She nodded slightly. "I have known people that remind me of your description of them."

"You, at least, see the problem and want to correct it. All things considered, that is not nothing," she replied with a shake of her head, raising a hand to rest lightly on his sleeve.

"... What was your family like?"

"The disease must be excised," she murmured. "Regardless of the risk to ourselves."

"Please, try to be cautious. You're... a good person. The Empire needs more like you, not less. If you weren't already a Bat, I would want you to join my family."

"I know, but still... I expected better of myself."

She was silent for a moment before saying, "It would not change your belief, but it could have changed that of others. If... I find anything that can help you in the next few days, I will do so, at least."

"Extremely busy, yes. Bayushi-Kami has me on a particular project here, or I would be a more common sight." Or perhaps she was, and it was simply hard to notice. It was always difficult to remember if one had or hadn't seen Shosuro on a casual glance. "If you believe you can influence the Stag, do s...

She smiled a little, the barest hint of a blush rising in her pale cheeks. At the question, she lowered head head, though. "I was not. He maintains the image he projects to others at all times that I observed him. The only thing was a painting he did that was of note - a portrait of Doji-Kami. While...

"... To learn something like this, does one need to become a monk like yourself?" She asked quietly.

She stayed silent for a long time, finally nodding. "I don't want to lose my connection to who I am, so I will accept any help you're willing to give. But... 'remaining Shosuro'... I'm not sure that is a meaningful phrase. Shosuro is only a slight variation on an obscure term in the Language of the ...

Shosuro, as he might have expected, was seated quietly in seiza to his left. "Good morning, Kakita-san. Are you well today?"

Shosuro gave a small smile at the discussion of Shinsei, then waited and listened. "that... makes a great deal of sense. It seems all the more important not to let it have me, then..."

"He does, and Bayushi trusts his judgment."

Shosuro nodded as she listened, turning over what she said in her mind. Finally, she nodded at the suggestion. "That's fine. Do you need me to do anything?"

"It does help to talk about it. I've never explained it before to someone outside the family," she replied, resting her chin on her knees. "I don't fully understand it. I get the impression Mother doesn't either... It's just... what she's always been." "I, um... I can see into darkness and shadows v...

"Yes... interesting is one word. I have observed her exchanges," she agreed with a nod. "As far as the monks go, Shiba supports them to a considerable degree, and they know more than you might expect. We should keep an eye on them as we should on anyone, but try not to be... overly unfriendly." When...

"... He is not touched... I don't think he is, anyway." She is silent for a long moment before continuing. "I... am not sure my mother has a real face. She has features she wears consistently, but... sometimes I think that is just how she looks out of habit. I can tell, sometimes, when she doesn't g...

"As long as they keep it focused on one another, it's potentially useful. People fighting over ridiculous things is rife with opportunity," she said quietly before taking a sip of tea. "This is very good, thank you." She set the cup down. "The problem arises if they turn their attention to subvertin...

"That's rather cute," she commented with a small smile. "What young person doesn't have a crush like that at some point?" At the description of what she found, Shosuro pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms around them. Her face turned to a focused, neutral mask. "Being cautious is wise, just be car...

"That would be an impressive feat, considering it doesn't seem healthy or safe." She gave a soft, dry chuckle. Her expression turned serious as she listened about her mother. "She's not hostile to you or anything, if it helps. She's just... strange."

"She remembers you," she responded simply. "I don't know that it's a gift, though. I can't afford even to be afraid of it. If it is one, I would like to return it to the gifter." She gave a slightly sour frown at that.

"You notice it when it comes into play. I don't know why that is."

"Things have been very busy. When the Clans gather, it's never long before politics start," Shosuro agreed with a nod. "But then, that's what we are here for."

She nodded to the offer of tea.