Dark Edge Village

There is a slight scratch at frame of the door, not loud enough to wake any but the lightest sleeper, but loud enough to be heard by someone that is awake. The Shinjo had said he'd check in on the Hare after last night's gastro-adventure and he was there to follow up and see how she was doing. Meushi was tied up outside in case she was feeling up for the ride.

She came to the door. And looked like death run over. Her hair was matted from a sweaty sleep, there were bags under her eyes, and she greeted the Unicorn with a large yawn.

"Oh? Oh! Oh yes, Shinjo-san," she was pale, but attempted a thin smile, and tried to smooth her hair to make herself somewhat presentable.

"Our ride, right... Right... Shinjo-san, I just don't think I am up to stomach all the bouncing this way and that aboard your steed. Can we sit, instead? And stay... on the ground, where it is stable?" Tsukimi gave him a sheepish smile.

He looks concerned for the Hare. "Of course. Please, rest up." He pulls out his bottle of water and ushers it into her hands. "I was hoping it would pass sooner. Have some water."

She nodded deeply. "Thank you," for the water. She motions in, and holds the yurt door open further. "Please, come in."

She moves to retrieve two cups.

"I fear I did not sleep very well... And I was up late, so that did not help things either."

"Lie down then," he suggests, following her in. He thought of offering food but he wondered if she might be sickened by the thought. "It's unfortunate that you have to deal with this illness and that it kept you up. If you like I could try to go find someone trained in medicine, but at this point I think you're really just dealing with symptoms that will have to pass in time."

"Laying down makes me queasy. I'd rather sit. Will you sit with me? Share some water? Or I can put on some tea?" She offered a smile.

"So last night, when I couldn't sleep, I went out for a walk, which led me to meet a Dragon and a Moto. And we were joined by birds. Undead birds."

She paused. Then looked back at Monkhbaatar.

"That spoke."

"Don't worry about anything. If you would like tea I'll prepare it so you can sit and rest," he says with a warm look. One that promised he was more than happy to help her out.

"That's definitely odd and brings back thoughts of the dark ride," he says giving a solemn nod.

"Thank you, Shinjo-san," she did look exhausted, and took a seat, filling her cup of water and then motioning if he wished the same.

"Your kindness knows no bounds."

She watched him, enjoying the sight of him in her yurt.

"The dark ride?" she inquired.

"When one has the ability to help they should. I find that to be the most fulfilling way to interact with others. While my etiquette may fail me... somewhat frequently... I won't ever let my heart." He moves about her yurt to begin to prepare water for tea.

"Yes, the dark ride was the last and most dangerous leg of our journey before finally reaching the empire. We were beset by dangerous monsters and misleading illusions. But our champion led us through it with both skill and courage."

She listened intently.
"That sounds dreadful. I'm sure it was terrible, and I am glad you were successful in your return." She offered a smile and a nod.

He sat as the water boiled and shrugged at that with a slight smile. "It was part of the challenge. A challenge to reach a goal that I am sure will be well worth it. Nothing worth doing ever came without putting in effort."

"This is true. We value those things which we work for, for we know how much they are worth."

"I look forward to seeing your efforts during the miai, to see exactly what it is you are looking for, what you consider to have that kind of value. I hope to be able to observe you, watch you're exploits here closely."

"I'm glad to hear I am of interest to you, Shinjo-san, when there are so many other women here looking for a husband, and I am a humble Hare," she lowered her gaze to her cup. "As for what I am looking for, I am still learning that, in and of itself. I hope to learn new things about myself while I am here, as your people introduce me to new things, as well. Except ...cheese. Cheese and I do not get along," she laughed a bit deprecatingly then.

As the sound of water boiling became audible, Monkhbatar moved to remove the pot and begin the steeping process.

"There are many women and many men. It is not only an opportunity to find a spouse, it's an opportunity to make friends and allies. We can each only be paired with one other when all is said and done, but even if things don't turn out that way I would still like to count many of the people I meet here as friends," he says with a smile. "And while I may not be able to share the same love with friends as I would with a wife, I would still have a place for any of them in my heart."