[D7, LE] Fireside (Outside Mei's Yurt, Expecting)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"The armies of the Empire." he nodded.

[Miya Mei]

"Yes, they are tied to none other than the Emperor. No clan allegiances and you work directly for the will of the Empire. They would have need of scouts to perform duties such as you are capable of. You might even be able to bring a new skill set and create your own section in the legions. I know they have foot based scouts, but not mounted."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"That is something to think about." He smiled again. "As is your first suggestion. I will find a way to serve my new family and the Empire, no matter where I go. I appreciate knowing more of my options, however."

[Miya Mei]

"I do admit, there is a part of me that wishes I had the chance to marry in to your clan. Though, my eye has been set on you and now you have my fan, and my words. I would dare not go back on that commitment now. You will have to teach me what it means to be Unicorn though. I would not want any of your ways to disappear just because you married out."

Mei picks up the bowl and takes another bite.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"You have my promise in that." he nodded. "But, there is much that can still change in the next few days. I will be happy to choose you and make you and become your husband. In the past week, however, many aspects of this miai have surprised me and it seems like my expectations shift regularly."

[Miya Mei]

"There is no shame in that. I understand the fluidity that is lifr. Should there be another who is a better fit, by all means, choose her. Though I will do my best to proove my worth over others."

Mei pauses and thinks for a moment.

"It is a strange thing, a Miai. "

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"This one in particular, it seems." he agreed. "It would be much easier, if so many arrangements were not being made among so many people. It almost feels arbitrary. Of course, following more traditional methods, I do not know if could hope for one such as you."

[Miya Mei]

Mei blushes bright red and covers her face with her hand. Her voice drops to a whisper.

"You flatter me too much..."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I seem to do that a lot." he chuckled. "I am an honest man by nature. So, I tend to speak my mind."

[Miya Mei]

"I can see the benefit of this. Though..."

Mei sighs

"In the Empire, there are many situations where one needs to speak more...indirectly."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I understand that." he nodded. "I can manage subtlety and exercise discretion. But, I cannot maintain falsehoods, even indirect ones."

[Miya Mei]

"I think that is well within the virtues of being a samurai. After all, honesty is a tenant of Bushido. I do not think any of the Empire would ask you to outright lie. But..there are ways as you say, of speaking with discretion. I have seen with some of your clan, especially the Moto, that this is not something the Unicorn practice, and it worries me that the other clans will see this as a weakness and use it against you and your clan as a whole."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"There are definitely some misconceptions between my clan and the rest of the Empire." he agreed. "But, we are not to be underestimated. The Ide are shrewd. The Moto are wily. The Iuchi are wise."

[Miya Mei]

Mei nods.

"There is great strength in the Unicorn, I saw it the moment I arrived here. Can I ask you a question, Shinjo-san?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"You may ask all the questions you wish." he nodded. "I have already told you what the nature of my answers will be."