(D3, LA) What A Fine Day

[Tonbo Misa]

Having at least listened to the archery contest, even if she hadn't participated, Misa made her way through the streets of Dark Edge Village afterward. The bustle of people all around always cheered her up and made her smile, especially children, as well as music and play. She was careful as she walked along, Sanmi before her making sure she didn't bump into anyone and avoiding merchants. The two finally stopped at a corner close to a few stands that counted as a sort of market, Misa just listening to the crowds.

[Shinjo Taichi]

It had a day of learning for Taichi. Learning about the minor clans in the morning, followed by the shocking discovery that taking a grand stance in face did not improve your ability to hit a target. A little disappointed with his showing in his family's event, he took to the streets to wander for a while.

Spotting the Tonbo he approached, bowing quite deeply. "Good day, Tonbo-sama. How have you found our lands so far?"

[Tonbo Misa]

Picking out the voice in the crowd, Misa turned to face it. After Sanmi whispered who was approaching, Misa gave a bow, smiling. "Shinjo-san, good afternoon. This one is Tonbo Misa, and your lands have been quite lovely. Have you found them the same since your clan's return?"

[Shinjo Taichi]

As she bowed, he bowed again, matching the height of hers. "Shinjo Taichi. It is something of a change to settle down, but we are home now. It's a strange thing. Still, I'm glad that the other clans are enjoying our hospitality, for the Unicorn prides itself on being very welcoming. Are you also here for the miai?"

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa gave a small nod, looking just a bit more towards him. "I am, yes. The Dragon thought we would send at least a few to show support for the children of Shinjo-kami. After helping your clan be guided back, we wish only the best for you and yours. You are participating as well then I take it."

[Shinjo Taichi]

Noting that she was obviously having some difficulty looking directly at him, he attempted to make himself a little less grand. It seemed like the Courteous thing to do. "Hai, my lord heard of my work to reconnect our culture with that of our homeland and insisted that I take part. To take my efforts further, as it were." He paused for a moment "We owe your clan a great debt for your assistance in guiding us back, so if there is anything that I can do personally to make your stay here more enjoyable, please let me know."

[Tonbo Misa]

The Dragon woman smiled more warmly at that. "Your clan, and family, have done much already to make me feel welcomed and appreciated, so there is little I could truly ask." She paused a moment, thoughtfulness on her face, before she seemed to decide. "Perhaps something simple, but... could you describe this area to me? I admit that I will not understand some things, but I have learned to make out visual descriptions a bit at least. It sounds very lovely at least."

[Shinjo Taichi]

Taichi took the realisation that she was blind quite easily. His clan's Champion, a woman who he looked up to, suffered from the same affliction after all. After a pause, he replied "Ah, well this is but a small town, so there are no great crowds as one would expect in a city, but there are a number of people working towards the completion of their day's work. There is a small market just near you, where goods are being exchanged."

Acknowledging that visual things were perhaps less important than getting a sense of the environment, he changed to a more broad description "The Unicorn is a compassionate clan, one where everyone works side by side. People do not hurry but take time to do things right, and all appear content to do honest work. There are some children over there" he gestured, then felt a little silly when he realised that she couldn't see it "playing under the gaze of some adults. The mood is light, thanks to the presence of the miai."

He paused "Does that suffice?"

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa listened carefully, nodding at points, having learned it as a cue for others. At Taichi's question she grinned softly. "I see no reason to say it wouldn't Shinjo-san, arigato. Though I find it an interesting note that you so easily refer to all of those around us as Unicorn. Are the heimin here those that traveled with the Unicorn, or were they here when your clan arrived? I realize they are fully now, but I wonder how all adapted in the past months if indeed they've lived here long before."

[Shinjo Taichi]

Hrmm, he hadn't thought about that. "As we travelled, we did not have the luxury to make such distinctions. Even now, I think there are likely more samurai within the Unicorn than heimin. But if they live within the lands of my clan, are they not members of it?"

At the second part he was more thoughtful "It has been difficult for many, it is true. The Moto especially, as this is not their ancestral home as it is for those of my family." He puffed himself up "But myself and many other individuals have been doing our best to try to ease the transition for both those who just returned and those that have worked this land for generations."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa's face showed a warm sincerity as she smiled. "Of that I never questioned. As I said, your clan has shown nothing but the full compassion of Shinjo-Kami since returning, and having spent some time among the people, they seem content. I pray that generations to come slowly form a deeper bond and understanding between samurai and peasant."

[Shinjo Taichi]

"That's my hope as well. It is part of who we are... and we would not want to disappoint Shinjo-kami when she returns to us." He thought a moment, trying to think of a diplomatic way to approach this "I have heard that the Dragon also shares our views. Although it sounds as though times have been difficult in the Dragon lands."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa nodded softly, but her tone was just gentle rather than holding any sort of remorse. "There have been some troubles, hai, though there is also much to show hope for the future. The fortunes of my own family seem worse than nearly any other, but that is my duty to turn around as well."

She paused, smiling gently. "The Dragon have always been a thoughtful, adaptive people Shinjo-san. With the help of your clan, I know we will have a bright future."

[Shinjo Taichi]

His tone was a gentle "Just this morning Usagi Tomoe-san briefly mentioned your family and what happened. It is sad when things such as that happen, but also a good chance for a new beginning, as you seem aware." He smiled wryly "It seems that journeys through the darkness often seem to have happy endings."

[Tonbo Misa]

"I don't think I can say that everything that has happened to the Tonbo will turn out to be good, though good will come from it in the end, I've no doubt. With the help of your clan, and others, I'm certain we will make a new path toward the future." Her smile remained softly as she spoke.