Nakahama

Taraka nods.

"I got them from Shion Florals on Golden Shotengai." she said. "Lilies are supposed to represent strength, so they seemed like a good choice for a hospital visit" she revealed regathering the flowers and showing off the card.

"They've got a lot on their hands preparing for bon festival. Quite a few of us are, actually. Feather Your Nest wants to borrow a couple for advertising as well and are giving us some traditional banners to hang to properly celebrate the festival."

Akiro gave a slow nod. "A very good choice, Yasuki-san." He said. "I am sure that Hida-sama will have need of strength in his coming recovery."

"Oh, right, Bon Festival." Akiro sighed. "In all the excitement, I'd forgotten. Or rather, it slipped my mind. Hmmm." His lips quirked. "I hope our visitors are prepared for just how much drinking there is at a Crab Bon Festival. I remember my first one after my Gempukku; the only one I was on planet for, actually. I remember the first few drinks, and then everything else is a blur."

He smiled wryly. "It's too bad I won't be able to attend properly this year. No one knows how to avoid drinking without giving offense like the Crane, and I did train with them for a while. Perhaps I'd last longer this time."

Taraka grinned.

"Well, possibly a better plan than using your stay here to emulate Ikoma." she offered.

She gave a bold pose.

'If I wasn't in hospital, I would drink as much as forty Crane!" she mock boasted before shifting back to normal.

"After all, boasts like that are remembered next year and hospital isn't forever."

She gathered all off the lilies save one.

"Hida-sama won't miss one, I'd like like to leave you a last little bit of strength, if you'll allow it."

"Hmmm." A very soft chuckle. "As much as forty Crane is hardly a boast, really. Forty Crane or four Hida. Still, I think I shall be more temperate in my boasts, and just say that next year..." He let out a breath of air. "I shall attend the Bon Festival. For now, that is sufficient."

Looking at the lily, Akiro's lips parted, and he looked truly touched. He also looked like a man who didn't know how to look when truly touched, and it confused him. There was a brief pause while he sorted out his facial expression.

"Thank you." Akiro said. "That's very kind. Very kind indeed."

Clearing his throat, he offered her another slight smile. "Ah, I do look forward to your next visit. I'll have to have some drone technical manuals downloaded. I want to hit the ground..." he grimaced, "-that is, I'd like to make a quick start of things."

Taraka grinned.

"You want to take off, and soar above it all, Hiruma-san. Don't worry, we'll get you there." she said.

She bowed.

"Until next time, Hiruma-san." she promised.

and then she took her lilies and made her....

/exit!