Heavenfall

"Good that we can agree to disagree, too." She takes a bite, as well, and asks, "Besides, well, your romantic endeavor. Who else was of great notice, so far?"

"Not sure I understand the question, Lady Hantei. Can't give you a good answer without."

"Anyone that you think would deserve praise. Glorious deeds of the people that have been sharing this mission?" She tries to make it clearer.

"Ah."

He thinks for a moment.

"Jiyo Sora, strangely enough. He's been working as a peacemaker internally to the group, which is of interest, given his background and what I remember from five years back. The Nezumi Black Moonset, as well. Jiyo Ayumu, too; Slim's a good cook."

Kinsei nearly chokes on her food with the nickname. Holding tears of laughter, she turns her face away from Dawei in embarrassment. Once controlled, she adds up. "I haven't talked much with the ra... the Nezumi. Now, Jiyo Sora-san. We don't actually agree to disagree on terms. At least we didn't. Ayumu-san is indeed a good man. I enjoy his company, too."

"Why are you asking, if I may?"

"I like to know who's friendly to our Clan." She takes another bite now that she managed to calm herself up. "Anyone not in a Clan, outside the Nezumi, that is?"

"Looking at recruiting?" Dawei smiles slightly.

"Unfortunately, I've not much spoken with those who haven't sworn yet. Can't help much on that score."

"Well." She blushes a bit. "The more, the merrier, no?"

"I've met Taochusu-san. He seems like a good man. Strong one, too."

Dawei nods. "Seen him about. Not a whole lot of interaction."

He regards Kinsen curiously.

"You'll forgive a teacher some insight, but you seem to have something else on your mind. What troubles you?"

"Dear husband going down there. Without me. Depending on the guidance of someone that has ill intentions to him." She lets it out.

"I trust, as I hope you must, that the Lord Hantei knows what he is about. And I will be there to aid him, if the need arises. What my skills may avail are at his disposal, as they have been these ten years. For I swore to him when The Seppun did, or within that very hour, when the Kami descended."

He smiles somewhat wistfully. "It may not be much, but he does not go alone, at least. And perhaps the brothers will reconcile, then and after. Stranger things have happened."

Kinsen places bowl and chopsticks at her side, and bows to Dawei. Her head touching the floor. Grateful for his devotion, once more.

Dawei stops dead still at the gesture, something of the statue-like qualities of the Seppun of another reality showing in him at that moment.

He swiftly returns the gesture. "The Lady Hantei flatters me."

“It is an honor.” She mentions, rising back up with a shining smile.

Dawei rises.

"The honor is mine."

And he resumes eating. It's going to be a busy day.