[D3, MM] Looking for Miya Hachi (expecting)

[Agasha Yuna]

That section is indeed at the end of the letter if he chooses to look for it.

"...He is so smart and kind and pious. We talk about the Tao and prayed to the Fortunes together. And he's so easy to talk to. And quite handsome. And he really seems to be fond of me. His family is just old as ours. Founded by a kami also. A bit more influential than us. He's the Heir. House Shigi. A Phoenix house. A colleague at the library, back home, mentioned that he would be part of the Phoenix delegation so I had spoken to him before I arrived. By letter. His letter was very nice. He also likes to play Go, but we haven't had a chance yet. He just looks at me like I am precious to him. It's the most wonderful feeling! Keep us in your thoughts!"

But, standing in front of Miya-sama, she said: "No, not terribly much. I have only before this trip been in Dragon and Phoenix lands. Surrounded by shugenja in Ageki lands, and scholars in Asako. I made friends, but nothing like this. I expect a marriage out. It is part of my role as a delegate. It is nice to think it might be to someone who cares about me. He is very likable. Very kind and admirable."

[Miya Hachi]

Hachi shakes his head again. He seems to do that a lot.

"Ah, youth!" he exclaims. "And the novelty of the world still fresh in the mind and heart!

"Agasha-san," he continues, "Court is traditionally a time of romance and the play to which youth can put itself without much shame. I am concerned that you have mistaken the new and bold for something deeper, and I would not have my wife's friend and correspondent saddened--if only because I will hear about it for long!"

There is a smile at the last to mark it as humor, but only at the last.

"If if is the will of your lords that you wed, I will not interfere unless I am bidden by one of those few who can do bid me," he adds. "But go warily. I have seen many seeming fields of flowers that were but thin covers over sinking mud."

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled. "He has said he hopes to marry me! I don't think I mistake his intent. But I know we serve at the whim of our clans and must each do as we are bid."

"I am on my way this morning next to meet with him, and an old school friend from the Phoenix, and anyone else they want to include to work out a deal that both clans will support. May we find a path that all can celebrate."

"It is very kind of you to think of my happiness." Perhaps mostly his wife's, but still. "I am glad you are here. And grateful for your wise advice."

"At times, the Little Teacher says: 'Hesitation is the seed of defeat' and at others: 'Wait, wair, bide.'" I think this is a moment to walk in haste."

She gave a little grin. That was, after all, his pace earlier.

"And you know Kaiya-sama and Uncle Toma would enjoy the fashion opportunity of a wedding!"

[Miya Hachi]

Another sigh and yet another shake of the head from the Lord Herald precede "Yes, she would."

Hachi looks Yuna dead in the eye. "There is something that would be helpful for me, if you're willing. It is emphatically not an order, but a request."

[Agasha Yuna]

"Of course Miya-sama. I am happy to help you in any way." She said that sincerely. Not lightly. Resolute.

She could never repay him for all that the schooling had made possible in her life. She had a sense of purpose and self-worth. Time in a place she could thrive. A future.

[Miya Hachi]

Hachi nods.

"Something is...odd...with the Lord Togashi," he says. "I do not suspect him of any ill will, of course, but there is something...amiss about him. I am...curious about it, and anything that could help sate that curiosity would be appreciated."

[Agasha Yuna]

She thought about that.

"Do you mean different from his manner when you have interacted with him before? I had not had the chance to meet him before, so I don't have a point of comparison."

"But many in the Dragon can seem ... odd ... because of our focus on the spiritual, our pursuit of enlightenment, of unusual patterns of seeing and perceiving. But that is a source of our wisdom. "

"This is a strange time. Much hangs in the balance. At least four possible futures. Everyone is grappling with uncertainty."

"I can encourage him to speak to you if you would like. Or simply keep an eye out if he needs support of some kind."

[Miya Hachi]

"He has seemed more...distracted recently," Hachi says. "His missives have reflected it, and the conversations we've had here, few as they have been, have been similarly thus.

"Again," he adds, "this is not some order. But, yes, I have some...concern about him. After all, neither of us is as young as we were, and some things loom for us all."

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded.

"The Little Teacher says: "Two men can brave what one man cannot.”

"I can suggest that you are an ally if there is a need unspoken and testify to your kindness to me."

"I would not normally acknowledge this from courtesy, but since we are speaking privately, there was indeed an earthquake this morning, just hours ago."

"The kami of the earth are my family's study and purpose. Though I am least able to understand and participate in that great work, I do believe it is a general principle that upheaval in the earth can reflect a spiritual matter that needs addressing, and those most sensitive to spiritual balance may feel it as a ... discomfort ... until it is resolved. And even prior to the tea kettle boiling as it were. Perhaps it is something of that kind."

The Tao also spoke to the link between inner balance and the balance of the world.

[Miya Hachi]

"Perhaps," Hachi says.

He hands her back the letter.

"I do not think a postscript will be needed," he adds. "Although I wonder if your family's insights might not avail somewhat against today's unexpected events."

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded. "I thought ... in all courtesy ... to first quietly ask Ikoma-sama if any insight is welcomed. But perhaps. Best perhaps that it is not needed." But it did remain an option.

Unsure if that was a good or bad thing that he did not want to add a postscript. It simply was. He knew she'd gladly do so, if he needed.

But wait. She wanted him to take the letter.

"Can you deliver the letter to her, or should I ask someone else to do so? I don't mean to ask you to do something that is better asked of someone else. I can check in with you each time I have a letter to send if you'd like. I'd thought to do an update each week."

[Miya Hachi]

"Did you want to reseal it?" Hachi asks regarding the letter.

"I'll leave instructions regarding your missives to my wife," he adds. "You can leave them with my aides. Probably not that young man who was at the desk today, though."

There is no expression on his face as he says the last.

"But if I do happen to be out on a walk, which happens from time to time, I often appreciate company."

[Agasha Yuna]

She carefully re-seals the letter and hands it back to him.

A quick nod that she could leave future letters with his aides. Simple enough. And definitely not that one. She'd have no trouble remembering his face to dodge him.

Her smile brightened at his final words. "I enjoy company also. I will happen to walk by sometimes on my way as I continue in my role."

"Thank you again, Miya-sama. I truly appreciate your help. I'll watch for ways I could be of assistance."

She gave a deep bow.

(/scene? thanks so much!)

[Miya Hachi]

"Carry the Fortunes, Agasha-san," Hachi replies, nodding a dismissal.

(And /scene, with thanks!)