Kyuden Shika

"I'm certain you will", he said with a smile behind his mask. Honestly he felt young and unprepared to be a father. Maybe his felt the same way, which contributed to his distance. He didn't want to make the same mistake.

"When you're ready, I mean", he added. "There is a a lot of life to live, I think."

"Oh hai, I'm not saying in the very near future. I suspect I'll have other duties to take on before beginning the journey to motherhood" Emiko said with a few nods "as I'm sure my partner will, whoever they are. Once they've adapted to Otter life I mean."

"Anyone who married you I think would be happy ride the rivers", he said softly.

"Or fall into them a lot" Emiko said with a small laugh, before smiling.

"Thank you for the lovely evening Shosuro-sama. I need to return back to my room before going to the play though."

He bowed. "Don't let me keep you."

"May the Fortunes smile upon you. I look forward to the next time we can meet" Emiko bowed, before moving to collect her umbrella.

He got up and grabbed her violin case. "Don't forget this." He said and held it out.

"Oops!" Emiko moved back, quickly claiming the violin and smiling brightly "thank you Shosuro-sama!"

He bowed. "Always happy to be.of service", the Scorpion told her with some mirth. "I'll take care of the rest, but if you wait a moment I can walk you back if you'd like."

"Oh, hai" Emiko said with a nod "I can play some music while you pack up if you want?"