(Day 10, EE) Cherry on Top (Expecting)

[Doji Ameka]

"No... Actually, I really like having the cooking stuff just right at hand... The extra air has been nice, too. I've barely gotten sick at all," she strokes the horse's side thoughtfully. "If feels less tense than a formal space. It's different. There are some things I would miss, it would be a lie to say there aren't, but... I like it."

[Moto Butaj]

He finally catches the thought he has been chasing. "Doji Ameka reminds Butaj of a delicate blue linum flower. When they bloom across the steppe it looks like a thousand upon thousand butterflies sit on it to partake in morning dew. We call them malingin."

[Doji Ameka]

She smiled at that. "Ama no hana... That's a lovely image. I'm flattered to be compared to it."

[Moto Butaj]

"Butaj is happy that the Unicorn plain is a place where Doji Ameka can feel healthy and thriving like Ama no Hana. If you stay with the Unicorn, it will be a happier place."

[Doji Ameka]

She nodded. "My choices are pretty limited if I want to join the Unicorn rather than one of your people joining the Crane... but I can hope."

[Moto Butaj]

"Even if you and your chosen are Crane in the end, maybe there can be reasons to return here? If the air here makes Ameka healthier, it's a good reason." Butaj muses.

[Doji Ameka]

"True... There's always diplomacy, too," she agrees.

[Moto Butaj]

...and they arrive by her tent. Butaj stops, and so does Huludai. Butaj extends his hands to help her out of the saddle. "Butaj believes that Doji Ameka will not give up and find the right way. Half of it is in a smile and in a happy heart."

[Doji Ameka]

She takes his hand and slides off carefully. "Hai. Thank you for the ride, Moto-san. Good luck with your match tomorrow."

[Moto Butaj]

His hold does not linger more than necessary and soon she is free. He bows to her with a cheerful smile. "It was a joy. Thank you for talking with Butaj. Best of luck for you tomorrow too!"

[Doji Ameka]

She bows in return. "As it was for me. Your intended is a lucky woman. Have a good evening, Moto-san. See you at the party," she waves cheerfully and heads into her yurt to prepare.

[Moto Butaj]

Butaj hops on Huludai and rides away after a last smile to the little Doji.

/exit