Hunting the Unknown (Day 5, EM)

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "This is quite sufficient then. Is Sarangerel up to another gallop?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

Without a word, they turned and burst into speed.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo exults at the rapid turn and break. She leans forward, trying to move as well as she can with the animal and Kemuri. If she could be seen, a fierce, wild smile would on her lips, her eyes bright and dancing, looking as if she didn't have a care in the world or a more keen desire than to be moving like this.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

It was a long run, finally beginning to slow as the blanket came into sight.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo felt the world come back again, as they slowed. Marrying into the Unicorn might not be so bad...Especially for days like today. "That was deeply enjoyable. Thank you Shinjo-san."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It was my pleasure, Matsu-sama." he replied as they reached the blanket and he reined in Sarangerel.

[Matsu Kogo]

She dismounts easily, but her legs wobble for a moment. She covers it well. "I did not know I would enjoy horseback riding so much. It is a pleasant surprise for the miai."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He dismounted quickly, almost reaching out to help her. He quickly pulled his hand back, however, as she regained her footing.

"It can be thrilling." he nodded.

[Matsu Kogo]

She sees his motion and notices it, smiling at him. "Thank you Shinjo-san for indulging me."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It pleased me to do so." he smiled. "When you are ready for another ride, just ask."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "I will. I wish I had something similar to offer you, a lesson or experience in return. Are there any skills you wish to continue honing over the miai that I might assist with?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I'm not sure. Do you have any suggestions?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She shrugs. "You would have a better idea than I of what kind of events the families might put on. Anything we could hone might give us a better chance in the competitions ahead. Or if there is simply a skill you plan to use for your future life, there might be benefit in honing it now with so many different individuals around to compare with or practice with." She pauses. "I have been working on my horseback riding and my jiujitsu while I have been here. Though many in my clan are skilled in jiujitsu, it was not a form I spent a great deal of time studying. Matsu Nintoku- san was kind enough to do a small class with I and Usagi Tomoe-san."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I don't know." he shrugged. "I don't know what my future holds. I could use more swordplay practice, but I think I'd prefer to learn something new."

[Matsu Kogo]

She looks at him directly. "What would you like to do with your future, if you could choose?"