The Noble Path (D5, EA)

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"Imperial path. Follow straight through this road, all you life. Then you get there, Otaku-sama: Otosan Uchi!" Says the old village peasant that she asked directions to get to the administrative center. Kitakuhime dismisses the servant and finds someone else that probably is going there –– seemed to be someone of importance. She politely nods to him.

[Otomo Tenzo]

And just as luck would have it, there around the streets of the village once more was Otomo Tenzo, spending his time again idly wandering between the various market stalls and open shops looking for something-or-another and consistently coming away with nothing in hand and nothing catching his eye. Seeing an unfamiliar face of a samurai also apparently wandering about the streets and alleys, he approached at a moderate pace and slowed once he got nearby what he now recognized as one from the Unicorn.

"Good afternoon, Otaku-san; this one is Otomo Tenzo, Imperial Archivist. Looking for something in particular today? Perhaps I have already come across it in my own searching around," he stated politely, a small smile on his face as he stopped before her and offered a bow.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

The girl dressed white has a single layer of purple to cover up her mourning. Both the Unicorn and Otaku mon are at sight. "Good afternoon. This one is Otaku Kitakuhime, heir to the Otaku and shiotome to the Unicorn cavalry. Honored to meet Otomo-san."

She blinks a bit, thinks, but then explains, "I was looking for the Administrative Center, and jade. I've heard they are quite important and valuable charms."

[Otomo Tenzo]

"Ah... it is an honor to meet you, Otaku-sama," Tenzo offered again, not only correcting himself once he heard whom she was but also muting his tone just a bit once he remembered that today was going to be a somber day for the Unicorn Clan given the news he had heard earlier in the day.

"This one escorted another to the administrative center last moon from these very streets and would be more than pleased to escort you there if you would like something a little more than simple directions. As for jade, you will be hard-pressed to find much of anything that catches a refined samurai's eye let alone something as precious and valued as jade - might another precious stone do, Otaku-sama? This one has looked for a few moons now down these streets looking for some trinket or another and has come away quite empty-handed each time," he explained with a nod or two.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She shakes her head, "I see the Administrative Center's roof from here, in fact. Couldn't find a moment ago. Otomo-san illuminated the path, it seems."

Kitakuhime continues to shake her head, "Iie. Only jade, since I've heard it is quite pure."

[Otomo Tenzo]

"Only jade..." he repeated her words, thinking deeply for a moment. "As I said, I do not think you will readily find any here in the village, though perhaps I have also not looked hard enough for it. I have my doubts, however, as there is little rival to it in preciousness which I have yet to also come across perusing the market stalls. Do you require this jade for something in particular, Otaku-sama? Something sensitive to time?" the Imperial asked politely.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"Well," She adjusts a wild bang of hair and nods, "Yes, it is time sensitive, but I shouldn't bother Otomo-san with this. I believe there's much you need to focus in this miai."

She looks ahead, "Speaking of which, how is it going so far for Otomo-san?"

[Otomo Tenzo]

"It is no bother at all, Otaku-sama. I inquire only because I understand the importance of jade and, were it truly needed for something important around this village, then perhaps I might have but a little bit which might be spared," he explained almost off-handedly before moving on to answer her question.

"It goes well enough, I suppose. There is much that I have to learn your clan, but your storytellers and lorekeepers have been fonts of knowledge and understanding in that regard - and, of course, I find time now and again to meet with those prospects whom I might end up matched with. My time has, thus far at least, been an enjoyable one. And what about you, Otaku-sama?" he asked politely in kind.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"I have tried around the village, but there's none available. The matter is sensitive, I must be honest, but I believe is nothing Otomo-san should have to be worried about." The girl nods and adjusts the white choker around her neck. "The miai has been rather challenging. As Otomo-san, I've been enjoying it."

She walks a bit more alongside him, and puts her hands to the back, adding. "Perhaps I could provide some insights about Unicorn, if Otomo-san needs further counseling."

[Otomo Tenzo]

"If it is sensitive, then I will not inquire further and only leave it at this: should it come to pass that you absolutely require some, please come speak to me again so that I might provide what amount I have with me," he added with a final nod on the matter before moving on.

"Insight into your story would do well enough, Otaku-sama, a little more about you and, if you might indulge, what it is you look for at this miai."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She nods to his offer with an withheld grin, turning into a polite and thin smile. "As Shiotome, I should have served in combat for a couple more years before marrying. Since our arrival, though, the Clan decided it would be of extreme importance that I would become available to marriage in order to strengthen our bonds with the other Clans, but most importantly, to renew our sacred servitude to the Emperor and protect these ancestral lands that welcome us."

There's a hint of a blush, but it is all too well controlled not to show unnecessary thoughts. "I look forward to honor this request, either by choosing or –– if I'm worthy –– be chosen by a samurai of great esteem, character and uttermost dedication to serve in a new family. The Shiotome are forbidden to leave the family in marriage, as such, whomever I am paired with would serve the Otaku, by my side."

[Otomo Tenzo]

"Mmm, matriarchal, much like the Moshi of the Centipede, though perhaps even more strict," the Imperial compared to what he knew. "There is no doubt in my mind, Otaku-sama, that you will either find what you seek or that another will take initiative in choosing to join the home of a beauty and grace as you," he offered with a soft smile.

"It leaves one curious, though: what does a Shiotome look for in a husband? A trusted martial companion that might take to battle with them but in another way, perhaps? A wise counselor or shugenja for balance when in the other battlefield they call court? Or does it not matter so long as home and horse are taken care of and well-tended?" he asked with hint of genuine curiosity.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"While I cannot speak for all Shiotome, I may give Otomo-san what I would expect."

She folds her hand in the front and closes her eyes a bit, imagining the figure forming in her head. "A loyal companion, that understands what I represent, and what one day I may become. That respects our traditions, and is both proud and honored to teach it to our children. Someone strong both in body and mind, but specially in his heart."

The girl bats some innocent eyelashes to Tenzo, asking him in return, "What about Otomo-san?"

[Otomo Tenzo]

Though expecting the question to be turned around on him, Tenzo still took a few moments to consider his answer, hand behind him as he did so. "Due to my status and station, there is high chance that one from the Unicorn will be joining the Otomo. In that regard... someone unafraid to enter a word wholly unfamiliar to them and willing to learn the ways of service in the Emperor's household. It matters not if they are trained as warrior, priest, or scholar so long as they are strong in heart to carry the prominence of that Imperial name and all that comes with it without being consumed by ambition, greed, and other temptations. Such is important as ours is a world where we work unseen in some respects yet are devoted to the greater good of the Throne in all respects."

"I seek a loyal companion, yet also one able to be independent in finding their own path and purpose serving the Throne. My household is wealthy and there are servants to take care of home. If she wishes to stay at home and raise and teach our children the way of things, she may; if she is a warrior and wishes to serve and command in the Imperial Legions, she may; if she wishes to be at my side or on her own in the courts or find a place within the Bureaucracy, she may. She would know that, in turn, I will be there to help her be brought into Imperial life and I too will always be at her side in all that she might need." He paused again to consider it further, one of his hands reaching up and rubbing underneath his chin as he thought.

"As there are some of those of your family and of high station, Otaku-sama, I also acknowledge chance that this one might stay in these lands. Were I chosen by one, my bride would find that I am willing and able to learn the Unicorn traditions. In turn, I hope she would understand that it will be a long adjustment as compared to one from the Clans, for even Clan life is a wholly unfamiliar world to this one let alone the ways of the Unicorn. She would know that I am a scholar and courtier, able to teach others, offer advice and counsel when requested, provide assistance in the battlefield of court when needed. Above all, she would find me dutifully at her side in whatever capacity she requires. It would take time to get used to, as I said, but I would exchange the greater good of the Throne and do the same in duty to my new house, my new family, my new clan," he finished with a nod towards her.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Very... political.

She raises both eyebrows, actually expecting an answer such as the one he gave: vague, yet complete in detail. She digs a little deeper, "What if Otomo-san could choose: Stay in the family or become Unicorn? I am sure I can talk with the leading Unicorn girls."