[x]Gman
You ponder this for a time, considering Shasa's words. In truth, you've not given much thought to such things. You've been far too busy with events as they happen to wonder about what might rest beneath the surface. Obviously Shasa has pondered on these matters, though. She is concerned, and perhaps you should be as well.
And yet, you are not. It is odd, but you really don't believe the Scorpion have any ill intent toward you and your allies. It takes you a few moments to transform instinct into thought, but when you do you allow yourself a small smile.
It's a rare thing for you to have an opportunity to express your thoughts at length.
"Your instincts are good ones Shasa-san," you say. "And tell the truth things have been so busy that I haven't thought it through like that. The Scorpion are, after all, Scorpion. I don't doubt that they do have a plan of some sort, but to what end? Yasuki-sama said courts can be like wars sometimes... And maybe I am a bit slow, so bear with me. As I see it the Scorpion could have three reasons to do what they did."
You hold up a hand and curl down one finger, a physical representation of the point you are about to make. Shasa quirks an eyebrow at the gesture, but otherwise ha no response and makes no motion to interrupt.
"First and foremost, we are young, and I have no doubt that they want to keep us from questioning them too closely," you say, taking care to keep away from a lecturing tone. The last thing you wish is to cause Shasa insult. "They wish to show that they are dedicated to ending this and that they can be trusted. It would be gauche to bring Yasuki-sama to the dungeons, but two young Crab Bushi? Who have already agreed to help and yet have a means to speak to Yasuki-sama? Well that is obvious. That could indeed be their only intent. Yet I feel this is too obvious."
You curl another finger down, and Shasa smiles in amusement. You suppose you can see why she might find some humor in your actions. After all, it's not often you speak at such great length. Most of the time you let others speak, and simply interject as necessary.
"Second," you continue. "The Magistrate Asami-sama wished to test our mettle before combat, to see how we handle the sight of humans dying and being tortured as opposed to the foul creatures below the Wall. This provided a controlled setting for her to gain some measure of us."
You curl the final finger.
"The third," you say. "And probably the least likely in my opinion is that she wished to both see what we know and to use that information. These lands are not so soft as it might appear, but I would wager that they do not have as much experience with the Taint as we do. In asking us down, she both got a little of our knowledge and was able to see what we knew without giving away that she was looking."
You drop your hand and shrug. Shasa's smile has grown wider, and she has rested her chin on her palm, elbow on the table. The gesture accentuates her beauty, as does her expression. You keep yourself from blushing, but it is a near thing.
"I could of course be completely wrong," you say, moving on as much to finish your thoughts as to distract you from Shasa. "I am not suited to the courts like you, and have probably missed something. No doubt Yasuki-sama would laugh at it."
"Maybe he would," Shasa responds, looking distinctly mirthful herself. She shakes her head and chuckles. "You surprise me sometimes, Sosuke-san."
You can't help but blink a little in response to Shasa's words.
"I can't imagine how," you say. "I'll be the first to admit I'm mostly what you see at first look."
"Oh no," Shasa says, chuckling again. "You're much more than that. But in any event, those are good reasons you gave." She stands up and brushes off her knees. "My thanks to you, Sosuke-san. Your words have relieved some of my worry."
"I am happy I could be of service, Shasa-san."
"It is much appreciated," Shasa says back. "I wish you a good day, Sosuke-san. I think I will rest the next few hours and ensure last night's injuries do not interfere with my readiness." Her smile fades, and her expression grows serious. "We will see each other again once the operation starts."
You nod back, your expression just as solemn. "Rest well, Shasa-san. I look forward to standing by your side on the battlefield."
Shasa bows to you, and then leaves. No doubt she returns to her room if she is going to rest for the day. Considering the wounds she received last night from those Tainted, you can't really begrudge her wanting some more rest. She doesn't seem to be in pain or out of sorts, but you know it is all too easy for the body to fool the mind on such matters. Your comrade is wise in her caution.
Now you are left with nothing but yourself and a table full of breakfast, with several hours left before you are obligated to do anything. You just need to make a decision on how you're going to utilize that time.
[] Write in.
