Kyuden Shika

Slowly, Moshumaru began to sort his things back into the proper place to travel. His letters had been sent, his victory had been scored, goodbyes had been sent, but-

What on earth?

...A book?

From Inoshishi, it seemed - heavens, he had spent so long away from here he might have never seen this book. He would have to thank her for it later. Speaking of, his biwa...

Inoshishi is walking the halls of the inn again, memorizing the paths and the people, occasionally checking to see if people are in. They’re mostly not. But best check on brother…she scritches at his door.

"You are always welcome, sister."

Moshu says, before opening the door himself and welcoming her in. He'd have to look at the book later.

Inoshishi bows. “Thank you brother! How did your day go? Was your match auspicious?”
She enters her brothers room, looking happy and satisfied.

Moshu nodded.

"Indeed - I am in the hands of the love of my life, I helped prevent a disaster - today was good."

He smiled.

"I heard that you are matched as you sought as well - my congratulations."

“A disaster?” She arches an eyebrow.

Her brow then furrows slightly.

“I didn’t seek, I just found. The moon chases the sun. Amaterasu rises and sets but once a day. The Kami provide. If we say such things, have we found glory? No more than that is what this was.”

One side of her mouth quirks up, admitting doubt.

“Not that I mind. I’m not unhappy with my destiny and I never was. But the Deer recognizing it doesn’t make me unhappy.”

She doesn’t realize it, but her demeanor is transformed when discussing Ishioka. Her brow smoothed, her eyes glittering.

“I am pleased for you, brother! Will we wear the same colors now?”

"Not quite -" began Moshumaru, looking through his things.

"I will be under the service of the Seppun, in the Imperial Capital. At my heart I will be a Lion, and will be sure to visit or work in the lands when I get the chance, but I move to serve the Emperor now. If you get a chance be sure to visit, okay?"

He presented her with two things - a letter, marked to one Matsu Hide, and a Biwa, with the mark of the Records of the Fallen on them.

"I want you to have these."

Inoshishi goes still at the mention of the Seppun.

“Seppun Yuzu? Or Seppun Unsei?”

She clears her throat at the offer. “Thank you brother, but I could not possibly take from you things you may need. Though if you wish me to deliver the letter, I can do that on your behalf.”

He does remember specifying.

"Unsei, remember?"

He continued, nevertheless.

"The letter is for my lord on your behalf so yes, please take it with you. Let me specify: I think you would be a fantastic fit for the organisation I worked for, the Records of the Fallen. With some training, I think your insight and interest in the world around you would be put to good use conducting stories like I shared with you, about samurai. My Biwa, which I cannot play,"

shouldn't have said that last one out loud,

"Is a secondary mark of our status within the organisation. I intend to return mine because, unless my Lord works out something with the capital, I cannot continue to serve in my current role - and this would signify the seriousness of my recommendation."

Her face relaxes.

“Apologies brother, I remember now. I’ve had some…unpleasantness with Yuzu that has already…had some consequences. I had hoped it wouldn’t impact us as well.”

She considers what he has said. “So although your recommendation could be considered a gift, it’s also a duty, so I suppose I will accept them without further commentary! I will do as you suggest.”

“I think you will do well in the Imperial city. Will you be doing anything in particular while you are there?”