Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark (D2, LE, Closed)

[Asako Hirase]

"What is..." He carefully pronounced the terms, unfamiliar as they were, "Lella and Sayyeda?"

Then, as he listened to the story, his brows rose a bit. "Butaj-san, a fine offering of a victory, surely. Perhaps, however, you might next consider naming a young woman you fancy as who you fight for? Many would be flattered and such a public gesture is admirable, handled rightly."

To hear Chi-Pu left out, then so blase about it, made him look quite thoughtful. Then, at Khulun's question, he smiled a bit. "I dare say anyone who survives a fight such as you had is skilled, hai."

Though it was the Moto's question, he finished the answer looking at the Shiotome directly.

"And she is as lovely as a Battle Maiden is meant to be."

[Moto Butaj]

"Butaj might have dedicated his next win to your kinswoman, Asako Yuki, but there were two reasons he didn't. First, Asako Yuki had made it clear to him she didn't like violence meant to impress her, justfying it with philosophies of your Clan. She came, but then left abruptly without speaking to Butaj. But Butaj is meeting her tomorrow so maybe he will know her thoughts more." The Moto leaves some questions for the others as his grin opens. "The second reason is the Butaj lost the second match to a Mantis lass, ahaha! She found some of Butaj's weak spots!"

[Moto Khulun]

Khulun takes a hearty drink and says, “She is strong and fierce, Otaku are the lightning and Moto the thunder.”

She turns to Chi-pu and says, “I like this Phoenix, best to snatch him up and make an honest bride of him, Otaku-nikutai. He is wise and seems kind, good match if ever I saw one. What say you Phoenix, you like Otaku-nikutai, yes?”

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"Your weak spot being she was a she, Butaj?"

Chi-Pu smirks at the man.

As Hirase calls her, the womans smirk turns to a genuine smile.

"He is looking quite the prospect, Moto-san."

She looks at the man directly in the eyes waiting for his reply

[Moto Khulun]

The Moto leaves some questions for the others as his grin opens. "The second reason is the Butaj lost the second match to a Mantis lass, ahaha! She found some of Butaj's weak spots!"

Khulun sighs and says, “Butaj lose to no-name Mantis? The Yuzuki girl, yes? She looks tough, no shame there but no-name Mantis are stronger than they appear. Tell me of the other Phoenix lady, has she stolen heart of Butaj?”

[Asako Hirase]

Mention of his little Cousin had Hirase eyeing Butaj again, carefully this time.

"Phoenix are...well, it is only fair to say complicated about violence. We are samurai; we will fight when honor demands it or if it is needed to protect ourselves or our people. And martial displays of skill are, generally, not problematic as long as the injuries are kept as minimal as possible." He thought about it, frowning a bit. "Were you wearing sumai costumes or otherwise less clothed than usual? If so, it might simply have been embarrassment that caused her to leave. I believe she might be sheltered in such matters."

As the women discussed making him a 'bride', Hirase picked up the skin and, bravely, took another pull. He didn't cough, though his eyes did water a bit. Then, quite solemn, he looked at Chi-Pu again.

"I do enjoy Otaku-sama's company, hai. If she were to make such a choice, I would consider it an honor and, indeed, would suspect Hotei-kami's hand in the matter. She should, however, meet Ichiro before deciding."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

Chi-Pu looks confused for a moment.

"I met Ichiro-san this afternoon. We discussed the Badger. He would not be a good match for any Otaku, though for all other Unicorn he seemed well suited. Is there something special about the Badger I missed, Asako-san?"

[Moto Khulun]

"Maybe you get both Badger and Phoenix?" she adds.

[Moto Butaj]

"Yuzuki of the Mantis Clan pressed her body strongly into Butaj, but Butaj tried to be professional and kept thinking of kumis. It didn't help Butaj much!" The man keeps laughing. "She is strong and won fairly, it is Butaj who should get more experience in wrestling ladies." On the question about Yuki something flashes in his eyes, but he covers it up with a grin. "If Butaj was sure she stole his heart he would have already stolen her back and be halfway to the steppe having her over Huludai's saddle. Butaj can't have his heart too far away from the rest of Butaj!"

Butaj then listens to the Phoenix, then tilts his head in thought.

"Butaj kept bruises and strain minimal, but he did fight the way bariqu is supposed to be fought. Butaj thus admits there was not much cloth on Butaj when he wrestled. Do you think Asako Yuki disliked Butaj's torso?"

[Asako Hirase]

The confusion was understandable and he was quick to explain. "Ah. My apologies. That would be confusing." He inclined his head. "I meant my son. Ichiro is his name for now, until he is old enough to choose one for himself as a full samurai."

As Butaj explained, he considered it. "I do not know if it is the appearance that would concern her so much as the fact that there was so much on display at all. It is traditional for sumo to dress in very little but that is always done formally, in advance, and by arrangement so that one knows what one is coming into. The surprise could be a factor."

[Otaku Chi-Pu]

"Oh! Ichiro your son..."

Chi-Pu flushes a little at her mistake.

"I would like to meet him then, yes."

Chi-Pu looks to Butaj again

"I am surprised you are wearing much of anything now Butaj, the fur is hot and the day warm. Did the womans reaction make you suddenly shy?"

[Moto Butaj]

Butaj listens to Hirase's words and considers them, but then teased by Chi-Pu he looks at himself and laughs. "Butaj didn't dress fully after bariqu so he's one layer short, but lella is right, too hot here for this!" The man undresses from his minks to just a leather vest he has underneath.

[Asako Hirase]

It was a new style to the Asako, who studied the other man in a thorough yet objective fashion. "That is not as bare as I had thought it might be...the material, though..." He frowned, thoughtfully. "Isn't it hot?"

[Moto Khulun]

"Much better," Khulun says with approval.

[Moto Butaj]

"Hot? No.Well-tanned leather is very cool and nice on the skin. But Butaj fought without his vest, just in breeches." Butaj rolls his minks into a bundle and offers Khulun as a comfortable pillow.