Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head (D4, EE, Monkh's)

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Well, there's Otaku Akio and Ide Saira. They were born on the same day and inseparable friends through childhood. They eventually married but before long they ended up separated from the clan after a pitched battle. Akio was heavily wounded protecting her, and was incapable of fighting off the roc that took his mount. Akio carried him for three days and nights without food, water or rest to get him back to the clan and save his life. When they finally got back both of their hearts gave out in the same moment at the entrance to their yurt. It's said that they shared a heart, since it started and stopped beating at the same time."

[Usagi Tomoe]

Tomoe made a quiet awwww sound, clearly touched by the story. "That's so sad... and so brave of them to look after eachother like that, even when it ended the way it did..."

It was certainly romantic, but also bittersweet that it ended the way it did.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I've always found it to be sweet and inspirational. To have that amount of love for each other. To be willing to walk to your death for your spouse. That's something I would aspire to for whoever I will marry. Because once I do my heart will no longer be my own. It'll be in her care."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"That's a very romantic thing to say," she smiled shyly. "I... I hope I can be blessed with a happy marriage too. A husband that will treat me well, and I hope, love me too, even if it will come over time. Love is not something that just happens, but with a good foundation of friendship and trust, it is sure to come into bloom."

"Or at least, that's how I think of it."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I think of it much the same way. If you rush into it without getting to truly understand and know the other person then you are more likely to be disappointed. Better to get to know them, understand them, let them do the same, and make adjustments and compromises that will allow you to truly appreciate and value each other."

His eyes slowly move from hers and trace the details of her face and move down to her neckline. "Other aspects of that connection take care of themselves." He looks up to her eyes. "And those aspects, as far as you and I are concerned, are certainly pleasant."

[Usagi Tomoe]

Tomoe lowered her eyes slightly, perhaps sensing Monkhbaatar's gaze on her. "... You are a good man, Monkh-san... I would be happy to be friends at the end of this miai. And if we are matched, I would be honored too."

She blushed at her own forwardness.

"But, since the future is uncertain, I understand if it does not happen that way."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"We will see where it leads us. That is the future and one that I'll be happy to be a part of with you as a friend or a wife. But this is the now. So why don't you tell me about your tortoise friend," he says, refilling his cup, then offering to refill hers.

[Usagi Tomoe]

"Ganko-chan?" she chuckled and accepted the refill.

"She was a gift from my sensei - a bit of humor there, to be honest. You know, the tale of the hare and the tortoise." Tomoe giggled and took a sip from her refilled cup. "A reminder for me that slow and steady wins the race, and to not get ahead of myself. She's a good companion, but she can't really compare to the companions your clan keep."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Good advice... the steady part and not getting ahead of yourself. Not going slow is probably okay if you do the other two. And Ganko-chan may not be the largest and fastest companion, but that doesn't make her any less important, because she's important to you. A companion does not need to be practical to have emotional and supportive value," he says, taking another drink.

[Usagi Tomoe]

Tomoe nodded. "Hai, very much so. Though I do wish she could be a bit more expressive from time to time, rather than the same usual disapproving glare she has," she said with a small laugh.

"I was almost worried Moto Khulun-san considered eating her when she first saw Ganko-chan. A tortoise is probably a bit unusual for a Unicorn?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

He looks at her playfully questioning. "Oh? You think that she lacks range of expression? Perhaps she can express herself just fine and you've only earned disapproval from her," he replies, returning the laugh. "When nobody's around Meushi smiles and chats and tells me how good a job I'm doing. She's just a bit shy about talking around other people."

"As for tortoises, it's not something you'd see on the steppes. But they're not completely unheard of," he replies. "Plenty of stories that involve them."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"Ah," she covered her mouth as she laughed. "Perhaps you are right. I must double my efforts to earn Ganko-chan's approval then!"

"Meushi is your horse, yes? A shame she is as shy as you say... maybe you'll just have to introduce her better to new people?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Oh, she's told me I did just fine in my introductions. She admits to just being far to shy," he says with a wink. "You'll have to meet her sometime though."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"I would love to meet her," she chuckled. "I shall have to bring Ganko-chan with me. Who knows, maybe she can draw Meushi out of her... shell?" Tomoe grinned at the rather bad pun.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

He suddenly gets a sad look in his eyes. "I had a cousin... he was killed by a pun. Just couldn't stop laughing and forgot to breath."

He winks at her and smirks. "Do your worst. Or your best. Not sure which I should hope for."