(D4 LA) Horses are Simpler than People

[Suki]

"Because love is vaster than gender. It is not physical, but spiritual. It is a thing of the soul and, as the karmic wheel shows us, the soul is unconcerned with gender."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Sou desu ka." Yue did the only thing she could think to do: laugh. "How did you become so wise, Suki-san?"

[Suki]

"This one was raised in the monastery since before she can remember. The monks shared their wisdom with this one, and she passes it on to others. At the same time, this one has learned that walking their paths to wisdom will not lead me to what they have found. So, she continues to walk the path Benten-okami lays out before her, learning at every opportunity." Suki bowed in thanks, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo returned the bow. "You have been most helpful, Suki-san. I like to think I would be as wise as you if I was in the same position." She stopped stroking her horse's mane and looked to the monk. "Have you ever ridden a horse?"

[Suki]

"This one is glad to be of assistance," she replied softly.

At the question about the horse Suki blinked, looking up at the impressive animal. "She has not," she replied, looking around at the other steeds in the stables.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"One day I may be able to teach you," she offered. She smiled sheepishly. "I have promised many already my lessons. However, another of my Clan may be able to extend the same courtesy."

She shrugged. "I may be able to make the time, however."

[Suki]

"Shinjo-sama should make time for the samurai first, of course," she offered softly. "It is only proper. However, were you to have the time after their lessons, this one would take the opportunity to learn."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Liu Yue smiled and gave a short nod. "Do you have a snack for her? I do not know if you carry food with you, Suki-san." She looked back to Hikazume with a sly smirk. "That would earn her favor."

[Suki]

After their discussion the previous day, the village children had insisted on giving Suki a couple of apples. After all, they'd insisted they knew where to find the best ones, and felt the need to prove it. Pulling one such apple from the folds of her robe, she held it up.

"Will this do?" she directed the question to both Liu Yue and Hikazume, approaching the steed.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo smiled at the apple and her horse showed a similar appreciation for it. "Would you like to cut it into slices?" she inquired before pulling out her knife. "I can do so myself if you wish Suki-san."

[Suki]

"Whichever Shinjo-sama would prefer," Suki held out both the apple and an empty hand, allowing Liu Yue to take the fruit, or hand her the blade.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue handed over the blade and subtly glanced at her missing arm. It was difficult, but not impossible, for her to do it herself. She no shame, though, in letting the monk do the cutting.

[Suki]

Years of prepping her own food at the monastery allowed her to make quick work of the apple. She wiped the blade of the knife clean and handed it back with a smile.

Suki approached the horse, holding an apple slice out in her palm, so the steed wouldn't accidentally nip her fingers.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue took the knife and sheathed it as she watched the two interact. Hikazume, for her part, ate the offered slice with as much voracity as her owner with treats. The monk had been wise, as the horse was clearly not careful on her own part about the woman's fingers. "Good! I am certain she appreciates it, Suki-san."

[Suki]

"She certainly seems to," Suki replied warmly, grinning. She offered another slice, then a third, giving Hikazume a few moments between each.