Izumi returns the bow.

"Thank you for the company, Soshi-san," she replies. "Carry the Fortunes."

"I shall look forward to it," Izumi says, "and I thank you for it."

"For now, nine," Izumi replies. "But he is training in his father's old school, and he's a quick study."

"I think my younger child might like to have some record of your stories, Soshi-san," Izumi says. "They have been instructive to many this season."

Izumi laughs.

"I'll see what I can do," she says. "They do tend to take a while. Perhaps next Court?"

"Scrimshaw," Izumi replies. "That is, carving in miniature detail, whether on driftwood or on ivory or bone from marine creatures--purified, of course.

"Why?"

Izumi smiles.

"And what does Soshi-san want?" she asks. "Oh, I know loyalty is its own reward, but that doesn't mean you wouldn't like to have another thing or two."

"Of course, Kuni-san," Izumi says, bowing slightly from her seat. "I'll look forward to doing so again."

"Oh, the children do well," she says. "Both are in schooling at the moment, one in Clan, and one among the Otomo. There may be another to come; I'm certainly still able to do that work."

"Congratulations, then," Izumi says, "and good luck to your wife. May she be delivered swiftly and easily, this time and in time to come."

"Speaking of the future, Soshi-san," Izumi says, "I don't recall that I've asked if you have children, either born or on the way."

"I'd given her the same advice, or near enough," Izumi replies. "But then, we also don't know if she was told to press ahead by someone who could say as much to her. There, I think we can agree there's nothing to do but to do it."

"She is remarkably forthright and easy to understand," Izumi replies. "I can hope for her that it does not come to her harm."

She eats a bit, snacking rather than taking a meal, as such.

"We all hope for such things," Izumi replies easily enough. "And I will look with interest for your tales being told."

"I see Kuni-san has spent some time with Soshi Eiji this season," Izumi says. "It seems very much his kind of simile. "But matters could be better for my people, I admit," she continues. "We do well enough; we will get by. But there will be much for us to address in the coming year, not least of whi...

Izumi nods.

"For all that most people never go more than, what, 150 li from where they are born, the Empire is not as large as many think," she says. "It may get smaller, yet, soon, depending on how some of the developments from this court play out."

Izumi has the audacity to laugh. "I think I've heard that story," she says. "One sometimes has to wonder what messages are being sent by the selections of delegates. Not always, of course; a Bard-trained courtier is an ideal visitor to Kyuden Ikoma, of course. But sometimes..." She shrugs. "For all ...

"I did find Seppun Tomaru's uniquely impressive," Izumi replies, "although the exact text he recited eludes me. Doubtlessly something that will be lost to history. "But it was interesting to see that scarred Dragon wax eloquent about the Lady Bayushi," she continues. "A woman wonders if such things ...

"And fair following winds," Izumi adds, and she drains her cup.

"There were some interesting performances at the Banquet, weren't there?"

"That depends on what needs doing," Izumi replies, but she pours sake for them both.

Taking up her cup, she adds "There is much for which to remain wakeful."