The Miya did not have a great deal of knowledge or experience with theological concerns, but she had offered to assist with Qi's upcoming ritual. To that end she brought the basket of gathered supplies that the Phoenix had suggested and invited Yukari to join her for meeting.

Keep the butterflies under control.

Yukari was, of course, a little early, and, conscious of both the importance of the meeting and of matters spiritual, she had dressed as formally as circumstances allowed.

Qi was there and looking as fabulous as she could be. Her rich brown eyes still kept an eye out towards the corners of the room as she watched for any hint of a spider or other creepy creature that might decide that it was a great place for a house.

"Ah, yes. What are we doing here again? Planning what?" She asked when she approached the group of familiar faces, doing what she could, however, to not directly look at the Miya... or the Shiba for that matter either.

"The, ah, ceremony, Asako-sama?"

"Yes," Akari agreed with a bow. Certainly there should be some sense of awkwardness if she had pieced together rumors. But if Akari felt any, there was not a hint of it in her expression or tone. She was simply there and as pleasantly friendly as she usually was with the Phoenix. "The ceremony for the Salamanders. I have the supplies you asked that I should collect, and I wished to have you look over them to determine if they are fit for use. And to figure out and plan the next step for performing the ritual itself."

"Ah. Well. I'm certain that Shiba-san could help you to determine that. There is little need for me to be here for this. In fact, she will be taking over the ceremony." She said, still looking everywhere but at the two of them. Her voice was oddly neutral, likely due to her trying to hide something.

"Uhm... are you positive, Asako-sama? I would think you far more, well... qualified?"

Akari didn't disagree with Yukari. She didn't have any real way to gauge such things so she didn't weigh in.

She nodded. "Very much so." After that, it looked like she was holding something back from being said. So, she looked vaguely constipated.

Yukari was growing increasingly perplexed.

"Do you not think it would do more to assert the Phoenix Clan's claim to spiritual authority if you at least... took a hand in it?'

The Miya again said nothing for now, deferring to the expertise of both Phoenix to sort out the ritual. She was mostly here to listen and support.

"Are you not part of the Phoenix? Is your very line not the same one descended from a Kami? I have other things I need to be doing anyway rather than-" Whatever she had started to say, she had swifty cut it off.

Yukari arched an eyebrow.

"Then I trust Asako-sama has no objections to the nature and character of any ritual this one chooses to employ?"

"Are you alright Asako-san?" Akari asks, obvious concern in her voice.

"As long as your method of performing this ritual isn't some barbarian magic or shameful make out ritual in public." She huffed. "We are supposed to have a reputation to uphold."

She pointedly ignored Akari's question before continuing on. "Just do it and don't make a fool out of the Phoenix. I've got other things to do now." And then after the quickest bow in the east, she turned and powerwalked out in a storm.

Yukari's eyebrow twitched, but she waited until the Asako had gone before glancing at Akari.

"I am now sorely tempted to employ barbarian magic in a shameful make out ritual in public, but I'll have to restrain myself. Still, if she cares so much, it's curious that I would be placed in charge..."

Akari, returned the bow as Qi left. It was unfortunate that she was upset, but at the same time Akari didn't feel particularly bad. She had liked the Asako but Yukari was wonderful and had responded much more warmly. The only real concern over it was that Qi would be more difficult to work with.

"She is more upset with me than you. I... had shown interest in her before meeting you. But she was more distant in her response. The gossip has likely upset her for several reasons. I suspect she's avoiding public association now."

"Well. I'll do what I can."

About what, the Shiba didn't specify.

"But I cannot imagine she'll be too thrilled with the results."

"I think that you will do well with the ceremony, Yukari-san," Akari replied, encouraging.

"From your mouth to the Fortunes' ears, Akari-sama."