Before The Night (D3, LE, Expecting)

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"Even more so. I am sure Bayushi-san would want to share them with someone special to him." She smiles, closing her eyes with a positive attitude.

Easy peasy.

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Yes and Liu Fei is not here so you'll just have to do.

"But all company is special. Including yours. Please, share in this wonderful treat with me, Lady Otaku-sama."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She nods in thanks, and delicately takes the offered treat –– the smaller piece, saying. "Domo arigatou gozaishimasu!"

Making the delicious cookie disappear, Kitakuhime almost licks her lips. Some red colors her cheeks for a mere moment of bliss, thinking, I can't show I've enjoyed it too much. Behave.

After sipping more of the bitter green tea, the Otaku confirms, "The taste is surely different from the cookies we are used to have."

Flour. Must be some sort of magical rainbow flower.

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"This one is glad that you enjoyed it."

That was like pulling teeth.

"I wish to know more about you Lady Otaku-sama. How was the long journey home? Have you been in many battles? I would like to hear your tales."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"The best tail I have to share is the one happening right now."

Her words resonate with the purity she carries. Filled with such virtue it might shun away the unworthy and sinful, "All our hope, our lives, our battles. We've lost so much crossing through foreign, dangerous lands to finally get here. For many years of our lives –– some, like myself, for all our childhood –– we have ridden through darkness. We battled beasts, monsters and enemies which are best left forgotten."

The girl looks into the Scorpion's eyes. Her unseen mask, along with the makeup and the proper etiquette were quite well studied to courteously meet Rokugani expectations and traditions. "Our efforts and losses were not in vain. We have protected the Unicorn, as Otaku-shiryo did before us. We stayed pure to our ancestral traditions."

Kitakuhime controls her breath, managing not to get too emotional, "We remained faithful to our goddess promise. Her guidance showed us the light within the dark."

There's a pause, and she smiles again. This time with her eyes closed. "It is not as sweet as your offering. Gomenasai."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Suteichi smiled faintly.

"You speak with such honorable passion. Such an honorable woman as yourself is truly worthy of the highest respect." he took a sip of tea.

"My lady Otaku-sama, this miai has proven to be quite enriching in meeting so many. If this one may be so bold as to ask, how has the miai been for you?"

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Busy.

She remains silent for some time, and shakes her head, continuing, "Shitsurei, ne. It has been surprisingly busy. I am also growing rather fond of the many spices and flavors I wasn't aware."

With another sip, she retributes his gentleness, "And thank you for your kind words. I am merely a representative of Unicorn Clan. The greatness is theirs. How has it been for Bayushi-san?"

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"The event has been pleasant for the most part. I have met many of your kinswomen and there are a couple who have piqued an interest." He paused for a moment then continued.

"You should always take some time for yourself. It is important to accomplish your duties, see them to fruition. You also have a duty to yourself. To be happy and prosperous as well as honorable and respectable. It would be a terrible waste to not let others see the shining, beautiful, resplendent light that you are. Forgive my forwardness Otaku-sama. You are worthy of the right hand and this one is not even fit to be a proper underhand to you much less pursue to be your right."

He looked at her the whole time giving his compliment and he actually meant. She was truly a beautiful woman but far too honorable for him.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Oh... that looked... honestly surprising.

She covers her lips again, holding the grin that she forced into a smile with a bit of self-control. "You flatter me too much, Bayushi-san. And spoil me too well with such sweet treats."

The girl finishes her tea, but holds the cup still: showing she would continue if he wished to serve. "I have only given you bitterness and sad stories. Forgive me. Perhaps I may offer some insight about the other Unicorn maidens as my appreciation for such courtesy."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Mother was always right. Achieve your victory through deference.

Sutiechi gave a faint smile as he refilled her cup and offered her more of the delicious treats.

"I would be most honored to have your insights Otaku-sama. There is a Shinjo of interest. Could you share with me interest on Shinjo samurai-ko?"

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Just one more. Do not indulge yourself abusing of this boy.

Nom.

"The Shinjo are spirit-free samurai. They are agile and keen. True pathfinders, they know how to get where they must. Blessed with the wisdom of our Kami, the Shinjo are compassionate and welcoming. They'll listen to you first, and measure your actions later. There's some blunt honesty in their words, which is opposite to the sharpness of their blades. Men and women are treated likewise: all are samurai."

Kitakuhime raises an eyebrow, "What's her name?"

[Bayushi Suteichi]

Suteichi listened carefully to the words to the Otaku and studied her demeanor.

This Otaku is as pure as fresh snow. All the honor of a Lion and the poise of a Crane...

"I can respect honesty and fierceness. The one that has my interest has certainly has both. Before I speak her name, can you tell me anything else that would be pertinent? Like having to learn how to properly bariqu or anything."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"Bariqu!?" The girl politely beams a wide grin, giggling with a hand covering her lips. "If you would to woo a Moto, yes."

A few more giggles, "Gomenasai. I am being too shallow here. This Shinjo must enjoy martial arts, so, it would be good to at least share something about it with her. One thing you must to is learn how to ride. I believe she'll be honored to ride while you partake on a drink –– eat cookies –– and share stories."

[Bayushi Suteichi]

"With utmost respect Lady Otaku-sama, this one has no interest in wooing a Moto. I have been interested in perhaps taking up more of a martial background to compliment my more...social expertise. I confess that I am not a storyteller but I am a poet and musician."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"One can recite... or play while riding." She nods, unable to hide her grin anymore. "Difficult to do that with someone else's elbow pressing against your nose."