[D8 EM] Of Pups and Ponies [Open, Expecting]

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo approached quietly, but knew the horse would hear him. He smiled as he listened, but didn't interrupt her.

[Ide Amaya]

Ti-Lu snorted, but was more interested in having his coat combed. Amaya moves with a practiced efficiency, no part of the pony's coat is left unbrushed. At all times her other hand is in contact with the steed, an unbroken connection between herself and the pony.

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo certainly didn't wish to interrupt the woman while she was working, but was also wary of making her jump. So he quietly cleared his throat, trying not to make her or the horse jump.

[Ide Amaya]

The pony just snorts again as Amaya pauses in her ministrations. She turns and, seeing Hideo, a smile blooms on her lips, "Hideo-sama."

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo smiled as well. "Forgive me for the interruption. Please continue, I just wished to make a sound to ensure I didn't startle you or the horse."

[Ide Amaya]

"That was very wise, though Ti-Lu here doesn't seem the jumpy sort." She returns to brushing out the pony's coat, humming quietly.

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo nodded, watching her work. "You are very skilled at looking after horses. The Miya will certainly approve."

[Ide Amaya]

Finishing with the currycomb, she picks up a delicate handful of clean hay. Wetting it, she loops it around and weaves the ends in and out until it forms a pad, barely larger than her palm. "The closer we got to Rokugan, the more important it became that every able-bodied rider be able to care for their own steed. There were too many riders and too few grooms." She begins to slick down Ti-Lu's coat with the wisp in long, smooth strokes.

[Seppun Hideo]

"With only samurai, I imagine that it became part of your daily lives to look after horses in all ways. While some of our samurai will tend to parts of it, it won't be to the level of the Unicorn" Hideo nodded, looking impressed "I would assume that you will also look after the horse that your husband will arrange for you?"

[Ide Amaya]

She looks at him without ceasing her work on Ti-Lu's coat. "If my husband-san were as generous as that, he could certainly be assured that the care I would take would be second only to the care I gave to him, or to any children I might bear him."

[Seppun Hideo]

"I have little doubt that Amaya-san would certainly make her husband quite happy, and the horses as well" Hideo nodded with a smile "although seeing how much she loves horses, it may be tricky to keep her away from the animal for any long period of time, neh? Perhaps her husband should insist on her riding the family horse at least once a morning."

[Ide Amaya]

Frowning, she concentrates on Ti-Lu's coat for a long time before replying. It is an intensive ritual, plying the hay wisp, moreso than the currying she had given the pony before.

"I would never shirk my duties, Hideo-sama," is the short answer. I know I cannot speak freely here, where anything might be overheard, but what is the purpose of this game?

[Seppun Hideo]

"I know this Amaya-san" Hideo nodded, keeping still and watching "I had never doubted such a thing. Forgive me, I am being a distraction."

[Ide Amaya]

Softening, "you are no distraction, I assure." She works diligently and it slowly becomes apparent that the area she has tended with the wisp is gleaming like the finest silk.

[Seppun Hideo]

Hideo looked impressed. "Your work is quite impressive Amaya-san."