[D5 EE] Final Rites (OPEN)

[Miya Mei]

"It is hard to say. As I said, he seems to not have the firey temper and absolute need to prove himself to everyone in his way. The war college of the Akodo also values many things other than just combat, the study of battle tactics and maneuvers being one such virtue. Perhaps with an open enough mind, Matsu-san would find strategy and enjoyment from the battleground a home and children can bring"

[Otaku Imane]

"Challenges exist in many unexpected places Miya-san. Skills in battle strategies and tactics are highly valued by my family."

She thought about that for a few moments before returning her gaze to Mei.

"So why are you petitioning me on behalf of Matsu-san? Are you just a friend of the Lion Miya-san? Perhaps there is someone in my clan that you would like to be introduced to in return?"

[Miya Mei]

"It was a bit of a game, and a test. I only met him tonight. The goal being for him to sell me to a man, and me to sell him to a woman. In the Empire, courtiers play such games often, though with different topics."

She looks back at the Matsu

"I wonder how he is fairing? I suppose we shall find out soon enough. As far as a man I would like to meet? I have no oreference, but any suggestions and kind words would be appreciated"

[Otaku Imane]

The response that Mei received was probably not what she was expecting. Imane's face instantly hardened as if she had been slapped. "Sell him? And you would seek to be sold? This is not the sort of game that I or my people find amusing Miya-san." Her eyes were burning with restrained rage.

Imane bowed with precision from her saddle. "You will excuse me. I have further respects to pay." Almatar turned and swiftly carried her off into the throng of mounted Unicorn.

[Moto Butaj]

Mizuki drinks to the Chi-Pu. She finishes off the sake and passes the cup to a nearby servant. She drops her mask and continues drinking the kumis.

She greets the Lion, remembering her from dinner. Other than that, she's content to let the others speak.

As Liu Yue and Kogo speak, Butaj turns to Mizuki. Her unmasked face does not fail to draw his attention. He addresses her quietly. "Mizuki hasn't said if she felt inspired by the story."

[Matsu Yurio]

Yurio bowed to the Scorpion, not knowing her personally but the Scorps were allies so she must be good people, right?

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

She paused, wanting to swallow the toast before responding. "I am finding it a great honor to be some of the first to meet the Unicorn clan and learn their customs and ways. I have found that there are moments of....misunderstanding but that with time and explanation, we will have a great deal to offer each other." She pauses. "I was honored to spend time with and get to know Otaku Chi-pu. She was one of the first Unicorn clan members I met and she impressed me greatly."

"I am glad that you are enjoying meeting my Clan. It has been wonderful to meet the various Clans of the Empire." Yue looked at Mizuki, unsure if she should drag the Yogo back into the conversation. "I heard that the Matsu are similar to the Otaku. Both Families appear to be matriarchal."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods. "They are. The Matsu are also notable for requiring that men who marry into the family take the Matsu name and that women who stay within the family keep their own. Men who marry out lose their Matsu name. It is a long standing tradition, based on the stories of our ancestress."

[Yogo Mizuki]

Mizuki followed along as her player forgot about this Thread (OOC: Sorry about that). "It was inspiring. Otaku-san had the heart of a samurai since she was young." Mizuki offers a toast to the fallen Unicorn and then takes a drink.

((OOC: Quick note because of poor phrasing on my part. When I said Mizuki dropped her mask, I meant she put it back on. It had been lifted on her head so she could both see and drink, dropping it when she had a hand free to lift it when she needed to. Sorry for any confusion.))

[Moto Butaj]

As Mizuki's mask falls back and her conversational tactics seem on the conservative side, Butaj limits himself to smiles and diligent pouring until a new conversation opens up. He looks back how Khulun and Kitaku are faring.

[Yogo Mizuki]

Mizuki follows the Moto's gaze not realizing she would have a date with the woman the next day. Not one of the other women. She then turns to the conversation between Yue and Kogo. I'm not sure how, but I'm messing something up. "Butaj-san, I'm curious, how does sake compare to kumis to you?"

Seriously, Mizuki?

I just want him to stop looking at other women.

She's an Unicorn. She's not the threat. Besides, didn't you come here to support Yue?

She's talking to the Lion. And I still need to find a man who would marry me. I have to do both.

You're fucking everything up.

I know. I always do.

[Moto Butaj]

Unaware of her thoughts, Butaj returns attention to her and smiles with warm cluelessness that turns into thought once he absorbs the question. "Butaj likes many things for different moments. Kumis feels like a more casual drink compared to sake, easier to make and have during the day. Sake feels serious to Butaj, like during the funeral, a thing for the evening. Kumis is of course more sour and sakr more sweet... Butaj will need to give it further thought." He looks into his own cup of sake and drinks some to have a fresh sample. "And to Mizuki?"

[Yogo Mizuki]

"This is my first time having kumis. It is different, but enjoyable. I haven't really had time to think about when the appropriate time to drink each would be. Though I can see where you are coming from."

[Moto Butaj]

"Mizuki is receptive to our traditions. Butaj has no doubt it can endear her to many a Unicorn." Butaj has a thought that many of his brethren could be quite happy with Mizuki.

[Yogo Mizuki]

Mizuki nods at the compliment. "Thank you. I will be marrying a member of your Clan. And that man will almost certainly be joining the Scorpion and experiencing a life he never expected. The least I can do is learn more of your Clan and make it easier. Besides, the Scorpion Clan can appreciate... unconventionalness."