[D8 LA, open] Thundering Hooves (and Paws)

[Iuchi Saksaha]

"That's good," Saksaha smiles. "Um... it is good, right?" She glances at Kemuri. It's nice that people around her seem to be finding such connections, as long as they have the wherewithal to make them end happily... musing on the plight of her cousin Dong-Ha and others like him distracts her from watching the puppy bounding back until it crashes excitedly into her shins. Without the stick, of course. Still, he came back! "Good dog!"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It is." he smiled. "I just hope we've prepared ourselves for the possibility that we won't be together in the end. I don't want to regret what we have."

[Iuchi Saksaha]

Scooping up the puppy for its reward of some belly rubs, Saksaha nods. "That is a good thing to remember." With her arms full of wiggly fluff, her next thought can't possibly make her frown, but she does sound a little more serious than she might otherwise be as she adds, "I worry that not all who meet at this miai have so much foresight. Is an alliance for our tribe still good if it comes with broken hearts and bitterness?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I have the same concerns." he nodded. "It is all but certain that some of the relationships that have formed will not be able to continue. Hopefully, that won't lead to hostility, but it wouldn't be the first time that love led to conflict."

[Iuchi Saksaha]

"I do not think that is what our khans thought to have when they made this miai, though," Saksaha says wryly. "So I hope no one does anything foolish."

Speaking of foolish, the fuzzy black pup, writhing in puppy ecstasy, manages to flop right out of her arms. He bounces up and down at her feet, barking fiercely at Gravity-san, his greatest foe!

[Shinjo Kemuri]

Airi watched calmly, having learned the futility of challenging Gravity-sama.

"I have faith that the miai will be remembered positively, overall."

[Iuchi Saksaha]

"This is partly up to us, I suppose," Saksaha sighs lightly. "I do not know whether I am more glad to carry on my journey as far as another Clan's land, or... or what. This"--she gestures vaguely around them, creating more excitement in the pup, who seems convinced she's about to throw something again--"does not feel like a homeland I can grieve for leaving yet, anyway."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It's not the land that would hold me here." he agreed. "But, I am still hesitant about leaving my family."

[Iuchi Saksaha]

Saksaha shrugs slightly. "This will not be easy, but it is not like being left behind on the journey. We will know where our people are. We can write letters, and visit."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"True." he nodded. "It will just be different. Everything will be different. I look forward to it."

[Iuchi Saksaha]

"I do too. I think."

It would just be easier if she had a better idea what kind of 'different' to expect.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"We'll find out way." he shrugged. "We always do. It just takes time."

[Iuchi Saksaha]

"Hm. Better to be in even a bad marriage here than lost in those other dark lands, after all."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Exactly." he nodded. "Here, we can build a future with a home."

[Iuchi Saksaha]

"Even if it is in some tall wood house. Or stone." Saksaha shakes her head bemusedly.