Dark Edge Village

Bayushi Suteichi arrived at the shrine of the Emerald Champion. He did not bring his samisen this time but he did bring a prayer in his heart. He was preparing to ask for guidance on the matter of love until he heard a voice in his head.

How quaint! You're at a shrine for prayer. Well, it is more than what your father ever did.

Suteichi bowed in deep reverence. "Good morning Grandfather." he whispered.

Good morning?! Ha! There are no mornings or nights where I am. So what is really so good about it?! Oh....I know. Are your mornings good because of your new found love?! I won't lie, I too would have had good mornings and nights if she were mine.

"Grandfather please. I seek guidance."

Guidance?! Now you're a Kitsu I take it? Seriously child get it together. Your name may be Bayushi but your blood is Yogo. I do have to commend you, you are doing better than that failure of a son of mine. Loving some oiran. You were the only thing good to come from that and you damn well better stay that way!

"Grandfather...I have done all that I can to not be him..."

Yes but you now let love in your heart. Twice in fact. I don't need to remind you what that means for you. My advice, tread carefully. Your love will be weakness and will be used against you. You can't love them both. Let one go and be cautious with the other.

The voice of his grandfather was gone. Suteichi sat up in a seiza position and composed himself. He remained at the shrine in silent meditation, pondering what to do about the love in his heart.

She had been to the Administration Center to see the announcement of the day's event, and found herself once more at loose ends for the remainder of the morning. She wandered, idly, with no true direction in mind. She thought perhaps to head out to the Western Fields once again, and spend some time working with Satsujin, but she would need to go back to her yurt to collect some things, and she simply did not feel so focused this morning.

The little weasel, unhappy about the sun, stronger than today that it had been, had crawled into the sleeve of her kimono and was napping there, unseen. Her eyes were shaded with an Imperial green fan. She might have noticed that there was someone praying at the Shrine, and avoided it, had she been playing closer attention, but her mind was on the upcoming event.

Suteichi felt he was not alone and turned around. He saw the Ide and stood. He bowed to her and greeted.

"Ohayou Ide-sama."

Bowing, "ohayou, Bayushi-san. Have you had rice today?"

"Hai. I have. And you Ide-sama?"

"Yes, thank you. Have I disturbed your prayers?" The morning light favoured the handsome Scorpion, but she was having trouble understanding just how he used to make her feel so dazed.

"No. No you have not. I trust you have come to make prayers?"

She shakes her head, "No, I was enjoying the sunshine, letting my feet take me where they will. And here I am."

"Always a good thing..." he replied with a a faint smile. "How has the miai been for you? I am sure it has been...well for you?" he asked.

She narrowed her eyes just a little, "I would have preferred if I had performed better in some of the earlier events, but I applied myself and I cannot complain for a lack of trying. You?"

"Things are going quite well." he said with a smile thinking of Liu Fei. "This miai has been wonderful. I very much look forward to my bride."

She fans herself slowly, "that is excellent news, many congratulations to you and your intended." She does not give any indication that she knows the name of his love, or that she's heard the associated rumours.

He nodded to her. "Thank you for your kind words. I trust that you also have made your choice at this event?" He too was not overtly expressing who her paramour was based on rumors.

"I have been most fortunate, yes. And eagerly anticipate the completion of the ceremony."

"Good. Good. You honored Otaku-sama well with your singing. Well done. I had hoped you would have remained for the event afterwards. Your singing would have been a nice addition."