A Pup and a Prayer (D8, EA)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Hai. I like the idea of that." he nodded. "What is your opinion of Shinjo Monkhbaatar-sama?"

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo smiles, a little softer now. "He is a worthy and honorable man, who honors Shinjo-no-kami's legacy of compassion. I see much possibility within him."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I don't really know him myself. But, he seems like a good man." he nodded. "I hope the Fortunes smile down on you both."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods and smiles. "I hope so too. But I am not the only woman here interested, just as with you and Miya-san. I must hope for the best in changing my standings. Otherwise, who knows what will occur?" She whistles to Kabu, who listens for once and returns to her. They begin a small game of tug of war again, but she continues listening to the Shinjo.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

Airi, meanwhile, presents the recovered stick. He praises her affectionately and throws it again.

"The puppies are a nice surprise."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "They are. A pleasing way to start the morning. I hope I am able to keep my little charge, though Noburu may not agree."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It would be nice to keep Airi." he agreed. "But, I imagine the Moto will want some of them back. It would be interesting to see you with a lion and a dog at your side, ready to defend you."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "A study in balances. There would be much to say for it. But I hope this little Kabu has some zip to him to clear the obstacles ahead."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"He'll do his best for you, I'm sure." Kemuri smiled. "He is Unicorn, after all."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "I shall hope so, for him and the Unicorn alike. Truly, this has been a lovely miai, though it has not been simple." She looks at Kemuri and her eyes soften for a moment. "If you were in such a position as I at this miai, Shinjo-san, what would you suggest? I value your counsel and your honesty."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Hope for the best and make the best of whatever happens." he advised. "We both know that we cannot always have what we want. But, we can find contentment in what we have."

He picked up Airi again. "Even if you have only a few fleeting moments."

[Matsu Kogo]

She thinks on his words deeply, pausing for a moment. "There is....a great deal of wisdom to what you say. I will think on it more. " A few fleeting moments...I have definitely had those here. "What do you think is the value in finding contentment?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"The aternative is not having it." he shrugged. "Our lives are difficult enough without finding some measure of happiness."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "Again, you speak wisely. But the danger I think in relying on contentment or happiness is that it can be snatched away. Duty at least, has its consistencies."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"There is very little that cannot be taken away by some measure." he shrugged. "The only real way to prevent loss is to have nothing. I'm not sure that's a better option."