"I will miss you mother." He lowered his head. "I wish you a good and long life."

"So will I you, my boy." She said with a touch of sadness. "I will not pursue another for you tomorrow thus. It would be unseemly to bind your mute paramour or any other maiden to you in these circumstances. Kaiya has a role to play in the Empire still, unwitting but important. I am sure you'll find yourself someone out there without my assistance."

"Keep her safe if you can, please." he requested. "Even with the protection of Jama-no-kimi, I fear for her."

"What I can do is to find her a good husband. Sometimes it's all that's needed." She nodded slowly.

"I'll take comfort in that. Thank you." There was sorrow in his voice, and acceptance.

She nodded and let silence reverberate, letting him reconcile with the thought. After a long while she took a deep breath, interlaced fingers and looked at him.

"In case it is our last private meeting, is there something still that you want to tell me?"

"I have no more secrets. Everything has been laid bare." He looked up at her. "I love you mother. Goodbye."

Her lower lip trembled ever so slightly.

"While I have felt all your failings as my own, I also have always been proud of your accomplishments, even if my mind belongs to another era than them. Sail safe, my boy, on a majestic vessel you've built. May your karma turn out better than mine."

He managed a smile. "Suihime will carry on your legacy and ensure the line endures. I will find my own fate out there. You gave us both the strength we needed to move forward."

"Of that I am glad." She smiled back faintly. "Go, before I lose my composure." She looked to the side and waved her hand in dismissal.

Rising to his feet, he bowed deeply, then quietly slipped away.

/exit

Any emotions Odorihime would or would not let loose in the wake of his departure and before the meeting with the Emerald Magistrate to shelter him one last time would remain within the walls of that small room.

/scene