(D4, EA) I Like Horses

[Matsu Yurio]

"He bested me three falls to one. Our styles are wildly different. It was exhilarating."

His eyes showed that it truly had, but of course Misa could not see that.

[Tonbo Misa]

A voice never fully lost its feeling, just as eyes, so Misa caught at least a bit of Yurio's enthusiasm. She seemed to show no wariness or uncertainty around the Lion at all as she smiled brightly. "I can only imagine so! Still, to face a style you never have and come out on top once is no mean feat. I'm certain if you sparred again you will have learned something."

[Moto Khulun]

She brushes the mane of Oguro having pleasant thoughts of Butaj in silence.

[Matsu Yurio]

"Well this is new to all of us. I guess we're all learning."

At least Khulun's horse was just a normal sized giant and not the giant sized giants of the Otaku.

[Tonbo Misa]

"Yes, that's true. Even without the Unicorn being here, many are seeing others for the first time outside their family. Moto-san is the first woman of her family I've met, and you are--" She cut herself off there, silent a moment in thought. "...You are the first Matsu I have met before formally. It has been a wonderful time so far, and quite enlightening and teaching."

[Matsu Yurio]

"Can't say I've ever met a Tonbo before either."

He chose his words carefully and managed a polite smile. Khulun would probably have no idea why the two were acting . . . strangely.

[Tonbo Misa]

Despite it all, Misa's gentle smile was genuine and actually held warmth to it. "Not many have met one of my family Matsu-san, so it's no surprise. All the same, I am gladdened that we could meet at such a momentous event as this, welcoming back Lady Shinjo-Kami's children."

[Moto Khulun]

“Small family?” the Unicorn interjects.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa angled her head toward Khulun, giving a nod. "Ah, hai. The Tonbo were formed less than a century ago as a minor clan, and we have not had time to grow large. Coupled with conflict and starvation, we have very few that carry our name compared to most Great Clan families."

[Moto Khulun]

“But now you are Dragon, right?” she says trying to recall what the Ide had told her.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa nodded softly again. "That is why I wear their mon, hai. My cousin's decision was not easy, but it was the only choice to be made."

[Moto Khulun]

“No shame in such choice, family must survive,” she agrees.

[Matsu Yurio]

The Matsu kept silent.

[Tonbo Misa]

"Some believe the price too high, but it is made and we move on." She gave a wider smile, though it was still faint. "That is in part why I'm here after all, to bring a strong Unicorn man back to give new blood to the Tonbo line." That seemed like the thing to say.

[Moto Khulun]

“Butaj is strong stallion, strong seed for small family,” she says fondly as she brushes the tail now.

“He… will give you many children.”