A number of samurai-ko and other women from the base gathered in the women's barracks, and several bottles of sake had appeared.

"A cry for our sister, striking her first blow against the forces of the Shadowlands!" Ishiyo called, and the entire barracks lent out a roar.

"Now drink in her honor!" she added, and a cup was pressed into Kasumi's hands.

Since she didn't want to insult anyone, Kasumi drank.

There was a cheer, and her drink was refilled.

Kasumi was a bit concerned, she didn't have more fortitude when it came to alcohol, but this was part of the celebration, so she kept drinking.

Another drink was poured for her. One of the samurai said, "Hey, it's good to see you joining in the fun.  We always thought you thought you were too good for us."

Kasumi could already feel the sake working.

"Oh, no, no. You're my husband's clan and I will do everything I can to support him."

"That's the spirit!" she said, slapping Kasumi on the back and nearly knocking her off the bench.

Kasumi giggled at that and kept drinking.

Jiro walked into the barracks, uncertain of what to expect.

Perhaps, in retrospect, he should have expected a drunk bride.

"Ah, Kasumi!" he called.  "Are you well?  I have news..."

"Ah, Jiro-sama," Kasumi said, clearly drunk. "I'm great! How is my wonderful husband?"

"I am well enough," he said, moving to catch her if necessary.  "Ah, I have received important news that I... do need to tell you at once.  We're being sent on an important assignment, away from the Wall."

"Ah, well, as long as it is with you, dear husband," Kasumi said.

The rest of the women whooped and hollered at that.

Well.  All right, at least Kasumi was leaving a good impression-- killing monsters, drinking heavily, being attached to her husband.  That might save her some hazing... although she wouldn't have to deal with the barracks.

"We're being sent to Ryoko Owari to deal with an issue with some vanished investigators," he said.  "Ah, I can tell you the details in the morning.  But we must make ready to travel tomorrow."

"Ah, I don't think I had the chance to unpack in the first place," Kasumi said as she nuzzled her head against Jiro's chest.

Jiro looked uncomfortable, but... well, this was nice.

He blushed and cleared his throat.

"We, ah, should be ready in the morning, then," he said.  "So perhaps this should be an earlier night than usual."

"But I want to spend more time with you," Kasumi said.

"Not in here you're not, Jiro," Ishiyo said. "There are ladies present." There was a ripple of raucous laughter at that.

Jiro cleared his throat.

"...if I could take you away from your celebration for a bit, I suppose..." he said.  There really was no winning here, but it wasn't all bad.

"But everyone is being so nice," Kasumi said. "It should be okay because it's Jiro-sama..."

Well, they were newly married.  That was a reasonable excuse.  Jiro picked Kasumi up and carried her of somewhere private.

Kasumi tried towrap her arms around iro's neck and kiss him, but she was having some difficulties.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:36, Fri 01 Jan 2021.

Jiro, luckily, was large and strong enough to keep her stable.

"...You're very drunk," he observed.  "As is proper.  I have things that I need to tell you, but perhaps in the morning."

"Less talk, more, um, improper things," Kasumi said.

Well, clearly there was no point in talking.  He went to kiss her... (Fade to black)