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

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "I would not be such a bad host as to prevent you getting comfortable. And I would not be such a cage as to keep you when you wished to escape."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"If it were your cage I think I'd be alright for a little while," he says with a playful tone.

[Matsu Kogo]

She responds in kind. "Then perhaps we might both be content. Yin and yang in a sense."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I'd prefer to feel more than content. That would be ideal."

[Matsu Kogo]

She looks at him. "As would I. To feel something that could be a cage shift to something better, would be my ideal."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Turn a cage to a garden? Which, as it happens, is something I want to see. I've heard that they're a thing here in the empire, that most villages and cities have gardens," he replies with smile.

[Matsu Kogo]

She flows with the conversation, though slightly puzzled by its change in course. "Hai, gardens are often common in the Empire. Some clans are more famous for their's than others. "

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Perhaps we'll get to visit some together one day. I'd enjoy that I think. You don't see a great deal of natural color on the steppes."

[Matsu Kogo]

"I would like that. It is not something I have seen a great deal of. And I suspect I would see it with new eyes while spending time with you." Kogo pauses for a moment and then turns to a spot by the bed, where the fan she had been using sat. She picked it up in her hand. "Monkh-san, I know that there are many days left. And I know that you would like to keep things simple, as we do not know how we will be chosen or what will occur." She takes a small breath. "But I wish to gift you this fan of mine, in token of the time we have spent together and the joy it has brought me. For the wisdom you have shared and the laughter you have brought. And know that should the choice be mine, I will choose you over all others."

I am sorry Akil-kun, but I am also not. One who dithers over a Matsu will lose their timing, especially when they favor a Crane. If you wanted me, you should have held me close when you had the chance.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

He seems a bit surprised but not overly so... they had been getting along quite well and he couldn't deny his attraction to her either. He was about to accept it but then he remembers the whole Lion/Unicorn land gifting fiasco. And it wouldn't do to make that precedent stick in her mind. He smiles warmly at her.

"That's very kind and most welcome to hear. I understand, accept and am gladdened by your words but a gift is not necessary to help convey them," he says with a warm smile to her.

[Matsu Kogo]

She watches him go for the fan and hesitate, remembering etiquette. And so we change our destinies.

"I must insist Shinjo-san. Your have honored me with your attentions, your words and your gentlemanly nature. Please accept this token of my esteem and regard."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"You've already shared so much of your time and attention... which I have been happy to receive. I think it may be too much to accept this gift as well. I couldn't bring myself to take something from you that would become mine rather than ours, though I cherish the sentiment," he replies softly, looking her in the eyes.

[Matsu Kogo]

She looks at him directly, her face intent. "Then, perhaps if we wed, you will be able to share it with me, along with your life and your good humor. And if you are chosen by another, at least I will know that you carry something of me with you, as I carry the memories of these happy days with me and the wisdom you shared with me. Please, accept this humble offering."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"All excellent points. I would happy to accept this reminder of our time together so that I will have it no matter what the future holds," he says, taking the hand that was offering it first, before taking the fan itself and nodding. He lets his hands linger there, holding hers for a long moment. "Your feelings and intentions are heard and accepted Matsu Kogo-san. And they paint a picture of a beautiful future, should they be given the opportunity to come to pass."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles and continues holding his hands as well. " Her eyes flare for a brief moment, showing the passion banked there. "There is such possibility between us. I hope we will have the chance to explore it together, Monkh-san."