Not quite ghost Mantis (Day 5, EA, Yuzuki's yurt)

[Soshi Taira]

That brought a laugh. "I don't know, it sounds like it could cause ever so much trouble. I know I think things I'd never say."

Glancing at Yuzuki, he added, "I shouldn't mope. I got off lightly."

[Yuzuki]

She briefly wondered if the voices she so often heard, which seemed absent today, would be picked up by someone who could hear thoughts.

"You were there with us. That is more than enough, and more than what most can say."

[Soshi Taira]

"Hai, and I am shocked to see that I made it through that event with no injuries."

He glanced at the woman's weapons, and added, "Also I am perhaps, the only dragon slayer in history who never actually... hurt... the dragon."

[Yuzuki]

"Which is no shame. I saw you place yourself in the path of others to protect them. It could have easily taken a bite out of you at any time. None should question your courage, least of all yourself."

[Soshi Taira]

"Of course... thank you." Taira chuckled. "I must say, I hope the bards don't make me sound as though I drew my blade... I think I might like that distinction. The doctor on the battlefield has a nice sound to it."

[Yuzuki]

"You think there'll be bards singing about us?"

She looked up at the ceiling. "Hope those songs reach back home then."

It'd surprise a few people.

[Soshi Taira]

"Well, I don't know. But I'd say we'll at least make a decent footnote when not much else is going on."

Taira couldn't help but laugh.

[Yuzuki]

"Well, everyone will probably be too distracted with the miai to sing about us I guess."

[Soshi Taira]

"True."

Taira sighed.

"I suppose you'll just have to tell everyone at home yourself... it does take the shine off, doesn't it?"

[Yuzuki]

"I'm kind of... known... for telling tales back home. I don't think they'll believe me."

[Soshi Taira]

...

Taira considered that.

"Are they false tales, or just ones they refuse to believe?"

[Yuzuki]

"Would you believe me if I said that question doesn't really have an answer one way or the other? Or that it's both?"

[Soshi Taira]

Taira contemplated that. "I would, though I would be puzzled."