Dark Edge Village

Illuminated by the bright night sky –– even if partially covered –– kitakuhime walks down the village's alleys with a long and orange atifact in her hand. Gekko follows at her side, patiently chewing on the bite of the carrot he took a while ago.

(I exist to grumpily serve)

From the darkness, a dark figure emerged, garbed in dark kimono and with dark hair falling over his dark eyes. It was very dark, apart from the moonlight. So it wasn't that dark, but impressions were important.

Taira had gone to see the games event, and been driven out immediately by unacceptably public snogging. This had left him wandering the streets, pondering the way in which things seemed to have turned on their heads.

The site of an Otaku and her steed gave him pause, and he wondered what she was doing out this late, with her horse.

The girl stops upon sight of the figure clad in dark. The horse snorts and she raises an arm to block the probable incoming trample. She looks to the figure again, expecting it to announce itself.

Stepping completely into the moonlight, Taira bowed, and then straightened, an eyebrow arched. "Good evening, Otaku-sama. I wasn't expecting to run into you at this hour, especially with such a noble steed. My apologies if I'm intruding."

Kitakuhime caresses Gekko's forehead, and the horse shakes seems to bow to the Scorpion. The Otaku smiles and, likewise, bows to Taira. "There's no intrusion. It is Gekko that wasn't familiar with Soshi-san's presence. Look, he seems to be grateful for the compliment."

There's a giggle. "And so am I."

Taira smiled. "I'm glad. He is truly mighty."

Glancing toward the two, he did note she hand't answered his question. Perhaps one wasn't coming. Adjusting the bandage on his forehead so scratch an itch, he added, "I was just headed back after seeing the games my kinsman hosted... It was perhaps a little more lively than I was prepared for."

She was honestly unaware of any questions. "Games?"

The girl gets nearer and asks, looking at the bandage, "A-are you hurt?"

"Not so badly. I took a tumble learning a little of how to ride."

With a soft sigh, he added, "It was a good lesson."

"Your first fall, then."

She grins. "It means you're already improving. Congratulations in this achievement, Soshi-san."

He looked puzzled.

"I suppose. Is it a milestone to fall?"

"It is. But only if you do not break a bone. Then you must learn how to fall again." The girl points out. "Did you enjoy the ride... I mean, while it lasted?"

"Hai."

He chuckled.

"After I got back on, it went much better."

"Shinjo Liu Yue. She was most patient."

He nodded faintly.

Shinjo Liu Yue seems to be very popular around the Scorpion, eh...

"Oh." She blinks. "I only hear compliments about her."