Mapping Out the Day (D1, EM Open)

[Soshi Yuuru]

Yuuru rolled up his parchment and jumped down from his branch. He extended his arm and tightly grasped the Unicorn's.

"Well then... let's be friends."

[Moto Butaj]

Butaj reciprocates the strong handshake. He nods with a smile.

"Let's."

He then looks between both men.

"If you could choose, would you want to marry in, or to take one of ours home?"

[Soshi Yuuru]

Yuuru shrugged his shoulders, "I'm open to anything that'd be beneficial to our clans."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira chuckled.

"I'd have said 'take one home' but I don't know that my home would be kind to her, and my skills are useful in all places."

With a little shrug, he added, "I suppose I will see what fate chooses."

[Moto Butaj]

"Butaj will be speaking about you with the eligible women of his Clan and wants to have an idea what to say." Butaj glances between them. "What should Butaj say? You mention your skills being useful. What are they?"

[Soshi Taira]

Taira chuckled.

"I'm a magistrate's physician. A doctor."

With a faint chuckle, he went on, "And a man who must sometimes subdue the wrongdoer until the magistrate arrives."

[Moto Butaj]

"Butaj thinks it is an admirable calling." The Moto nods with conviction. "Can you treat horses too?"

[Soshi Taira]

Taira paused, contemplating that. "I've never tried. I imagine for some things I could handle it just fine, though I am certain there are some unique aspects to the horse that would require additional learning. I assume some of your clan have that knowledge... perhaps I will have to speak with them, if I am to potentially join your clan."

[Moto Butaj]

"Butaj will invite you over. If you learn to cure horses you'll be very valuable to us, and will find a good spouse, maybe even an Otaku." Butaj nods appreciatively.

[Soshi Taira]

"Even in Otaku?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"I thought the Shinjo led the clan?"

[Moto Butaj]

"And they still do, but the Otaku Battle Maidens are special. Soshi Taira will learn soon enough!" Butaj laughs.

[Soshi Taira]

Taira looked puzzled, but just nodded.

"I suppose I shall."

[Moto Butaj]

"For the Otaku, it's the men who are brides." Butaj chuckles more, then moves away to pat grazing Huludai. "Oral traditions claim their horses are magical beings. Huludai is brave and strong, but we probably would not stand ground in a battle against a Shiotome. This is how they are."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira contemplated that in silence, and then offered. "Among the Scorpion, we don't... look down... on our brides or grooms..."

He shrugged. "At least, I think that might have been what you meant... It seems an Otaku husband is not such a pleasant fate?"

[Moto Butaj]

"How having a great woman as your spouse is bad?" Butaj glances at Taira befuddled. "Otaku men are very important too, just less so as warriors. They take care of the yurthold and the herd."