Sapphire Ambassadors

"Thank you for the tea," Gaitsu replies, returning the bow--but not so deeply.

It'd disturb his hat, after all.

"Understandable," Gaitsu says. "And you have yet much to do today, as well."

"Much less so now, I think," Gaitsu replies. "And the new Lady Seppun has been...more actively engaged in affairs than her predecessor, Fortunes rest him."

"It would, perhaps, yes," Gaitsu says. "Had it happened.

"Yet."

He sips at his tea again.

"The opportunity may present itself, I think."

"Good," Gaitsu says.

"Kyuden Seppun will appreciate that attitude, I believe. And the new daimyo may even be interested in what you have to say."

"I do," Gaitsu affirms. "As do some others.

"And you are not wrong, truly. That one Crab girl had the right of it, even if her mouth was ill-suited to speaking it."

"It's a thing worth considering," Gaitsu says. "Rather, those are all things worth considering."

He takes another sip of tea.

"I wonder if the circumstances surrounding your gempukku influence this."

"It is a boon, yes," Gaitsu affirms as he accepts a refill. "The question will be 'what use will you make of it, Matsu-san?' How will you contribute to the glory of your household and your Family while in this term of service to the Throne? And will you hone your skills so that, when another Sapphir...

"You would prefer not to receive such commendation?" Gaitsu asks. "Humility is becoming."

Gaitsu takes a sip of his tea.

"Excellent choice, this," he says. "Your lord should be commended for having so discerning a servant. I would say as much; to whom should I direct the letter?"

"I rather expect you will after your strong showing throughout the event here," Gaitsu replies. "And, Otomo though I am, I have great respect for the Seppun and appreciate the beauty of their lands."

"That is the understanding I have from my acquaintances in the Seppun, yes," Gaitsu affirms. "Although I have the thought that many of them would be intrigued by your techniques. Perhaps your embassy might take you towards Kyuden Seppun."

"Thank you," Gaitsu says as Inori pours. He adds "That is of interest, certainly. I am acquainted with a number of shugenja, and I have not heard of such a thing--although it makes sense, as I think on it. After all, the words we write are as much paintings as anything else--or they can be, for thos...

"The selection sounds lovely," Gaitsu says.

He adds, "From what I have seen, Matsu-san, there is a real talent there. And I am told that your art sometimes takes on...interesting qualities."

"Matters have been surprisingly busy, yes," Gaitsu agrees. "But it is always a pleasure to see the up and coming coming up."

He grins at the turn of phrase.

"If I may ask what is on order?"

Otomo Gaitsu sits very near the head of the table, hat firmly atop his head.

The message having been received, Otomo Gaitsu appears, adjusting his hat as he comes through the door.

Seeing Inori, he bows slightly. "It was a pleasure to receive your invitation, Matsu-san," he says. "I trust the day has been well for you so far."

"That would be an interesting use of the Blessing," Gaitsu opines around more chicken. "Not a bad one, mind, but of interest. Larger infrastructure projects are not usually addressed thereby; it's usually much more local than that."

"Not exactly an endorsement," Gaitsu replies. "And one has to wonder, then, if Asako-san was actually something else entirely..."

"A Phoenix, if memory serves," Gaitsu says. "And, yes, one can hope it is merely some prank and not a more...lasting thing.

"Although," he adds, "I wonder about its selection of...targets, what affected us. Perhaps it was something in the Asako's brew?"