(D3, MA) T³ - Tea Cube Edition

[Miya Nishida]

"There are few who do not want peace," he replied, well aware of the industry he has represented all these years. "But it is a more difficult task to satisfy all those whose honor has been violated and who demand retribution. However, I believe that your music may be able to build bridges. Maybe it can bring some understanding between the clans. Therefore, I believe that your contract will be extended, it is in the interest of the Miya".

Not to mention the billions of koku that Yakumo's merchandise brings into the Imperial coffers.

[Susumu Yakumo]

"Oh? You believe music can build bridges between the clans, Miya-sama?" she asked, seemingly intrigued. There was a light in those violet eyes, as if she was having an idea forming...

[Miya Nishida]

"Of course!" he promptly returned. "Music is like balm for the soul, as is tea, drama, and any form of culture. Of course we can use it to set ourselves apart and present ourselves better, but we can also use it to reconcile and mediate. It always depends on how you use a tool. The hammer doesn't care whether it forges a sword or a plow, it doesn't make it good or evil, it is and remains simply a hammer."

[Susumu Yakumo]

Wow, it was so unusual to find such spirit in a pencil-pusher, she mused, but it was a most welcome surprise. Maybe all that accounting had made him appriciate the finger things in life even more.

"Well I can absolutely agree with that!" Yakumo smiled. "It is a shame how many of the traditional arts too are forgotten in this day and age of spacefaring and glitzy nightlife... of course, I don't dislike the modern, but believe it or not, I do have some training with the more traditional arts as well - such as dance, and the koto." She gave a shrug. "People don't really pay to come listen to koto performances though."

[Miya Nishida]

"You play the Koto?" was the first thing he replied, sounding more surprised than perhaps it should. He nodded slightly and adjusted his glasses, "Too many have forgotten the roots. It's a testament to itself that a city like this doesn't have a single teahouse! Can you believe it? That's what those hideous bubble tea stalls are for!" he said indignantly and with a hint of disgust, shaking his head vigorously again, only to have to adjust his glasses again, "Once the Scorpion was considered a rival to the Crane, a realm for culture and sophistication were." And sin, "But apparently they traded that for cheap fast food and over sweetend tea with balls in it."

It was rare for Nishida to be so emotinal about a subject, and you could definitely tell.

[Susumu Yakumo]

Yakumo, being a worshipper of the Dark Fortunes, thoroughly enjoyed the sight of an emotionally worked up Imperial.

"Really? There is not a single teahouse here?" she was actually shocked herself. Although bubble tea is delicious. "The hotel offers everything needed for a tea ceremony, so it's not a complete void of culture here, but goodness... perhaps such things are only found in the private estates of the high-ranking ones."

Clearly she was thinking of the houses used to perform tea ceremonies, and not teahouses.

"Does Miya-sama play any instrument perhaps? Or have an interest in learning a traditional one?"

[Miya Nishida]

"Of course, of course. That just doesn't make it any better! Scorpions and their secrecy! In the lobbies of the embassies and in the back rooms of the mansions, unfortunately, there is no possibility for a classical exchange! Where else can you meet with strangers and talk about business, politics and life?" he was still indignant and drank a sip of his tea, at the question of the instrument he shook his head again slightly, "Unfortunately no, my duty gives me too little time for that, besides I also have to take care of this one" he said and petted Mochi, who had detached himself from Himei and came stomping to Nishida.

[Susumu Yakumo]

Oh it was cute to watch an Imperial get all up in arms about the lack of a teahouse. It would go into her list of Top 3 Good Things to be grateful for that day.

"Of course, I understand, Miya-sama." The singer looked over the dog, smiling gently. "What an adorable companion. I sometimes wish I could have a pet too, but my schedule is so busy, and some planets are absolutely nightmares about bringing offworld animals." And some planets didn't even let you take the interesting pets with you, like those little drakes!

[Miya Nishida]

"That's true, I don't like to leave Mochi outside either,... but the little one has to go out now and then." he said with a smile on his lips.

[Susumu Yakumo]

"Otherwise he'll wreck the embassy, huh?" she teased, having heard how destructive some pets could be.

Yakumo began to reach out with her hand toward the dog, but quickly remembered herself and held it back. She wasn't the best with animals, having little experience with them as pets, so she knew the important rule; always ask regarding pets. "Mochi seems very friendly... may I?"

[Miya Nishida]

"Oh sure," Mochi was excited either way and was already panting happily. "Don't worry he's well behaved and a bit older too, I've had him since my Gempukku."

[Susumu Yakumo]

And a good dog didn't have to be asked twice to be given pets, so once Yakumo reached out her hand to let Mochi greet her, there was lots of pets to be had.

"Awww aren't you a cute boy," the songstress cooed to the dog as she ruffled his fur and scratched him behind the ears. "Mm, I am jealous of you, Miya-sama, to have such a cute companion with you for travelling. Yes, you're a sweet boy, aren't you?"

Any pet-person knew that conversations with animals around neatly flipped around like that, from talking to the owner changing to talking to the pet in the blink of an eye. Because she was looking straight at Mochi and making sweet-talk to him by calling him a sweet boy, and not Nishida.

[Miya Nishida]

Mochi wagged his tail excitedly and let himself be cuddled, of course he acted as if he had never been petted in his life, as dogs always did.


I'm sure that sooner or later Susumu-san will find a companion with whom she can travel through the galaxy," he said with a smile.

[Susumu Yakumo]

"Hopefully, but I don't think it would be fair to most animals... I don't think they like space-travel, and some planets are very strict on what animals can gain entry." Something about eco-systems or something. Whatever. Stupid rules, as stupid as the rules that said she couldn't take a Spine Drake off world.

"But, if I may ask about something you said earlier, Miya-sama... how do you think art, and music specifically, could be used to promote peace in the Empire?"

[Miya Nishida]

"As a way of reconciliation and collaboration, of course. You are the best example. The fact that you are listened to beyond all clan borders, although you belong to the clan of the Spider, is the sign that you are given the opportunity to cross the chasm that lies between the clans and to build bridges.

He said and scrathced Mochi behind the ears.

"Maybe you need to look for more fighters for this cause, if you seriously think about it, it's hard to fight alone,..." he paused for a moment, "But the legends show that we are strongest as a united Rokugan, the Days of Thunder were the best example of that."

[Susumu Yakumo]

Yakumo gave a slight shrug, though she was still scritching Mochi behind the ears.

"The Imperials have various projects already along those lines though, like the Heavenly 9 pop group that consists of members from all the clans, and then you have the Starlight Miko Crusaders who have been running forever..." she mused out loud, but not dismissive of Nishida's ideas.

"Other clans often like to remind the Spider that we were not exactly on Team Rokugan's side in the past of Days of Thunder... and that Spider and Mantis both were not real Thunders* in that regard." Yakumo paused to give some more attention to the cuddly dog. "More collaboration with other talents from across the clans would be interesting though, but I fear some would say it's more a publicity stunt for me than promoting unity. My apologies if I sound a bit of a pessimist, Miya-sama... I'm just used to living my life being treated with suspicion simply because of the Family and Clan I was born to."


----

OOC: *= I have no idea if there were Days of Thunder later with Mantis and Spider Thunders, so keeping it a bit vague. ^^;

[Miya Nishida]

"Well the burden that is given to you weighs heavily on the shoulders of those who have to carry it" he answered, "I understand your pessimism, it is not always easy to act against the expectations of others and to live up to yourself. But look at it this way: no matter how the majority will take it, you can only gain from collaboration. Either your reach will increase, you'll get more listeners and you'll be even more successful than you are now or you'll manage to do what has already been said and you'll manage to build bridges too." he replied

[Susumu Yakumo]

"Hmmm... it is certainly something to consider, should my contract be renewed," she did seem persuaded by the mention of reaching more people with her music.

Yakumo patted Mochi on the head, finishing up the session of cuddling with the dog. "Well, you've given me lots to think about, Miya-sama, as well as serving me most excellent tea. Perhaps next time I'll be the one treating you to a tea ceremony, hm?" The former Yasuki was given a warm smile.

[Miya Nishida]

"That would be nice" he replied and gave her a smile back, "Here" he took out his card, "You may invite me anytime you have time" he bowed slightly.

Mochi, on the other hand, barked once happily.

[Susumu Yakumo]

There was just something about business-men and how they liked to hand out those cards like candy. Still, the Miya seemed a good sort, so she returned the favor by giving him her contact-info as well. "Thank you, and do feel free to call on me if there is anything I or the Spider can do to assist the Imperial families."

One more pat on Mochi's head, because he was such a good boy.

"Thank you for your time, Miya-sama. I hope the rest of the day and your stay on World of Dreams continues to be pleasant." A couple of more bows to conclude the usual awkwardness that came with departing, the Spider diva put her bag back on and returned to her quest to photograph some cute animals at the park.


/exit Yakumo (thanks for the scene )