[D7, LE] Fireside (Outside Mei's Yurt, Expecting)

[Miya Mei]

She looks Kemuri in the eyes again.

"If...If there ever came a time where Shinjo-kami's word went against the Empire, what would you do?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I don't know." he answered honestly. "It would depend on the circumstances. I would be questioning those above me, regardless of where I stood. I would need a clear reason to betray either. However, the last words we heard from Lady Shinjo, were a command to return here, to defend the Empire from coming danger. That, is what I would do."

[Miya Mei]

Mei pauses and then moves in closer to speak quieter.

"What if the reason was Shinjo-Kami thought the Empire corrupt? If she commanded you and your Clan to rebel, what would your heart say to do?"

Mei again looks into Kemuri's eyes, a pleading, desperate look, begging for the right answer.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Then I would fight the corruption." he answered. "To save the Empire."

[Miya Mei]

Mei bursts into tears, though a smile is on her face.

"You make me so happy to hear that, Shinjo-san"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He looked concerned, but smiled. "We are here to be a part of the Empire, Miya-sama, no matter how difficult forging that union may be."

[Miya Mei]

"There is something I must tell you then. You saw it today with my confrontation with Otaku Kitakuhime-sama"

Mei wipes away a few of the tears but a small pool still collects.

"There is a flaw with the Empire, Shinjo-san. And it gets worse by the day"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He glanced around.

"Should we discuss this here?"

[Miya Mei]

Mei shakes her hear no.

"You are right, this is not a good time, or a good place."

She sniffs a little and wipes her eyes again.

"Please forgive me for my loss of face. My sensei would have my head if he saw this. I am shamed. The stress of the day has been much, and your purity of soul has made me topple over in emotion. Truly I have picked the right man to give my fan and my words to."

Mei sets a hand next to Kemuri's lap, invitingly.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He set his hand on top of hers, entwining their fingers.

"So am I." he smiled. "And, I am happy that I sung very poorly to you."

[Miya Mei]

Mei squeezes gently at the fingers intertwined with hers.

"I think it was beautiful. I would have it sung by all the male guests at our wedding day, and mine by the women."

She smiles and slides a little closer, the warmth of her body overtaking the warmth of the fire.

"Though I think I might need some lessons in dance, if you could teach me."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"We should probably both take lessons." he grinned. "There is much we could learn together."

[Miya Mei]

Mei looks at the fire, a smile on her face.

"There is a ceremony in the Empire when ones mind needs to be calmed involving tea. I would be honored if you would allow me to perform it for you."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I would like that." he nodded. "Please."

[Miya Mei]

Mei nods and stands, walking over to where her tea set lay next to the fire.

She faces Kemuri and bows low to him, then smooths her kimono and sits on her feet, in a seiza position.

Then, she places the tray the set is on in between the two of them and picks up a cup and the teapot, pouring water into the cup and cleaning it over the ground.

Once rinsed, she places the bowl upside down on the tray and does the same to her own.

Finally, she pours the remaining water in the pot out and sets it in the center.

She then takes a bamboo storage container and opens it, revealing a mixture of black and purple leaves and other herbs. She gently takes out a handful and places it into the teapot.

After the leaves are places, she reaches to the fire and takes the boiling rater pot, gingerly pouring it into the tea pot until full. She caps off the pot and closes her eyes, breathing deeply as the aroma of wildflowers and black tea fills the air.

After a few minutes of silence and breathing, Mei opens her eyes and takes the bowl in front of Kemuri and turns it upright, then with one finger on the lid of the pot and one hand on the handle, she pours until the cup is full.

She then does the same for the bowl in front of her.

Finally, she lifts up the cup with both hands and presents it to Kemuri with her head bowed low.

----Rolls----
[D7 Late Evening] Tea Ceremony TN 15: 4d10o10k3 21

Shinjo Kemuri and Miya Mei receive 1 Void Point