Hunting the Unknown (Day 5, EM)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Of course." he nodded. "Whatever you wish. I would like to meet Noboru-san formally, though."

[Matsu Kogo]

She blushes. "I am sorry Shinjo-san. I have neglected my manners." She clicks her fingers and brings Noburu to her. "This one is Noburu, a mischevious one." Noburu comes up and looks over Shinjo Kemuri, plainly seeing how the Unicorn will react to her closer presence.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

Kemuri knelt and carefully extended his palm, offering it openly to be inspected. He was used to handling hirses, but he had some sense of how to approach other animals.

(Animal Handling: 10)

[Matsu Kogo]

Noburu looked to his palm and sniffed it gingerly. It is closer than she has gotten to some. She looks at him, as if seeking something only a cat could understand. Then she turns, bumping him just a tinch with her tail and gliding away behind Kogo again.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

Nodding, he stood. "I am honored, Noboru-san."

"She is remarkable." he said to Kogo.

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles at him, always a little soft to praise of Noburu. "She is. I am sorry for her minor rudeness though. Despite what Shimizu-san says, it is difficult to teach a Warcat how to act like a samurai. Or perhaps I just do not have his touch."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I would not expect any animal to act against their nature. That she even have me consideration was a testament to your training." he said. "You are a good pair."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles, a little broader this time. "She is an excellent partner." She laughs. "If I find a husband half as accomplished and more patient, I will consider myself lucky. Oh and it would be lovely if he didn't snore like she does. " She jokes.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"You have a lion who is loyal to you." he laughed. "Your husband would be wise to keep you happy."

[Matsu Kogo]

She laughs. "She is protective of me to be sure, but that mainly extends to occasional growls and mischievous pranks. I suspect as long as my husband did not attempt to harm me in some manner, he would be safe from her, minus her occasionally stealing his food."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It's you he shouldn't want to anger." he responded. "But, any husband should wish to please his wife, whether she has a lion or not."

[Matsu Kogo]

She looks at him, wondering if her previous day is written on her face somewhere. "There is wisdom in what you say Shinjo-san, though I think it applies to both parts of the marriage. But anger can be a destructive force within a relationship. Sometimes, things are said or done in anger that cannot be undone." Her face is smooth and calm for once, as if a mask has momentary come over it. "Though the Matsu have a fearsome reputation for their anger Shinjo-san, you need not concern yourself with an over prickly temper in mine. It takes time and effort to make me angry. My kin have told me many a time that I am too soft." She laughs, with a hint of self deprecation.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I was unaware of that reputation." he gave an apologetic look. "I merely meant that you should not be underestimated and should be appreciated. You are a beautiful, charming woman, who clearly inspires loyalty. I've not seen you in battle, but I am confident that you are a skilled warrior. Any man should be happy with you and should want you to be happy."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo looked bashful for a moment. "Ahh, I am sorry Shinjo-san. I assumed that you were referring to my family's reputation." In Kogo's mind, a cruel voice seems to play in a familiar tune, Ahh yes, you must start working on your assumptions Kogo-chan. They will only get you in trouble, as they did yesterday.

She blushes and takes a moment to think through her words. "You honor me Shinjo-san with your words, more than I am due. Having not been in battle as of yet, I cannot say what my skill is in comparison to others." Her ears tinge again. "The other words, I can give no comment to. From the inside, one is little able to see how others view one. I am glad my appearance is pleasing to you." She looks at him and smiles in a smaller one. "Any woman would be incredibly lucky to have a husband who is so concerned for their happiness. It is not a typical concern in much of Rokugan, where marriage is seen almost as a business arrangement." She pauses, wishing to say more, but feeling the effects of yesterday's "boldness". Slow and steady.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Of course. Much is to be considered with marriage." he nodded. "I don't think any of us can say how this will end, not yet. We can only hope to be content with the choices made. There is, however, little to prevent us from sharing some of the happiness we hope for."