Eye To Eye (D9, Early Evening, Hotaru's)

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Hotaru did indeed try to get some girl-talk from Tomoe but it seemed rather clear (from her side) that she perhaps heard more than she wanted to when it came to answers.

"Oh? So I take it that you're planning to join Dong-Ha when you wed together. I suppose that does make sense, I do recall that that came from a rather proud lineage when it comes to the Iuchi method of mysticism. That probably works out for him, on paper anyways." She said with a small shrug of her shoulders. "And actually, you've made much sense. Let's just see what the Fortunes and Heavens will grant you as an answer regarding your concerns...."

With that, she got to her divination of Tomoe. First, she set the sticks into two distinctive piles that were parallel to each other and one single still in between to join the two together. Her eyes were downcast, focusing on the craft before her than looking at Tomoe. "The Heavens, Man and the Earth. It is through these channels that our fates are made and resolved. We are rather complicated beings, as we should be as members of the Celestial Order. There are indeed many thin strands and when woven together, make up that single red string of fate. These links are not entirely readable but actually become more clear when the fate of two, three or when more cross into each other. Will yours tangle well with Dong-Ha-san when the time comes?"

She drew four sticks at a time from the 'Heaven' pile, then finding her result after counting the remainder. This went on until she came to a hexagram result. "Hm," I don't even have to make anything up.

"I'm getting a reading regarding, the topic of limitations...and its accompanying transformation of reduction. You may do well when it comes to working with what you have as a limitations, addressing more self-value than greater positioning. However, reduction is perhaps something that's likely in your future. It would be best for you to address such possibility and you may find yourself in better shape. Surely I doubt your reading would something to do with your standing in the miai, that'd be too direct. This may have to do with something regarding something of your knowledge. You are one of the few members of the Hare Clan that made it out here, but you did make an impression nevertheless..." She said as her eyes finally looked expectantly at Tomoe for he reaction.

[Usagi Tomoe]

The Hare was quietly listening to the Scorpion priestess' reading, her hand raised to her lips as she contemplated what she was being told. Reduction? There was a brief flicker of concern in her vibrant eyes, quickly dismissed behind a courtier's stoic mask.

"I see," she said at first, still taking it all in. "I... admit I've never recieved a reading like that before, but if that is what fate reveals to Bayushi-sama, I will have to take it to heart." Tomoe nodded, her eyes meeting Hotaru's for a brief moment. "It certainly is different than what I have heard of Moshi-san's divinations, which seem more simple if one will have good fortune or not."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Hotaru couldn't help but chortle a little. "Oh, is that how she had been going with her readings? I suppose that's why I act more as a consultant of the oracle than someone who gives out fortunes. It's nice to know whether or not you will have good fortune in the future. However, it's even better if you can be more proactive to ensure your fortune or avoid misfortune that might plague you later. It's why people seek me out for my expertise, Usagi-san." She said proudly with a smile.

"Some fates aren't avoidable, if the Fortunes have a very specific plan for you. Those come rarely and reserved for legends. In the meantime, we are in their sway but we have some agency to steer, as children from the Celestial Order. I suppose..." she said with a distant look. "Dong-Ha has steered himself to you."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"I can see why they do, Bayushi-sama. Your insight has been greatly appriciated... I will have much to think about ahead now. Thank you," she dipped her head in appriciation and finished her cup of tea.

As she spoke of Dong-Ha, the Hare blushed a little in response, and nodded. "Ah... yes, it would seem so. It's certainly not unwelcome... I just hope it can come to be. So much is still unknown before this miai is at an end."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Hotaru would offer to pour her another cup if she wanted it. "Then, I've done my job. This may very be a fate destined for you in the last few days here, or perhaps later." She said with a faint smile.

After setting her pot down, she went to retrieve the sticks from the ground and replaced them in the container. Her gaze focused on the sticks once she caught sight of her blushing. "No, but it seems that you're pretty heavily invested, anyway. It's one of those few pairings that are devoid of controversy." Well, other than your free roaming adventure and the slander to Dong-Hai... "So, that's something, ne?"

[Usagi Tomoe]

Tomoe politely declined the offer of a refill, placing her cup down with a careful movement.

"I've heard people speak well of it, so I guess that's a good thing... but, I guess he's kind of swept me a little off my feet," she said with a soft chuckle to her voice. "It seems the Unicorn are much more forward than we are used to, and I admit I feel it's a little difficult to not feel invested when both dedicated songs to eachother." This entire miai has really been a weird, but fun experience.

Her hands idly fiddled with the hems of her sleeves. "I should probably not take up your time too much, Bayushi-sama, but since I am here, and you offered me the kindness of your spiritual advice, is there anything I can do in return?"

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Hotaru seemed to carefully consider the offer as she packed away her sticks back into the container. When the last handful found themselves back in the box, she smiled faintly. "Well, maybe there will be a time when I will ask something from you in return. You're rather good with history. Sometimes I'm so focused on the future that I forget what brought us to where we are in the first place. Even futures are made possible with the past, and find themselves as one soon enough...Anyway! Thank you for dropping by, Usagi-san! It's been a pleasure, really."

She bowed politely on that note.

[Usagi Tomoe]

Tomoe raised an eyebrow as Hotaru spoke of a favour related to her knowledge with history. It wasn't exactly what she would expect to hear a Scorpion ask of a Hare, even of someone with her background, but if it would be something she specialised in, then sure. The Hare gave a nod, rising smoothly from her seat. "Of course. I am always happy to assist where I can as a historian. Feel free to drop by my tent whenever you wish, Bayushi-sama... I have many of my books with me to help me refresh my memory on the topics I don't always remember well," she smiled sheepishly, considering she admitted she didn't have a perfect memory on these things.

"Thank you for the hospitality and the tea. And I look forward to seeing your skill on display again tonight for the Iuchi's first test."

She bowed politely as well. "Carry the Fortunes," she said with a warm smile and departed.

Huh, that went much better than expected. Guess I was worrying too much about this... I'm glad she seems so nice!

/exit

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"Oh! You're quite welcome, Usagi-san!" She said with a bright smile. "May the Fortunes bless you on your intended path."

Hotaru saw her out of her yurt and waved her goodbye. Her smile was gone once Tomoe had left and she grew contemplative. It's not often she found herself in a position to just take what she wanted so easily, but here she was. A part of her wished she could dismiss Tomoe's testimony of her relationship with Dong-Ha as dreamy girl-talk, but it was rather clear that they liked each other very much. They might even be very fond of each other...

/scene