Day 7 [LM] Love Tender Devotion

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Suteichi snickered.

"Ide-sama, why are we dancing and there is no music. It is clear we are...delighted with who we have. There is no one here but you and I. I see no issue in being honest with one another... More manju?" he offered.

[Ide Amaya]

She accepts the sweet and eats it daintily. "I do not know what you could possibly mean. I simply wish you all the best and hope that the choosing goes well, for both of us."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Suteichi sort of stare blankly that she missed his point. He did not explain his little quip but went along with her.

"Yes. Yes indeed. Is there anything that I can do to be of help to you as you have been to me?"

Keep it professional...

[Ide Amaya]

She hides behind her fan, not realising that Suteichi can easily see over it, and licks her fingers before drawing a small handkerchief to wipe them on. "You owe me nothing, Bayushi-sama, but there is perhaps something you might answer for me? I understand if this is not known to you, but could you perhaps say who you think your cousin Hotaru-sama may be leaning towards? One of my cousins appears to have become infatuated."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"I will be honest Lady Ide-sama. I have not spoken to her in some time. I do know that her and Iuchi Dong-Ha-sama seemed to be well when we all last met."

[Ide Amaya]

"Of course, thank you regardless."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"Well..." after a moment of awkward silence, "If there is any thing that I can help with, I'd be happy to. Should I see my honored cousin, I'll send her your way. "

[Ide Amaya]

She smiles, "I need to change before the event, and I'm sure that there are things needing your attention. I will be looking forward to seeing you perform."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

He contained his surprise. He was not fully prepared for the performance. He knew he would have to go back and get his samisen. He would also have to come up with the right words for Liu Fei.

"You're right. I'll need to get back to my Yurt and get my samisen. I look forward to your performance as well. I'm sure your voice will resonate with the crowd."

[Ide Amaya]

"You are most kind," she bows and smiles prettily, but in her eyes are something wholly unusual: a coldness like glittering chips of ice.

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Suteichi stood before Amaya with his usual faint smile. It was hard to discern if he had compassion in his eyes or something else.

"It is...it is you who were most kind and are most kind. I am not often afforded the luxury of meeting one quite like you. You have left me with a favorable impression and one like you will be remembered." He moved to her side and leaned close to whisper to her.

"Seppun-sama has made a very wise choice in you. May you both be well." Suteichi bowed very deeply to her and prepared to leave.

[Ide Amaya]

She nods in acknowledgment, studying him with a stoney expression of her own. I am the one who will not be forgetting, hisses a voice inside. She turns and leaves.