Kyuden Shika

Minae shrugged.

"The tall tree catches much wind. She's a lovely distraction I'm sure, but far too notable for most needs." she offered.

Minae nodded.

"It is quite the experience you have here, Shika-san. Truly no place in the Empire like it." she offered as a compliment.

A small shrug.

"With any luck the Deer will marry her off to the Crab, or maybe the Sparrow. I can't see her having a future within the clan." she admits.

"I suppose that's true...though what about your old fellow competitor? Are you competing with her in your endeavors?" he asked. "Not that I believe you'd need help, but a Crane bride wouldn't be too bad, either." Minae smiled at that. "Oh I dunno. The Deer are mysterious, maybe her match will be a ...

Minae smiled.

"Enjoy every day as if it were your last, Inu-chan." she said with a dismissive wave.

Minae arranged herself comfortably on one of the room's ushions. "Oh really, Inu-chan? You've done all you can and gosh darn it it wasn't enough?" she says with mock disappointment and a pout, and her own take on a nickname for the Dragon. 'Little Dog' She smiled a bit. "From what I've heard, you've...

"It is no trouble," Nesshin says, "to do as one's superiors bid. And I hope that Bayushi-san has been edified in her time here? I recall that I have seen her acquit herself admirably in events, and attending plays in earlier days." She smiles at the compliment. "Very kind of you to say so, Shika-sa...

Inoshishi rolls her eyes elaborately before flicking one of those self-same mushrooms at the Scorpion's nose. "Oh. Boy. I am SO surprised. To have bumped into you." She switches to a mocking impression of Minae's voice. "Oh please, Agasha-san, won't you come inside, I was just finishing tea that is...

"A moment please." came the Scorpion's voice.

After having just enough time to consider running away, but before actually doing so, the door opened.

The Scorpion eyed the Dragon appraisingly.

"Hmm, Agasha Inoshishi, yes?" she said identifying the mushroom munching madwoman.

He shrugged. "Thinking of others is a Shosuro's job in many ways", he told her. "Not that I'm interested in them for myself, but surely you've had a number of others seeking your attention." A beat as they walked. "Besides, there is another Seppun, now isn't there?" She grinned a bit. "And even the...