[D9 LM] the end is neigh

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Perhaps the people designing the events did not want to present their families war-like?" Dong-Ha suggested. "Though, one would have expected a chance for the bushi to show their skill with arms. Well, unless you count the lancing."

"I think this miai thing is rather strange, that we are expected to find out future spouses in such a short time. Ten days is barely long enough to make friends." the young Iuchi scratched his own neck, driving off a wayward horsefly. "Yet, I have met quite a few people, learned new things, just as Matsu-san said... and I might have found myself a wife." he admitted shyly. "If Fortunes are kind to me."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo listens intently. "It is a thought. There are many who had...preconceived notions of what the Unicorn would be like. This event may have been structured to shatter those ideas. " Kogo smiles. "I am gladdened to hear such a thing. Happiness is a rare gift in a marriage. You do not have to answer me, but I do wonder who this paragon may be."

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Uh, for what I have been told, this exercise was Crane idea. I mean, of course our families came up with the actual events, but the general shebang... well, Crane happened." Sometimes, Crane did happen. Such was the way of things in Rokugan. "

"I wish not to jinx myself, so I keep her name to myself, lets the Fortunes play a cruel joke on me." Dong-Ha added with a conspiratory smile on his lips.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo's face stays calm though underneath, there is a slight twitch. Ahh...I should have expected that. That would make a great deal of sense. At his joke, her face broadens into a smile again. "You are wise, Iuchi-san. The Fortunes have their own paths and ideas. It is wise to not invite difficulty." She looks at the Iuchi's horse, glad to see that she has stayed calmer. "So do you hope to stay within the Unicorn or marry into your hopeful intended's family?"

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Uhh, I don't care, really. If she is to join us, we gain new blood and are thus richer. If I join her tribe.. clan.." he corrected himself. "... I gain a chance to learn more about the Empire." Dong-Ha replied smiling. "I'll be a happy man, either way."

Asking her about her success seemed impolite, and so Dong-Ha brought up a less hazardous topic. "How Matsu-san has found the food here?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "It is good that happiness stretches in both directions. I will say a prayer to Benten for you and your intended Iuchi-San. " she thinks for a moment. "Mostly pleasant. I had not tried a great deal of foods from other lands prior to this. I enjoyed some of the spices. " though my belly would tell a different story.

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Matsu-san is too kind." Dong-Ha bobbed his head at the Lioness. "Oh, that's good to hear." At least she hadn't suffered like Hotaru had. "I like spice food too, though I wonder if I'll have to do without. I doubt many of the plants growing up north grow here."

[Matsu Kogo]

She shrugs. "The Crane might know something of gardens, from what they say. Perhaps you could ask them if it would be possible to cultivate them."

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Would need to see if someone has seeds." he murmured. "I've never been much of a farmer... I take Crane are apt farmers then?" she had mentioned they had gardens, after all.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods. "From what they say, they are quite committed to gardening. I don't know how they feel about farming. But I suspect the skills are similar."

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Gardening? As in, growing plants just to have plants to look at? Why would they do that when they have mouths to feed?" The idea seemed rather alien to the Unicorn.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo shrugs. "Apparently, they have the time? It is not something I entirely understand either. Shiro Matsu is not known for its gardens, but rather its fortifications. Perhaps the Akodo know more of gardening. I am afraid I can be of little help on this subject."

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"No, it's fine. I just fine the idea so... alien." He had seen fortifications, and it wasn't if Medinat al-Salaam did not have palms, but at least you could eat the dates. Growing bushes just so that someone could look at them felt waste of time and water. "It's fine, no need to apologize, Matsu-san."

[Matsu Kogo]

"It is all right Iuchi-san. One must know one's capabilities." She looks at his confusion. "The Crane and the Lion are....very different Clans. We do not agree on everything." That...is the understatement of the year. Possibly of the dynasty.

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Hmhmh... I have to admit I know very little of either. Maybe Matsu-san could enlighten me?" Dong-Ha asked, unaware of all the baggage between the two clans. "Both noble and famed for their service to the throne."