[D7, LE] Fireside (Outside Mei's Yurt, Expecting)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"The Wall?"

[Miya Mei]

"The Great Carpenter Wall in the lands of the Crab. It streches from sea to mountain along the Empires southern border and protects us from the enemies behind it."

"What do you think was the grandest sight you saw on your travels?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Oh, the barrier against the Shadowlands. I do not think I wish to see that." Her question immediately brightened his mood. "Medinaat al-Salaam, the Jewel of the desert. I was much younger when I saw it and remember little. But, the city was vast. It seemed unending. Yet it was surounded by a great desert. It seems unbelievable."

[Miya Mei]

"What is a desert like? I do not understand the word as we do not have any here. I understand there is sand, like a beach? And tell me more of this city. Was it made of jewels? Did it sparkle in the sun?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"The desert is hot and barren. Water is scarce and vegetation is limited. The soil has been scorched by the sun and scraped away by the wind, leaving little more than sand and rock. Like a beach, but it is all you can see."

He smiled as he began the next part.

"The city is stone and wood, but some buildings are adorned with gold, brass and glass and do sparkle. There are countless people of many cultures, some with wealth and opulence and others destitute and poor. I cannot describe it properly."

[Miya Mei]

"Many cultures? And they all got along? It sounds fascinating"

Mei sighs

"It is forbidden to have any gaijin in the Empire at all."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I am sure there is fighting." he shrugged. "But, surviving in the desert can alter priorities."

[Miya Mei]

"You said there is no water. I imagine that would make it very difficult to survive, but then whoever controlled aby water found would be targeted by a lot of enemies."

"Did the Shinjo spend a lot of time in this city?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Those who control trade, control the city." he nodded. "There were not many places where we stayed long. But, the Jewel is a crossroads. Traveling as we did, it was impossible not to visit it."

[Miya Mei]

"I see. I wonder if the people there will miss your visits."

She hums

"Or do you think the Unicorn will still travel there even now?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

He shrugged. "With the multitudes of travelers they receive, they may not even notice. And, we aren't looking to leave anytime soon."

[Miya Mei]

"It is a shame it is so far away. We coukd have traveled there someday if it were closer and we permission to."

"I promise though, there are lots of things to see in the Empire. We can fullfill any wanderlust you might have"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I believe I will be more than content, as long as I am with you." he squeezed her hand again.

[Miya Mei]

Mei looks around for a moment and seeing no visible observers, she leans in quick and gives Kemuri a soft kiss on the cheek.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I planned to earn that with another race." he smiled warmly.