[Day 0, Early Morning, Common Room] Rise and Shine (Open)

[Bayushi Choudai]

"I have not been informed of much, which the nakodo has assured me is no great barrier to the success of the match."

A pause, as he stirred at his soup.

He didn't know because he honestly didn't care who they paired him with. His only emotion regarding his prospective bride was a species of pity.

"But you know how it is. After the... casualties in the war, there isn't much patience with unwed bushi."

And of course, there was also some notion of marrying him off to refocus his attention. Uncle Koga had dabbled in the arena back in the Painted City.

That poor girl from the Monkey Clan.

"Naturally, there is no notion of my marrying out, so I think we can rule out the Imperial Families."

As an attempt at humor, it was dismal.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"No, I understand..." She agreed, nodding, looking down at the soup before taking a long drink. It helped settle her stomach a little bit. "... Perhaps they will find someone among those here? Another artistic temperament might suit you well."

She winced at her own words. She wasn't intending to be bitter or angry toward him, but there was an edge in them aimed toward... something. Their Clan? Fate? Benten, perhaps, whose ire they both seemed to have drawn?"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"I'm certain I can trust the nakodo's judgment. "

Trust it to leave me unhappy, whatever she picks.

"I suppose I'll see. I've been focused on other things."

And always will be.

"Anyhow!" He did his best to brighten up a bit. Or at least appear to. "A child on the way, and impending nuptials. Always good to start a day with good news, isn't it, Shosuro-san?"

I miss the war. Fortunes forgive me, right now I miss the war. We were living a lie the whole terrifying time. A beautiful, wonderful lie.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"Well, I suppose I can't say I haven't been a little focused elsewhere myself, at times," she said. Normally she wasn't awkward, but that sentence didn't really follow with what they were supposed to be talking about, aligning closer to what they were actually talking about.

Being them was such a strange place.

She smiled. "Well, it has been a good start to the day, I must agree."

Despite the subjects at hand... Seeing him had lifted her spirits into the sky itself, even while her emotions were a nightmare of turmoil. Some part of her had wondered if she'd see him again after all that... but maybe this wasn't the worst sign. The thing about two people being involved in art is that it does draw them together. So to speak.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"And in such agreeable company, too."

No lies there, no hesitation.

And his smile was genuine.

"It makes the whole day worthwhile."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"It's always nice to see someone you know, ne?" She replied, all genuine warmth. "I think the competition is looking up already."

/scene? That feels like a good spot.

[Bayushi Choudai]

[/Scene! And thank you!]