Slurp (D5, ME)

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"Such an appetite," Yuuwaku says, noting his bowl. She smiles, though, and looks at him again. "Finishing so quickly to the broth."

She takes more noodles. Being smaller, she necessarily eats slower.

"But my feet are uninjured, as is the rest of me. I thank Otomo-san for his concern."

[Otomo Saisei]

He provides a side smirk at her remark and mentions, "Best for last, right?"

Another moment, and he says, "I am happy, then. That there are no pain and only joy."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

At length, Yuuwaku reaches the bottom of her bowl.

"One wonders what would bring Otomo-san joy," she remarks, then lifts the bowl to her lips and drinks down the broth. Her chin lifts, and her slender neck seems to stretch as she swallows.

[Otomo Saisei]

"Much more interesting to find out for oneself. I wouldn't spoil the excitement and adventure of uncovering a mystery. As feeble as this mystery would be." He chuckles and takes the bowl with both hands to sink his lips into the edge.

WIth a side look to the slender lady, the Otomo nearly dribbles. He puts the bowl down just in time to use his sleeve as a protection in front of his face so he could lick the running drop.

"Pardon." He says, with another chuckle.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"I should welcome the opportunity, Otomo-san," Yuuwaku says. "And what woman would ask forgiveness for being shows she has such an effect on a man, that he overflows for her?"

She licks her own lips again. "It really is a wonderfully tasty sauce you've introduced me to, Otomo-san. Thank you for it."

[Otomo Saisei]

He purses his lips into a proud smile and nods, "No need to thank me. I am thankful for the company, instead. We should thank noodle-san, here. He's the true taste master."

The Otomo provides a curt bow to the peasant.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku cannot but follow.

"Indeed, it is good work, and good work deserves recognition, whatever its source.

"And one wonders what good work Otomo-san will be doing once...current concerns are addressed. After all," she continues, putting her hand to her fan, "we must think of tomorrow as we move through today."

[Otomo Saisei]

"Making sure the marriage goes well, the Hida are happy, and the Daidoji yet again welcome proud and honorable samurai into their household." The Otomo explains, being as transparent as he can.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku nods. "The Crane hold that in common. But what of after? For this is not the only place where there are wounds to heal."

And you have your own to tend, I can tell, she thinks.

[Otomo Saisei]

He closes his eyes for a moment, and then provides a smirk, to say, "I am not sure, yet, if the events here unfold as planned, I imagine Yusuke-sama might want me to accompany for his next assignment. He did mention Winter Court."

Looking curiously to Yuuwaku, he asks, "Will Kakita-sama return to her hometown or are there places the Crane believes her skills will be best used in the near future?"

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"It seems long until winter," Yuuwaku replies, lifting her fan to tap idly at her left shoulder, her arms crossing at the top of her wide obi. "But I anticipate returning to Tsuma initially. If nothing else, the sensei will want to know what has happened here; the bride-to-be is one of their students, after all, and what teacher is not interested in the student's continuing progress?"

She breathes deeply, sighing it out. "After that, I am not certain. Perhaps more study and the attempt to rise in rank to sho mokoroku. But I doubt I am ready for that quite yet."

Her eyes meet his again. "Perhaps it will be determined that I should marry, and negotiations to that end would commence."

[Otomo Saisei]

The Otomo pays attention to her movements and smiles as she mentions her training, with an odd eyebrow quirk at the marriage mention. He says, "I believe Kakita-sama is very well equipped for additional training. Also, it is a very commendable investment of her time. Specially if she's looking for marriage negotiations."

He places the chopsticks across the bowl and crosses his arms, thinking deeply. Then, he mentions, "I am sure the Crane have excellent matchmakers. Yet, if Kakita-sama finds it interesting, perhaps I could put her name up for Yusuke-sama to consider."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"It is the duty of each of us to marry well and be fruitful in giving Her Majesty, long may She reign, more servants," Yuuwaku replies. "But, off the top of his head, knowing the workings of nakodo better than I, where might he think a placement might open for such as I am?"

[Otomo Saisei]

"Indeed. So the Heavens have asked for several generations." He puts up smile and suggests, "A beauty and talent such as Kakita-sama, with such a noble birth... I believe she should seek some leverage in her Clan to be able to participate in a higher court so that potential bachelors of great esteem and power may be aware of her."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"Oh?" Yuuwaku asks, leaning in, her eyes wide. "You think I could do well in one? A higher court, I mean.

"And towards what Family should I cast my eyes, do you think?"

The tone is open, almost bubbly.

[Otomo Saisei]

He nods, confident, "Of course! I wouldn't be surprised if Kakita-sama got to be the Imperial Consort."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku blinks twice, and her fan darts up to cover her face.

Such flattery! she thinks. I know better than to think he's doing more than trying to entice me in.

But if he is sincere, what then?

"Surely, all the children of the Throne already have others promised to them" she says.

[Otomo Saisei]

"Do they?" The Otomo inquires as sincere as he can, tilting his head. "I am not sure, but if Kakita-sama says so."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"One could hardly think they would not," Yuuwaku replies. "But I had never set my thoughts so high as that, in any event."

And, honestly, I would be more an ornament there than a partner, she thinks. More subject than most to the demand of another.

Her brow furrows slightly at the thought. Where did that come from?

"But you say it is a matter of ascending into higher-level courts only? Or is there more?"

There's more, of course.

[Otomo Saisei]

He rubs his chin, and says, "Kakita-sama is high-born, a Crane, Artisan from a noble Family. I do think she has potential to become kuge and grace the Empire with her art for all to see. All those that will then cascade her ways into other courts."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"And the way to do that you see, Otomo-san," Yuuwaku replies, "lies with a union with the Imperial Families?"

Not the worst way to get at this idea, she thinks.

[Otomo Saisei]

"Well, it would be perhaps more difficult to find Kuge within the Crane, since they are often keen to make treaties with other Clans through marraige. Yet, for one such as Kakita-sama. I would not disconsider that."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

His focus is narrowing, Yuuwaku thinks.

"But Otomo-san would recommend another course," she says, raising an eyebrow to mark it as a question.

[Otomo Saisei]

"Honestly, I think the Kakita, specifically, should rebuild much of what was lost in th previous wars. Kakita-sama's family legacy is something that cannot be lost." He takes a moment to consider, as the wheels begin to turn in his head.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"There is no shame in taking a wife's Family name," Yuuwaku remarks. "The Families of at least two Thunders insist thereupon, if memory serves, and they can hardly be accused of unworthy practice."