Hunting the Unknown (Day 5, EM)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I would continue to serve as a scout." he replied. "The specifics of that depend on where I will be."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "That makes a great deal of sense. What skills do you feel are the most important to you, as a scout, besides riding and archery?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"The one I need the most improvement in would be stealth." he admitted. "I'm a fair Hunter and am a pretty good investigator. Maybe some general physical improvement would be good. Some athletic training."

[Matsu Kogo]

She laughs. " I am sorry that I cannot help you with stealth. My Noburu would be a better teacher than I, sadly. What do you prefer as a weapon? Perhaps we could spar together."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Katana." he answered simply.

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "I do as well. Perhaps one of these days, we could give each other a lesson. I would be interested to know the differences in the style of the Shinjo versus other families' schools. "

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I would like that." he nodded. "It will be good to get some practice in."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "Excellent. I look forward to the possibility. I feel I've spent so much time talking during this miai that my body longs to move and spar. "

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Do not deny your body what it longs for, Matsu-sama. he advised. "We all need some indulgences."

[Matsu Kogo]

Is he saying...what I think he's saying? She ducks her head for a moment, moving down to pet Noburu's hair. When her On has reset, she returns to standing. "There is something to what you say, but one must be cautious of too much indulgence. The body should not become soft, otherwise it becomes vulnerable. A samurai must never cease training, though he may wish to rest or indulge himself." She pauses. "At least, that is what Akodo says."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Of course." he nodded. "Discipline is a fundamental aspect of training. One must adhere to their regimen. That, however, does not prevent some recreation. After all, even the hardest substance may break, if it cannot bend."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. I must have been mistaken. "There is wisdom in that Shinjo-san. One must have flexibility in one's self, to be sure."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"And, there's nothing wrong with having a little fun." he added with a grin. "Like this norning, neh?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "That's true. This morning was a great deal of fun. I am not sure I am ever going to get tired of galloping. Or if it is, it will be a while." She pauses. "How did you get Sarangerel to jump like that? Is it a command you give or a movement of the feet to tell her what you're wanting?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"There are commands and motions I can use, but it's largely instinct." he replied. "We've ridden together for so long, we each know what the other wants. I imagine it'similar for you and Noburu-san."