video; un: eraserhead

[eyedrop]

[ Aizawa's lolling against some tree somewhere. Terrible, slumped posture; hair wild about his face. His expression is neutral, bordering on irritable, and his voice is an exhausted monotone. He sits with one leg folded over the other, idly tossing a cat figurine from hand to hand. ]

Hey. Myself and a few others did some looking around. Apparently, both the sea clan and the mountain clan have their allies--but they're not within easy reach. In the case of the sea clan, the empress's brother is married to some far-off queen. The mountain clan's allies aren't too nearby, either.

[ He shifts minutely. His eyes flutter briefly shut, and he sighs. ]

Point being, war between these two would be irrational. The old man we spoke with said no one really wants to start anything, but I don't know how true that is. I haven't tried to approach the nobles.

[ He really doesn't look or act the part, and he knows it. Nor does he have an escort. ]

If you've spoken to any of them, what's the mood? What do they want?

[ He cards a hand through his hair, frowning slightly. ]

They're the key to this, I think. Certainly the key to actually meeting that empress of theirs. So if you've got info, or if you've made any connections, spill it.

Comments

[eyedrop]

Let's hear it, in any case.

[ Everyone else is being free with their ideas, no matter how ridiculous. Why not this guy? ]

[mitthrawnaruto]

After studying the local customs and culture— in addition to reviewing our provided dossiers— I have noted that their military prowess far exceeds that of its neighbors, yet it is not an overtly hostile or aggressive region.

I therefore feel that with the matter of requiring only one empress, that it might be better to turn the Land of Celestial Mountains into a military state: in ceding the throne Empress Nama would lose the singular power of her title, but the now restless nobility would find themselves in possession of greater influence— shared amongst one another of course.

In this way, the Mountains could also directly act as royal guards to the Crashing Waves, a bond that would provide funding, respect, and mutual benefit from the other's existence.

[There's only a short pause this time before he adds, with a warning edge:]

However, I do not yet fully understand where Empress Youmi or Lord Doro stand on the idea of their newfound neighbors, and I do not trust the singular incident in the marketplace to remain an isolated one.

[eyedrop]

[ Deadpan and monotone, as always: ]

That's pretty ambitious.

[ He also thinks it assumes a lot about what these people want, but Thrawn's acknowledging that already. No need to reiterate it. ]

It's an idea, though. We'll just need more information before considering it.

[mitthrawnaruto]

Yes. It is a relief to know that I am not alone in believing so.

[There seems to be a lot of interest in action before analysis, Thrawn's noted. This...eraserhead is the only one that's openly expressed hesitation. Refreshing, to say the least.]

Plans can always be changed as information continues to present itself— yet plans hatched too quickly cannot, sometimes with grave consequences. I would hate to see such a promising opportunity for peace turned into a foothold for chaos.

[eyedrop]

Yeah, well. You and me both.

[ He shuts his eyes. He thought he was tired before he made this post; now he's downright exhausted. ]

We don't have a lot of time, but we can't be hasty, either. Any misstep and it might cost more of these people's lives.

[mitthrawnaruto]

Then know that you are not alone in your efforts or intentions.

[A slight, careful pause, weighed down by quiet consideration.]

Rest if you must.

[eyedrop]

No time for that.

[ Never any time. ]

[mitthrawnaruto]

There is. As there must be for those who may hypothetically stand against us, and our purpose here.

[A thread pulled too tightly will turn brittle— and break.]

Do not mistake consciousness for usefulness: a few hours will not herald this Empire's collapse.

[eyedrop]

[ Is this guy lecturing him? He chuckles. ]

I don't think a couple hours will do much for me.

Really, don't worry about it. Thanks for the concern, though.

[mitthrawnaruto]

As you say, then.

[He is in no position to argue, and truthfully, he does not care to: the man seems highly capable of making his own educated decisions— and there are much larger matters to be considered.]

Should you require assistance, or uncover any additional information, I would appreciate it if you would contact me directly.