[D7 EE] One for ewe, two for me

[Usagi Tsukimi]

"I know that feeling. I feel I have much to live up to, to make any sort of impression that I am a worthy wife. Perhaps I should just move in these sheep."

[Shinjo Akil]

"I am sure that you are worthy," he looked to her and smiled. "If someone like me could accidentally fall into the title of 'hero,' I am certain that you will make an excellent spouse with someone at this miai."

[Usagi Tsukimi]

"You're words are kind, your bride will be very happy with you." She seemed sad, but kept her chin up, and regarded the evening sky then. "Fortune be with you, Shinjo-san. We are well met. I will be happy with wherever the Fortunes lead me as a result of the miai."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Contentment is the purview of a great Fortune," he reminded with a smile, "To find it wherever you go invites the blessings of Hotei... or so the Ide have told me."

[Usagi Tsukimi]

"I try to find happiness wherever I am. To hold on to negativity is poison."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Indeed," he nodded. I could take things away from those words...

[Usagi Tsukimi]

"But you have nothing to worry about, nei? Your future is assured, she declared her intent for you, you are happy to be with her. All is how it should be."
Tsukimi considered the sheep.
"That one looks small enough to smuggle, what do you think?" She pointed to one of the babes by its mother.

[Shinjo Akil]

He nodded calmly at that. "Hai. Unfortunately, not everything is so smooth in nature."

Looking down at the babe, he considered. "I wish I knew more about sheep to tell you. The mother may not appreciate you stealing it's child in any case."

[Usagi Tsukimi]

"Not even if I tell her I will take her son on an epic adventure around the Empire? We'll send her letters."

Tsukimi contemplated, and sighed heavily. "No, you're right. Nature is messy. It is bold and unexpected, and follows the whims of no one."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Apologies if I am disappointing you," he offered. "Perhaps I just envy the sheep today."

[Usagi Tsukimi]

She blinked.
"You are not a disappointment, Shinjo-san. Not at all."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Thank you," he took a breath. "It has simply been a rough day or two, my apologies. The nature of this miai left open room for harmed feelings, which is truly unfortunate."

[Usagi Tsukimi]

"I'm sorry for your strife. The nature of the miai indeed leads one not to get their hopes set on just one person. But the nature of humanity is to do that very thing. It makes for a confusing event, filled with hope and promise and crushing emotions, surely."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Indeed," he sighed, "but, at least, I have hit resolution on these confusions. And, perhaps, it is time that we might move on from them."

[Usagi Tsukimi]

"The trick is to be present in the present, nei, and not put so much hope in what may come tomorrow that we would be devastated were it not to come to pass." Tsukimi wrinkled her nose again in thought.