Sapphire Ambassadors

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

Freed of his duties of running the tournament, Utemaro had spent most of the day reflecting in his daughter's quarters. Some of it was spent staring at the sketches from her portfolio. He remembered watching her take in every bit of the scenery, every last leaf of a tree as if it were the most important thing in the world, her face a study in seriousness. He also looked at the unfinished sketches, wondering what she could have accomplished with them, had she only been given the chance. It was not fair for her to be taken as as was, swept up by the foolishness of a relative she had never met.

He prayed. He prayed to the fortunes to keep her safe, to protect her, to bring her back to him whole and unharmed. He started with Lady Sun and worked his way down to any he could think of that might possibly be able to aid her.

He consoled himself. Told himself everything was going to be ok. They had never explicitly demanded the tournament. They'd only hinted and implied. He'd put up with a meat cooking savage, a makeup box stabbing madwomen, and a gaggle of exhibitionists. If they'd actually vouchsafed her return, would he have thrown it all away for her?

And he wept. Tears of a parent's grief that he could not share with anyone.

Then he composed himself. Everything went back under the pleasant mask of On, and he went to receive his guest who had arrived.

"Thank you for meeting with me Shiba-san. I hope your day has been pleasant," he offered with a bow.

"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?"

Uutemaro bowed deeply.

"I hope you do not mind, Shiba-san. You all have been petitioning for the same honor. I thought it would be more expedient to inform you at the same time. Even with the competition officially completely, I do have many draws on my time." he said apologetically.

Almost as if on cue, Shosuro Otoko strode into the manor, ready to lay claim to her prize. Though she did slow a step when she saw the blob of a Phoenix had already rolled himself here. Her mask, though, betrayed no sign of surprise.

"Ah, Doji-sama....Shiba-san, an unexpected but welcome guest here as well. I trust I'm not intruding?" she said sweetly.

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."

Utmaro bowed.

"Of course, the Crane are always happy to host. I had asked Yoritomo-san to join us as well, but unfortunately his duties require him to be elsewhere. A pity, but I suppose he shall hear the results of his efforts in good time." he admitted.

Utemaro shook his head, disappointed at the Mantis's absence.

""You've both presented excellent arguments as to why your clan should host the next sapphire tournament. You both have talented artists whose connections would help ensure the tournament's continuation. Truly both of your clan's are well suited to host."

He paused a moment.

"However, there are a few factors that have swayed things into Shiba-san's favor. The efforts of the first Sapphire Champion, and the Mantis's support of the Phoenix's claim most prominently. And so I've made the decision for the Phoenix to host next year's tournament. If there is anything my clan can do to assist yours, Shiba-san, as our oldest allies, you need only ask."

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."

Otoko's mask, as always, betrayed nothing of her reaction to the Crane's words, though an expert courtier probably would have noted the tightening of her grip upon her fan.

"Ah I see. A difficult choice indeed. But hopefully one that won't come to be regretted. We all must live our lives facing forward after all." she remarked.

She bowed to the Phoenix.

"Congratulations, Shiba-san. A generous offer though my duties may not allow it. But who knows what things will look like in a year?"

She bowed to Utemaro.

"My thanks for your hospitality, Doji-sama. If you will excuse me, I have some final preparations to make as I leave your beautiful town."

Once allowed to go, she'll make her..../exit!

Utemaro bowed at let the Scorpion take her leave. The decision was made, now all he could do was hope the Heavens were merciful. He could feel the fatigue weighing on him though.

"Of course, Shosuro-san, carry the fortunes." he offered.

He turned to his other guest.

"Was there anything else you needed, Shiba-san?" he asked out of courtesy.

"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.

Utemaro bowed to the departing Phoenix before making his way to the shrine for some prayers of forgiveness.

/scene