Nama Bi
"He's very polite." Choshu Aya nodded along with her own words as her companion poured her another cup of sake. "And generous. He gave me two full jade talents in exchange for my work."
Nama Bi smiled as she put the wine jar back onto the table. The two sat in a private room on the upper floor of Father Bricks' tavern. Through the open window, they had a beautiful view of green God Crossing's streets, below. "Does that surprise you?"
"It does." The terrestrial exalt rolled back her kimono sleeve and took the cup in hand. "In my experience, lords demand service and give small thanks in return. Even my father. I hadn't expected Storm of Amber to be very different."
"Yet you came to serve him anyway." Aya felt Nama Bi's hand close over her own, to cut off a hasty splash of wine. "I know: we've had this conversation before. I didn't mean to open an old wound that lies between us."
"No, this is different. Last time, we spoke of service and excellence. Today, I'm talking of resources. In Calin, I had to fight for every scrap of iron that came to my forge. Even though the daimyos knew my skill, they hesitated to give over to me what was theirs. And even then, they came with demands. 'It must be in the shape of an orchid' or 'it must be chased with images of mospids.'" Aya let go of her cup and squeezed the amalgam's hand, warm from the wine, in return.
"Storm of Amber alone did not shrink to meet my price. But, more, he told me only the nature of the person to receive his gift and left the gift itself to me. He trusted me as a craftsman."
"Careful, Aya. You could give the impression that your care for Storm of Amber is for more than his patronage."
"He's handsome and brave, but not for me." The exalt pulled her hand away from Nama Bi's and reached again for her cup. Then her face fell. "Though might it be the reverse? Could his generosity come only from his desire to see me in his bed?"
Nama Bi laughed, a low chuckle. "Hardly. Have you not seen him with the brass lady? He has eyes for none but her."
The two were silent, then; lost in thought. Until Aya felt Nama Bi's flexible tail wrap around behind her and press against her leg. "His mistake, I think," the amalgam said, as she leaned in close and closed her eyes.
Choshu Aya regarded her companion; her short blue hair, the soft silver of her fur, the gentle curve of her chest and the cute swoop of her nose. She was a pretty girl, and Aya cared for her, much more than she had thought. And yet, Zuke...
The exalt put a hand on her friend's shoulder and pushed her gently back. Nama Bi opened her eyes and Aya said, "I can't. I'm sorry. When I was younger... In Port Calin..." Aya shook her head and ran from the room, tears welling like pearls in the corners of her eyes.
