[Day 3 - Late Afternoon] Good Fortune and Cheer

[Bayushi Hotaru]

She tilted her head curiously at the Shinjo. "Do you truly worry, Shinjo-san? I'd like to think that the future is open with great possibilities, even if new experiences are strange and alien. Sometimes, it's a matter of keeping an optimistic mindset and sometimes it's just knowing what lies ahead. Actually, not that we're talking about it...I'm a skilled diviner when it comes reading the signs of the future or what may be in store for you."

Her hand casually brushed her hair, around where there was a length of red highlight. "The red string of fate are intangible but it doesn't mean they can't be seen with the right eyes."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It is a fleeting concern, but it does return as I contemplate my options here." he shrugged. "I am optimistic, usually, but that does not eliminate worry. The Unicorn are trying to discern where we belong within the Empire. For me, that is a much more personal question. The only answer I am certain of is that it won't be with my current clan."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"Ah! In that case, perhaps you will ultimately find yourself through introspection and in time. But! is it so fleeting if it's enough to worry you? It seems very much very much on the forefront of your mind, and quite relevant to your impending engagement?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I hadn't even considered it a few days ago." he shrugged. "But, most of those I've spoken with have expressed at least some hesitancy in joining another clan. Thinking about that I realised how likely it was that I would marry out of the Unicorn. It's more than just a possibility for me. So, it's been on my mind."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"It's admittedly a possibility that all of us will have to wrestle with when it comes to our respective spouses. More that a few samurai will find themselves with a partner and put in a less than familiar place. I don't know if you can take solace in knowing that others will share your fate, even those not your Clan," she smirked faintly at that.

"Do you then think it's better to be prepared than hope for the best?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I haven't met many others from a vassal family. The ones I am aware of have significant positions within their families. I do not." He explained it plainly. "Most I've spoken with have expressed a desire to stay with their clan. If their arrangements were with me, they would get their wish. Depending on my performance during the miai, I might not have any influence over that."

"I thought today's test would be my best chance to gain some influence." he sighed. "I did well, but not well enough. That's why it's on my mind."

"I'm sorry, Bayushi-sama. We should be discussing something more fun."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"To be truthful, I've been doing rather horribly myself, until today. It wasn't enough to gain in points, but I've managed to top myself. Also, I got to fling a bunch of arrows for the air kami to play with, at least. If you look into the silver lining, perhaps it'll turn gold eventually!" She laughed in jest at that. Wow, that was pretty corny...

"Of course!" She said in agreement on an optimistic note. "You mentioned that you told stories for fun...is that what you do as a hobby too, or are they other things?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Storytelling is the duty of my family." he said. "Beyond that, I am a scout and a hunter. I enjoy my time in the wild."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"I recall having a talk with Iuchi Sakusaha-san about hunting as a past time." She said with a glint in her eyes when she recalled the conversation a few days ago. "Is it really a preferred pastime among the Unicorn? So much so that you engage in hunting contests and the like? What's the biggest animal you've hunted and caught, so far?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"A bear." he answered. "On all four legs, as tall as a man. That was a difficult hunt, and almost my last."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

...I knew it! There are bears around here. "A bear?! Was that here, by chance? That must have been rather thrilling...and frightening at the same time! How long did it take? How did you do it?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"To the northeast, near the Dragon mountains." he answered. "It took a lot of arrows. Then, I made the mistake of thinking I had used enough. Bears get really angry when they are in pain."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Her eyes widened in amazement at Kemuri's tale and she placed her hand close to her lips to hide the fact she was gawking at his awesome feat. "That's so scary! You mean the bear almost...got to you? I don't know how I would have braved such an animal running at me. Thank the Heavens that you're alive now and victorious! Very well done!"

She blinked once and looked Kemuri over, as if trying to spot a scar or a veteran wound in plain sight. "...Were you injured?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I thank the Heavens and I thank Sarangerel." He nodded. "The bear lunged at me when I went near it, knocking me to the ground. My horse put himself between us, rearing up and distracting the beast long enough for me to get in the saddle. We rode away and a few more arrows finished it."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Hotaru just learned this week that Lions apparently could train lions to serve alongside them like fellow warriors. Was it the same when it came to Unicorn and their fellow horses?

She blinked in amazement as she dropped her hand. "Wow! Your horse did that for you? He must have been a very loyal companion to even risk his life like that! Are most Unicorn tied as closely with their horses, and the other way around, in your case?"