[Day 5, Mid-Morning] I Wonder as I Wander

[Rixy]

She nodded, rising to go to the scribes table, where she began to take down the list of symptoms. "My goddess is not one for healing, but I have friends who serve gods who do oversee the wellbeing of men and women. I will go to them and, if you will it, I will come to your Embassy with what I learn. It will take a few days but I see no reason the inquiry should not be made."

A small smile curved her lips.

"It will bring joy to my people, to have some problem to address that we have some hope of accomplishing the ending of. Small hopes like that are a blessing in these times."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"Then it will be an honor to receive your assistance." He bowed gratefully. "You have my thanks."

[Rixy]

Returning to her place kneeling beside him, she studied him. Then, unknowing that it was not done, she reached to take his hand, slipping a bracelet from her arm and sliding it onto his own. "Take this with you. It will mark you as a friend to this temple and, perhaps, will bring Sarswati's smile upon you. Should I fall to the evil that comes, I would like to think that one of these survives with one who also honors the cycle instead of seeking to end it."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

He blinked. "Your kindness to me is great. I shall honor this gift with those days left to me, though I must insist that you take this in return."

He pulled a disc carved with the image of Jizo from his obi. "She is the Fortune of Mercy, and, while I do not think it will earn you any favor among my people, I hope that it will draw Her gaze across the water. Small kindnesses, neh?"

He rose slowly. "I am afraid that time is running short. I do have the time to answer a question from you, however, if you should have one. It would be most rude of me to take without giving."

[Rixy]

She considered it earnestly. When she spoke, it was clear that here was a woman who, had she been born to Rokugan, would have done well with the Crane. "Should I be blessed with another chance to forge and remake my works, what is an appropriate symbol, or decoration, to honor a meeting with one of your people? It is a rare thing, even for brahmin, and should be treasured and shared in art."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

He inclined his head. "There are many symbols, but the chrysanthemum and the Crane are the most common associated with the Empire and my clan in particular. This," he says, pointing to the Asahina mon, "is the sign for the shugenja of my clan. I would be honored if you should use that."

[Rixy]

She studied the mon closely, then returned to her desk to carefully record it. "Thank you, Seeker. Now, however, we both must return to other matters, I fear. Allow me to lead you back to the Temple proper and bid you good day."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"Hai, I suppose I should be off. Thank you for your kindness."

[Rixy]

"It is a gift all men have to share and one that is not diminished by that giving. Go in peace, Fuichi of the Daidoji, and may beauty follow your steps."

With a last bow, Sabera left him near the Temple's front entryway, drifting off again into the crowd to give calm where she could.