The servants in the Tenshu were converging on the banquet hall, so there were few people to meet the Champion of the Scorpion as she made her way through the Imperial Apartments. She noted the wary looks she received from the Miharu posted in the halls with indifference. Part of the trade of being a public member of the Scorpion clan was that you made other samurai question the assumptions on which they build their lives. It is only natural that they should respond to that with fear.

Moving slowly but purposefully down the hall, Kaguya found herself coming to a gentle halt before the door of the Empress' apartment. She inclined her head to the Miharu at the door, and said:

"I am here to receive the Empress' instructions. Announce me."

With wide eyes, one of the Miharu hastily glances toward the other, but is forced to turn his face back to Lady Bayushi when confronted with the excellent impression of a statue his companion is doing.

"Ah, well...have you an appointment, Bayushi-sama? Because..."

Unbidden, the Seppun's hand rushed to the doorframe and slid it open, only to be stopped with a hand on his shoulder.

"That will not be necessary, guardsman."

Sadako sinuously stepped out of the Empress' chamber, forcing Kaguya to back up a step.

"The Empress is not receiving visitors this evening, Lady Bayushi." She smiled beatifically. "I trust I will see you at Lady Akodo's reception this evening?"

The dispassionate mask of Bayushi Kaguya seemed to incline forwards as she looked down at her feet.

"I..." She hesitated, then spoke slowly and firmly. "How am I to take this, Lady Seppun? Does the Empress' protection seek to deny the Daughter of Heaven her eyes and her ears?"

"The Empress takes her own counsel, Lady Bayushi." Sadako's smile did not waver as she stepped forward again, again forcing Kaguya backwards, and then turned to slide the door shut behind her. "You would do well to remember this. Now, I believe I asked you a question. I am awaiting your reply."

Wrong-footed and increasingly uncomfortable, Bayushi Kaguya's left hand tightened into a fist at her side.

"I will." Pause. "See you. At. the Reception." The silence stretched awkwardly as Kaguya fought to think what to say next.

Sadako clasped her hands together in joy. "How Delightful!" I imagine that you would like some time to prepare your ensemble." Sadako cast an appraising eye down Kaguya's clothes. "I am looking forward to seeing what you put together."

She dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "I hear that Lady Akodo will be wearing layers."

Kaguya's mind was racing under the force of Sadako's inane prattle. This slip of a girl is really going to block me, isn't she? As anger began to cloud her vision, she bit out: "Yes. Eight of them. Well. If the Empress is not receiving tonight, when will she be ready to receive my report?"

Sadako's eyes flashed with amusement. "Bless your heart, Lady Bayushi, but you are at sea, aren't you? We stopped talking about that ages ago." She sighed fondly. "The Empress is not in the habit of releasing her schedule. However, since you are so eager to be of service, I will read you in. You see, the Empress will receive visitors precisely when she requests them."

She raised one eyebrow into a perfect arch. "I trust we understand each other?"

Kaguya stood stock still for a count of two heartbeats. On the third, she spoke. "We do."

Sadako's quizzical expression evaporated instantly. "Splendid!" she cried, then reached out and linked her arm with Lady Bayushi before pivoting and starting down the hallway. "Now, come with me, I want to hear all about what you're wearing this season. Bayushi Hana's dresses at the Seppun Hill ceremonies this year were divine, so you must have something absolutely stunning planned..."

Kaguya followed along. The plan had hit a snarl. A very talkative snarl. It could still be untied. Winter Court is long.

Fortunes, is she still talking?

/scene.