Hunting the Unknown (Day 5, EM)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"That is a good gift." he smiled. "I hope I can give you something similar."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles, still a little dimmed. "What gift would you give to another if you could choose?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Happiness." he answered simply. "I want those I care for to be happy."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles at him, a truer one this time. "You are a truly honest soul Shinjo-san. There are many a samurai who would not say such a thing, for the fear of being thought weak. I admire that in you."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"My grandmother taught me that to preserve the histories of the clan, I must always carry the truth." he nodded. "it is too easy to allow the truth to slip away, replaced by embellishment and outright falsehoods."

[Matsu Kogo]

These words resonate intensely with Kogo, lighting a bit of fire in her eyes. "Your grandmother is a wise woman. History must be kept truthful, as should a samurai's word. If a samurai does not honor their own word, no one else shall."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He nodded. "And so, one's word should not be given lightly. It carries weight and can be burden when set wrong."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "Precisely. It is a way that shames all involved. It is why I have made no promises as yet during this miai, since my standings do not enable me to choose. I do not wish to break my word to anyone."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Hai. It is far too early to make any promises." he agreed. "All we can do consider our options and hope for the best."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "Much my same thought Shinjo-san." She relaxes a bit further. "It is good to talk to someone who is willing to be open and honest about these things. It is a relief after all these days of dancing around topics."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"That is all I really wanted, Matsu-sama." he smiled. "To give you a declaration of intent, but no promises, and to offer a little fun."

He motioned towards Sarangerel with the last comment.

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. " That, I can accept. I offer something similar. If you choose me, I will not cause you sorrow and I think we could work well together, given time to get to know each other more. And if you do not, I will not be offended if your heart lies elsewhere." She follows his gesture. "Fun, that is something I could use more of in this day."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Then ride Sarangerel back to the stables for me." he suggested. "I would still like to look into that pool of water and I know he will not go near it. I would be grateful if you could take him back. The stablehands will take care of him once he's there. And, I will check on him when I return."

[Matsu Kogo]

She looks surprised for a moment. "I am honored Shinjo-san that you would trust me with Sarangerel. I will attempt to be worthy of such trust." She moves towards him and Sarangerel. "I will go slowly and ensure the stablehands take good care of him." She prepares to mount.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I have no doubt." he nodded.

He took hold of the reins as she mounted, speaking softly to Sarangerel. "Take care of them and lead them home."