(Day 6, LM) Living on the Edge (Expecting)

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa said nothing more, for the moment. She could feel the ride was winding down, and she wanted to enjoy every moment until it ended... for both their sakes. She just smiled and remained against Butaj's body.

[Moto Butaj]

They are almost by the crater when he turns his horse and gets it back toward the steppe, fast. He holds her tight, possessively. "Butaj doesn't want to give Misa back to the world just yet. If Misa wants to return right now she better says it. Because now it is Moto blood speaking through Butaj." Perhaps he senses what she feels, or has just taken the yes to the head.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa gave a bright, open laugh at that, but a moment later reached up to give him a flick on the forehead. "Baka. I'll only be taken away like that if you can beat me at what I'm trained to do."

[Moto Butaj]

"Baka or not baka, we're riding away. What does Butaj have to beat you at?"

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa wasn't really surprised at the acceptance. "Iaijutsu."

[Moto Butaj]

"Some way of sword fighting? Butaj can do that." He smirks as they accelerate and he pressed Misa against him so she doesn't fall off. He laughs against the wind.

[Tonbo Misa]

"Good. The day of the decision then, first thing in the morning. And if you win, you can kidnap me off to your tent."

[Moto Butaj]

"So not today." Butaj sighs wistfully, his wistfulness lost on the wind. He slows down and turns back by an arch. "So much for Butaj being a wild Moto. For shame!" He laughs, finding it the only reaction that fits.

[Tonbo Misa]

"You'll have to learn a little patience, my wild stallion." She giggled into a sleeve. "It's only a few days, after all."

[Moto Butaj]

"Eternity!" He shouts out with lightheartedness he imposes on himself, to silence foreboding as the waters of the crater loom again. He feels it may just be true. Some things are either done now, or need to be waited for for another timelessness. He doesn't spell it out. Tamed, he delivers her back. Slowing down, he looses his hold and disentangles his face from her hair.

[Tonbo Misa]

As soon as they'd stopped, Misa slipped off Huludai, Sanmi helping her mistress. As soon as she was off, she turned around to give the horse's head a hug, smiling softly. "Thank you for this Butaj-kun, Huludai-kun. It was a lovely ride." She looked toward Butaj once more, shaking her head. "And don't dwell and brood. Please."

[Moto Butaj]

Since she has dismounted herself, he doesn't, just hops over to the saddle. "Thank you, Tonbo-sama. Butaj won't forget anything but he won't brood for things that can't be different and will embrace what can be. When the mind invites uncertain thoughts, the heart is the guide." He then turns his face away from both of them and shouts. "HIYYAAAH!" Huludai carries him toward the horizon, alone.

/exit

(Chapter Closing Title)