Sapphire Ambassadors

Soichiro inclined his head. "Of course, how short-sighted of me. I suppose we all have someone looking down on us, don't we?"

"My favorite..." He considered a moment. "I am not sure of that. I was trained in ikebana, sculpture, and calligraphy, and I suppose it is my arrangements that have garnered me the most compliments, so it is probably there that I will turn. Certainly Kakita-sama has never seen fit to criticize them ...

"And if our arts were to earn a little respect along the way, it would not go amiss with me," Soichiro observed. "But I expect you have had little to fear of condescension among the Crane and Scorpion?"

"You may ask me whatever you like, Bayushi-san. Which event are we discussing, and what do you mean by 'involvement?'

Soichiro considered a moment. "Eighteen, I believe. Just about the correct age for that kind of frivolity. But love declarations aren't the only type. Poets have signaled support for war or opposition to it with a turn of phrase. Singers ostensibly singing a song from the time of the First Yasuki Wa...

He nodded slowly, absorbing the flattery. "Hai, I suppose it would do no harm. When I first made my debut, I remember the pressure many young people were under to keep decorum. Emperor Toturi was a wise and benevolent sovereign, but that only made it the more imperative to not bring shame upon onese...

Soichiro smiled a little coyly. "Hasn't everyone?"

"Shosuro-san is most kind. And yes, I was trained among the Shiba, though my work has been given over far more to gifting and courtly horse-trading than to formal exhibitions. I hope it measures up."

"I have appreciated having the ability to say things that could not otherwise be said," Soichiro said after allowing himself a small think. "Of course praise is lovely, and I do enjoy it when it is sincere. Who has been praising you of late, Bayushi-san?"

Soichiro considered that a moment. "As a Phoenix? No, not at all. I mean, I was one at the time." He smiled disarmingly. "But my father thought it best that I have the skills a person should have to support their spouse in their work. My husband-to-be showed a knack for diplomacy as well as with the...

"I haven't entirely decided, I am afraid. My training embraced calligraphy and sculpture as well, but my arrangements have, I think, been the most popular among my husband's associates." He smiled. "Perhaps there will be an opportunity to display range as well as expertise, but such is not usually t...

His eyes widened slightly at the mention of makeup. "An art form and a godsend, Shosuro-san. You have my entire sympathy for that endeavor." And no surprise, given that the man had managed to unwork a great deal of time's spell through its use. "And yes, unlikely a prospect though I may seem, I have...

"It is indeed an honor to me as well, Shosuro-san," he acknowledged her greeting honestly. "I have heard the same about the flowers, and find it a singular display of courtesy. Transporting flowers cross-country can be such a challenge, even in the best of weather." He chuckled easily, almost natura...

The rustle of courtly attire would, of course, prevent any sort of embarrassing surprise, so Soichiro's generous smile was the natural end to Hatsuki's rising from the flower. He bowed gracefully, then rose, angling his head upwards to restore the comfortable illusion of eye contact. "Good afternoon...

He showed an interest. "How lovely. And what led you to that instrument?"

What the Phoenix may have thought of Ameiko's preening remained hidden behind the veil of magnanimity he maintained. "I could hardly tell you, Bayushi-san. I was trained in ikebana, sculpture, and calligraphy at Honored Treaty City many years ago, but it has been a lifetime since I had a formal exhi...

Soichiro's smile widened slightly. "Hai, let it be so. And how fortuitous for you to be passing at such a moment. It will certainly be an asset for Otomo-sama to have a Sapphire Ambassador in his coterie. Few yojimbo are given an opportunity of that magnitude."

Soichiro's smile reached his eyes. "Oh my, no. I am to compete, I am afraid. My husband's idea." He nodded twice. "Otomo Gaitsu, you say? I believe I have attended one of his father's parties about three seasons back. Kae-sama has always been such an excellent hostess. I had no idea their son was so...

He exhaled and turned, an indulgent smile settling into place. "It is no bother," he squinted, "Scorpion-san. In fact, one might say that I have intruded on you, yes? And not the other way about." He bowed with a fluidity that comes from nature perfected by long years of practice. "This one is Isawa...