[Day 5 - Early Afternoon, Tearoom] Tea, Just Tea (Open)

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi gave a few nods in seeming understand. "-Ah. Of course, as one mate is usually complemented best with another who is similar. So you lament that your would-be wife isn't as good enough to stand by your standards Iuchi-san?"

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"A little, I have to admit. As nice as she seems to be. I am more afraid that her background might make us... incompatible, as it is important that the spouses understand each other." It was really as simple as that.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Isn't that what the later years in marriage is for? Beginning on...neutral terms is a good step already. Your anxiety would be something that falls on both your shoulders."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Yes, yes... but..." the man sighed. "I had just...assumed that.. never mind." He sipped his tepid tea. "I guess you are right. It's not like the situation is bad."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi let out a muted giggle behind a hand. "-Ah...well. I hope I'm right. As I said before, I'm known more for having a good imagination than knowing really. In this case, a tiny bit of research too."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"You have been married?" he asked her, curious.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Her brows shot up at the sudden question, and she thought the Iuchi might have learned by now after two awkward moments when it came to very personal questions. She smiled faintly and lifted a bare arm in front of her. "I know that it may be difficult for you at the moment, without the telling cut of my kimono sleeves...But iie, I have never been married before. So you can count me as a maiden. You are a curious person Iuchi-san."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Erm.. So I have been told." he nodded, flustered. "I... it's encouraged trait among the... scholarly Iuchi. Pardon if I insulted you." the man apologised, bowing once again. "You just mentioned you had some... experience on the topic."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Is it? Your family must have a reputation prevailing through all sorts of awkward situations as well." Hoshi took a sip of her teacup. "Iie, no great insult taken. I didn't know I was so ambiguous, even while on a ship. I don't have any real experience to speak of, save of wisdom from my elders and seeking betrothal."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Well.." Xiao Hua scratched his stubbly chin. "There are some stories told about the times of our sojourn. Though, most of the time it was the Ide, the man himself, or one of his kin who solved the awkward situation. At least, as far as the stories go."

"Ah, You... well, never mind." the man chuckled lightly. "I think I have asked enough for a one day."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Let's hope that you have some Ide in your ancestry then. That's something befitting of one most curious ne?" Hoshi said with some amusement and didn't allow the question to slip. "'I...well...' Iuchi-san?"

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

The man winced. "You courted someone then, without success?"

You asked...

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi took notice of the wince. "Hai. It's not something that's uncommon in the Empire. Not all contracts are successfully made when it comes to marriage."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Unfortunately?" he suggested carefully, not entirely sure if she was unhappy about the current state of matters.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

There was a pleased smile under her mask as she shook her head. "Iie, not unfortunately." She said, content at her simple answer.

"It was for the best."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Ah.." Xiao Hua nodded. "That's good then, I guess. "So what did Bayushi-san learn from that experience?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"There were a few good lessons that I took in. More about people really than actual marriage really. People can be strange, and sometimes you find yourself contradicting yourself without knowing. And that collecting mochi for two weeks straight it just an idiotic idea." Hoshi said simply, content that summarized her time in Kyuden Reju without delving into too much details that would likely confuse the Iuchi.