Dark Edge Village

The events were drawing to a close, and soon the miai would be over. Hideo thinks back on the 10 days, and smiles. It was quite a lovely time, if somewhat frustrating, but he wouldn't have changed a lot. Especially not the people he met.

Well, except for the mornings divination. Ugh.

So he leans against the fences, and watches the horse racing around. Considering his future.

One of these racing horses was a big, silvery white stallion. Astride to it is a familiar Battle Maiden. She provides the Seppun a smile with a waving hand, does one more lap and then takes their way outside of the flux to approach the Imperial.

"Good evening! Lovely sunset, is it not?" She asks him while dismounting.

The horse charging round with the heiress on quickly gained Hideo's attention, and he smiled at her and nodded as she passed. She received a deep bow as the woman approached and dismounted.

"Good evening Otaku-sama. It is a quite beautiful sunset" he agreed "although you and your beautiful horses run was a very impressive sight. I hope you both are well?"

There's a bit of embarrassment from the compliment, but she bow she provides manages to mask it with formality. Once near and at the same level, she speaks in her usual tone, "Thank you. Too kind," she looks at his wondering, "Seppun-san should ride along, no?"

Hideo looked curious. "If I had a horse I would certainly join you. Unless you mean ride with you on your horse?"

The presses her lips, and widens her eyes at Gekko, slightly shaking her head, "Gekko-kun is rather... selective. Seppun-san could try. Perhaps feeding him first and then we might see how he reacts. If not, I can fetch one of the unmounted steeds running and bring it here."

"Gekko-sama is a quite magnificant horse" Hideo said as he looked at the horse, drawing closer "I have no treats on me sadly. Have you got any so I can see if he will like me?"

Opening a wide grin, Kitakuhime turns to her horse and starts to unbutton –– yes, buttons –– a hidden pocket at Gekko's saddle. The horse neighs, already knowing what was there.

With her hands closed, she gets nearby Takeo and opens them while hiding from the curious horse. She shows Hideo him two white cubes, made of a sweet, crunchy compact powder.

"He'll love this. Just take care he may bite. Not very gentle."

Hideo looked at the cubes curiously, and accepted them with a nod, moving to Gekko. "I have a gift for you Gekko-sama. I cannot say I am as lovely a person as your Otaku-sama, but I hope you can accept them from this humble Imperial."

Gekko sniffs the Imperial, and the boy actually smells of Honor. Sugar and Honor. More Honor than sugar. The towering warhorse snorts and moves towards his hands, impatiently.

Hideo holds up his hands, offering the cubes to the horse respectfully.

Fast as lightning, Gekko noms on HIdeo's hand, leaving a generous dribble on where the treats were. It chews for some time, and starts to sniff him for more. Kitakuhime comes for the saving, holding the creatures neck, "Good boy, good boy. Now, be considerate with Seppun-san and show some respect."

The warhorse looks to Hideo showing no emotions.

Hideo smiled up at the horse, bowing to him. "I hope the treats were enjoyable Gekko-sama?"

He looked to Kitakuhime, adding "he is a quite amazing horse, you must be very proud of him."

"I am. But sometimes I think he's the one proud of himself." Kitakuhime giggles, covering her face a bit. "Try the saddle."

Hideo nodded, moving to the saddle on the suggestion and climbing up.

D10 EE horsemanship: 4d10o10k3 22