[Day 8 - EN] Patches in the Light (Expecting)

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"Sana-kun," Yuuwaku says, steadily, "I am not yet drunk, if that is your concern."

She looks at him archly.

"Are you worried what will happen if I lose control?"

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"We have an entire night in front of us, Yuu-chan. Why rush it so now? It would be... dishonorable to fall drunk in front of the Empress."
He looks around.
"...Not that many care."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"That's a good question," Yuuwaku admits, "but before I can answer it, I have to know the answer to another one. Namely, do I have a reason to keep going tonight, or should I make a short evening of it?"

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"If you look to her side, there is Kakita-bugyo. He had been there from before I made the discourse... I think he is making watch."
He takes another sip, noticing the cup was already at its half. "Besides, I will have to watch over others the entire night, and would like so enjoyable a company for this time."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"Keeping vigil, then?" she asks. "Well, I suppose I could keep you company for that, Sana-kun."

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"Thank you." He says, putting his cup down finally. "Even if I'm a guest here... I think I should look over Masao-ue. Make sure that he does not bring his family shame."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"Are you worried about that, truly?"

Yuuwaku sips from her cup again. "I think he has been showing admirable restraint, myself."

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"It's... a habit, more or less. This is approximately what I do on Cold Wind City, to save people's face when they get drunk."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"I don't think," Yuuwaku replies, "that that will be quite so much of a concern, here. Local customs being what they are."

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"There are not only locals here, and this is what worries me. Although... Perhaps Toritaka-san will look for him."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku nods.

"She is an upright and honorable woman," she says, "and capable. I think Kakita-nikutai will be in good hands with her."

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"I will check them only in time then."

He takes his fan and starts to fan himself.

"I wonder how we will make the travel back, me and Masao-ue. I will suggest either finding a boat near Kyuden Hida or Mura Sabishii Toshi."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"You could," she notes. "Or we could go overland together a ways."

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"Cold Wind City is in the middle of the Spine of the World. It's hard to travel there by land... But, of course, you could come with us and get down on Kyuden Doji. Or we would part ways at the river, much earlier."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"It would be good to see Kyuden Doji," Yuuwaku notes. "Perhaps that would be a way to go."

[Asahina Sanaharu]

He smiles slightly, and quickly a slight more — the second in impish resemblance. "Just imagine if someone told Masao-ue that the route passes through the Toritaka lands."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"That would be quite...scenic," Yuuwaku says, grinning. "We should suggest it!"

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"I'll do so. Later today, maybe, but probably tomorrow." He smiles a little more, even starting to open his teeth, then quickly goes back to smiling slightly.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"True, there's not much left of today," Yuuwaku agrees.

"But maybe we should get back to the rest?"

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"Aw. But I enjoying talking to you." He says, looking around. "In any case... Yuu-chan, will you try to go to Cold Wind City when you can?"

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"Of course!" she says, "And you'll come to Tsuma?"

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"I may just suddenly find the academy calling me more..." He hides half his face with his fan, but it was pretty clear by his eyes that he was smiling.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku nods.

"I would be happy to host you when you return for training," she says. "Quite happy."

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"Although the Kakita live for perfection in one, I must say that it is fortunate then I'm Asahina. This means I can specialize in many different arts to always gift so great of a host."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"Sana-kun," she replies, "you are yourself gift enough for me."

And you know what I want, she thinks.

"I am always happy to receive you."