[D6, LM, Expecting] Horsie Lessons

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue stared at the man. Not very wordy, now is he? She then gestured to the horse. "Shall we begin, Hiroji-dono?"

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji nodded. "Yes, let us begin."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo perked her brow and looked at the horse, still unmounted.

[Kaiu Hiroji]

After a moment of composing himself, Hiroji exhales and walks up to the horse, and somewhat hesitantly mounts the saddle. It takes a moment for him to get his bearings and secure himself on the saddle, but he succeeds none the less. "Alright... I have done it." He smiles nervously and looks at the horse.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue smiled. "Good, Hiroji-dono. She is ready to walk when you are." The Shinjo turned aside and took a breath. Why is he so anxious about this? Wait, this was his first time mounting a horse, right? Hm...

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji nods, his expression still somewhat uncertain. "So I just squeeze my legs together to make it go?"

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Hai. You squeeze your calves," she clarified. Yue took a step backwards to give them some space. Oh no, is he nervous because of his talk with Doji Fukawa? Not again...

[Kaiu Hiroji]

"Right." He nods and squeezes his calves together as instructed. The horse starts at a leisurely trot. Hiroji tenses up for a moment but goes along with it. "Okay..."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"If you want her to go faster, give her a light tap with your heels." Yue walked alongside them and smiled at Hikazume. "She is a good steed. Other horses would complain about giving so many lessons."

[Kaiu Hiroji]

"Yes,she is a..." Hiroji hesitates for a moment. "A mighty steed."
He bites his lip. Come on Hiroji, talk! "Liu Yue-San, I..." He sighs. "I would like to know what you think of me."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue blinked and her horse let out a snort. She swallowed and then said, "You are an admirable warrior, Hiroji-dono. Together we were able to defeat a mighty beast." She scratched the back of her head. "I saw that people were right in saying that the Crab were known for heavy weapons."

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji is silent for a moment. "I do not mean battle. Although in that regard I... I am not sure I trust my skill as much as I used to... I failed to do my duty and Chi-Pu is..."
He shakes his head. "The is not what I meant. I know I am a man of few words, but..." He is silent for a moment again. "From the little we have spoken. What do you think of me, outside the battlefield?"

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"You must have faith in your abilities," she added in. Yue turned away to hide her blush.

Again? Are you kidding me?!

She let out a sigh. "I enjoyed our conversation in the Administration Center. I am glad that you have interest in learning to ride a horse."

And now I sound like some distant... ugh...

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji is silent for a long while, looking over the field. He finally speaks. "My father had a saying. 'Use your words like you would use a blade. Sparingly and with much consideration'" he pauses for a time. "I am afraid I used that blade wrongly. But what is done is done. All I ask is you respond in kind. With truth." He looks at Liu Yue. His expression blank, but you can see he is straining to keep the facade of normalcy up.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue went up and tugged on the reins to get Hikazume to follow her to a stop. She then looked up to Hiroji with a weak smile. With his father's words, she found it improper to be indirect any longer. "I think you would be a worthy husband if fate aligns for it. However, I cannot say that you are my first choice, Hiroji-dono."

I'm not even sure if Taira wants me anymore. But... that doesn't mean I've changed my opinion on the matter.

She gave him a deep bow and closed her eyes. "Gomennasai. If you were to choose me, I would not complain. However, I would not be the best wife for you. That is not because I aim to marry another."

The Shinjo swallowed. "I am unable to fully love my future husband as a wife should. I hope to find a partner instead of a lover at this miai."