Sapphire Ambassadors

"The important thing," Akijin says, "is that we can move ahead. We have to. And I think we can do it in a way that makes sure we leave something for the family when we're gone."

Her hand drops to her belly.

"Something for the next generation."

"I've had...investments," Akijin says, catching her breath. "That Bayushi cook put in a fair bit, as did the Shosuro woman--the makeup one, I mean. So has that one Doji, the one who trained with the Yasuki." She breathes in and out again. "I don't care if they think she's cursed; she's just about th...

Akijin puffs in, having had to hurry.

Business is good.

"Apologies, cousins," she says, bowing. "It's been busy."

Then she looks around.

"Oh."

"It would be a delight!" Akijin fairly chirps, and she bustles off to see to it. She returns in a remarkably short time with a closed pot, a cup, and a skewer of pan-seared scallop. "The tea, when steeped, should complement the scallops, Doji-sama," she says, and she pours a tinted stream into the c...

"Any word Doji-sama would speak in the Sunset Leaves's support would be welcomed, of course," Akijin says, and the coin purse vanishes. "And her generosity will doubtlessly be long remembered, as well.

"Would Doji-sama like tea or a snack, perhaps? It would be given gladly."

Akijin smiles slightly.

"Doji-sama's compassion is great," she says. "Any support she would wish to give would be welcome."

"No excuse is needed, Doji-sama," Akijin replies, bowing again and lower. "And this one is happy to have already obliged her; the manager speaks to Doji-sama even now.

"And Doji-sama's regard is welcomed and appreciated. That she is pleased with the service she has received is gratifying."

"With respect, Doji-sama," says the staffer, who just happens to be Akijin, "Doji-dono has said he does not like us to interrupt his works. How may this one aid Doji-sama?"

With another bow, Akijin withdraws.

Akijin bows again.

There is no other safe response.

Akijin bows.

"Bayushi-sama is generous, indeed."

"That is most excellent, Bayushi-sama," Akijin replies, carefully.

"No, Bayushi-sama," Akijin replies. "We have not had much word from Naishou. Conversations tend to...quiet...around the topic."

"Bayushi-sama is generous," Akijin says, averting her eyes. She's experienced enough to know that a maskless Scorpion is a dangerous thing to see.

"His patronage has already been of great benefit--more than could have been hoped."

Akijin arrives promptly with the tea.

"Bayushi-sama had made requests?" she asks, demurely.

Akijin withdraws.

Best to let the samurai have their time.

"We're always happy to have added support, of course," Akijin says. "Shosuro-sama's patronage is certainly most welcome."

Akijin simply bows and ensures that the brew is left to steep.

"It will be a few minutes to steep," Akijin says to the withdrawing Scorpion.

And then she works on a ginger-mint tea.

"Yes, Bayushi-sama?" comes her words as he swiftly finds her.