week four | match ceremony

[marriagebroker]

Tonight, they're back at the courtyard for the fourth and final time. Nothing has changed too drastically decor wise, there are still lanterns abound and a table full of food and drink. There is also now a third couch near the special couches for Messmer and Odile, if they so choose to sit there. But again, you do you! Wei Wuxian is certainly not going to stop you.

Speaking of that guy, he's here and dressed to impress again. He's looking snazzy. He's waiting for everyone to arrive, watching as they do and grinning broadly all the while. Then when everyone arrives, he clears his throat and begins to speak.

"You all have achieved three of the eight lights you need to win the game. With the match of Messmer and Odile, you only have to light up five lights tonight to succeed. Let's hope you pick right, huh?"

But he has complete faith in everyone! So, let's get this show on the road.

"Team Wangji, you're up."

Comments

[poans]

[Yi Sang perks up at Odile's entry. Bidding her wordless command, he makes himself scarce to witness her poetry recitation from the audience's viewpoint.

As expected, her delivery is nothing less than exemplary. The words initially give him pause, but a ray of clarity cuts through the haze of perplexity with her explanation. He sits with the message for a moment and two before joining her at her place of respite.]

Miss Odile, if I may . . . what plans might you have in store for the future?

[researcherstory]

[ If anyone was going to appreciate it, it was Yi Sang... she doesn't have any fancy talents like the beautiful music they're sported with. ]

Traveling for a time more, then... I think I'll return to Ka Bue, though from there I haven't decided.

[ Maybe back to book repairs, or simply a quiet life until she dies, both dotted with visits not only from her current party but with and to those she'd met here... it might differ some if Yingying accepts her proposal, but she needn't if Poppy's really planning on anything... ]

[poans]

[Then things have yet to be set in stone. Yi Sang pauses, pondering what she expressed to him a mere week ago and what she's shared with their fellows just now.]

Miss Yingying has relayed to me your offer. Though I dare not speak on her behalf, I must wonder . . . if I, too, might share in your travels and experiences, and learn more about Ka Bue by your side. [His eyes crinkle around the corners, softening.] Perhaps you could also . . . illuminate me on how karuta is played?

[researcherstory]

[ nevermind edamura in the future she has two purse dogs to take back home

Odile seems taken aback a moment, but quickly schools her expression back into neutrality as she feigns consideration. Truthfully, it needs none at all -- she had meant it when she chose him at the ceremony, that he could be companion to her if he should like, that she would be pleased if he were... to be asked though is different, and after the courteous moment she lets a small smile slip out. ]

Of course. Of course, Yi Sang -- it was you whom I asked first, was it not? I take your words now as acceptance, whether or not Yingying does my own offer.

[ Though, she hopes she does.

A beat. ]

It will be many years until you can beat me at karuta, in any case. We'll have time to wait.

[poans]

[His smile widens in turn, relief draining the tension in his shoulders. Before, a mere week or two felt like an endless struggle; now, the sound of years rings clearly and fondly in his ears.

Yingying will surely accept. With this, Odile can have another companion by whom she rises when dawn breaks. The light of morning needn't be so cold or bare.]

I look forward to the turn of seasons.

[Odile has many years before her still. Rather than resignation, he would like to look at them with anticipation.]