A bloody fool (Day 3, EE, open)

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

"-hime," she repeated, clearly amused but she didn't smirk despite how much she wanted to.

"Yes, Shinjo Liu Yue is my sister. You have met her then?" she asked, despite not having needed to.

[Soshi Taira]

Taira turned a little more pink. "If I was to be -dono, I believed it only fair."

A slow breath. "Hai, I have. She was very patient with my fumbling attempts to learn how to ride a unicorn steed, and has generally demonstrated remarkable courtesy. She claims you are 'to blame' for that."

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

"Maybe I have managed to help instill some good traits in her after all," she said as if to herself but clearly not. Never did the generally smug look to the woman seem to fade.

"So, she tried to teach you how to ride a horse? Feel any more confident with it in your time after trying to ride Hikazume? Or were you perhaps, distracted?" she asked flat.

[Soshi Taira]

"The second attempt went much better than the first."

As for her comment about distraction, he just looked away, contemplating his answer.

"I expect, with time, I could achieve some manner of competence in the art. She is a most patient sensei."

With a soft sigh, he glanced at the Ryuuta. "I'm sure most of those gathered expect to undertake that effort."

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

"Hmm, yes," she agreed on the point of her sister. However Fei just looked to his bandages, "I suppose the first attempt is how you got yourself in that condition then?"

Following the glance toward the other woman whom she knew was at least a Minor clanner if not whatever one contained the Ryuuta family, Fei decided to ask, "Ryuuta-san, can you ride a horse?"

[Soshi Taira]

Taira nodded, unable to hide his chagrin.

"Hai, the stirrup was a new experience."

At least he got back up and got on, which was, to him, at least a small point of pride in the larger failure.

[Ryuuta Tsume]

"Nay, though I do know how to properly care for one I have no experience riding."

Tsume listens to the description of equipment thoughtfully.

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

Fei simply nods in response to the woman's answer. Looking then to Taira with a raised brow, "What do you even use instead of a stirrup?"

[Soshi Taira]

"Given I'd ridden only a little, and usually at a rather slow, traveling pace, just a saddle."

He shrugged. "It certainly is a useful thing, once you get the hang of it."

[Ryuuta Tsume]

"There are many situations where it would be useful. I'd prefer to stay on my feet but the advantage that it gives to couriers and warriors is clear. The forest I hail from would be an impediment."