The Way Back [Kasumi]

[Hida Setsuro]

Setsuro had just withdrawn from the battlefield, but he needed to stop for supplies. He had his men had actually been fighting for ages and he knew the Unicorn would not mind resupplying him and his men to return to their homes. After all, Setsuro had worked hard with the Unicorn and now they owed him hundreds of favors. A mere conversation had been struck up with one of the Moto samurai and he had mentioned that Utaku Kasumi was here.

Well, it had been a while since he had seen Kasumi. Setsuro briefly flashed back to the battle at Mountain Watch Keep and then once more to the party where he pulled them aside. Even a private conversation with the samurai-ko had been nice, but it was more than that. Setsuro himself was never great with flowery words or poetry, but he could still feel strongly about things. Perhaps, maybe, Kasumi had grown on him a bit more than he suspected if such things were coming to mind.

After visiting with a few ambassadors from the Unicorn Clan, Setsuro worked his way around the building to where Kasumi supposedly was. He encountered a servant, a small man (at least when you compared him to Setsuro, but then most people were small compared to him) was waiting at the door on the outside.

"I'm looking for Utaku Kasumi. Go and check to see if she is in and available." Setsuro spoke calmly, even if he did tower over the servant. The little man nodded and gulped just a bit as he practically ran into the room to do as he was told.

[Utaku Kasumi]

Man named Akira came back after a few minutes.
Utaku-sama is waiting for you, Hida-sama he bowed his head low in front of Setsuro and showed him the way to where Kasumi was.

Kasumi had a meeting in fact. After she saw Setsuro, she smirked for a second and bowed her head gently.
We will continue this issue later. she said to people around her.
What Setsuro could see... was an etiquette on level zero. Everyone was sitting like they wanted, on the floor, zabutons or whereever they've wanted. Their poses also were informal - Kasumi's legs were crossed, with her calfs showing up. She was holding a mug with something suspicious, just like everyone else here.
You may all leave. Ah! Asako, bring me those maps I've wanted later, when I am done here... she turned her head to Setsuro and smirked again.
About ten heads turned the same direction as Kasumi's and Setsuro could hear whispering between them.
Do I have to ask twice? she asked with a really sweet voice... and everyone got up and left in less than 20 seconds.

Kasumi arised and invited Setsuro inside. Bowed her head to him.
Welcome, Hida-sama. How may I help you today?

[Hida Setsuro]

Setsuro took note of the various positions and people standing about, including the servant who had shown him in. It was a little odd to see that everything was so informal and relaxed, but that was the Unicorn for you; hardly ever following what everyone else considered to be the acceptable social norm. Either way, a slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips, threatening to betray his normally stoic and serious expression.

"I had this prepared on the way here." Setsuro plucked a bundled up scroll from the inside of his clothing. It was sealed with a dark blue string that wrapped around it a few times, keeping it closed while being neatly tied as well. "It is a both a description of the amounts of men and a small map of the new incoming forces of the Yobanjin as well as their camp. My men and I were on the other side at the start of the battle." He explained, offering out the rolled up parchment with one hand extended, "I assumed that it would me of great use to the leadership should such a thing be necessary."

With a nod, Setsuro glanced around at where the others had been just moments ago. The sweet tone of her voice resonated in his mind and it caused the smile to once more battle for it's position upon his face. This time, however, the smile won and his lips turned into one of a slight smile. "And as my men supplied and dealt with the wounded, I thought it would be a great time to meet with you. After all, it is always a pleasure." His voice was solid, but there was something behind it. Hints of something lined his words, making him speak a little more lightly than he would have with anyone else.

[Utaku Kasumi]

Uhuh... she nodded to what he said and took the scroll from him I will check it later then, Hida-sama. Please, have a seat. Are you hungry? Do you want something to drink? asked and at the same time waved her hand to a servant, who left them in a rush to bring what she wanted.
Kasumi went back to her seat - this time she also has chosen informal position.
You said something about supplies and wounded people. Do you want me to help you with it, Hida-sama? I can provide you with anything you need, just name it.
While she was speaking, a servants came in, bringing tables with food and sake. She poured for Setsuro and invited him for a meal with a smile.
Eat, please. We can talk while enjoying this delicious food. Besides, a man like you should eat a lot to be strong. Am I right? she smirked and glanced at him.

A few seconds later a man came in. It was the same one who came with her on Setsuro's party.
Kasumi-sama he said with a gentle voice to her. His hair were the same color as Kasumi's. Their eyes also were the same. Man bowed his head to her.
When she saw him, her face has changed. Beautiful smile showed up, eyes started to sparkle.
Kael! she jumped and hugged him. Did you get it? Did you? asked quickly.
Yes, my lady. In fact I did. It is waiting for you outside. he patted her head like she was a little kid.
Oh, oh... right! Hida-sama, this is Kael, my close relative. Our fathers were brothers. They both married Utaku Shiotome. But I was lucky to be born as a girl she sticked her tongue out to Kael. He's the one who's taking a care of my stables and my horses. In a place of my husband.
Did you decide to marry finally, Kasumi-sama? Soon you are gona be an old lady, grumpy and wrinkled. And no one would want to marry you then. Kael said it with a serious face, but his eyes were smiling.
Kasumi pouted and hit his arm. It was a rather strong punch, because he frowned.
Never! I will always be a real Shiotome! Pure warrior bringing salvation in death to those, that are a threat to the Empire and my Clan! she showed him her fist. Besides, didn't find a man strong enough to match myself. Well she glanced at Kael I did, but we share the same blood, so he's out of the question. So leave me alone, and don't rub me the wrong way, Kael. Just bring it to me! Kasumi pushed him to the door.

I am sorry, Hida-sama. But my brother loves to play pranks on me since we were little. So, let's go back to what we were doing before this stupid male interupted us. she smiled to Setsuro.

[Hida Setsuro]

Setsuro watched the exchanged between the two with great interest, the gears turning in his head as if to try and tell him that etiquette was definitely being broken here. Not that he would ever say anything about it because he was typically the last person to push any unimportant courtesies if could help it. It was then that he was introduced, so Setsuro bowed his head and flashed a somewhat intrigued smile, but only for just a moment.

Another smile flashed across his face while Kasumi pushed her brother to the door. Setsuro gave him a quick nod and let his smile turn into a bit of a smirk. "It was an honor to meet you. I can only imagine what growing up around Kasumi-san must have been like." The jab he made was not entirely subtle, though subtlety was definitely not his forte to begin with, but he shrugged slightly, the sly smirk still upon his lips until Kael was out the door.

"It's been quite a while, Kasumi-san, since the party, I believe." Setsuro paused and looked to the side for a moment, eying the place up and down, then remembering what she said. He sat down with her at the meal she had presented and then poured a glass for Kasumi as well, "I simply need some more supplies for the men under me. We're returning to the wall shortly and most of our supplies were eaten up while being entrenched. There were more injured than we accounted for and a lot less dead. Either we are getting better, or the Yobanjin are getting slower." His eyes darted about the meal as he spoke, having no idea where to begin, "But that's another story all together." He grinned and nodded before he took a few pieces of meat from the table and put them on a small plate that had been laid out in front of him.

[Utaku Kasumi]

After hearing Setsuro's last words Kael stopped for a second and smiled. Shaked his head and glanced at him.
Funny. It was funny for sure. And I will treasure those moments for the rest of my life His eyes, so similar to Kasumi's... were challenging Setsuro for sure. After saying it he left. His laugh could be heard for a long time.

Hmm... If it's about supplies I can give it to you. It's not a problem, really Kasumi nodded to Setsuro and taken her chopstics.
Plus, there is a long way to your home, Hida-sama. Let our shugenja to heal your wounded men. But enough about it now. Please, enjoy your meal. She smiled to him and started to eat.
Oh! Which reminds me. I am training Keigo for you. I mean that Utaku foal you recived from me on your party. It will take some time, but he's a good horse. At some point you will have to help me with it, so Keigo can get used to you. But there is no rush. For now he likes to act as a spoiled little child. She poured some more sake for Setsuro.

After a few minutes Kael came back, holding heavy wodden box it seems.
My lady, as you wished it's here. he bowed to Kasumi and put a box he was holding near her legs.
Fine, thank you. And now go, take a bath. You stink. like nothing happened she returned to eating.
Kael has chuckled to what she said and left Kasumi and Setsuro alone.
Kasumi was eating, but her eyes were following to that mysterious box all the time.
So, Hida-sama... is there anything more that I can help you with?

[Hida Setsuro]

"Of course, Kasumi-san. I would be very appreciative for the supplies. Our battles took more than my generals had originally estimated, but that's how war is. Not predictable in the slightest." Setsuro smiled and glanced to the side, "If nothing else, the aid of your healers will also be beneficial. My Kuni have their hands full, even the slightest assistance would be great." His eyes shifted towards the door and where his men would be, the Unicorn assisting the Crab already.

Setsuro paused when Kasumi mentioned the horse and then he nodded. "I have the utmost faith in your abilities. I would, of course, love to participate in the training. He is valiant, no doubt, and will some day serve me well, if not save my life." He spoke quietly and calmly as he took a drink of the sake.

When Kael burst in with the wooden box, Setsuro felt one of his eyebrows arch immediately. Curiosity struck him as he wondered what was so important that her cousin would bust back into the room with a box, but he shook it off and went back to the meal. When he was finished, he heard Kasumi ask the next question.

The Crab Champion thought about it for a moment, mulling over the things in his head, quietly contemplating the various questions that suddenly popped up in his mind. For what seemed like forever, in all reality being only a few moments at best, Setsuro wrestled with issues before he finally smiled and returned his gaze to the woman. "Just a little bit of rest and relaxation for the men before we head home. A safe place to sit where we won't have to worry about the Yobanjin threat. They've been on edge for a good while now. It will be good to have a rest before they take up their positions on the wall again. Even I will be standing upon the wall." He gave her a little smile. Of course, it was not everything that was on his mind, but his thoughts were his own and he was not always the most forthcoming of people, even if he was blunt.

[Utaku Kasumi]

Of course, Hida-sama. It will be my pleasure to aid you with anything that you might need. she bowed her head lightly.
After Setsuro mentioned about a rest and relaxation for his men she rubbed nose and said slowly:
Hmm... I can invite you to my house. Here, you all would be living in tents. Because thanks to that war, we have so many samurais here... And as you are getting ready to leave to go back, you don't have to be at Shiro Moto. Besides, Haruka's wedding will be held soon, and I believe you'd want to attend it. her eyes followed to the wodden box and she smiled. Maybe I don't have enough of place for all of your men and they will have to rest at tents, but for you and your generals, if this is your wish, I can prepare guest chambers. And you could see Keigo then.
She opened the box slowly, to see what's inside.
On a purple silk there were two identical weapons. Thir blades were knife-shaped but much bigger. Curved and single-edged, with a few inches of the back edge sharpened as well. Hilts were canted, curving in the opposite direction as the blade. Disc-shaped guards with a cupped shape to prevent rainwater from getting into the sheath, and to prevent blood from dripping down to the handle, that would make it more difficult to grip.
Kasumi took a piece of a cloth and wrapped it around the hilt of one of the swords. Picked it up to look closer.
How do you like one of my gifts for Haruka and her husband to be? It is called dao or sometimes the General of All Weapons. It took me some time to put my hands on it. Good for slashing and chopping. she chuckled As a gift for her it has a double meaning, and I wonder if she can understand it.
Kasumi glanced at Setsuro and smiled.
I believe you were also invited to their wedding.

[Hida Setsuro]

"Any place that my men can actually rest without the fear of attack will do them well. While they will never drop their guard, being a place where the Yobanjin do not constantly come screaming up the path would be a good thing for them." Setsuro smiled slightly and shrugged his shoulders, "But I am always ready, Hida be willing." He shifted his gaze to the box once more and then raised a brow as he mentioned Haruka's wedding. He had actually forgotten about the entire thing and felt a bit foolish, but at least now there was an opening to fix that.

"Of course I'll attend. We can't stop our lives simply to fight, being a samurai means so much more than that. You are going, I assume? We can go together." He paused for a moment and then looked Kasumi in the eyes, "Unless you had other plans?" Setsuro had not thought that she might be planning something else, but surely she would take the chance and go with the Crab Champion. After all, it might be just what she needed. Or maybe it was just what he needed.

"A dao?" Setsuro thought for a moment and then nodded, "I'm only vaguely familiar with them." He explained as he spoke and then glanced at the door, "I do believe I have a proper gift for them." His eyes flashed with a smile briefly but then he returned to a more typical and stoic expression.

"When, exactly, is the wedding?" While he was aware that it was happening very soon, he had no idea when. Better ask and look not the fool if he missed it.

[Utaku Kasumi]

[OCC]
3 months delay was my fault. Sadly RL things were keeping me away. As for now, continuing this thread is a bit... weird as it was when Yobanjin were attacking Unicorn land.
So... time to close it. Maybe we will continue... maybe not - who knows what is ahead of us?


Let me finish it with this song, "Saikou no Kataomoi" by Sachi Tainaka.

*bows*