The Best I can (Day 6 Late Evening)

[Ichiro Daisuke]

Daisuke sat outside his Yurt a small fire burning In front of him as he casually worked on one of his carvings. He'd narrowed down the list of women he was interested quite a bit in recent days, but he had still not come to a firm decision. That wasn't the only problem though, his standing was simply put lackluster.

Tossing a bigger splinter of food into the fire he furrowed his brows trying to think of what he could do at this point.

[Tonbo Misa]

While she knew that others might want to see her that evening, she had dissuaded them from doing so, especially after the morning. Instead, and part to take her own mind off matters, Misa had Sanmi take her out for a walk. The darkness was no matter at all to her, and her servant had grown used to it as well, using a lantern to guide their steps. Still, they eventually reached the yurts where most of the competitors were staying, the lights of braziers and lanterns making it easier for Sanmi.

Reveling in the sounds of life, Misa wore a soft smile as the younger girl whispered about everyone they passed, Misa giving bows to those that she was told spotted her. Finally she was told that there was a lone man to her right with a mon Sanmi didn't recognize, a rare occurrence indeed. Misa gave a silent laugh into her sleeve at that, intrigued. Stopping, she turned to give a bow toward the man's general direction. "Samurai-san, konbonwa. This one hopes the evening finds him well and that he's had rice."

[Ichiro Daisuke]

Daisuke looked up at the pairs approach, he had seen the dragon woman in passing but had never stopped to talk to her. It was a bit strange perhaps that he hadn't, but then he hadn't spent much time speaking to women that weren't of the Unicorn, it hadn't seemed very productive.

Setting aside the carving of a cat he had been working on, he rose to his feet offering a bow to the older woman. Why couldn't he have found a unicorn woman of about her height? "Good evening to you as well Dragon-sama." He offered warmly. "I've indeed had a pleasant evening, and was blessed with rice but an hour ago."

"I hope you have had similar blessings this evening?"

[Tonbo Misa]

Her head tilted a bit before she gave a small nod and smiled toward Daisuke. "I have been well blessed, today and in life, arigato. This one is Tonbo Misa, advisor of my family and competitor at this miai. She hopes that you have been enjoying the festivities so far and have found a Unicorn woman that has caught your interest."

[Ichiro Daisuke]

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance Tonbo-sama. I am Ichiro Daisuke a simple scout of the Badger and like you a competitor at this miai. As for the festivities, I admit I have been enjoying them, and yes I have found a few Unicorn women that spark my interest."

"I hope you can say similar in the case of Unicorn men?" If rumor had it right she was more then interested in at least one. "Ah, but where are my manners? Please have a seat if you like." He gestured towards the furs covered by blankets he had arranged on the ground to keep out of the mud. "Would you like some refreshments? I admit to having only a bit of shochu and sake alongside water though." Tea hadn't made it into his things.

[Tonbo Misa]

Ah, so a Badger. That explained why Sanmi hadn't recognized the mon! Misa nodded softly, her smile widening as she moved to sit, being guided by her assistant. "Arigato. And yes, I have found one I'm interested in indeed, though I imagine you already know a bit about that. If you have water I would very much appreciate it Ichiro-san, arigato." She gave a seated bow.

[Ichiro Daisuke]

"One tries not to put too much faith in rumors Tonbo-sama." Though her words seemed to give at least some truth to the tale. "That a man or woman would shame their clan by spending time fraternizing with members of their own clan, when they are here to marry one from anthers, seems far fetched at best." He sighed and shook his head. "Though according to rumors others may be guilty of similar actions."

"If you would excuse me for a moment though." Moving towards his yurt, he disappeared for a moment before returning with two cups filled with water, passing one to Misa "Water as requested."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa gave another seated bow. "Arigato, Ichiro-san." She had to grope carefully for just a moment before gently taking it, taking a small sip and smiling.

"You are right, of course. Rumors are like all of life, ephemeral and fleeting. One can find as much truth as lies in the whispers of others. Such things never last however."

[Ichiro Daisuke]

"True enough." He murmured settling down into his own seat. "I'd have to say they did lower my interest in those I've heard involved though. At least those Unicorn women." Though admittedly he already held little interest in those named.

"Thoughts like that might be to the advantage of some though, with the numbers and standings as they are."

[Tonbo Misa]

"All this means is that the Rokugani present will have more choices in initiated ties, rather than the Unicorn." Misa shook her head softly. "I doubt it will change much, for those who have already made connections."

[Ichiro Daisuke]

"I'm not so certain myself, but I suppose we will find out how things will end up in a few days time." He placed his cup on the bucket he kept nearby as a table and retrieved his carving supplies.

"Do you mind if I carve while we talk Tonbo-sama?"

[Tonbo Misa]

"The wind will blow when it will, the waves crash in their own time. A wood carver should carve when they find inspiration." She smiled again. "Does Ichiro-san have a finished piece this one can feel?"

[Ichiro Daisuke]

"Oh, certainly. One moment." Standing he walks back into his tent returning several moments later with a small carving of a rabbit. Passing it to her he took his seat. "I'm still learning mind you, but that's one I made a few days ago."

[Tonbo Misa]

Being guided just a bit, Misa eventually got the carving in her hands. She smiled warmly to herself, feeling every little bit of the carving. "It feels beautiful Ichiro-san, truly. You have quite a talent."

[Ichiro Daisuke]

Her compliment brought a bit of pink to his cheeks but with the darkness it was likely invisible to the Tonbo's aide. "I think I have a long way to go still, but thank you for yours word Tonbo-sama."

He picked up his supplies and set to work. "Are there any artistic disciplines that you are skilled in?"