(D8, LA) Avian Tea

[Shiba Jiro]

He nods at that. "Well, I certainly hope you will be free to attend. It will be a brighter event for your presence," he looks from Rin to Natsuko.

"And the more friends the better, I imagine. I hope that all invited will be able to be present, but duty is the primary concern of course."

[Isawa Natsuko]

With no sign of teasing, since those expressions just don't seem to exist in the priestess's facial repertoire, Natsuko asks, "would the friend who doesn't *not* like you be on the way to visit? Or should we invite them too?"

[Suzume Rin]

Rin's cheeks burn furiously at that, the Sparrow staring straight down at the gift box.

"Umm...well...umm. It's yer party so only invite who you want. But...but if you wanted to, that would be really sweet of you. Might be a nice way to catchup. But I promise though, when I'm at the wedding you're both my priority, no matter how much I might don't not like someone."

[Isawa Natsuko]

"Might already be on the guest list." She looks to Jiro, "we have not really compared lists of friends to ask yet, but I suppose we have both made a few here."

She lifts the pot, offering more tea...actual tea this time...to those interested.

"Though I'd need a name to invite them. Or...I guess just leave you with an extra invitation to send on?"

[Suzume Rin]

"Might already be on the guest list." She looks to Jiro, "we have not really compared lists of friends to ask yet, but I suppose we have both made a few here."

She lifts the pot, offering more tea...actual tea this time...to those interested.

"Though I'd need a name to invite them. Or...I guess just leave you with an extra invitation to send on?"

"Oh..it's uh Kuni Mitsuko-sama"

[Shiba Jiro]

He doesn't know if Natsuko has met Mitsuko, but he has. And while it might be a bit awkward given their last meeting and Haru's feelings, he nods.

He looks to Natsuko, "So long as you agree, I would invite her. There are a few others I can think of from the competition as well."

[Isawa Natsuko]

Natsuko won't meet the Kuni until later that night, any slips in knowledge between those times is the Void's influence. "I'm sure it would be approved, the Kuni and Isawa have ties." They may not be close ones, but they exist. "Iuchi are a bit harder to get papers for just now, I think."

"And certainly, I would be glad to meet her as more than a name called during these tests." She gives no sign that Rin's discomfort bothers her, as her calm gaze finds the Sparrow. "There are a lot of chances for a meaningful life among the Crab, should that be your fate."

[Suzume Rin]

The Sparrow looks up tentatively, meets Natsuko's gaze, hurriedly looks down again, considers that a bit rude and so begins looking up again.

"That's very kind of you Jiro-sama. As for joining the Crab...well, they do important duties, don't they? Might not always be tasteful, but they need doing. I'm not even sure I'd make a good Crab though....I ain't born to it and I'm not very big."

[Shiba Jiro]

"They don't only need big warriors," Jiro replies. "Every clan can use bushi to act as yojimbo during court and travel. And what clan would not be interested in a skilled storyteller to share the tales of honored ancestors?"

He sips his tea after the small contribution.

[Isawa Natsuko]

Natsuko nods, then sips her tea. "No shortage of tasks there. I do not know much of the Crab, but I do not think all of them are large. I do not think Kuni-san wouldwish you placed where you could not serve. No more than I would bring someone unwilling and untrained into the Void."

"After today, you are also one step closer to the possibility of becoming Topaz Champion. There are a few responsibilities that come with that title as well. Most consistently, I think, returning here next year."

[Suzume Rin]

Trying not to think about it too much"Well...um, reckon whoever that will be will do a good job of it. Lotta good samurai are qualified already, I know any of 'em will be a good champion."

Sighing very slightly
"But that's sensible counsel from the both of you on duties. The Clan would know where to put me and it's not just all on the wall. I've never thought much about being a yojimbo, but maybe I could do it. You gotta keep your eyes open, be ready to protect your ward and really polite, right?"

[Shiba Jiro]

He nods at that. "There are many potential duties one can perform. Your clan, whether it's the Sparrow or you marry elsewhere, with make the best use if your skills that they can."

[Isawa Natsuko]

"My experience has been that it's the yojimbo's charge who needs to be polite. But ours are also meant to watch for signs that we have become a danger." Natsuko says calmly, as if the idea that there were a few Shiba trained to protect others from their charge almost as much as the reverse.

[Suzume Rin]

"U-uh"
Rin hurriedly finds something out the window to look at

"Sure that ain't a very common occurrence. Just um...hope you get a good one then, one really responsible and all."
And on that note

"Gosh, didn't plan to keep the both of you so long. And here it's all me complaining about my problems instead of thanking the both of you again."
Rin very, very carefully places the gift box down before rising and bowing deeply, once to each of the Phoenix

"Umm, won't go through the whole spiel again. But really, you're both very sweet to little old me. Never thought I'd share tea with a real Shiba artisan, much less a priestess! So...thank you again. Not just for your gifts...they're wonderful though. But for the shared wisdom. Guess I'll tell you both how it went if I can attend the celebrations. And if I ain't able to, you'd best be on the lookout for some letters and gifts."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Even if you can attend, I suspect letters will be exchanged," he replied, bowing his head. "I enjoy reading and writing letters, and I imagine I can get at least one new and interesting story out of you each time."