Killing Me Softly (D8, LA, Open)

[Miya Mei]

He gives a deep bow in accepting her praise.

He briefly looks at her wrist. "That is an ability I can barely fathom, restraining one's strike surely hinders speed?" He waves off the thought realising the technique would be lost on him.

"It is good that this happened, it is a lesson best taught by visual and consequential demonstration, better yet it was an actual honour duel. Now the Unicorn, and perhaps even some of the older clans, seen and learned that stray words and risque behaviour have serious consequences. Hence why I would argue that drawing blood is favourable, to remind all that a life means little compared to honour."

He again looks at her wrist: "I hope you did not injure yourself with the strike?"

"No, not at all, Seppun-san. It is just a little tigher than usual is all. I must have been a bit more tense than I realized. Usually I would have left barely a scratch."

Mei thinks for a few moments on what else was said and nods finally in agreement.

"Absolutley astounding. You took the words out of my mouth. It is a shame it had to come to this of course, but as everyone heard and saw before we began, regardless of how courteous one is to each other, some sleights to honor are much too severe to be settled with words. None can saw we did not try. And all have been reminded of the power they have with their tongue."

[Seppun Hitako]

"Thank you. We have not separated ever since, and have learned to live on our own strengths, but we still heed the laws she laid for us." Butaj says earnestly and bows his head, but then brightens at the thought of what he is about to say. "Butaj hopes so to, that the Unicorn and the Clans of the East can find common tongue. And Butaj? Butaj wishes and hopes to come together with Asako Yuki and become one of the Asako. We love each other dearly as we admitted yesterday and Butaj is convinced this will be a strong bond, just like Seppun Hitako suggests. Butaj understands Iuchi Dong-Ha is your preferred Unicorn to take home. Is it because of the jinn?"

"That is a part of it, yes. Also, it is duty. My duty is overwhelming, and he fulfills part of it."

[Moto Butaj]

"Butaj hopes things will work out between you two and wishes you so. Butaj understands that you know more about the Burning Sands than most in the East, so it shouldn't be too hard?"

[Seppun Aramoro]

"No, not at all, Seppun-san. It is just a little tigher than usual is all. I must have been a bit more tense than I realized. Usually I would have left barely a scratch."

Mei thinks for a few moments on what else was said and nods finally in agreement.

"Absolutley astounding. You took the words out of my mouth. It is a shame it had to come to this of course, but as everyone heard and saw before we began, regardless of how courteous one is to each other, some sleights to honor are much too severe to be settled with words. None can saw we did not try. And all have been reminded of the power they have with their tongue."

"I am happy you see it in the same manner Miya-san. To be honest, earlier I was concerned that you didn't. I could not help but worry that you regretted your challenge and that you wanted a way around the duel. That would be self-defeating, so I am glad you did not back down."

[Miya Mei]

"I was taken aback by the chance it might have been duel to the death. I had never been put in that possition before and it gave me reason to pause and rethink the matter."

Mei looks across the field toward all the various people gathered

"I am curious what all will say about today, if anything. There are already unfavorable rumors about me from yesterdays challenge. I wonder if my clear statement of our reasons and then the heavens proving my words will change the gossipers tunes"

She shrugs

"Or further paint me the villain"

[Ide Amaya]

Having had nothing to add, Amaya has been listening to this exchange and, though she still does not feel the need to speak, she knows the rumour of which Mei speaks, and shakes her head.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"I cannot promise it won't scar, but you will be safe from infection. If you get worse, let me know and I'll come right away... and know that a duel is just a moment, which passes in haste. Life moves past them faster than most realize..."

"Thank you, Soshi-san." The Otaku lifts her hand to touch the wound, but stops, knowing she would ruin what he did. "Can I cover this?"

[Soshi Taira]

"Of course, hold still..."

With gentle, deft movements, he bandaged the cut, trying not to put too much pressure on her throat.

"It should heal enough to be open to the air in a day or two."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She nods again, knowing it wouldn't fully heal. "I'll do so in two days, then."

Kitakuhime looks around, trying to find something she forgot.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo rides closer to Kitakuhime, into a sort of escort position. Her eyes flick with fire to see the bandage, but otherwise, she is calm. She bows briefly to the Otaku. "The Kakita are known for their dueling prowess. Even Lady Matsu was unable to defeat them at this art." She says, seeking to illustrate the lack of shame there is in losing to one such as Mei.

[Seppun Hitako]

"Butaj hopes things will work out between you two and wishes you so. Butaj understands that you know more about the Burning Sands than most in the East, so it shouldn't be too hard?"

"One can hope. One can only hope. But, time is all that will tell, is it not? Perhaps another will draw my eye, and be chosen."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Kogo rides closer to Kitakuhime, into a sort of escort position. Her eyes flick with fire to see the bandage, but otherwise, she is calm. She bows briefly to the Otaku. "The Kakita are known for their dueling prowess. Even Lady Matsu was unable to defeat them at this art." She says, seeking to illustrate the lack of shame there is in losing to one such as Mei.

Kitakuhime manages to open a tiny bit of a half smile, seeing Kogo riding nearby. When she gives her comment, however, she lifts an eyebrow "Nani? Was that the Kakita style, then?"

Kami. I could actually read her moves.

The girl looks up to the torii arch.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods, her face still a bit stern, though lightening with the small smile from the Otaku. "She is Kakita trained, without a doubt. Perhaps the Miya were owed a favor or the other way around."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Kogo nods, her face still a bit stern, though lightening with the small smile from the Otaku. "She is Kakita trained, without a doubt. Perhaps the Miya were owed a favor or the other way around."

"Interesting." She comments in a low voice.

"I haven't met other Crane at this miai. I know there are some maidens. Which makes me wonder why they couldn't send bachelors."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo's face stays a bit stern, thinking of a certain Crane maiden. "I am unsure. I am sure they have their reasons."