Genji sat on one of the cushions, a small private space to the side, a pot of tea in front of him. There was delicate music in the air, nothing like the roar of a good shindig, but something more appropriate for a relaxing tea and mediation. He calmly awaited his guest to arrive, his fan to the side, a small smile playing on his lips.

She arrived and found her way to Genji, offering a bow.

"Good afternoon, cousin."

"Cousin, well met." He gave her a bow and a smile. "It seems that we are extending our stay here. Truthfully, although it is a crossing of my original plans, I find it has its good sides. For example, I can speak to my more distant cousins." He gave her a bow. "Would you care for some tea?"

"I would." she nodded as she sat down. "And, I agree. While it is unfortunate that winter arrived before I could return home, the opportunity to meet and speak with so many from the other clans is a welcome one."

Genji poured some tea out, some blend from the tea house that looked nice.

"Certainly. I am quite glad to speak with you in particular cousin. We so rarely get the opportunity considering the distance between our clans. In fact, I was hoping we could discuss some things with you. It feels much better to do so in person rather than through letters."

"Again, I agree." she dipped her head in appreciation of the tea. "It is much easier to discuss most matters in person. It is more personal."

"Certainly." He smiled bashfully, taking a sip of his tea. "I hope you don't mind if I jump into a bit more formal matters. Well, part of formal and informal. I must say, I have always admired the Ryoshun blades, and the stories there of. As a bushi, of course, that is natural."

He put down his cup. "Would you be open to an agreement to exchange something for a few of those blades, if their artisans are willing to part with them?"

"That would be possible, I am certain." She sipped her tea. "Would these be for specific individuals? Would you like them made with certain people in mind?"

Genji leaned back. "As a warrior, I would be remiss not to say I would be honored if possible, but I think that is something to be agreed with your artisans. Blades are an art, after all, and we would not sully your skilled smiths with banal requests."

He inclined his heads. "Of course, in return we would be quite happy to offer whatever we can. Is there something that the Bat clan would desire that we can help with?"

"I am not a warrior, but I feel that a blade should reflect the soul of its bearer." She set her cup down. "My brother's appears unimpressive to those unfamiliar with it. It doesn't shine in the light or stand out in any remarkable way. It seems heavy and dull. In Chusu's hands, however, it is light but powerful. Unexpectedly strong, quick and sharp. He forged it for himself and it fits him perfectly."

She gave a slight shrug. "We can provide whatever blades you wish. I am uncertain as to what we might need in return. Did you have any suggestions?"

"Perhaps our acclaimed warriors could visit your master artisans, and pair up to see if something would inspire each other. Would that be workable solution, do you think Ryoshun-san?"

He smiled and took another sip.

"Perhaps...in exchange we can offer education? I do not know of your warriors, but we would gladly open our dojo for anyone who wishes to learn the way of the Stag."

He tilted his head, curious.

"We appreciate any visitors and would be honored to welcome the Stag. We do not yet have a warrior tradition. I'm sure your invitation would interest some of our people." She pondered the possibilities. "There is potential there."

Genji smiled. "Certainly. I think it would do good for both of us to spend more time together this way."

He sipped some more tea. "Our clans can learn a lot from each other, I feel." Placing the cup down, his eyes bore into hers. "Sometimes I feel that we are too scattered, neh? After our parents fell down, or I guess, through Ningen-Do, they surveyed the land and decided to found an Empire. Since then...everyone is doing their own thing, but is that truly an Empire, a home?"

The sudden philosophical talk seemed to have jumped out from somewhere.

"There is a distance." she nodded. "That may change with time, but it will not be soon. Gatherings like this, however, help bring all of us together."

"Certainly, it is an unfortunate hindrance of our realm." He smiled fondly, some thoughts running through his head. "Perhaps you can visit our lands sometime, when you fancy? We would welcome any Bat visitor too."

"I would like to. My sister visited years ago. She went south to investigate something she'd been told about." she explained. "When I visit it will hopefully be for something simpler than that."

"Oh? Interesting. May I ask what she was investigating. As for your visit, visiting family is hopefully a better reason than whatever happened with your sister." He smiled kindly, taking another sip of tea.

"I do not know the details." she admitted. "There were some ruins that were discovered, during the rescue of Hisomu-kami. I know she also spent some time exploring the western edge of the Empire during that expedition. Agasha is determined to learn about as much of everything as she can."

"If nothing else, I'm sure there will be more weddings for us all to gather at." she added with a shrug.

"Ah, that I can understand." He smiled. "Agasha-san certainly sounds like someone curious." He titled his head. "Oh? You're having any particular thoughts perhaps?"

She shook her head and laughed. "No. It is something I have to consider. My mother has made that clear. But, I have spent most of my life in Shinden Ryoshun. I still have much to learn about the rest of the Empire before I consider what would be best for my clan or myself."