A Dragon Flies (D4, EE, Misa's invitation)

[Soshi Taira]

"I am glad to hear any song which you feel you might wish to sing."

A soft chuckle. "I'm afraid I don't know many songs which could be sung in good society, after all, I spend a lot of time around sailors and caravansary workers."

[Tonbo Misa]

"All of those who have sung around me have been priests and ascetic bushi, so my range will be a bit different." Misa smiled. "Still, I would appreciate hearing sailing songs as well. Hmm..."

After a moment's contemplation, she chose a simple versed song that sounded older. It was a slow song, clearly a song of the peasants.

In the summer mist, distant villages are enshrouded;
I tread the road to my hut in the cedar grove

It is a thing of sorrow, the rustling of the rice leaves
before my hut, at evening in the autumn wind

Thinking of the past, is it but a dream or a standing truth?
Tonight I listen to the winter rain

On every blade of glass in the spring field dew is posted –
the tears of insects crying through the night

A song of the seasons it seemed as well, though the rain was winter rather than current. Still perhaps poignant.

[Soshi Taira]

Taira listened in silence, and then offered a polite applause.

"That was very nice. You sing far better than those I tend to hear."

Smiling, he added, "I'm not sure sailor's songs would be... appropriate to the company, or the setting... they are often vulgar."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa gave a silent titter into her sleeve. "I am no easily offended maiden Soshi-san, so if you really wish to offer a vulgar song, I wouldn't be offended. All the same, your thoughtfulness is appreciated, arigato."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira laughed.

"Well... I'm still not sure the setting is appropriate for an enthusiastic rendition of the Ronin and Rower. I would not like to start rumors or give the Unicorn strange ideas."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa nodded in understanding. "Of course. Good relationships are important, especially at a miai. Is there particular Unicorn Soshi-san is worried about?"

It was her round about way of relationship gossip.

[Soshi Taira]

"Not worried... no." Not yet.

He drummed his fingers on the table. "A few I am interested in learning more about, without giving them very uncomfortable impressions of me. You?"

[Tonbo Misa]

"Moto Butaj." There wasn't really any hesitation as she smiled politely. "Though, there are others of interest."

[Soshi Taira]

"Oh!?"

He sounded genuinely surprised. "He is a good man, I just... he is a little rough around the edges. I am glad to hear you see... look... eto... consider more than just the surface mannerisms."

[Tonbo Misa]

That caused Misa's smile to grow a bit. "That's about the reaction I thought I would get. I take it then that Soshi-san has at least met him."

[Soshi Taira]

"Yes. He impressed me with his spirit."

But not his manners.

Still, a good spirit.

[Tonbo Misa]

"His heart and spirit truly are in the right place, hai. Even if there's still much about Rokugani manners and traditions he has to learn. All the more reason he needs a patient soul to lead him." She shook her head softly. "Not like Otaku-sama."

[Soshi Taira]

"... who?"

He looked confused. Not that she could see.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa looked puzzled a moment before smiling. "Ah, right. Otaku Kitakuhime. All the Otaku maidens I've met have been quite honorable and forthright, but she's the one I know best."

[Soshi Taira]

"Ah, hai. I have met her."

Taira rubbed the back of his neck, and then added, "She was not... so forthright with me. Or perhaps one might say she seemed almost as if ready to leap into the saddle and ride away at any moment."