Hunting the Unknown (Day 5, EM)

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "We all have such hopes, I suspect. I too long for a measure of happiness with my husband and a marriage that is less of a political bargain and more of a partnership. I saw that with my own parents, so I know it to be possible." She shakes her head. "I wish this contest did not add such complications in some way. It is difficult to know or understand what one is looking for, when one is unsure how the standings will leave them. It adds another layer to an already weighty decision of who to choose for a life partner."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It does, but at least the competitions give us time and reasons to get to know one another." He smiled. "I am very pleased that I have met you, Matsu-sama."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles at him. "I am also pleased to have met you Shinjo-san. It is refreshing to find someone who cares for creatures as much as I. When I first met those of the Otaku clan, it raised my hopes immeasurably for this miai. It is good to see that those hopes are realized." She thinks for a moment. "You would be wise not to underestimate your own charms Shinjo-san. They are...considerable."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Well, yes. Apparently, I am a good egg hunter." he laughed. "I've been a little concerned about where I would be after this. But, I think I am past that now. Whatever happened last night has reminded me of how short our time can be. I had forgotten how important it is to make the most of every moment."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods vigorously. "There is much to what you say. I have been lately coming to the conclusion that there is nothing more wasted than a life that has not been lived. Knowing of Otaku-sama's death only confirms it. Last night, she was full of spirit and honor. She inspired me in the brief time I knew her. She was a woman who did not believe in half measures." She pauses.

"If when my time comes, I have lived half as valued a life as she did, I would consider it well done."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Life is a series of moments." he said. "If we're lucky, they combine into a lifetime of cherished memories. Even if they do not, we can be content as long as no moment was wasted."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "There is wisdom in what you say." She pauses. "Our duty must be fulfilled, but as Akodo says, a samurai cannot live with only duty and an empty belly. I feel it must also apply to an empty heart." She scratches Noburu's head and then clicks her fingers, giving her a bit of freedom to scout behind and ahead." "What are your plans for after the miai?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I can help with the empty belly." he offered, lifting up a wrapped bundle. "After the miai, I will explore these lands and wherever else I can in the Empire, while trying to learn as much as I can of my betrothed's clan and family. It would be best to know something of who I will join, after all."

[Matsu Kogo]

She laughs. "A samurai who is always prepared. Akodo would approve of that, I suspect. I must admit, I do as well." She nods at his thoughts. "Would you prefer to stay as part of the Shinjo or marry into another family?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It really isn't a choice." he shrugged. "The Marta are vassals to the Shinjo and hold a lower station. I have not met anyone here with a similar status. Regardless of who I am matched with, I will be leaving the Unicorn. It was bothering me for a time, but I've accepted it and now look forward to seeing more of the Empire."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo smiles. "It is difficult to leave what one has known. For the Matsu women, we are expected to stay within the family and keep the Matsu name if possible. At the very least, if we marry out, our first born daughter must be raised a Matsu. But for the Matsu men, if they marry out, they must leave their name behind. For some of my kin here, the status of their spouse is of great importance if they wish to stay a Matsu."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"The part that was bothering me, is that this is not something I've known. The Unicorn have a home now. My family will be recording a new history." he explained. "I will be a part of that, but only for the months leading to the wedding."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "I could see that. You have been together so long, it would be a large sense of loss to leave your family now, just when everything is beginning to change. " She looks at the ground. "I was also not clear on the changes that would be coming. It is one thing to think about it, it is another for it to become closer to reality." She smiles. "A wife who valued your happiness would ensure that you could meet with your Unicorn family frequently and enjoy their company as well I suspect."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Duty would likely limit that. And, I would honestly wish to spend as much time with my wife as I could." he smiled. "I will have to leave my current family, but I would embrace my new one. That is kind of the point of marriage, neh?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "That is true. Duty must come first in all things. And I suspect a wife would value a husband who wanted her time." She smiles with a slight mischievousness to it. "At least, I would hope any wife of yours would. With your welcoming heart, you deserve a wife who appreciates you and all your possibility. "