She had been promised a poem. Today, she would have it.

In turn, she had ordered lunch for her and her poet. She wore a blue dress that had a touch of old foreign style to it for a touch of the exotic. The meal was a simple ordered in bowl of curry rice for them both with bottles of iced tea.

After taking some time to compose several poem in and amongst his other duties and events at the miai, Geppu had finally decided on one that he felt was appropriate. And so, he chose to wore something fashionably casual in typical Spider black and grey. The outfit was wrinkle-free and he was freshly shaven and smelled faintly of cherries. After all, one didn't deliver poetry looking scruffy.

Once he had made his arrival known and was permitted entrance, Geppu made his way to Fusako's room and rapped lightly on the door. Carried in a hand was a lacquered wooden box, about the size of a book.

Fusako's voice danced out from within. "If that's you Susumu-san, you may come in. If it's someone else, you might want to come back another time."

After he was beckoned to enter, he slides open the door and takes a step in, politely slipping off his shoes as to not track up the nice floor of the hotel room. Presuming that his host was in plain view, he'd offer a polite bow, slipping off the hood of his jacket. If not, he'd step further in and ascertain her location. His hair was in a tight topknot and was skewered with a thin metal rod, bangs also neatly brushed aside so that the crimson of his eyes showed clearly.

"Good afternoon, Asahina-sama. How are you today?"

Fusako was indeed in view, and she gave a seated bow as Geppu made his way in. Her eyes seemed to give him a once over quickly before she smiled. "I've been well so far, thank you. I trust you've been the same? But please, have a seat. It's hardly the best of rooms, but with a pillow it's comfortable enough."

After he was prompted, Geppu takes a seat and offers a slight smile. "Thank you, Asahina-sama. But I do not think you should sell your accomodations short...at least you have a small measure of privacy. The rooms at the Wisteria are more comfortable than ship berthing, but they are just as crowded with four to a room."

He set the box down in front of him between them both, giving a nod. "I have been well enough. I have found success in all of the events of the miai that I have participated in thus far, even if I could not claim the best performance. Perhaps a prospective partner will appreciate the consistency." A small smile before he gestured to her dress. "A design of your own or something improved from another?"

Dropping the subject of accommodations, she leaned her chin onto a hand and gave a wry smile. "My own design, of course. All the dresses I brought were. Mmm, I take it what's inside the box is of your design?"

He managed a smirk in response to her smile. "Truly a wide variety of options for the prospective customer." As she mentions the box, he nods and slides it forward between them. "Indeed. At least what I agreed to compose for you. The other, I earned via competition and felt like it would be appropriate."

When she would open the box, she would find a brightly polished mirror, with the frame wrapped in some local flora. Resting atop the mirror, there is a piece of thick folded silver paper, lightly scented with ginger. When opened, a single jasmine blossom falls to the surface of the mirror. Inside, the promised poem can be found.


Honor shields my heart,
But eyes pierce thickest armor,
My cheeks alight with color...


"A felt a mirror was appropriate so that Asahina-sama can always behold a vision of beauty."
----
Roll for the poem if you care.

She smirked a bit for a moment, but her eyes were quite interested in the gift. "My, it is as if Susumu-san believes me to be Doji-Kami herself..." she murmured as she delicately slid the mirror out of the box, the poem snatched between two fingers.

Setting the mirror down, she looked to the poem and smiled. "My, you were not boasting unfounded when you said you were decent at poetry Susumu-san. Even a Kakaita Artisan would find this quite well put together."

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Asahina-sama. To the right person, the vision of their beloved could be more beautiful than Doji-no-kami herself...but I felt like you would appreciate the symbolism nonetheless."

Another smile and as she reads the poem and gives her opinion of it, he demures. "You honor me with your words, Asahina-sama, but I do not think my work yet matches the mastery of the vaunted Kakita Artisans. I does please me that you like it, however."

"My father is an Artisan Susumu-san, I do not give my praise lightly. Perhaps there is a little rough to it still, but for a man trained in other matters first, it is a talent worth note." She gave a slight smile. "Had I known we would be exchanging gifts, I would have gotten something. I am not really a poet myself I fear... hm... Perhaps I can write you a letter? I have quite decent brush work, and it would be something for you to keep regardless of how this miai ends."

"Then your words honor me even further Asahina-sama, thank you. As for a gift, I had not thought to request one in exchange, as this was given freely. However, if you would be so kind as to grace me with something of the sort, I would hardly protest. A fond memory is cherished even after the time of the memory is long passed, after all."

"I would give no less freely, of course," she noted wryly. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Now what to write... oh, but that can certainly wait. How have you been Susumu-san? How's the tournament been going for you since we last spoke?"

"Of course." He would return her smile and settle a bit more on the pillow he was seated on, relaxing slightly.

"I have been well enough. I continue to participate with distinction, if not victory. I have also engaged in some more...secondary pursuits. My match was not openly televised, but I participated in the 'Asakaze Championship' matches as a test of skill, defeating my professional opponent."

Closing the box now that she has taken the gifts from it, he inclines his head slightly. "And your experience, Asahina-sama?"

"I had participated in that event as well, though I pushed myself a bit too much and ended up showing poorly for it. I'm sorry I didn't stay and get to see your own performance Susumu-san, I'm sure it was quite the sight." She gave a small grin.

"Excellence is something to be strived for and failure in the pursuit of that excellence is the only way to learn...and I'd like to believe it was. Perhaps if I can find the footage I'll be sure to send a copy of it along. I'm sure the promoters have it, even if it wasn't televised." A light chuckle and he lifts a hand to grasp at a few strands of hair that had escaped their place, tucking them back once more. "Any other events that struck your fancy?"

"Hmmmm... I've done well in a few, but unremarkable for a better term. Only the peace negotiation event had me stand out, unsurprisingly. What of you?" She leaned forward, chin on her palm.