[D10, MM, expecting] In the name of Asahina

[Isawa Shingo]

A relatively plain but still vibrantly orange Isawa Shingo had seated himself at a table to the left of the teahouse, from the perspective as one entered, and requested an aromatic but not too strongly flavored black tea to start his day. He was unsure what the seemingly eccentric Crane would prefer and simply went with what appealed to him.

[Asahina Hoshiko]

The eccentric Crane arrived dressed rather conservatively in her midnight blue furisode. The hems embroidered simply with winter pine. After being shown in, she bows appropriately. "Isawa-sama. A pleasure to see you again. I hope the Fortunes fine you well."

[Isawa Shingo]

"Indeed they do, Asahina-san," the Phoenix says pleasantly, rising so he can bow to her properly. He straightens with a polite smile, gestures to the table and then sits again himself.

"I am so pleased you could make time to join me," he says, pouring tea for the Crane and then topping up his own. It was less than proper that he hadn't waited for her arrival to start, but by calling attention to it he was at least signaling transparency and starting on equal footing. "We didn't have much time to speak the other day and I hoped to get to know you better."

[Asahina Hoshiko]

Hoshiko settles as he pours the tea, smoothing her kimono. "The winter is always so busy, it can be hard to slow down enough to get to know someone. But those connections born at court can be so rewarding, they're worth cultivating. I appreciate the invitation."

"I imagine you've been busy as well. Quite a few Phoenix keeping things busy in court."

[Isawa Shingo]

"Indeed, Asahina-san," the Isawa says with a pleasant smile. "There is much to do, but I have been blessed with the help of most diligent classmates. I hope you have as well."

[Asahina Hoshiko]

There's a bit of a smile, but it's solidly reflected in her eyes. "Indeed. I couldn't do nearly as much on my own. Having those more suited to handling the interclan agreements has left me more time for research. Access to the library right here is a boon that I shouldn't neglect."

"Which reminds me." She withdraws a slim package from her obi, wrapped in heavy, cobalt blue paper. "I had hoped for a chance to pass this through your delegation to Isawa Sorami-sama in thanks for her kind introduction to Kitsu Shintaro-sama. It was an eye-opening experience. And while I would love to offer it to her personally, who knows when our paths might cross."

[Isawa Shingo]

"I shall be honored to ensure this gift reaches Isawa Sorami-sama," Shingo says, bowing his head briefly in recognition of its import. "And I appreciate your trust in me to see it done." He kept his eyes upon the package for a long moment, then returned them to Hoshiko as he clearly moved to a new subject.

"I'm pleased to hear you speak so well of Isawa Sorami-sama, Asahina-san. It does my heart good. For I had heard a troubling rumor that a delegate of the Crane Clan had spoken ill of my honored clanmate, Shiba Rumiko-sama." He ended the comment, which he delivered calmly and not unkindly, with a raise of his eyebrows. "You can imagine my distress upon hearing such a thing."

[Asahina Hoshiko]

The letter-sized packet is slid across the table with both hands. "I greatly appreciate it."

She pauses, hand just reaching her teacup, head tilted. "Ill? I should hope not. The poor woman has enough to contend with. The gall of the Adviser running court over the top of Shiba-sama as if she were already Empress." There's a bite to her tone, directed at Keihime. Hardly surprising, given the previous day's stunt.