Seeking (D6, Late Afternoon, Suitechi's Yurt, Closed)

[Asako Hirase]

"Liu Yue is a fine woman, I am unsurprised she's sought after." Hirase didn't bother to hide his admiration. "I've had the opportunity to be one of her riding students and I like to think we're friends at this point. I will be happy for her if she finds the match she wants, whatever that might be."

Another slow sip of tea followed.

"I'm a bit surprised that none of you are following the Ide? I'd have thought that it would be of interest to the Scorpion to see how their courtiers work?"

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"I cannot speak for the others. I know that I met with one and she would make a good bride for a Crane or an Imperial even. Just not me. I am well satisfied with... with who I am getting know." His face betrayed him. He smiled at the thought of Liu Fei.

How does that woman have a hold on me?! It's supposed to be the other way around!

Suteichi picked up his cup to drink the rest of the tea.

[Asako Hirase]

Hirase hid his own smile at Sutechi's besotted state behind his own teacup.

"I've met a few of the Ide myself. One of them is still rather young and, I believe, smitten elsewhere already. The other, though...I was surprised to like her as well as I did. I tend to favor warriors."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Something we have in common. I like warriors. They are often misunderstood but they bring about such a challenge."

[Asako Hirase]

"I think of it more as an extension of the notion that emptiness seeks fulfillment." Hirase's expression turned thoughtful. "When a courtier and a warrior pair, each contributes something the other lacks. The harmony leads to a better-balanced whole, a strong base for a family."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Hmmm... I like where you are going with this."

[Asako Hirase]

Now he'd done it; he'd encouraged a Phoenix to wax philosophical. The Bayushi had only himself to blame.

"I've never understood the pairing of like to like, except for breeding purposes with rare bloodlines; shugenja and the like. What gain is there to leave a pair with nothing but one set of skills? Two skill speakers make for lovely speeches, but what is to be done if one misspeaks and brings shame enough that both are barred from Court? With two bushi, both often in the field, how are they to make time for the creation and nurture of a family? It's foolish, yet all to often it's what we see individuals subscribe to simply because dealing with ones' own kind is easier."

Hirase huffed.

"As if 'easier' is something that a samurai should seek as a matter of course..."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Of course not, Asako-sama. A samurai should seek honest hard work."

[Asako Hirase]

"I can see that you don't ascribe to the theory." A nod in Sutechi's direction. "You've picked a rather Fire-aspected warrior woman to court. I applaud your resolve, and congratulate what seems to be reasonable success so far."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"She is a most wondrous compliment to me." he said almost jubilantly. *ahem* "I thank you for your compliment, Asako-sama. You are most kind. If you would remember us, I am sure we will remember you."

[Asako Hirase]

Courtier code.

One of Hirase's brows rose.

"Do you anticipate an outside challenge?"

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"I don't...but you know that these matters can be a bit...tricky. I have always found it good to have allies in all the right places to insure that things go well for all involved." he said with a faint smile.

[Asako Hirase]

Understanding glittered in the older man's eyes and he smiled a bit in return. "There is much to be said for the wellwishes of those trained to the art of words, neh? I will keep it in mind. If nothing else, I would like to see my friend happy; I am certain her sister's happiness would contribute to that goal."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Friend?! I thank you for such a consideration of me, Asako-sama. If of course there is anything I can do beyond the project, please find me."

[Asako Hirase]

Courtier as he was, Hirase didn't correct the mistake. He simply smiled.

"Of course, Bayushi-san. Will you be taking your apples here or shall I send them elsewhere?" For all Hirase knew, Suteichi might want to make a production of a gift to his lady; he was game for helping, just so long as he knew the plan.