Dark Edge Village

Butaj tosses off the water as best as he can when entering the compound. In the hall he leaves most of his wet clothing, remaining in just his leather vest. What he takes to Misa's room with him is topshur, the Moto lute. "Butaj." He quietly announces, pushing his damp plaits to the back.

After a moment the door opens and the little servant girl opens the door a bit. Her face turns pink and she slides the door shut quickly. Moment's later, Butaj can hear a whispered conversation, peppered with Misa's soft laughs.

Butaj waits patiently, wondering what it is about. He squeezes some water from his beard into his hand, then doesn't know what to do with it so rubs it into his face to stay focused, even if it's not how it works.

After a moment, Misa's voice drifted put from the door. "Please, come in Butaj."

As Butaj would enter, he'd find the room quite dim. There were only a few lights, one from a brazier in a corner, the other a small lantern by Sanmi as she sat in the corner. There was also a candle lit at the table that she'd soft light on Misa, who sat smiling toward the door.

There was also quite a bit of noise in the room as the rain beat on the roof and walls. The window shutter were also propped up, allowing the fuller sound in and letting the wind rustle through the entire room. Misa spoke up over the storm with a hint of amusement. "Please forgive Sanmi for her caution. I heard her open the door, then she came back to me in a hurry saying something about a barely dressed, soaking wet monster at the door."

The servant girl was trying to be in the corner wrapped up in a book as much as she could be.

"Butaj is not... barely dressed." Butaj protests a little, knowing the heimin always find some reason to criticise him, but then looks at himself and reconsiders in light of Rokugani standards he's got a bit familiar with. "Butaj got soaked on the way, he didn't want to change your room into a pond so he left the wettest things in the hall." He takes in the room, and his host, a smile creeping onto his lips. "Good evening, Misa."

Misa gave a quiet laugh into the wrist of her sleeve. "Good evening Butaj-kun. Please sit at my table beside me." She paused, then shook her head.

"No, there will be time for that. Go sit by the fire and warm yourself, dry yourself. I don't wish you to get a chill."

Butaj chooses the fireplace. "Butaj is used to changing weather but he doesn't want to drip water on Misa. Butaj suspects it's impolite, to dampen someone's clothes this way." He keeps looking at her though. "You seem to be in good mood. Butaj is very glad."

Misa gave a small nod. "I have many reasons to smile, hai. Having Butaj-kun here is a good one, but I quite enjoy the rain as well. The feeling of it is almost too intense, but the sound... it is like nothing else. It sounds like life to me."

"Rain is life, even in the desert. Especially there. As a boy, Butaj lived in a land that didn't see much rain, it would be dry if not for a great river." He looks at her as he speaks, clearly something on his mind. "Butaj has noticed he's getting really cheerful whenever he's about to see Misa... And there is a thing that makes Butaj wonder. You are calling Butaj Butaj-kun, does it mean you think Butaj is good to be your boyfriend?"

Misa gave another soft laugh, but her smile was faded. "You ask a complex question. I like you Butaj, your music is lovely, your heart honest. I enjoy your voice, your hands... so I suppose, perhaps, that makes you someone I would know more deeply. Does that count?"

"It only counts if Misa wants it to count. Butaj can become known to Misa as deeply as she likes though. But Butaj knows it's a complex issue, especially with the rules of this pairing kurultai in place." He turns toward her, thinking intensively on his next words. "That's why he asked if he is good, nothing more. But Butaj has asked because he likes you too." He pauses. "It seems to Butaj his music is something Misa appreciates most in Butaj, so maybe he should play now?"

Misa's smile became warmer again. "That I answered, and without hesitation. Never doubt your spirit Butaj. You are a good man, no matter if anyone makes you feel otherwise." She didn't answer his question on music, seeming focused on the former issue still, looking toward him with eyes closed.

"Butaj is not doubting himself. Butaj more or less knows who he is and what he can. But Butaj can promise Misa not never doubt his spirit." Feeling a little to hot, he scoots away from the fire, closer to her. "Especially if Misa is ever going to rely on Butaj's inner strength for anything."

She nodded again. "Of course. And I'm glad you have no doubts. You mentioned music, yes? Don't tell me you brought your poor instruments through the pouring rain!" Misa patted the floor beside her.

"Just the topshur, the one you didn't hear last night." He picks it on the way to the place she has envisioned for him. There, he strums for a moment to check how the strings have taken the rain, but it sounds good. Soon, music and song bare his soul to her.

(Song!)