Day 7 [LM] Love Tender Devotion

[Ide Amaya]

"I must apologise for that, Bayushi-sama, I was very tired. It had been a trying day, before the weight of my noble cousin's death upon my shoulders."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Suteichi waved a dismissive hand. "Nothing to apologize for. We all mourn in our own way."

[Ide Amaya]

"You seem," she thought for the right word, "happy." It didn't quite fit, but she almost didn't believe that this was the same man she had picnicked with on the second day of the ma-ai.

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Do I?!" he asked with raised eyebrow. "Should I be some other emotion Ide-sama?"

[Ide Amaya]

She made a single quiet sound, a suppressed laugh, there he is, "I hope I never suggested otherwise."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"No. You have not. I guess however happiness is to be found at an event this. We could stand for some in these interesting times."

[Ide Amaya]

"A curse and a blessing, without question."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"I must ask you something. The cook who prepared the spread during our meeting, I would like to meet them and inquire if they would prepare for a meeting that I am having later on."

[Ide Amaya]

"It is my honour to be of service, I shall let them know of your needs, and have them contact you immediately."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Suteichi smiled faintly at her willingness to help. He was more happy that she did not inquire about why he had not spoken to her since they met and who the meal was with. He remained the proper samurai that he was trained to. Discussing such things was just improper... Suteichi noticed that she was not in awe of him as she once was which was good. Although having the attention was not so bad. Still...

"Ide-sama, might I interest you in some manju? It is a nice treat to have and share."

[Ide Amaya]

"I certainly should like to try some manju, I do have something of a sweet tooth. An unfortunate result of my upbringing, I fear." She did not need to ask why the Scorpion had not requested to see her. The rumours of the previous morning had only cemented what she had seen. She was, however, surprised by his cordiality, but, after all, love makes fools of us all, doesn't it? she thinks.

[Bayushi Suteichi]

He waited for her to try the sweets he provided before asking the next question.

"So, with only a few days left of the miai, what are your plans? Will you remain here in the village? Move on?"

[Ide Amaya]

"With my status, it was always unlikely that I would have been remaining with the Unicorn. I have been prepared to leave Dark Edge Village since the day I arrived."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

He nodded as he ate a manju. "I have always wanted to see beyond where I was. The world is full of mystery and wonder. You and your clan have been fortunate to see that. I hope that my bride and I are able to see what is beyond."

[Ide Amaya]

She nods thoughtfully, "I'm sure that you will be very happy with your Unicorn bride."