Laundry Day! (Day 4, EE, Kemuri's, Open)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I'd like that." he nodded. "I should learn some more combat skills. Is there anything I could show you in return?"

[Matsu Yurio]

Betrayed by food, Yurio could not answer until he had eaten the mouthful he had. Eventually he managed a reply.

"And what does Shinjo-san have to offer?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He shrugged. "Hunting, archery, horsemanship?"

[Matsu Yurio]

As a scout he already had hunting and archery covered.

"Hmm . . . how big is your horse?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"The Shinjo steeds are fairly large." he said. "Not as large as the ones most Moto prefer, but bigger than the Otaku. Of course, the Otaku steeds are the best, overall."

[Matsu Yurio]

"Same size as Iuchi Dong-ha's? I had a ride on that but the saddle was too big for me."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Hai. They are all around that size." he nodded. "But, we could still try, if you'd like."

[Matsu Yurio]

"I have ridden before, but it was a long time ago and not many times."

He shrugged.

"Not a skill I have ever really needed."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Then I will owe you a favor, in return for your lessons." he suggested.

[Matsu Yurio]

He wasn't a courtier or a Crane to seize such gestures, but he nodded.

"At least the dojo has a roof. With this deluge there's going to be mud for miles tomorrow."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"In the desert it would create rivers and lakes." he said after swallowing more stew.

[Matsu Yurio]

"We'll have two or three inches of thick mud to contend with. More if the downpour continues. With this many people around it will get pretty churned up as well. Better plan longer to get around tomorrow than normal."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I may have to do laundry again, then." he laughed. "Could you tell me more about the Matsu? I've heard a little, but I am curious about the family."

[Matsu Yurio]

"We are the biggest family in the Empire, born from the Fire and Honour of Lady Matsu herself. We form the majority of the armies of the Lion and are the fiercest warriors of the clan."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He nodded appreciatively. "What are your lands like?"