Animals & Bugs (D1, Late Evening)

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"I am grateful." She squints her eyes at the treatment, but approves his statement. "So, is Duty is a tenant the Scorpion more easily adhere to?"

[Soshi Taira]

"It is our highest calling."

His face took on a lopsided smile.

"Whatever the rumors, there are few to none who will deny our dedication to Duty."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"As heir to the Otaku, I know my fare share of duty." The girl mentions and looks to the herd, again. "Have you ever rode a horse... I mean, a pony?"

[Soshi Taira]

He nodded. "I have, though only for travel. Nothing so impressive as this."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"I'm so used to look at them, I forget they can impress this much." She looks to the boy and smiles, inviting him to get nearby, "You might need to get familiar –– care to touch one?"

[Soshi Taira]

(Taira is actually 4 inches taller and 4 years older, )

"Can I?" He stepped closer, carefully. "I'm told they are not fond of strangers, and I wouldn't want to cause any alarm."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

As he gets nearby, the girl notices how tall he really was. She takes a step back, lowering her eyes –– and blushing just a tiny little bit. Kitakuhime while gently pulls the horse's neck, and the animal turns its head to greet the man. "They might bite at first... or kick."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira considered that.

"Well... of the two, a bite seems slightly preferable."

He stepped closer again, observing how the horse reacted.

It was all well and good to meet new people, and horses, but losing fingers was not on his agenda for the night.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She giggles, looking back up. "Come on. She has already agreed, see." Kitakuhime brings the horse's head towards Taira's shoulder –– unless he dodges away.

[Soshi Taira]

The man was... stoic, as he presented himself for examination by the steed.

Provided it didn't bite his face off, he would even, gingerly, pat the side of the neck, like the ponies had liked.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

The mare was gentle and very kind after a proper introduction, and some get-to-know. She sniffs his clothes and tries to nibble on his collar, but Kitakuhime shoos her a bit, and the mare stops.

"Forgive me. I shouldn't have allowed her to nibble on your kimono."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira chuckled.

"It's fine. It's a working garment, and has seen its share of adventure."

Gently scratching the horse on the bridge of the nose, he added, "And what is her name?"

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"This is Hinode-chan." She also scratches mare a bit: nearby the horse's ears. "I would like her to become my stallion's mate. Time will tell."

[Soshi Taira]

That made his ears slightly pink, as the subject suddenly landed on mates, but he didn't show it on his face.

"Ah. So a fine mare then? I'm honored to meet you, Hinode-chan."

He scratched her ear, and added, "If you don't mind my asking, do you keep the same horse for a long time? Or does it depend on your duties?"

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"Until they retire. When they do, we must take a husband and have children." She smiles.