Animals & Bugs (D1, Late Evening)

[Soshi Taira]

"Wait... so you don't get a new steed?"

He couldn't quite mask his surprise.

"So... are you not seeking a husband at this miai then?"

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She shakes her head at his question, "If we choose to, yes. We may return to combat duty."

The other question gets skipped. Perhaps she had not paid so much attention.

[Soshi Taira]

"Ah... so it is simply customary? Or..."

As his other question was left unanswered, he just scratched the mane of the horse which now investigated his ear in search of carrots.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She blinks at his other question. "Nani?"

[Soshi Taira]

"Ah, you said you would take a husband after your steed retired, but that you could choose to return to riding instead... I wasn't sure I followed your explanation, I'm sorry."

He gave her an apologetic smile.

"I'm still trying to learn your clan's ways, and sometimes I do not speak as clearly as I wish."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She brings her hands together, apologetically. "Gomen. I haven't explained it properly: We retire once our steed is old enough, then we marry and must have children. After they are old enough to ride, we may return to active duty."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira considered that, and then nodded. "I see. Among the clans, some bushi will entrust their children to servants, so that they can return to duty sooner. I suppose it depends on the mother, and the status of the individuals."

With a soft chuckle, he added, "So you are here to observe the events then? I'm sure your horse is young and strong, so you are not yet to marry, yes?"

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"I--" She blushes, but then it soon disappears, "Gekko is indeed young and strong, thank you. I must find a worthy husband and set an example."

[Soshi Taira]

"Ah."

Taira nodded.

"I suppose that's why we are all here, to set an example of co-operation."

Brushing the mane of the mare, he contemplated what he had been told, as his hair was now investigated with loud snorts.

"Thank you for telling me... I can see I still have much to learn of your ways."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"You're welcome." She nods, and steps back, getting a better view of them mare and the Scorpion caressing each other, "I think you'll do a fine Unicorn samurai... with proper training."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira paused, feeling distinctly off balance.

After a momentary silence, he asked, quietly, "Apart from friendliness toward these fine beasts, what other attributes would you desire in a husband?"

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

With a hand going back to her waist, she ponders over his question with eyes closed.

"I would say," she suddenly starts, "That we would benefit from compassionate samurai capable of strengthening our ties with the Empire."

[Soshi Taira]

"I see."

He wondered why horse lips were so course, as his neck was nuzzled.

"That does seem very reasonable. I also fear my collar may not survive much additional fraternizing, beautiful though my new friend here may be."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"What does Soshi-san expect in his future Unicorn bride?" She asks him in return.

[Soshi Taira]

Taira contemplated that, while gently deflecting the nose from his garb.

"I suppose... I would prefer someone who is a partner, who I can trust, and who trusts me. I would like to stand back to back, as equals. I know I fall short in some ways, and that she might in others. I would hope we could support and improve one another."