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Post by ravigen on Dec 15, 2014 20:19:08 GMT
When the Empire had assigned a secretary to the Ikegami, Naozumi had been surprised to discover it was someone of such a noble lineage, he hadn't expected to have the honor of hosting someone from the Haerk family but he would be remiss to not get to know the man better and as such when he arrived at Shimaga-jo in the early evening, Naozumi had prepared the best his cooks could make to celebrate his arrival.
Grilled fish, meat and vegetable stew, Sashimi with various seasonings and sauces, skewers of dango and the very best heated sake Naozumi had in store. Upon his entry to the hall, Naozumi and his entire family stood there and bowed in greeting, as the guest of honor the center chair was his with Naozumi and Sayoko on either side as the Daimyo and heir and Masateru, Yukimura, and Himawari to his left. |
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 18, 2014 5:40:14 GMT
Drivid Haerk was surprised by the lavish hospitality of his new hosts. Was this a typical reception for a mid-level administrator? Or perhaps they were trying to make a good impression to a representative of the Empire? Or, could it be that elves of the remote Far North knew of the Haerk family? In any case, the Secretary wasn't about to refuse a seat of honor and a hearty meal.
"It is an honor to be received so graciously," he affirmed with a customary bow, letting his black robes droop low for effect. "And it is an even greater honor to enter service for the greatest of elven royal Houses, noble Daimyo Naozumi Ikegami." Not that Haerk cared especially what House he worked for, as long as he had stable work and good pay. But he didn't let anything less than full appreciation show on his face.
Taking a seat, he turned to face the daimyo specifically. "My lord, forgive my ignorance, but what delicacies exactly have your cooks so generously prepared us for this meal? Everything looks appetizing, but I cannot name the dishes or their ingredients. As I make my new home in Ikegami lands, I would greatly appreciate enlightenment on such matters."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 18, 2014 5:54:46 GMT
Naozumi nodded, pointing out the various dishes laid out for them.
"The grilled fish is Yakizakana, it is specially grilled in garnishes and seasonings found along the mountainside, the stew is called Oden or Kantou-daki to be more precise and is a simple stew withboiled eggs, daikon radish, konnyaku, and fish cakes stewed in soy-flavored broth. The dango skewers are sweet dumplings specially prepared and dipped in a flavorful syrup. The Sashimi, slices of rare fish coated in ginger and garlic with soy sauce to dip should you desire.
He lifted one of the small ceramic jugs of heated sake and poured a small cup for himself and one for Drivid should he want one.
"And of course the heated sake, the best of our make." He took a sip from his cup and set it down, turning back to Drivid.
"I must admit, I have heard of the name Haerk and of how well known it is said to be in the Empire, I am surprised and grateful that one of such a noble lineage would come to our humble clan." |
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 25, 2014 4:53:53 GMT
"A noble lineage is only appropriate for a Secretary serving such a great House of the North as your own," the bureaucrat replied with a smile. "Aed willing, neither of us need engage in false modesty. From a member of one esteemed family to another." Haerk gave the daimyo a knowing look, lowering his head and raising his eyebrows slightly. His eyes were blue and his hair and full beard were red, almost unheard of among Southerners but for the particular Khaitis mountain clan from which the Haerk family hailed. Drivid could have passed for a Northerner, were it not for his dark tan skin and -more importantly- his black bureaucrat's uniform.
"Now, if I may ask, when and how is it acceptable to proceed dining in such a setting, according to Ikegami custom?"
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Post by ravigen on Dec 25, 2014 5:04:22 GMT
Naozumi nodded, pleased with the man's frankness, his own brown eyes meeting the secretary's evenly. The Ikegami had gained something of a reputation for a more 'exotic' look at least compared to other northerners and plenty of southerners themselves, they took little heed of the whispers but knew of them nonetheless.
"It is customary for the guest of honor to begin eating first, traditionally we open such formal meals with a toast to the guest." Naozumi raised his cup of sake as did the rest of the family and they made a quick toast to Drivid and his safe arrival.
"For the food itself, there is little tradition beyond not being wasteful, we still remember the times when food was scarce for our people and we honor that." |
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 25, 2014 5:35:08 GMT
"It would not simply be a breach of your customs, but a crime against Dignity and Aed to waste such fine cuisine!" Drivid Haerk quipped, smile flattening briefly as he delivered the line deadpan. He then allowed his lips to curl again before beginning eating.
Just as he had expected, the secretary enjoyed every bit of the lavish feast, though he took it in at the measured pace of a properly-raised nobleman.
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Post by ravigen on Dec 25, 2014 5:47:14 GMT
Once the feast was concluded, Naozumi led Drivid alongside his family into one of the larger rooms where mats were laid out for them to sit comfortably, the sound of shamisen, flutes, and more could be heard as they relaxed, setting an informal and jovial atmosphere as a servant brought more sake for those who should desire it.
Finally Naozumi turned to Drivid, "Please, tell me what brings someone of your lineage to our people? I admit I have heard of your family name but little about it, news of the south is dreadfully scarce here and we have been eager to learn more of the Empire and it's people." |
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 25, 2014 6:37:57 GMT
"Noble Lord Naozumi, the courts of the South are rumored to be the best-connected of the known world," Haerk began wryly. "And once enough families reach a certain threshold of success in some endeavor, the entire continent leaps upon it. So it is now with the business of venturing North, or at least so it shall be soon enough. My hope is that I have arrived far enough ahead of the curve to make my stake comfortable and secure. I predict the bureaucracy of the North will be a focus of cutthroat competition within the next decade."
There was no use lying or throwing pleasantries about with the daimyo, at least not as far as Drivid Haerk was concerned. He was about to set shop here with the Ikegami royal family for a long time if he could help it, and he'd rather set a precedent for frankness than vacuous niceties and webs of lies. Haerk was happy to be a number-cruncher, an archivist, a historian, a political economist, or anything...as long as it didn't involve Aed-damned intrigue and fake personas.
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Post by ravigen on Dec 25, 2014 23:40:45 GMT
Naozumi nodded, taking a slow sip from his sake, regarding Drivid for a long moment before he chuckled.
"I understand it, the politics of the courts though mine is not nearly as big as the South's, but it is good that you have come now, ahead of the curve, if all goes well I hope to build an Embassy in Kegosu in the coming years should the Vizier approve it."
The attraction of Survaekom officials would bring new opportunities to the Ikegami to secure their position in the mountains and to break out of their isolation, something Naozumi had been pursuing for years.
"But you are more than welcome to 'stake' your claim here among my court, your work benefits me and my court benefits you as it will, if there is anything you need to improve your position here I would be happy to assist."
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Post by aspenivan on Dec 31, 2014 3:43:20 GMT
"Well," Haerk replied with a half-smile, "if and when the embassy comes along, you could vouch for me for the position of Resident Councilor. A promotion, and even the recommendation on its own, would certainly help me and my family live up to our good name. And naturally, with such an arrangement, you could expect me to do my best to smoothen and sweeten relations between your Clan and the Imperial Crown." He let his lips spread into a full, satisfied smile.
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Post by ravigen on Dec 31, 2014 4:16:03 GMT
Naozumi nodded slowly, an excellent proposition and one that would serve both their interests. He would see to it that upon his proposal of the Embassy, Haerk would be recommended as the Councilor, of course this would have to wait until after the threat of the Wastelanders was dealt with which was fine It would give Drivid an opportunity to prove himself good at his job to further bolster the recommendation.
"Then it is agreed, after the Wastelanders are dealt with I will make the recommendation and petition to the Vizier." |
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Post by ravigen on Mar 24, 2015 2:34:45 GMT
Upon the construction of the Embassy, Ikegami Naozumi made a trip to Kegosu to the Embassy to meet up with Haerk to congratulate him on his promotion and discuss the possibilities of furthering both their interests in the North. He'd brought a bottle of fine sake and made his way through the city, his royal guard around him as he went to meet with Councilor Haerk.
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Post by aspenivan on Apr 3, 2015 19:56:45 GMT
Councilor Drivid Haerk received the daimyo with all due honors: His staff had prepared comfortable seating and refreshments in the main chamber, and they had made sure to elevate the Ikegami lord's seat to appropriately signal his rank. Upon entering the building, Naozumi was greeted with a bow by Haerk and his entire complement of scribes and servants.
"Aed's blesings upon you, noble Daimyo Ikegami Naozumi," the newly-promoted Imperial Councilor spoke as he rose. "It is a pleasure and an honor to receive you. Please sit, and let us enjoy some of the many fine tastes my servants have prepared." He extended a hand towards the table between the two chairs, bedecked with such delicacies as Juturnan olives with oil and vinegar, fine Byrnian nuts and berries, and Khaitis sweet grapes. It was then that Haerk finally noticed what Naozumi was carrying in his hands. "And aha! A fine bottle for us to share as well! Let's waste no time then! To our seats!"
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Post by ravigen on Apr 3, 2015 21:53:43 GMT
Naozumi smiled and followed Haerk to the table and sat down after him, setting the bottle down and placing the two cups he'd brought with him next to it, quickly pouring into the two cups and handing one to Haerk.
"Thank you for seeing me so quickly Councilor Haerk and congratulations on your promotion, it is well deserved." |
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Post by aspenivan on Apr 3, 2015 22:06:25 GMT
The Councilor took the cup offered to him with a brief nod of thanks.
"A great honor for service to a great lord, your highness," Haerk replied to Naozumi with a smile. He knew he had one person to thank above all for his promotion. "So tell me, noble lord, have you made a visit for congratulations and the pleasure of my company, or is there business to attend to as well?"
As he awaited the daimyo's response, Drivid took the opportunity to take a sip of the Ikegami sake. It was a fine brew.
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