Raizo sighed.
"Soyokaze-san. As I also said, everyone here is deemed an acceptable match by someone. That most definitely and emphatically includes you. And if you're fond of Kaito-san, you owe it to her, and to yourself, to let her know that it's a possibility you entertain."
He turned to stare at the Crane, his expression a curious mixture of stony and intense. His soldiers would have recognized it.
"So to begin with, don't think of anyone else here as naturally your
superior when it comes to who can make a good husband for my clanmate. Especially since your instincts have not led you far astray on the subject of her insecurities."
He held his hand out, palm up- and then clenched it into a fist.
"She
already thinks her appearance is lacking. She thinks herself plain. A little dun-colored fieldmouse. Fashion something to accentuate what you already appreciate about her and explain it when you give it to her."
A pause. He unclenched his fist.
"Even if you remain nothing more than friends, you will have done a kindness for someone whose whole life has been doing kindnesses for others. And you will have gotten practice in presenting yourself to someone you might want... more from. And she will never judge you harshly, Soyokaze-san."
Another sigh.
"My own... friend... is almost certainly being courted by others. I suspect a great deal of that is going on. And while I would hardly advise you to focus your attentions solely on Kaito-san, I would also never, ever suggest you don't at least let her know how you feel."
Phoenix Clan * Bushi * Soldier* Blunt * Cynical * Seasoned * Strong
Your Wingman Anytime, Whether You Want It Or Not
Glory: 42 * Honor 41 * Status: 30
Carries his katana in an old, drab, battered saya. As of Day 13, wears a delicately carved bracelet of wooden beads polished smooth, laced through with red, yellow, and orange string and a small Phoenix token.
Standard gear: Ceremonial Clothes and a daisho. When in his element, ashigaru armor, a naginata, and a more relaxed form of terror are added into the mix.
Remember to Breathe