Dark Edge Village

(Because I'm on a spree with musical titles)

After a brief trip to the Administration Office to learn what today's tests would be, Tomoe returned to the Northern Camp to seek out this Seppun Hitako.

"Seppun-sama?" the Hare called out in a polite tone as she found Hitako's tent.

The tent flap is soon swung up, and a woman looks out. Since she has Seppun mons on her shoulder, it is most likely the occupant of the tent. "Yes? I am Seppun Hitako."

"Forgive me for disturbing you so early in the morning, Seppun-sama," the Hare bowed respectfully. "I am Usagi Tomoe... I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time?"

"Please, come in. Have you had rice yet?" She waves the other in, and offers her a pillow to sit on. Herself, she uses a bit of blanket to set upon.

"I have, thank you. The Unicorn are most generous in providing for their guests," the Hare courtier fell easily into the standard protocols of etiquette, following Hitako's lead.

"Have Seppun-sama found the accomodations to be suitable?"

"I have found them most interesting. Not what I am used to, and I am not sure of their long-term viability here in Rokugan, with the weather we have here, but an interesting divertessment from what I am used to. Tea?"

"If it is no trouble, Seppun-sama," she said with a smile. "I do not wish to impose on you too much."

"No trouble. None at all." She busies herself setting up the tea set and preparing some tea. "Do you wish a lighter tea, or a black one?"

"Dark tea, if you don't mind." While Tomoe usually preferred lighter varieties, it had been some time since she enjoyed a black tea.

"I imagine as an Imperial lady, your time must be quite busy here during this miai?" she asked as Hitako busied herself with the tea.

"Not as much. An upset stomach a couple of times, have left me a little more out of touch with matters here than I would prefer. So, I have stepped back a little, seen what is happening. I have two names of prospective husbands I need to meet, then wait till things end, and see how the choices go. But I have mostly been fairly free. It's - not what I am used to, but I have enjoyed the break." As she speaks, she sets the leaves in the water to steep, and waits as it heats over a brazier she also had available. There is a slightly fresh smell coming from the brazier - it seems she was burning a little incense before the Hare arrived.

"Upset stomach? Oh dear... it seems the Unicorn cuisine does not agree with everyone, sadly," she shook her head with some dismay.

"Two prospective ones though, now that is interesting. May one ask who these handsome Unicorn gentlemen might be?"

"It was suggested I look up a Shinjo Kemuri-san and a Shinjo Hanashi-san."

Well, thank you, Fortunes. That seems like half my job is done!

"Ah," the Hare nodded sagely. "I can see why those two were mentioned to you. I've had the chance of meeting both of those men... Shinjo Hanashi-san is one I would certainly recommend to a woman of Imperial standing, as he has extensive knowledge of the Unicorn's history, and he seems to be of a higher position than Shinjo Kemuri-san."

"Hanashi-san is a bushi, but from what I learned of him, it seemed he was interested in a wife that was perhaps a bushi like himself, though I think he would find a priestess of Imperial rank to be one he could be worthy of."

Hitako nods as she listens. "And Shinjo Kemuri-san? Or any others you might know of with Spiritual training of any sort?"

"Shinjo Kemuri-san is of the same vassal family as Hanashi-san, but of lower rank, is my impression. A bushi as well, who expressed a great interest in travelling the Empire. He seems to be a jovial fellow, approachable and friendly, and also knowledgable about the Unicorn's history - it seems to be the duty of the Marta vassal family."

Tomoe pursed her lips in thought. "Of the men? No... I don't think so. It doesn't seem like the Unicorn sent many of their priests here, perhaps because they would prefer not to marry them out?"