Dark Edge Village

Kogo tidies the yurt, waiting for Monkh-san to appear. With her new knowledge of his meeting of the Onyx Champion, she was nervous and concerned. She patted the jade she held in a bag, as if for reassurance. Moto-san was fine, Moshi-san was fine.
I am sure he is as well. But he had not told her of this, though she suspected that he had been asked not to. It was a small blow, after all the honesty they had shared. But it was one she could understand, possibly.

She laid out the tea, hoping he would arrive before it was cold. I never thought I would ever wish to be taught how to make tea. This miai is the strangest of things. Speaking to Crane maidens, drunken songs with the Crab and desperately wishing to know how to make tea...I may not know myself after this.

The Shinjo arrives in short order. "Kogo-san. Good morning."

Kogo heard his voice and came to the front of the flap. "Monkh-san." She says with most of her customary cheer, though it is slightly dampened. "Please, come in." She moves in through the flap, stepping to the side to let him in.

He enters the yurt and offers a bow to her. "Did you sleep well after last night?"

Kogo looks slightly puzzled but then thinks he must be referring to the contest. "Oh yes. I did not participate in the contest. It seemed like something more suited to the shugenja or diviners of our clans." She sits down across the table and passes him a cup of tea. "It is a pleasant green blend this morning."

"Thank you," he replies, accepting the cup. "That's appreciated."

She notes his quietness. Does he know what I have learned? Or is it something else? "You seem quiet today, Monkh-san. Is something on your mind?"

"Ah, no, just a bit tired myself. I did participate in the event last night, so I did not sleep much," he replies with a warm smile. "It's nothing more than that."

Kogo looks at him, teasing a bit. "You could have told me you would come a little later. I would not have minded at all. I do not wish to rob you of your rest, just for my entertainment."

"It's quite alright, Kogo-san. I'm happy to spend the morning with you. And I'm sure the green tea will help keep me alert," he says taking a sip and smiling.

"Although I am at a loss. I'm not certain I have any particular talents that could be used for entertainment purposes that don't involve a much wider area."

She smiles at him, a little softer. "Do not fear Monkh-san. I suspect you will be in demand as a pleasant conversationalist. I know your words too well to suspect otherwise. And it is not the usual way of a party of this kind for others to provide entertainment. Others have just offered their help or their joy in performing."

"How have you been these past days. I must admit I've been spending a great deal of time in contemplation and quiet. I'm not exactly certain why I've been driven to such but it has been relaxing." He takes another sip of his tea.

Kogo smiles. "The last few days...have been educational. I suspect I have learned more than I planned at this miai. Though it has not always been pleasant, it has never been boring. I will say that much for it." She looks at him, thinking. "Sometimes, quiet is a place where one can find oneself. This miai has been confusing for many. I am not surprised you have sought some time."

"This miai has been a bit... emotionally difficult, I guess you would say? Normally I would be much less reserved, but while that may be the hallmark of my clan, it doesn't show a proper respect for the tradition of the miai and thus would not show the readiness and willingness to return home fully, in spirit as much as in body. It's a new way of living, without the past freedom of the open steppe, but with so many things to discover and learn. It's a bit of a confusing time."

He smiles gently at her. "But your presence and understanding has certainly made it easier."

Kogo listens intently to him, hearing some of the same turmoil she has been facing. "I understand Monkh-san. It has been similarly for me. It is hard...to make these choices, with so much at stake and so little control. I know many have faced more, but I find myself...concerned." She smiles at him. "I am glad I can help in what way I can. I am...sorrowed that you do not feel you can be forthright with me now, but I also understand. Some things cannot be easily shared."

Though some possibly should be.