Dark Edge Village

(Expecting)

The wind had made archery difficult throughout the day, which in turn left the archery field empty and quiet. Kemuri had taken a few passes on a target, but was more inclined to enjoy the peaceful, cool evening than to practice. Setting down his blanket, he sat down for dinner, while Sarangerel was left free to graze.

This was an interesting take on things. Inviting her to a picnic, it was an interesting choice. She approved.

When Hitako approached the other, and his horse, she bowed. "Good evening, Shinjo-san. Have you been Blessed this day?"

"Every day is a blessing, Seppun-sama." He stood to offer a proper bow. 'I am Shinjo Kemuri."

"A good way to look at things. I, as you obviously know, but I have to tell you anyways, am Seppun Hitako, trained in the school of the Jade Sahir. Thank you for your invitation." She took a seat carefully to one side of the set up.

"Thank you for accepting it." he smiled. "Even this late in the miai, there are many I haven't met yet. Iuchi Duong-Ha-sama suggested I reach out to you."

"Yes, he had many suggestions for me. Seems he has been blessed by Benten-no-Fortune, and then finding out he was my leading choice, did all he could to cause me to choose another. I had heard your name from others, so was pleased to receive the invitation to meet you."

"Ah, I see." he nodded in understanding. "The miai is a bit complicated, isn't it? I don't think we were expecting
to receive so many suitors. That makes romance a bit dangerous, as the arrangements we'll all be making soon are likely to break even the truest of love apart. No one's at fault in that. Fate doesn'always allow what we hope for."

"For some, it seems to actively work against it. He objected also to some realities of living in Rokugan, among the higher castes. With Seppun, in particular, duty is our over-riding concern. He found that difficult to understand."

"I can appreciate it." he nodded. "And, I am aware of how easily one's plans can be changed."

"Ah? You had plans, that have already been forced to be changed?"

"Not exactly." he shook his head. "I had resigned myself to the idea that someone would choose me and I would just make the best of it. But, I did well in a competition
and may be able to choose for myself. That possibility excites me more than I expected. However, I know it could easily change again."

"Hai, that is true. There are several in the lists that your superiors have posted that are ahead of you that might choose you, including myself. Was there one that you were hoping to choose, should you last so long?"

"Miya Mei-sama." he answered. "We have been building a close relationship."

"And so quickly, as she was delayed on the road here. Is it friendliness, or the start of Benten-no-Fortune's blessing?"

"We became friends quite quickly. And, we are becoming more." he answered. "We've been careful about rushing that, however, knowing we might not be together in there end."