(D14, LE) Thank you, MCA

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji chuckled a bit.

"Ah well, that IS our duty to our lords is it not, to continue the line?" he admitted. "It would be foolish for me to enter the grand battlefield of the imperial winter court without seeing to that. So this coming year will see our first brought into this world."

[Kasuga Izumi]

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

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji bowed at that.

"My thanks, Kasuga-sama. Ah, might I ask after your own immediately family as well?" he asked.

[Kasuga Izumi]

"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."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji grinned.

"I certainly wouldn't doubt your ability to work, Kasuga-sama. As I've said, you're a person who knows what she wants and gets it. Including imperial training for one of your children it seems. I'm sure both of them will go far, as will any to come." he said honestly.

[Kasuga Izumi]

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."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji smiled a bit.

"Well, if we skip past the things that are beyond Kasuga-sama's power to provide: A new Empress, a virtuous life, victory for clan and champion...." he listed off as he tried to focus more on the intent behind the question than the question itself.

"Hmmm....what artforms do you practice, Kasuga-sama?" he asked.

[Kasuga Izumi]

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

"Why?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji smiled.

'Perfect. I would like a scrimshaw carving." he said.

[Kasuga Izumi]

Izumi laughs.

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

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji smiles.

"I suppose that will have to do. Is there anything I can offer you, Kasuga-sama?" he asked in return.

[Kasuga Izumi]

"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."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji looked thoughtful at that.

"Hmm, how old is your youngest child, Kasuga-sama?" he asked, trying to guage the intended audience.

[Kasuga Izumi]

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

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji grins.

"Fair enough, Kasuga-sama. I was just reflecting on the stories I told this season. 'The Gate of Oni's Teeth' is not particularly graphic, but it's certainly a story better suited to be told in private rather than shouted upon the street. But it IS quite educational. I'll make sure to have a transcribed copy of the stories I've told for you to take when it comes time to leave Kyuden Ikoma." he explained.

[Kasuga Izumi]

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

[Soshi Eiji]

Having finished the food and a cup of sake and promising to exchange gifts this seemed like the time to depart.

So Eiji rose and bowed to the Tortoise.

"I should probably return to my quarters, Kasuga-sama. Thank you for your hospitality." he offered.

[Kasuga Izumi]

Izumi returns the bow.

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

[Soshi Eiji]

/exit!

[Fukurokujin]

/scene, with thanks!