A Pup and a Prayer (D8, EA)

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "I will make sure she does not know where it comes from. I suspect I am relatively safe. Though I may end up with a dead weasel in my bed for my mischeviousness."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"We'll hunt weasels before you leave." he offered. "Hopefully, she'll tire of seeing them by the time we're done."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "That sounds like an excellent idea. We were never able to do that the other day. I wonder if the game has returned after the storm."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"They will at some point." he shrugged. "The more time passes, the more likely we'll find something."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "That is a good point. Hopefully, there will be something to hunt. And if nothing else, we will have a good run of it."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Definitely." he nodded. "What are your thoughts as we near the end of the Miai?"

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo ponders for a moment.

"I have hopes, but they are lower than they were. Now, I prepare myself for doing my duty, whatever that means. It may mean that I do not end up being married to anyone I have met, which is...a disappointment. I have enjoyed my time and my interactions with you and those of your clan."

She pauses for a moment.

"But I am glad, regardless of the results. I have made new friends, I have strengthened old friendships. I have learned more of myself than I thought possible in such a short time." She takes a deep breath.

"And I suspect that marriage into or with another of the Unicorn clan will be....positive for me. There is balance in it. Though I am concerned at the idea of being the first Matsu to wed out of the family since its creation, I am also sure that I am likely one of the best choices for such a duty. I no longer wonder why I was chosen for the miai. I can see the reasons, stretched out and they are clear."

She looks at him, her eyes serious. "There were things I hoped for that have not necessarily materialized. Possibilities that grew and changed in the blink of an eye. But...I will not be glad when the miai is done. I may be slightly relieved, to have the choices finally made."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

Kemuri nodded appreciatively. "My thoughts are much the same. I have hopes, but even at this point, many things can change. There are many good men among the Unicorn, Kogo-san. Even if it is one you have yet to meet, I am sure a favorable match can be found for you, perhaps even one for you to take home."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods, taking his words as a reminder. "You are right Kemuri-san. There is always possibility. And today is a day where my skills may finally serve me in the events. "

She sees Kabu, playing with Noburu and she clicks her tongue to make sure that Noburu does not swat the pup for his latest antic of biting her ear. Noburu grumbles but gingerly brings the pup down with a paw.

She smiles. "There is always possibility. And hope."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Now you are the one with wise words, Kogo-san." he grinned. "Kabu has a good sensei."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "The teacher is also taught." She sees Kabu off wriggling in a field next to Noburu, trying to get her to play. "Young ones remind us that the world was once a bright open space, full of possibility. It is a valuable lesson."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"They also remind us of the importance of good friendships." he smiled as Airi joined Kabu in encouraging the lion to play..

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo smiled. "True. And that caution is sometimes warranted and sometimes, holding you back." Noburu, grudgingly, began playing with the cubs.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Noburu-san is very patient and kind." he grinned as he watched the animals play. "A good trait for a nakodo."

[Matsu Kogo]

She laughs again. "Of course. It has been her destiny all this time. I should have seen it."