Percussion, Strings, Winds, Words (D8LA)(Expecting)

[Funegao no Hirame]

Hirame winced, just a little. "Once I actually became captain, it would be better. Both captain and spouse, if the spouse has a role on the ship, gets quarters, although the spouse's is a bit small." In fact, so was the captain's, but Hirame didn't think of it that way. His lips parted in mild concern, then pressed together as he took in the entirety of what she said. "But I swear, I won't try to get you to do something you're set against."

Finally, he shook his head. "Yeah, I think I would. And you'd be unhappy on a ship, or on some estate." He chewed his lip a moment. "Mantis court is not like court you're used to, but it's a thing. I'm sure you could manage it. You could be stationed in another clan's court. I dare to hope a coastal one." A smile flickered across his face. What would was it discovering you were into your future wife if she were stationed out of reach?

He sat up a little, brow furrowing. "If I were Crane, would I have a chance to be a captain one day? I think I could do well for the Crane." There was a hint of something in his voice, that worry that a great clan might not accept him hovering somewhere in the back of his mind.

[Kakita Ahiru]

"Sorry," she said, a tad sheepish, seeing his wince, "I might have come across a bit harsher than I intended."

Pressing her lips together for a moment, Ahiru thought about the way things could be in the most realistic way, rather than what she thought would be likely. "I think so, because you have experience, but I don't know if it would be easier to earn such a rank with the Crane than the Mantis. Myself, before... before I had to take my sister's place, I was set up to be Lord Toshimoko's diplomatic attaché - so my duties, if I stayed with the Crane, would mostly be between Kyuden Kakita which is inland, or here in Tsuma. I had been thinking that, due to his own son, he'd be accomodating of your background as well." It was as honest and realistic about it as she could be, even if she knew nothing for certain. Toshimoko was more than busy running the most prestigious gempukku ceremony than to listen to the concerns of someone not yet in his service, she figured.

"But yes, from all I hear of the Mantis court... I think that if I were to become a Mantis, I would be dedicating myself to elevate the Mantis court to be more than it is now."

[Funegao no Hirame]

Hirame's reply to the apology would be a counterattack! Grinning, he finally did lift his hand from the water, flicking a few droplets at her, a spot of playfulness to lighten the mood.

For the moment, anyway. "Hmmm..." Hirame said, leaning back again. "There's two ways the Mantis think about our courts. That we're fine doing our own thing, or that as our fortunes are rising, we should strive to elevate them to match our station. I happen to be the latter." He gave Ahiru a slow nod, smiling. "If that's something you agree with, well, you could help to shape things. Make it your own! We wouldn't be here if we weren't good enough to leave our marks on things."

He spread his hands. "Is that something you might... be happy with?"

[Kakita Ahiru]

"Aagh!" Ahiru flailed a little in response to the water, giggling as she did. At least her smile indicated she appriciated the lightening of the mood.

"And Kasumi-san is absolutely the former," she remarked with a brief smirk, as that was certainly her impression of the other Mantis. "I... think maybe? Yeah? I think that, no matter if it's Crane or Mantis, we both have to work hard to be happy. Both with eachother, and with where we are. Neither of us asked for this, after all, but... I think we can make it work."

[Funegao no Hirame]

Hirame smiled back at her. Ah, he'd been told Crane were stodgy, but that clearly wasn't always the case. "Yeah, Kasumi-san and I are kinda both sides of the Mantis. Although she's got a bit of me... did you know that she also has a Hantei in her bloodline? And, well, I've been told that I'm a bit of a scoundrel at heart."

"Yeah!" He said enthusiastically. "But you know, it's pretty clear that neither of us are afraid of hard work." He smirked at her. "After all, if I'm willing to row out to the middle of the lake for a kiss, just think of how much energy I can put into being married."

[Kakita Ahiru]

"Really? I didn't know that. She hadn't mentioned it, but it never came up." She hadn't been able to listen to everyone list their ancestry, and Kasumi had seemed rather upset with that test. "I'll have to set her up with a nice Crane then. A Daidoji perhaps."

It was a small world with so many people with Imperial blood in their lineage, outside of the Imperial families too, being present at the same tournament.

The enthusiasm made her chuckle, and she was reminded of some of the things her grandmother would say. "Sure, men love to say they'll make the effort, but we'll see when we're married," she teased him with a grin. "But... well, it would only be fair to keep to the spirit of our bet, yes? It seems you have a chance at the finals. A stronger chance than I have, at least, considering the last test."

[Funegao no Hirame]

"Wait and see, Ahiru. Wait and see." Hirame smirked back at her, giving his head that rakish tilt once more.

Slowly, he nodded. "Should I be so fortunate as to make it to the finals, yeah." He smiled at her. "Will you come watch me? I'd like that, even if I don't win. I'm no Kakita, but I'll do my best, and I've got a few moves, anyway..."

Hirame cast a quick glance around, noting the position of the boat with a mild frown.

[Kakita Ahiru]

"Of course I will watch! I might even cheer for you." She smiled smugly over that 'might'.

Seeing the frown, Ahiru sat up a bit straighter. "... What's wrong?"

[Funegao no Hirame]

Hirame grinned. "Guess we'll just have to see."

Seeing the concern, Hirame gave a quick shake of the head. "Nothing to worry about. Just have to reposition." He sighed. "And might be good to take her back to dock, before we lose the light." He rose, gripping the oar once more. A few strokes to even them out, and he began the steady back and forth back towards land.

As he did, he glanced back at Ahiru. "It's been fun, though. Your company is... nice." Indeed, he could imagine spending a lot of time with her. The idea seemed fun.

[Kakita Ahiru]

Being assured that nothing was wrong, she relaxed again and nodded.

"Just nice?" she giggled. "I admit... I enjoy spending time with you. Getting to know you better... so I look forward to doing more of that without the tournament hanging over us."

As the boat was moving back to the docks, she was looking forward to getting the chance to put on some more layers. It was getting rather chilly now.

[Funegao no Hirame]

Hirame glanced back with another grin at that. "Okay, okay, very nice." He didn't quite wink at her, but his eyelid twitched in definite suggestion of a wink.

Skillfully, he maneuvered the little tub up to the dock. "Yeah," He agreed, but no more was said until he'd tied on securely. Then he looked at Ahiru, smiling. "After the tournament, and before... everything that comes next. A little time to ourselves sounds like just the thing."

With his usual ease, he climbed onto the dock. With one hand, he held the rope, helping to steady the tub further, the other he offered to Ahiru.