For what it's worth. (Day 6, LE, Expecting)

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue let out a small giggle. "You can be a little mysterious if that is what you wish, Taira-dono." Her expression turned a bit embarrassed, prompting her to close her eyes and smile even wider. "I like flavorful foods and drinks. I have especially taken a liking to the sweets of the Empire."

[Soshi Taira]

"Well, I'm glad. I have an image to maintain, you know."

He couldn't help but smile, and added, "Oh hai, some of our chefs make the most astounding things. I often have to remind myself that my lord would not have me spend all of his wealth on dango, to keep myself in check."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"However, if you become Shinjo Taira, you will not be wearing your mask." She pondered on it for a moment. "You may claim that it shows enough of your face to be acceptable for the Unicorn."

She patted her stomach a couple times. "I am glad that I have not gained much weight from my appetite. I have heard that it is of a greater concern for older samurai." She began to laugh. "You would have to manage our estate well to keep me from spending all the money on sweets."

[Soshi Taira]

"I'll keep that in mind."

He sighed. "You think they'd prefer I didn't wear one, then?"

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"I remember you mentioning that those who marry out of the Scorpion often leave their masks behind." Yue looked up to the sky for a moment as she thought on the matter. "I prefer to see people without their masks. You know that, Taira-dono. However, I cannot speak on behalf of my whole Family nor Clan."

[Soshi Taira]

"Of course... I just have grown used to it. I suppose I would adapt. I'd have an easier time than many of my kin, with more complete masks."

He shrugged his shoulder, the one off the ground, and then rolled back onto his back, glancing sideways at her. "Do you think your kin will be tolerant of Imperial laws? Of our customs regarding travel and trade? I don't know if you clan is used to the idea of those limitations and barriers we have come to take for granted."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Some may see it as a way of preserving your ancestors. After all, a Unicorn who marries out of the Clan will still want to keep their horse."

She met his sideways glance. "I am not sure, Taira-dono. I do not know much about the laws or customs," she admitted. "I know that I will not enjoy them and neither would my sister. We are free spirits." She let out a soft sigh. "Perhaps it is better that we do not wander any longer."

[Soshi Taira]

"Hai, I could see that being difficult."

A soft sigh, and he cast his gaze up to the sky. "I wouldn't know how to travel like that, all my life. I am too fond of the corner stalls I've learned to know, the way the moon cuts through the temple arches by the shrine to daikoku on a clear night... too many small things... It would b every different, travelling so far. Seeing new wonders, but never staying to explore them in full."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue shook her head as much as one could on the grass. "I learned to be attached to what came with me. I had my Clan and my Family." She smiled at him. "However, I suppose I may learn to appreciate the 'small things' as you put it."

[Soshi Taira]

"Hai... and perhaps I will to make do with such simple, profound things."

Taira chuckled.

"I wouldn't mind seeing the world... though I do not envy the journey it required of you."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"I hope to venture around the Empire and see the lands of every Clan. I have been told that that is a lofty dream. However, I can still hope for such an outcome." Yue let out a soft sigh. "I would not choose to make that journey again. However, I do not harbor any Regret."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira nodded. "A journey about the empire would be, I suspect, much more pleasant. Much easier."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"What are the sights of the Scorpion lands? I want to imagine seeing them." Yue let out a soft chuckle. "Would that ruin the surprise, Taira-dono?"

[Soshi Taira]

"It depends... they are not tiny."

With a chuckle he considered the question. "There are impressive cities, the forests of the shinomen, and the river of gold, for starters... It would depend on what you are searching for."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"River of gold? I must assume that it is not made of solid gold." Clearly that was what fascinated her first.