[ We find Kenji and Tia, representing exactly 25% of Our Heroes, just exiting the Flying Couches home. Kenji has said they were going for a walk, so this is likely what they will do. ] [ It's a pleasant and cloudless late morning (I think), and as the campus seems quiet just now, it's likely a good time for a walk. Session Start!] * Tia exits the door wordlessly, her tail dragging heavily behind her and her wings drooping. * HKenji follows Tia out and closes the door SECURELY behind him. * Tia doesn't quite look at Kenji. The effects of the ice cream she had earlier have apparently worn off, and she looks unhappy again. * HKenji speeds up a little to walk beside Tia. * HKenji looks down. "Tia..." * Tia stops walking and doesn't answer. * HKenji takes a couple more steps and then notices Tia has stopped. * HKenji looks up at Tia, but doesn't say anything. * Tia is wiping at her eyes with a fresh handkerchief and quietly crying. Tia... I am... sorry. * Tia takes a deep breath and works to regain her composure. * Tia says quietly and hoarsely, "Seylin told me that one day you'd have to go home." * HKenji nods. I just never thought it'd be like this...or so soon. I most certainly did not, either. Do you hafta marry Armor Lady, Kenji? Yes. * Tia flinches at Kenji's answer. "...Why?" Because it is my duty. ...Do you like her? No. She is needlessly cruel, and nearly as overbearing as a Matsu. * Tia blinks. "But, then...why?" Because my family has decided that it is necessary. My marriage will seal a pact between our two families, leaving both better off. * Tia 's green eyes study the ground. "I don't understand." Samurai do not marry for love, Tia. Samurai marry for the good of the clan. I still don't understand... Why is that better? Better than what? Is the good of the clan so important? Yes. * Tia 's paws clench and unclench, her claws leaving furrows in the dirt. "But I'm not important to you..." You are very important to me. * Tia finally looks at Kenji, agitated. "But then, why are you marrying Armor Lady? I just don't understand how I could be important to you..." I am marrying because it is my duty to do so. My own feelings have no bearing on the matter. ...Can't you just tell them you won't do it? Can't you tell them you like Tia better? Refusing would dishonor everybody involved in such a way that only my death could make it better. * Tia sighs. "Maybe you're right. I don't understand Rokugan at all... but there's gotta be something I can do!" What would you do? * Tia thinks for a moment, opens her mouth, then closes it again. "I would fight Armor Lady, but everyone says it's a bad idea." Her ears droop, and she looks utterly crestfallen. It is. Even were you to win, I would be forced to marry one of her sisters. * Tia 's face is stubbornly set. "...I would fight them too!" You cannot win this, Tia. * Tia shifts uneasily. "I can't just give up." The marriage can be delayed, but not indefinitely. I will marry. Unless I die. * Tia expression turns sad again, and she shakes her head violently. "...No!" * HKenji reaches up and cups Tia's chin in his hand. "Be strong, Tia. Some things cannot be changed." * Tia sniffles. "...There's nothing you can do?" ...Nothing I can do? There are many things I could do, and that you could do. But they all end badly. * Tia looks down. She is quiet for a moment, as she gazes down at Kenji, her eyes spilling over with silent tears. Abruptly, she clutches Kenji in a tight hug and shudders, sobbing into his shoulder. * HKenji reaches around and awkwardly pats Tia on the back. * Tia says nothing and continues to sob. * HKenji just holds... er... is held by Tia until she stops crying. Not that he has much choice. * Tia eventually lets go, and backs away from Kenji. "Kenji..." * HKenji looks up at Tia and waits. * Tia quickly and lightly kisses him on the cheek. "I'm sad, but I forgive you." She turns and runs back toward the house. * HKenji shakes his head sadly and walks back to the house. [Session END! ...since no one else said it. ;P] [ What she said! ]