If Rolled Bamboo Had Stuffing (Day 6, LM)

[Ide Amaya]

"That is a most generous offer, Miya-sama. I should like to take you up on this before the end of the ma-ai."

[Miya Mei]

"Of course, Ide-san. The offer stands for as long as I draw breath. Even after this miai ends, should you want a ride but are lacking, I am more than happy to help"

[Ide Amaya]

Bowing, "you are too kind. If there is any small way I can even begin to repay you, please tell me."

[Miya Mei]

"Perhaps spread a good word for me. Im afraid my tardiness, even though legitimate, will leave me less appealing than the others who have been here since the start."

Mei returns the bow

[Ide Amaya]

Honestly, probably too much so, "any of my Clan-brothers should be honoured to call you their wife. I think you would make a fine match to one of the Shinjo men."

[Miya Mei]

"There is one I have a meeting with this afternoon, a Shinjo Kemuri-san. We met last night and danced together. He can move well."

[Ide Amaya]

She smiles as she nods, "I shall ply him with a reminder of your virtues. But this will not count is us as even. I remain in your debt still."

[Miya Mei]

Mei simply nods.

"As you say, Ide-san. Would you care to practice with me?"

[Ide Amaya]

A quick shake of her head, "oh, I couldn't. My sensei has been heard to remark that it is a wonder I know well enough to hold my wakazashi by the correct end."

[Miya Mei]

Mei raises an eyebrow at the comment, but does not speak on it.

"Do the Unicorn know the importance of the art of Iaijutsu?"

Mei falls into a stance as she speaks

[Ide Amaya]

"My humblest apologies, Miya-sama, but I am assuredly the wrong person to ask. My only combat is that of words. Indeed the only weapon I've truly held was a bow at the archery event two days gone."

[Miya Mei]

Mei shakes her head.

"It is not about combat, Ide-san."

Mei performs a swift draw and then resheathes her blade.

"In the Empire, all disputes that cannot be solved with words are instead solved in a duel. It is said Heaven will side with the one who is right, and thus they will win the duel. Even if the words of many go against the words of one, should the one prevail in the sacred art, they are proven to have heaven on their side and thus correct, or, in the case of legal matters, innocent"

[Ide Amaya]

Her eyes go quite wide, though it is unclear if it is due to Miya's explanation or her skill with the blade. "I have never seen anything quite like your skill, and it remains an art of the blade, something I am quite uneducated in. No doubt my cousins would be better suited to discuss such things."

[Miya Mei]

"That is fair. Remember though, should you ever find yourself challenged, since you are unskilled as you say, you can request another champion you. It is an important part of life in the Empire"

[Ide Amaya]

She nods earnestly, "thank you, I will remember. Now I fear I have occupied too much of your time, and I have a letter to compose." She bows, "it has been an honour, and I wish you great luck in the event."