Wake up Tea (Day 8 Late Morning, Akil's Yurt)

[Shinjo Akil]

"If everything I have heard about courtiers is correct, you may be more right that you realize," he warned. "Thankfully I think she likes me enough that I would have a chance to explain."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"It is hard to read her. I believe she can be more dangerous than the Scorpion despite not hiding behind a mask." She gave a coy smile. "I am sure she is open with you, Akil-san. You must be special to her," she teased.

[Shinjo Akil]

His face went a deep red. "Yes, well..."

She's my best friend, screw it.

"I told her I loved her yesterday, and she told me the same."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"That is good news, Akil-san!" She let out a laugh. "We should have kumis instead of tea!" she exclaimed, only half-serious. She did enjoy her kumis. "I am sure your marriage will be prosperous."

[Shinjo Akil]

"It is," he smiled brightly, "And with any good Fortune, the marriage will be. I managed to make her speechless when I gave her my fan. I think that is a moment of pride when talking about Crane."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"I have heard that granting fans is a grand moment, Akil-san. I imagine that the Crane are especially fond of it." Yue shifted in her seat. "I spoke with her a few times prior over tea. I am unsure why she has been so helpful. Do you think she expects something of me?"

[Shinjo Akil]

"She is apparently interested in helping the Unicorn get integrated properly into the Empire," he explained, "which is good, I think. If the Crane as a whole share that goal, we could have a powerful ally in this place."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Sou desu ka." Yue let out a small laugh. "She wanted to help me sort out potential suitors. She was a good aide. However, I am unsure if her help can assuage my situation." She shrugged. "I will be seeing one of the Ide later to discuss options."

[Shinjo Akil]

"What is the problem?" He canted his head curiously.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue tilted her head. "We were discussing the problem earlier. It is why I came, Akil-san."

[Shinjo Akil]

"I suppose?" He sipped his tea, "I suppose I have trouble seeing why your preference for women should terribly..." oh right. He sighed. "Nevermind. I suppose that your suitors may be unhappy to know that they would not hold place in your heart like Mizuki might."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Hai," was all she managed to say. In her utterly shocked state, she just sipped at her tea.

[Shinjo Akil]

He sighed. "It should not be a problem to them. Their way is to marry for duty anyway. And besides," he shook his head, "love is odd, and complex, and messy. It's not so simple that one should expect to dictate it's terms."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Many samurai present have taken it as an insult." Yue sighed. "I suppose we of the Unicorn are still acclimating to the ways of the other Clans." She took a sip of tea. "I heard there is to be a duel later in the afternoon."

[Shinjo Akil]

He nodded, "Kitakuhime-sama, yes." There was a deep sigh. "There is still much for us to understand. Perhaps it will take us generations."