Party for 2 (D3 EE closed - Hideos Yurt)

[Ide Amaya]

"Oh, Hideo-San, I'm sorry, I was thinking of... something else. I am pleased that you feel comfortable with me, and the sensation was very pleasant." She flexed her fingers, "perhaps you would like to pour some more tea and I could return your generous help with with a tune on the kugo?" She didn't actually want him to stop the massage, but she had to say something, and perhaps a song would help clear some of the muddle in her head.

[Seppun Hideo]

"I had spoken my word to assist with the aches in your muscles, but I will pour you some more tea while you play if that is what you would prefer" Hideo nodded, carefully lowering her arm before rising. Mentally annoyed at himself for such a foolish error "I do not know what came over me to act in such an intimate way."

[Ide Amaya]

"The night is still young yet, and the pain in my neck will not be helped by the kugo. Further assistance may be desired, if you are still willing."

She carefully unwrapped the kugo and placed the instrument in her lap. It base was flat, supporting an elegantly arched curve that had been carved to look like the neck of a horse, the steed's face looking down from the top of the instrument. It was easily more than half her height, and she braced the arch against a shoulder. When she experiementally plucked at one of the many delicate strings, it made a sweet and resonant sound that was much like her voice.

[Seppun Hideo]

"You have my word Amaya-chan" Hideo commented with a nod, starting to smile a little now as he poured the woman a cup of tea. He looked at the instrument curiously, and moved to sit in front of the girl.

"I'm looking forward to your performance" he added quietly.

[Ide Amaya]

Her performance the day before had helped to boost her confidence somewhat, but she was not nearly as good with the kugo as she was at singing. Still, she bent her head to the harp and began to play. She tried her best, and though her fingers moved smoothly and deftly over the strings she stumbled over one or two notes, deeply disappointed in herself.


---
Song

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo watched the women play the instrument, and listemed to the song. He noticed the errors but said nothing, and bowed as she reached the end of the song.

"Truly you are a woman of many talents Amaya-chan. Thank you for that quite wonderful performance. I enjoyed watching you play, how long have you played the Kugo?"

[Ide Amaya]

She pressed her lips together and frowned a little, "might I be permitted to play again? Something simpler, perhaps?" There was that feeling in her stomach again, and she was mentally scolding herself for bringing her kugo at all.

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo thought for a moment, then smiled.

"One moment."

He rose, then moved behind the woman, sitting down like he had before with his arms round her waist.

"Now you can play again" he hoped this would help her relax and be less distracted

[Ide Amaya]

She lightly brushed the strings and found the starting position. She plays more modestly this time, and entirely competently. This time, however, as she plays she also sings in her flawless, sweet voice.

"There was a time when all began
Before the rise of Empires and Clans

The world was new and full and grace
A cradle of knowledge, a birthplace

Sister Phoenix with words wise
Said 'ware the Scorpion and his lies

Ki-rin, her eyes as bright as stars
Travelled this world, seeking wide and far

Amazed by all the things she saw
The creatures of fin and wing and paw

She saw things that grew from the ground
And learnt the names of all that she found

She met the creature named as Truth
To find Scorpion he offered sooth

And given hope she felt great joy
To have an ally in her employ

With Truth's aid Ki-rin would soon know
The face of the one Phoenix called woe

Sage of tone to Ki-rin was told
The face of the one whose heart was cold

Thus upon her back Truth had rode
And to Ki-rin it was truth he showed

Though quickly she knew her mistake
Truth just laughed cruelly, it was too late

And now the Ki-rin speaks no more
I bade, remember this song of Lore

For truth can cut deeper than lies
And you cannot trust just your own eyes

Heed the words of Sage and Scholar
Their blessed wisdom will be your armour"

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo remained quiet as he listened to her sing. He was surprised; she'd really been poisoned against Scorpion.

Not a terrible thing...

He enjoyed her playing, but her words brought it to life. He couldn't bow while holding her, so instead he gave her a gentle squeeze and whispered in her ear.

"Your voice is so pure, so lovely. I truly wish to hear it every day. Would you allow me to be your faithful audience through this miai...and perhaps beyond?"

[Ide Amaya]

Despite the bald-faced subject of the song, Amaya had still somehow managed to suffer the Scorpion's sting. But such a thing could not be further from her mind as Hideo held her. His breath on her ear sent that electricity coursing through her, and perhaps that galvanised something in her, for she was about to say something very bold. She carefully set the kugo to one side, "I have one condition, Hideo-San."

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo looked curious. Amaya setting a condition was certainly different from shy Amaya and drunk Amaya.

there seems to be more layers to this girl. How interesting.

"What is your condition Amaya-chan?"

[Ide Amaya]

He had called her strong. She hoped he was right. Twisting in his arms so that she might look at him, her voice was small but clear, "I wish for you to kiss me."

[Seppun Hideo]

That was bold of her, and Hideo had expected a more difficult condition. He smiled at her request.

"I will gladly agree to this condition" he said as he moved his face to hers, meeting her lips with his as he brought his hand up and runs it through her hair, resting on the back of her head as he held her close to him. It was her condition, so he would kiss her until she brought the kiss to an end.

[Ide Amaya]

Her heart soared as their lips met, and she held the kiss for a long moment... two... three... until eventually she pulled back slightly. Her breath was hot on his lips as she whispered, "and would you kiss me like this every day?"