(D1, LA) Exchange Program

[Seppun Hideo]

"You are correct Moto-san; your ways of survival and managing outside the Empire are far different to our own, and it is certainly something both sides will need to adapt. You and your kin have been welcomed back, and we are truly honoured to finally be reunited with the samurai that wandered the lands for so long. However, there needs to be understanding for both sides."

Hideo held out his hands, equal height on either side.

"We, the Samurai of the Empire, need to understand that you and your kin have lived as you have for hundreds of years, and cannot be expected to become paragons of all that is quintessential as a samurai. The Unicorn will also need to adapt to the customs and ways of the Empire that have dictated the appropriate way to act for hundreds of years. A balance can be struck I believe, even if this will take quite some time."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa smiled warmly at both men's words. "And of course, that is a part of the goal of tonight, to start that understanding... both ways too. I heard that shellfish and other ocean delicacies were brought for the feast Moto-san. Will they be a first for you?"

[Moto Butaj]

Butaj rubs his nose in thought. "Butaj doesn't disagree, but you haven't mentioned that learning goes both ways. We can learn your ways, but will you learn ours too?" The Moto looks at the Imperial, but then food is discussed and Butaj brightens. "Haha, probably! Butaj doesn't even really know what is this shellfish Tonbo Misa speaks of. Butaj is a man of the steppe."

[Seppun Hideo]

"I am never against learning, Moto-san" Hideo replied "I intend to learn about you and your kin, and your ways. After all, I may end up joining the Unicorn at the end of this."

[Tonbo Misa]

An Imperial marrying into the Unicorn was an interesting enough thought for Misa, but the silly little momentary image of Butaj and Hideo lovers made Misa flush. She covered it up by fixing her hair a bit. "I am certain the Unicorn would be honored to have you Seppun-san. As for shellfish... has Moto-san at least had river or lake fish?"

[Moto Butaj]

"We will be honored when it happens. Butaj is glad Seppun Hideo is ready to know more of our ways." Butaj smiles, wondering what the blush is about. "Rivers and lakes, and plenty of fish, crayfish and the like! The great Nahr'umar even had crocodiles and river dolphins."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa nodded a bit. "Shellfish come from the ocean, a lake where the other shore cannot be found. They wear armor like warriors that you crack open to eat. Or so I'm told."

[Moto Butaj]

Butaj contemplates it for a moment. "So it's like a steppe, just made of water."

[Tonbo Misa]

"Perhaps. I've seen neither before, so... perhaps Seppun-san could say?" Misa gave a look in Hideo's direction.

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo took a moment to consider how to answer that.

"Yes and no. As far as they look, a Steppe and an ocean would look similar. However, the ocean isn't still. The water is always moving, sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly. It can be terrifying, and yet beautiful."

[Moto Butaj]

Butaj frowns. "The steppe lives. It is never still either." He takes his topshur and starts playing and singing about the steppe as if this could make a point. The song is very emotional and moving though. It is clear to both that Butaj holds special affection for the seas of grass.

(The Beautiful Steppe)

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa listened carefully with a smile, eyes closed though there was no need for them to be. She seemed to enjoy the song, though she remained silent. She gave a bow when Butaj finished, her face showing her reaction even though she said nothing.

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo also fell silent. Not truly agreeing with Butaj, but his song was enjoyable at least. He offered a bow to the man as he finished.

"A wonderful piece Moto-san. It is clear how passionate you are about the Steppes, perhaps another difference in how we view things is why I do not see the ocean and the Steppes as similar."

[Moto Butaj]

"Butaj thinks the truth of the mind and the truth of the heart are two things. While the former can be one at times, the latter will often be many. The Unicorn bring a new story to the East and we will try to tell it. We will keep speaking with our hearts. Can you listen with your hearts too?" Butaj smiles only gently, speaking with more seriousness in his voice. The emotion of the song still lingers in it as he looks between Misa and Hideo.

[Tonbo Misa]

"The truth is something few ever fully find, or understand if they do." Misa gave a small nod. "Even those who have lived here together their entire lives can fail to understand each other, but there will always be those who listen, to their own hearts as well as others. This will be no different."