Sapphire Ambassadors

"Not at present, Doji-sama," Aibou says.

"But if you will excuse me, there is, as you know, much to do!"

He bows deeply and makes his own exit.

Aibou bows deeply at Utemaro's words.

"It will be an honor, Doji-sama," he says. "And you are, of course, invited to attend or to participate, as you might desire it."

He turns to Otoko, bowing again.

"Shosuro-san is similarly invited."

Aibou turns to see Otoko and smiles.

"Shosuro-san! Always a pleasure!" he says.

Turning back to Utemaro, he adds "I understand, Doji-sama, and I thank you for your time and for the graciousness in hosting."

"It has," Aibou replies, making his own deep bow. "As has my stay throughout the Tournament. Congratulations on a successful event!"

He glances aside.

"Will we be joined by others, Doji-sama?"

Shiba Aibou arrives at the home of Doji Utemaro, responding to a summons thence.

Aibou looks at Raakun.

"I can see how a wolf would think him a tasty morsel," he says.

"What was just the one time?" Aibou asks.

"With me? No," Aibou replies.

"That said, come see me in a couple of days, and I might have one. May I ask why?"

"Perhaps our Asahina friend has ideas?" Aibou says.

"You see?" Aibou says, smiling. "Helping."

"Have you been looking at scarves for children, perhaps?" Aibou asks. "Seems those would be the best-sized for him."

"Charmed, of course," Aibou says. "But I think we'd gotten past introductions, neh?"

He grins.

"Of course!" Aibou says. "After all--but your companion wants the scarf?"

"A scarf, Kitsune-san?" Aibou says, having been speaking, really, to both.

"I think I can help with that."

"Maybe in the next couple of days you can see some of my work," Aibou notes. "Maybe it will offer inspiration for yours? Or perhaps we might compose together at one of the tea houses?"

"It'd be a pleasure, Kitsune-san!" Aibou says.

What artist doesn't appreciate that kind of thing.

"I'll look forward to seeing more of yours, as well!"

"Hm?"

It takes Aibou a moment to return to himself.

"Oh, yes, I paint, yes," he says. "As to commissions...my lord has bidden me paint, at times. More often, it is as the mood strikes."

He shrugs slightly. "Sometimes, people like to see what I do."

Aibou had been about to say something when he sees the strange procession.

His eyes close and his head cocks, almost as if he has eaten something cold too quickly.

"You've animal ken, then?" Aibou asks.

"Excuse me, Kitsune-san," Aibou says, approaching. "I believe this is yours."

His expression is pleasant enough.

Kitsune Shizenko wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 27, 2022 6:50 pm

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