A dutiful and somewhat flustered servant would take Yakumo from the castle lobby to the elevator, the young woman doing her best not to stare as she guided the Spider diva to the 38th floor, staring at her feet as the elevator soundlessly climbed higher and higher. Eventually the elevator would come to a halt, the nervous servant escorting Yakumo down the hallways, giving a particular black door with crimson inlays a hard knock before pulling it open, beckoning the Spider songstress to enter the slightly dim room.

Inside, Yakumo would fine Mineichi lounging on pillows, wearing a rather casual, yet immaculately ironed yukata bound with crimson obi. His dark hair was tied to a ponytail - either Mineichi or someone else having taken great care to comb his stray curls into order. A low table decked with various dishes laid between the colorful pillows. "Good evening, Princess." Mineichi called out to Yakumo. "I took the liberty of arranging something a little less official. I hope you don't mind?" he reached for a bowl filled with small deep fried rice balls, picking one up. "I hope you are hungry too. There's enough food here for four people." The table was brimming with carefully bowls filled with fruits, sashimi platters as well as other delicacies, many of which were served with a variety of sauces, allowing the diners to adjust the flavors as ate. In light what Yakumo had learned, everything seemed normal - Mineichi no different from any other time she had seen him. If anything, he seemed a touch more jovial and relaxed. "I hope you've been well since we last talked?"

A nervous servant wasn't anything unusual as such - the Scorpion seemed as cruel masters to their heimin as the Spider were to theirs. But she was trying to be more alert of possible signs of danger, or... spirit activities. Not that she had time to actually question the servant, but she did try her best to appear friendly and reassuring whenever the young woman glanced her way.

Not knowing what Mineichi had in store for the night, Yakumo opted to change into something less fancy but still dress, and arrived in a somewhat understated black cheongsam, paired with her signature black thigh-highs to give only that glimpse of her skin.

That he seemed so relaxed and jovial, and there didn't seem to be anything sinister that she could see, she felt herself visibly relaxed and looked over the incredible spread. "Good evening, Herbalist. Thank you once more for showering me with your generous hospitality."

"Oh," she chuckled, relaxing into a smile, "been busy, but I've been keeping myself entertained. And yourself? You seem to be in a very good mood tonight."

As Yakumo entered the room, Mineichi scanned the most absolute of territories with a diligence of a man willing to wage war on that land. "Well, Princess won our little wager, did she not?" he asked her teasingly, beckoning the Spider songstress to sit down. "Ravishing, as always. I do like your sense of fashion - it suits you rather fine." Dark eyes traced her curves as Mineichi leaned to pick up a tokkuri, pouring yellowish liquid into a wide cup before pushing the saucer closer to Yakumo. "Umeshu, I hope you won't mind?"

"The city has been peaceful for once." he glanced upwards. "Well, for the most part. " There had been an incident at the gardens, but some visiting samurai had taken care of that. Mineichi wished his folks were as competent, though had he known that it was Bubblegum Crisis that had been brutally efficient, he might have chocked to the slice of plum he was having. "Of course I am on a good mood. I get to entertain a Princess of Twilight. An honor, without doubt."

It was an easy win, she thought, and Mineichi would have won something from it regardless. Well, so did she...

"Thank you," she smiled, sinking down to sit in the offered place, shifting slightly to make herself more relaxed and comfortable there. "Umeshu sounds wonderful. Makes for a nice change of pace from all the sake and modern drinks they've been serving at the parties lately, mhm?"

Her gloved hand reached out to accept the cup and bring it to her painted lips for a sip. "Peaceful, hm? Mm, I suppose a large city like this, there is always something happening that requires the attention of someone like yourself. Dangers that must be faced and challenged, all to maintain the peace?" Yakumo kept her eyes on him as she drank and spoke, finding it easy to slip into conversation with him.

Some games were not played to resolve the winner, but out of sheer fun of playing the game. Mineichi figured his wager with Yakumo was one such game. Besides, he had rather enjoyed her expression when he had suggested she might lose. "Something sweet for the sweet sweet Princess." he mused, teasing her a little. "But yes, variety is good and one should take the chance to enjoy when one has the chance. Before one finds themselves stuck on a ship for two weeks." Mineichi looked markedly at her. "Winter season is soon over after all."

"Oh yes. The city never sleeps, nor do people ever stop sinning, in ways good and bad. Yet, someone has to keep an order." he replied, shrugging softly even as he took a pause to chew down on the piece of plum he held in his chopsticks. "I would rather discuss more pleasant topics when I am in good company. You were schooled by the Kakita, weren't you?" Mineichi had little birds all over the place. "How did you find their ways?"

Eating gave that natural silent defense against saying the first thing that comes to mind, as she had helped herself to some of the fried riceballs.

"... Rather strict, with high expectations, but I imagine that holds true for almost any dojo," and with varying degrees of what they were strict about. "When we weren't learning arts, a great deal of focus was on teaching courtly ways and manners. You know how Crane can be, always minding their manners even as they indulge in rather scandalous behaviour. Though the party the other night would have made many of them pass out over how much it admitted to being provocative and unashamed."

Yakumo chuckled innocently, picking up some pickled ginger with her chopsticks. "Of course they wanted to do their utmost to make me think more like a Crane than a Spider - make me forget the influences of my heritage."

"I would expect so, yes. Though, Kakita do have a reputation." Everyone wanted to be able to claim they were Kakita trained performers and thus the Academy could pick and choose who they let in. With many of the esteemed sensei masters of their field, the training was psychologically hard, even if the sensei whacked their students less often with stick than their Hida counterparts. "Crane say they are paragons of honor and manners. They visit the same dens of vice as the Mantis and the Crab." Mineichi chuckled. "I mean, I don't really expect that to be news to you. I am sure you saw your fair share of hypocrisy."

"See, Princess, in many ways this world is like a mask. What people first see are the wanton parties, sake houses and endless variety of distractions. And yes, a lot of people do come here to get distracted. But, there's more to this place." he noted, tapping his nose. He wore a veil once more, the thin garment making the dinner an easier proposition. One did not simply eat with a mempo on. "So, how does one think like a Crane then?"

"A reputation for Perfection, you'd think they were avid worshippers of Uzuki the Immaculate." Which of course Yakumo didn't mind, as it was one of the Fortunes that were dearest to her. To think the Crane were so dedicated to their pursuit of perfect, and yet blanched terribly at the idea of actually worshipping the Dark Fortunes. "Mm, yes, I would say you wouldn't believe the depths of their hypocrisy, but I'm sure you've seen your fair share," she giggled as she lifted the cup once more for another sip.

Her eyes focused on him as he spoke of the city, of the World of Dreams. She wondered what he meant by there being something else. His question distracted her from following up on it right away. "I don't think I ever ended up thinking like them, but they always wanted me to be meek, demure... a virtuous maiden, if you like. In some ways they hold to a lot of ancient ideals on how a woman should be." And from their previous encounter, he would know that while she could play at being demure, she was not exactly a meek maiden.

"But tell me, what do you mean there is more to this place, hm? Surely you don't mean the boring politics that are taking place?" Yakumo smiled, and picked up some of the sashimi to taste.

"And they aren't?" he asked with a smirk on his lips. "The news has it that the Dark Fortunes are rather popular among the Crane these days. Then again, I suppose it has been a while since you were last there." Mineichi followed in kind, lifting his veil a little so that he could take a sip from his cup without making a mess for the time being. "Personally, I leave such matters to priests and monks - and offer my prayers to anyone willing to listen." Yakumo, having had the pleasure of seeing Mineichi in throes of passion, would know him to be a rather devout man in the right circumstances.

"That's what they'd like you to be, that's for sure." he sighed, shaking his head. "Honor they say and yet do what they please when they think that no-one's watching. It's rather amusing at times. Watching married Crane diplomats trying to explain why they were caught in a geisha house snorting Nymphetamine like there was no tomorrow." Mineichi mentioned powerful aphrodisiac the Scorpion sold openly in pharmacies - though in low concentrations. In higher concentrations the substance was far more potent and addictive. "Well, politics are part of it. But there are districts that are not open to public - districts where certain laws and customs are waived. Where people can pursue... whatever they desire as freely as possible." he gave her a marked look. "Imagine a world without obligations - without duties? Imagine living in such a world for a day or two."

Leave it to the Crane, and other stuck up samurai, to have to resort to drugs to be able to let themselves experience passions, and let go.

Chewing down some of the pickled vegetables, these secret districts sounded... dangerous. Yakumo wasn't someone who really followed all the rules of her handlers and superiors. The No Alcohol-rule was something she ignored daily, and she always ate fried food when she knew she could get away with, same with other greasy junk food. Drugs though... she had enough with the various medicants she had to take, so drugs was one of those things she steered away from.

"And here I thought the point of the red light district was to allow for such, with the unspoken bond that you return to your duties afterward," she remarked, dabbing the corner of her lips with the napkin in case any of the juice from the pickled food had left stains. "I enjoy private meetings away from prying eyes after dark, like these, where two people get to spend time together as scandalously as they like." Yakumo smirked as she glanced over at him.

"But I am still a dutiful samurai, dear Herbalist. The Princess of Twilight returns to her duties once the sun is up."

"Well. Red light districts hardly let you become anyone. You are still very much yourself. Surely you can distract yourself - and many enjoy that. These districts, let's say - allow you to become someone else for a while. Within some limitations, of course." Mineichi explained. "Think them as grand plays with thousands of actors, all acting out a scene that evolves every day."

"Mmh. Can't say I am particularly frequent visitor myself." he reached for yet another slice of plum, plucking it into his mouth. "I used to be a married man after all." There was a hint of sadness in his tone. "Feels like a lifetime ago. Ah, but please forgive my manners. I should not be talking about Kaede when I am in such a lovely company." Mineichi bobbed his head, looking a little awkward after he had brought up his deceased wife. Still, it was hardly something he could deny or forget. "It's bit like a fairytale, eh. Becoming someone else for the night, as if spirited away to a kitsune wedding or some such, only to have to leave all that behind the next day."

"Speaking of tales." he leaned to the table, if only so that he would be a little closer to Yakumo. "What sort of stories the Spider tell?"

"Sounds like it could be a little fascinating to watch, but like with a play - best to leave the acting to the professionals." And not the farce of the Crab's draw-lot play where anyone pretends to act and the audience gets to chime in.

Yakumo sampled some of the sliced plum as he did, finding the sweet taste a nice follow up to the sourness of the pickled foods before. "Don't worry about it," she assured him, "you seem to have been quite fond of her. I am not offended." Her smile softened even, seeming more friendly. Perhaps even sympathetic. She did know the tragedy now, compared to last time.

Her empty chopsticks stopped mid-air as she considered her answer. "Hmm... we have some of the usual stories, like the aforementioned kitsune weddings and old stories that have been with the Empire for ages. The stories we like to tell; usually those where the protagonist triumphs thanks to his strength, will, and knowledge. Tales of romance exist, but they are not as common as those with more... violence. Our clan have for so long been defined by being the ones on the frontlines, far away from the other clans, it's only natural that our stories become shaped by those surroundings."

"Thank you." He replied, soft sigh escaping his lips. "It gas been six years already and yet I feel like it was only yesterday..." Mineichi sighed again, slowly shaking his head. "Here I go again." His expression was pained for a moment before he found his on again.

"Tales of violence? I hope not as romantic stories." He mused, half serious, yet with some mirth in his eyes. "They do tell all sorts of outrageous rumors about the Spider. Most propaganda, I am sure." Publicly he would have to admit subscribing to clan views. In-person he could afford to express his thoughts a little bit more freely. "I am sure you've bumped to some of the stories." He looked at Yakumo, taking another sip from his cup. "So what's your favorite story then, Princess?"

Since it was such an intimate setting, Yakumo's free hand reached over, touching his knee in a light gesture. The other hand that had been occupied with food laced down her chopsticks on the hashioki. "As I said, don't worry about it."

For a moment she just smiled gently to him, letting it sink in that she could also be a friend. Not just a fling.

"But you answer your questions... yes, sometimes the romantic tales are can be violent, usually that the lovers might have to defeat some dangers before they are finally triumphant together - in both love and on the battlefield." It might explain why she also did have themes of love and fighting intertwined in some of her songs.

"Hmmm... I have a fondness for the classics myself, since I heard so many of them during my schooling, but there is a Spider story I quite enjoy, that we call The Paladin. I could tell it, if you like?"

She could feel him shiver a little when she touched her, his fingers brushing against hers for a moment. "Thank you." There was a sense of gratitude and relief in his voice. "You are as kind as you are charming." The moment might have been a tad more romantic had his gaze not dropped for a moment when Yakumo leaned closer. Mineichi was still very much a man and Yakumo could be distracting even when she didn't try to.

"Huh. Really? That's interesting. I mean, you do see that in some movies but it's hardly that common of a trope." Mineichi mused, sounding a little surprised. "Our romantic stories seem to be about loyalty that transcends hardships or even death. Very Scorpion, I suppose."

"Oh, I would love that." Mineichi quipped, shuffling his feet so that he sat both more comfortably and a little closer to Yakumo, his knee inches from hers. "I have reserved the night for you and I am in no hurry."

"Kindness is too rare a thing in the galaxy, and I am a rarity." Yakumo's chuckle was sweet and low. It probably sounded a bit cheesy, but the way they exchanged teases, compliments, and flattering words, it didn't feel too out of place, or at least so she thought.

And if she could put him at ease, and let him consider her a friend, then perhaps helping him would be easier. It was difficult to help someone when there was no trust or friendliness.

"Mm, likewise, my night have no other plans than being here. So, the Princess of Twilight will tell you a story."

Traditional storytelling was in fact one of the art forms she had been taught by the Kakita, as it was something that let her utilize her enchanting voice similarly to her singing. So Mineichi was treated to an impromptu yet captivating rendition of The Paladin, a popular story with the Spider of Shiragiku.

It told the story of the hatamoto Sakutada, an excellent swordmaster who was a stalwart supporter of his daimyo, renown far and wide for his skill. However, he was betrayed - falsely accused of an affair with the daimyo's new wife, lady Meiya - who had once been his childhood sweetheart. The Lady had been found murdered and he was framed for it, and the other samurai of his daimyo sought to kill him, forcing him into a fighting escape to save his own life. The hostile samurai seemed to take command of the daimyo's rule, and cut Sakutada off from any support he might still have left in the land.

Sakutada set up refuge outside the borders of his daimyo's land, over time building his own makeshift home in the hills, where he survived crippled from the injuries he sustained in his flight, with only his warhorse Jiro and his regrets as company. Meanwhile the land bled by the rapacious warlords that now controlled the land, having disposed of the weak daimyo. The only thing disturbing Sakutada's morose existence was the occassional assassins sent by his enemies that managed to find him, as they still feared what he could do if he was left alive.

One day, his peace was disturbed by someone not an assassin; Taizu, a low-ranking woman from the farmlands of his homeland's neighbouring province sought him out, and demanded he teach her sufficient swordsmanship to exact her revenge for her people's suffering - for the warlords had made several forays into the lands of their neighbours to pillage and weaken them - and Taizu as a simple borderguard had seen her share of destruction; destruction which she wished to enact tenfold upon the ones responsible. Despite Sakutada's better judgement, for he felt that he needed to protect her not teach her to fight, and strenuous efforts to discourage her, Taizu forced him to take her on as an apprentice swordswoman. As he puts her through rigorous training, Sakutada realises he is becoming fond of her, inspired by her strength and will.

In the process of teaching her and supporting her cause, they become entangled with one another as lovers, and they become embroiled in the affairs of the province, becoming the spearhead of a group or righteous warriors that flock to Taizu's crusade to up-end the unjust and undeserving men who had wrongfully seized power that was not theirs to wield.

The pair fight viciously, and in the end stood triumphant having defeated the ones responsible for their misery and found satisfactory vengeance. In their aftermath, Taizu revealed her true identity as the daimyo's heir, who had been abroad on a musha shugyo when the coup happened and had been unable to return home due to the situation. She had adopted the guise of a lower-ranking samurai for her own safety as she sought a way to find revenge, and had heard rumors of Sakutada's survival - a hope that turned out to be true.

Acknowledged by rights of strength and lineage, Taizu took up her mantle as the new daimyo. Sakutada refused to take up his old position as her swordmaster, but stayed by her side in the years to come.

As with many tales, this story lacked family-names, locations, and a time. While it certainly embraced many Spider philosophies, it was not something that could be unheard of outside of the Spider Clan.

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D9 EN. Princess & The Herbalist. Fluff Perform: Storytelling/Awareness. +1k1 Voice. 2 raises. | 6k5 ⇒ 38 (TN: ?)

Mineichi listened attentively, almost enraptured as Yakumo wove her story, forgetting the food as she focused on her voice and tone, very much enjoying an artist at work. An artist that was performing just for her. "Interesting." he reached to touch to touch her hand, only to break the touch moments later. "Good story too." He had been particularly pleased with the revelation that Taizu was the rightful hair to the daimyo. "With a hint of forbidden romance too, no? As much as the two were allies, he was teaching her." Mineichi mused, curious how Yakumo saw it. "I have a feeling that I have seen a Lion holo-play that had a similar plot, though with fewer romantic notes. But a loyal samurai wronged by their lord feels quite Lion. I suppose, the Spider share the martial traditions of the Lion?" The two clans were alike more than the Lion cared to admit. Both served as the mailed fists of the Throne, both having been granted honor of pacifying worlds in the name of the Emperor. Now, Spider had been called to conquer the most hellish worlds while Lion had been given the honor of vanquishing many primitive and warlike alien populations. "Thank you. That was lovely." Mineichi added, remembering his manners once more. "Unfortunately, I don't think I have a story equally riveting to share, but if Princess wants to ask me anything, I'll try to do my best to answer."

Her hand turned slightly as he touched it, gently reciprocating the gesture. "Oh, certainly scandalous romance," Yakumo chuckled mirthfully, "not only was he her teacher, but she was the daughter of his lord. But I'm not surprised it's a tale similar to other ones, of wronged loyal samurai... many Spider often feel a relation of sorts to such stories, as heroes who have been treated unfairly by powers outside of their control." Or that was her belief at least, as that is how she felt most of the time when encountering other clans. Or so it was most of the time before her recent fame, because now people were suddenly adoring fans.

"The Spider is strongly militaristic, yes. Martial prowess is valued highly. The Lion, if they dared to look and find their narrow views challenged, might find many similarities shared there." Yakumo wasn't particularly fond of Lion, and recent events hadn't changed that a whole lot.

Still she could drop such unpleasant thoughts easily, and focused instead on the good company. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's not often I get to try my hand at storytelling, even if it was one of the things my sensei insisted on teaching me." Yakumo smiled a bit sheepishly, like a student that had been shirking her lessons.

The offer of asking him anything though... that was incredibly tempting. Dangerous. And challenging. Yakumo had lots of questions she wanted to ask, or things she wanted to say, but... there was a matter of what she dared to say. "Hmmm... you know you offer me such a great temptation to ask a great many things, when you word it like that," while the words were slightly teasing, there seemed to be something more contemplative to her expression and body language. "Last time, when we were together like this... you said that maybe you had felt drawn to me. Do you think there might be something to it? Beyond just physical attraction?"

Damnit, she should have prepped for potential questions like this. This was the best she could think of on the spot, without asking way too suspicious questions.

"I could see that." Mineichi muttered, his gaze dropping once more, though this time he was not admiring Yakumo's natural talents. Instead he was occupied by more morose thoughts. The Spider were often disparagingly called the lapdogs of the Throne. They served a purpose in the Empire, but their duty was hardly glorious. For most Spider bushi, the duty came in form of a miserable death on some kami-forsaken planet. "Yeah, I could see that." he murmured, looking up once more. "As much as sacrifice is a virtue, there's only so much one can take." Another soft sigh escaped his lips, Mineichi reaching for his cup. "Now, there's a depressing topic."

"Huh. Are there then any ties between stories and songs? I suppose lyrics are stories, but it seems like two different arts?" Mineichi was more than happy to change the topic, tilting his head to the side as he waited for her reply.

"Temptation? Am I that interesting, hmm?" he asked, almost purring as he leaned closer once more. "One is but a simple servant of law." Mineichi whispered, brushing his calloused fingers over hers, his skin rough against hers. "You are the curious one in this room. Mhmhm..." hearing her question, he hesitated a little, leaving his hand on hers. "Hard to tell, Princess." he replied as earnestly as it could, his voice low, his eyes focused on hers. "I do not believe the tales of red threads or love at first sight, that much is sure. And yet, and yet I felt some pull." He raised his arm, brushing reaching to tug a stray curl behind her ear. "Something I cannot truly explain." His fingers traced her ear, slowly making their way to her neck, Mineichi eventually pulling his hand back, a slight confusion marring his handsome features. "Maybe... maybe we could try something? Could you close your eyes?" Herbalist asked, his voice almost whisper.

"There is some storytelling to writing lyrics, and there is something lyrical about telling a story. Mostly, my sensei felt I was better suited to talents that utilized my voice - which I don't disagree with. But I find that knowing how to weave a narrative works well for my songwriting." Evoking images, scenarios, emotions. Some songs captured a special moment, and all the feelings that came with it.

Sacrifice were a virtue the Spider knew all too well. Unquestioning obedience and loyalty, dying in the name of the Empire, and yet no one wished to acknowledge it. For a moment she thought of her hatred for that certain woman, but it was quickly pushed away as Mineichi's hand caressed hers, then tucked the hair behind her ear. "You are more interesting than you give yourself credit for." Perhaps because he was dangerous, and she felt drawn to that danger in some way.

Her lips parted briefly, a bit surprised by his response, and the request. It was a few seconds as she wondered what could happen, her pulse quickening some at possible dangers. Her consent came with a nod. "Mm, I can do that," the words were softly murmured.

The violet eyes closed, awaiting what would happen.