When Will My Life Begin? (D4, Early Afternoon)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I have never seen a forest as large as it was described." Kemuri explained. "I hope I get to explore it myself one day."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"It certainly is a very unique place," she said with a smile. "But I'm not sure if horses are well-suited for forest-exploration? I would have to ask those who venture more into it than I do."

"It can be both very beautiful and dangerous at the same time... but some would argue that it's danger makes it beautiful."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"As attached as I am to Sarangerel, I can move without him." he gave a light laugh. "If the forest is too dense, I would leave him somewhere safe."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"A Unicorn without his horse?" she said with a small laugh too. "Now I've heard everything!"

"Sorry... I'm just teasing. You all just seem so attached to your equine companions."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"They are a part of our way of life." he shrugged. "Crossing the continent would have taken much longer without them."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"I can only imagine... being so reliant on them for your journey home, and for travelling the world before that. It's no wonder you have grown so close to them. So everyone in the clan have their own horse?" she just had to ask the question that's been on her mind for a while.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"No, but most do." he replied. "It depends on your training and your duties. Those who stay close to the camps and caravans often ride in the wagons and have no need for their own mounts."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"... Is it looked down upon to not have your own horse?" was the follow-up question to that. So far Yukarin was the only Unicorn she had come across that didn't seem to have a horse, or care much for them.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"No." he shook his head. "Everyone is an asset to the clan. Everyone is family."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"Ah... that is good to hear," she seemed a little relieved. "I was worried if I became a Unicorn, I'd be looked down upon for not being much of a rider..."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"There might be some teasing. Isn't that the case with every family?" he shrugged. "But, you'd be valued and respected. Besides, you can always learn to ride."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"Hm, yes, I've already had many offers from your kinsmen to teach me," she chuckled at that. "Seems like a nice icebreaker, no? 'Ever ridden a horse? No? Would you like me to teach you?' I almost envy having that very nice line to go to at this miai... I have to think of something more clever instead."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Do you have a wound? Would you like me to tend to it?" he laughed. "The horsemanship lesson offer doesn't always work."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"I can't ask everyone that," she laughed as well. "... You have a nice laugh, Shinjo-san. I'm glad to see that the returned Unicorn are a people with laughter in their voices."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"One must find joy whenever they can." he smiled. "In a good joke, a pleasant meal or pretty purple eyes."