Where you are [Kogo's Yurt, D6, EM]

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"A bribe? I don't know if that would be appropriate in the face of seeking the truth. I'll need to think about... okay I guess so."

[Matsu Kogo]

She rises from her impromptu fort and says, with mock pomp, "And so the noble Lion did treat with the invading Unicorn and a treaty was created that would stand the test of time." She solemnly holds out a sweet and then says in her regular voice, "Or about 5 minutes, give or take."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

He takes the sweet. "Thanks... but what if this was all just a clever ploy on my part to get the sweets and never intended to do anything with the trunk?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She ponders this for a moment. "Then I am going to need more sweets and better tactics." She smiles at him, enjoying herself without care for the first time in two days. "Plus, they are supposed to be for guests, not just my own consumption."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"That's very hospitable of you," he says with a smile, calming a bit and moving to sit next to her, holding the pillow on his lap. "They're very good. Is it something common to Lion lands or just the Empire in general?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles at him, enjoying his closeness. "I suspect many people have brought sweets in the hopes of plying their guests with them. Sweets and tea are a fairly common refreshment for meetings in the Empire. Some accomplished maidens use their skills with the tea ceremony to great effect, but it is not a skill I have cultivated. I prefer different skills."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Like capturing a spouse in a grapple? If so, you'll have to show me how that works. Perhaps we can spar tomorrow?" he asks.

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "That would be one way to get around these stupid standings." She laughs. "I would deeply enjoy that Monkh-san. I feel as though I have been sitting and talking too much these days. Some activity would be lovely. Do you have any knowledge of jiujitsu?"

Maybe these Moto know something. It would certainly be easier to just put him on a horse and speed away. But then again, it would be his horse. Ahh well...complexities.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I do not. It will be a great learning experience for me," he replies.

[Matsu Kogo]

"I suspect so. It is an interesting art and one I am still learning. Perhaps like our Go game, I can teach you as I continue to learn." She said, touching his hand delicately where it lay on the pillow. "I suspect your hands have a strength in them that will help with the learning."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Perhaps, but when it comes to martial pursuits I tend to rely on my flexibility and grace," he replies. "My sensei has always said that I'll grow into strength in time though. I still have a couple inches to catch up to my father's height after all."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles at him with a softness. "Flexibility and grace are excellent words to describe you. I suspect physical strength will come with time, as your sensei said. Internal strength, you seem to have a plenty."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

His hand turns over so that he can hold hers letting it rest, there gently. "That's very kind of you to say. I do try my best to maintain a sense of honor and will. Sometimes even when the body fails you they can carry you through your trials. Though I imagine they won't necessarily help too much while I am contorted and held in place by a stronger and more skilled opponent."

[Matsu Kogo]

She laughs. "No, but your patience might. " She keeps her hand in his, gently tracing with her fingers.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"It will certainly increase my opportunities to figure out how to escape," he replies with a grin. "But then, maybe I'll just get comfortable there."