Sapphire Ambassadors

Inori had not even noticed much of the power struggle among the tea houses - it had been brought to her attention only today. She really had only stumbled into this thing. That said, yes, that other much more popular place had better food - this one though...she liked the prompt service, and more importantly, that they added less assorted shrubbery and spices to their tea.

She was a bit of a purist. In part because a youth accustomed to more bland fare made her prone to being overwhelmed. But enough of that.

Even with the better tea the main point of this was to say her farewells to those she had met and gotten to treasure during her time here. Like one particulary dramatic Scorpion.

Who sauntered in downright casually. In truth, he'd never yet set foot in the Opening Blossom- perhaps a bit unfair, but Choudai was a man who knew what he liked.

Spotting the young Lion, he bowed.

"Matsu-san, I trust the day finds you well?"

"It...does, Bayushi-san. I hope you, likewise, are doing well"

She returned the bow, then leaned back, a little at a loss for word. She was smiling though, in a good mood.

"They have been quite the interesting few days, have they not?"

"So far, so good, Matsu-san."

He chuckled.

"And yes, whatever else we can say about the past week or so, it can hardly be said to have been dull. Artistic displays, supernatural nastiness, and politics as usual..."

"Less supernatural nastiness than I've seen before. Trust me on that" Inori said, suddenly serious, with a brief hard stare into the distance.

"But yes. It was...fun, actually. I did not expect it to be. I did not expect to meet quite that many interesting and friendly people either. For that I am hesitant to admit it, the Crane got this one right"

Matter of opinion.

"Well, it stands to reason you'd meet some new friends here. Shared interests have a way of easing meetings, and seeing so much artistry in one place?"

He shrugged, and smiled.

"It helps that the themes were universal, too."

"Is this where I repeat that I am not an artist?" Inori said, and poured tea for the Scorpion, then smiled and shook her head. "I know, I know. I guess I am. That was definitely not what I was looking for though."

She leaned back.

"I will admit that some of the people I met here are, in fact, more similar and approachable than I would have thought. You and I are different, mind you. I still see you as a friend - that and a bit of an older brother"

Inori blushed a little at that statement.

He quriked an eyebrow, but smiled.

"I have four siblings by birth, Matsu-san, I can make room for a fifth. You know, you remind me of my sister Ayame, because you're almost nothing like her. It's interesting."

What? How...how does that work? Inori thought, puzzled.

"Wait a second..." visible confusion played over her face. "Nevermind....Erch"

Defensive tea sip.

"Now that we've both been promoted....what's the plan?"

"Well, having somewhat patched things up with my intended, I suppose I got home and brace for married life."

He shrugged.

"I can't say either she or I really look forward to it, and the Clan is likely to be disappointed in some particulars, but they can damn well take what they get. You?"

"Happy no one is trying to marry me off...yet" she said, immediately. The thought was not all that comfortable to her yet. Sure, she was developing some interest...but no. No.

Especially if it's going to be a shitshow like it had been for some people here.

"I ran into one of the imperials here, Otomo Gaitsu-dono. For some reason I believe he wants to arrange for me to link up with the Seppun, to research and compare notes. I...honestly I'm a bit anxious. Not sure I haven't bitten off more than I can chew there. But I feel like I have to go. Chances like that are rare, I think, and don't come again for many of us. Plus...you know...I don't really have much to go back to at home right now. I'd rather return with something tangible in hand"

"I would say that Imperials are best humored, especially those who want to offer you something."

He quirked a new smile at her.

"And who knows, maybe you'll run into your old friend from the dojo."

"Yeah. I was hesistant, but...ultimately it's not a complicated choice. Even if it might be more permanent than I now hope for. I want to go back home and try to find and help others like me, but who knows with me going this far away to where there are lots of opportunities" Inori agreed. "And saying that...I might. I kinda hope I will meet friends from before. And whether or not I will - I should write to them"

"You can always make new ones, too, you know."

His tone was dry.

"You seem to have the knack."

"Do I, now?" she reviewed those last ten days "I suppose I do. Good to know, really. Well it's not like you don't leave a large impression, Bayushi Choudai. Although it seems it's more of a love-it-or-hate-it thing"

She chuckled.

"I like you though. I hope you do well, in your art, your business, the things I know, the things I don't know. Maybe even the things about you I am better of not knowing about"

"There's a lot you're probably better off not knowing. Happier, too."

He sighed and sipped his tea.

"But your well-wishes are absolutely appreciated- and if you ever need my help, consider me as owing you a favor or two, all right?"

"I really...you know" Inori didn't feel like she had done a whole lot for the Scorpion, but felt like he would be offended if she demurred too much.

Accept it in good grace. He will have his reasons and it makes him happier

"I will, Bayushi Choudai. And if you need help, or just want to say hello...you know. Write me a letter, too!"

"Of that, I think you can be certain. I like to stay current on what my friends are up to. And besides... if we're both Ambassadors now, well, that can only mean we'll have a need to coordinate."

Would I have tried to make things right with Mikan if I hadn't had Inori to talk to? I'm not sure I would.

"True enough" Inori said.

Meeting with Choudai, as flawed of a role model as he was, had given her confidence. It would work out. People would make do.

"A thought occurred to me. Can the Sapphire Champion order us around?"

He laughed aloud.

"Fortunes, I hope not! She'd probably tell me to throw myself off of the nearest high rooftop!"