[Day 5, MA] Fortifying Sustenance (Expecting)

[Matsu Inori]

"I've spoken to the Phoenix ambassador the day before, so Bayushi-san's assessment bore out" Inori said, nodded. "They are interested at the very least. Honestly...I will try. Honestly you are kind to me. Perhaps too kind Bayushi-san"

She leaned back, took another sip of the...decidedly overly spiced...tea to stall for time. It felt strange to be comforted, pep-talked when it was quite likely that whatever was bothering her was not nearly as bad as whatever was plaguing her opposite. To be polite, and cowardly, or to be bold?

The Matsu settled for a decidedly un-Lion lukewarm.

"I know something is bothering you, Bayushi-san. It is quite obvious. And I hope that whatever it is"

and I don't have the full picture, but a good inkling about some of the things and people involved

"...will work out somehow. I know you'll do your best as well."

Her face set.

"Let me do my best about it as well if you think it will help"

[Bayushi Choudai]

He fixed her with a very firm and level gaze.

"Matsu-san, the things that trouble me are things best kept out of by people with their whole future set before them. The personalities involved are... toxic, to say the least, the issue intractable, And I would not subject you to the chief personality in this mess if my life depended on it."

He paused.

"I am... sorry. I'm grateful for your offer, truly, but..."

He shook his head and sighed.

"I am presuming much to call you my friend, but I do think of you as one, and... I would not subject my friends to any more of this than I have to."

[Matsu Inori]

Inori nodded gravely. A man choosing to walk to his doom with head held high - how could she, how could any red-blooded bushi not respect that?

Which is when she caught herself.

Not a bushi anymore.

There was more than a hint of sadness in that.

Still, the sentiment was real and heartfelt. She would not gainsay this Scorpion's determination, or humiliate him with any insinuation he lacked the ability or courage to do what needed to be done. If anything...this, too, was an admirable trait. Samurai aspired to face their falls with such dignity.

"No presumption there...friend" Inori started "But I understand. We all must face our duties and challenges."

There was just a hint of resignation, maybe because the mood had turned so somber again. "Just like we must, I fear, face the rest of the day. Not much time left to do my preparations for tonight"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"You'll do fine, Matsu-san."

He smiled and offered a bow.

"Not just here, in this competition, either."

[Matsu Inori]

And you'll do the best you can...and I won't even shame you by saying it, it could be easily misconstrued

"Carry the Fortunes, my friend, carry the fortunes. And....thank you" she said, once again bowing and withdrawing.

She had things to do...and no choice but to leave Choudai to his devices

/scene?

[Bayushi Choudai]

[/Scene!]