulent time." Masano replied, slightly frowning. "If we want to make this defensive alliance work properly, I would like to see that my people have free passage to travel and stay into the Sanosuke jarldoms. Or a certain area where we can stay without being threatened or any other danger."
If anything, Asami would have rather prevented to agree to such terms. Tensions were already running high and she wasn't entirely sure on how every jarl would react to such requirements to establish an alliance with the Sato. It could be likely that they would face fierce opposition due to the Sato's culture being the same from those that the jarls considered their oppressors. There wasn't, however, any other compromise that Masano would likely agree with.
"Very well. The Sato can move and stay safe within our borders. But we do expect that when conflict comes to us, that the Sato will move with us. And not just a small force but everything that can ensure that both our clans will not be subjugated to the demands of the regency council."
No smile formed on Masano's lips after Asami's words. No indication that he was content with that he got what for his clan. A firm and yet short nod was made before he spoke up. "Understood. Your people can count on mine. May this alliance see to it that our freedoms shall be guaranteed." He paused for a second, clearly considering something else. "I shall send riders to direct my people further north. If it would please your own folk, I can send some riders over a day or two. Presenting the information that we have acquired on our own, during our trek northwards."
She did hope that the freedom of her people would be guaranteed by this alliance. And that none of the jarls would be foolish enough to destroy this alliance by acts of distrust or frustration. Asami didn't need much time to consider the suggestion that Masano made. "That would be quite profitable. I am ongoing to try to ride forth to another clan that I desire to rally to our cause. But I shall send some of my own escorts to make sure that the jarls won't be suspecting that your people are part of the regency council's side."
Making a small bow with his head, Asami noticed a change in the Sato clan leader. The lines in his face became softer as his shoulders starting to hang more, what Asami examined as the man experiencing a load of stress flowing off him.
"Thanks, lady Sanosuke. I am truly grateful that you're willing to give my people a chance. We may not be renowned warriors but you can count on us."
Flashing a polite smile, Asami would wait a second. "Good. I shall not burden you any further. I take it that you know the fast routes through the passes?" She asked, deciding to add something. "Else the few of my escort shall be capable to guide your people through the mountain passes."
"We know of some routes. But I am sure that your warriors can know of better routes." As Masano spotted that Asami rose up, he followed as well. "I wish you good luck on your quest to gain more allies, Lady Sanosuke. Would you perhaps else desire to have some of my riders to escort you?"
The offer was tempting but Asami shook her head as they would exit the tent, entering the cold air outside. Small white flakes started to descend from above, attempting to keep the land covered in a blanket of snow. "No, I imagine that they would come quite handy. But I prefer that you and your people move north as quick as possible. I doubt we will have much time before the regency council or an ally of theirs will respond to our new alliance."