[D1 LA] Short Lesson Before Dinner

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Moving closer to watch how she managed this...stirrup....Hirase nodded. "Is it only with enemies or inclement weather that a horse will startle or are there other things I should be alert for?"

Yue shook her head. "There are many incidents that may startle a horse, Hirase-san. Loud noises and unfamiliar situations are among many things that can upset Hikazume and others of her kind." She demonstrated, with the same technique as before, her dismount before coming to the Asako man with horse in tow. "In general, it is prudent to check if the horse is stable and upright before mounting and dismounting, Hirase-san."

[Asako Yuki]

"Not a member of our Clan is unable to ride a horse. From the moment we can wield a sword, begin our training, we learn to ride. Otaku Battle Maidens are a proper example of that," she answered, keeping at least one eye watching the moment between the male Phoenix and her sister. Waiting, wanting to see how Hirase would manage.

"Amazing. What about your shugenja, or you courtiers? Do they learn to ride from such an early age as well?" She paused and began to smile some. "During my studies I had read a story about some rather incredible feats that some of the nomad tribes of the Burning Sands were capable of on horseback. I expect the Unicorn are just as capable? Or taught such maneuvers to the tribes?"

[Asako Hirase]

Yue shook her head. "There are many incidents that may startle a horse, Hirase-san. Loud noises and unfamiliar situations are among many things that can upset Hikazume and others of her kind." She demonstrated, with the same technique as before, her dismount before coming to the Asako man with horse in tow. "In general, it is prudent to check if the horse is stable and upright before mounting and dismounting, Hirase-san."

"An inspection seems prudent." Carefully, the Phoenix extended his hand to lay on the horses near shoulder, introducing himself to the horse in a quiet voice. To Liu Yue he explained, "And a greeting. I have never ridden, but I have had cats. I suspect some courtesies are universal."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"An inspection seems prudent." Carefully, the Phoenix extended his hand to lay on the horses near shoulder, introducing himself to the horse in a quiet voice. To Liu Yue he explained, "And a greeting. I have never ridden, but I have had cats. I suspect some courtesies are universal."

Hikazume, fortunately for both of them, was a friendly-enough horse that did not despise strangers. The horse allowed the man to approach and listened to his words. "Correct. I cannot think of a single animal that does not enjoy a greeting first," Liu Yue remarked. She kept her hand on the reins and tight as a precaution as she watched her horse interact with the Asako.

[Asako Hirase]

Hirase did not do much at first, simply rested his hand on the warm hide. "Hotter than I would have expected. Is it simply the weather or are they always warm?"

Shifting to look into the horse's near eye, he began to slowly slide his hand up to the mane, feeling the surprisingly course texture against brush-callused fingertips.

"How long is a usual greeting? I don't know if he enjoys this or is simply being kind to a stranger."

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

"Every Unicorn can ride a horse, some better than others of course. Our Shugenja and Courtier need only to ride to remain with the Clan but it is our Bushi who have a much more adept hand at the reign to control a horse through combat or worse," she said instructionally enough. Though there was a hint of respect, admiration holding close in her words, when she said the next, "Otaku Battle Maidens have the greatest connection with their horses. Best riders I have ever seen."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Hirase did not do much at first, simply rested his hand on the warm hide. "Hotter than I would have expected. Is it simply the weather or are they always warm?"

Shifting to look into the horse's near eye, he began to slowly slide his hand up to the mane, feeling the surprisingly course texture against brush-callused fingertips.

"How long is a usual greeting? I don't know if he enjoys this or is simply being kind to a stranger."

Yue nodded along as he went with the greeting. "Maybe some food would help, Hirase-san." She turned over to Fei and shouted, "Hey sis! Did you bring any snacks with ya?" She turned back to her pupil with a bright smile. "Do not worry if we do not have snacks to give to Hikazume. You are making a good impression on her, Hirase-san."

[Asako Hirase]

"Can she eat dried apples?" The man reached into his obi, moving slowly so as not to startle the horse. "I carry them out of habit."

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

Looking up toward her sister Liu Fei shook her head in the negative before quickly looking back to her conversation, Yuki.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"Ringo," Yue repeated to herself. "Yes, that will work." She pulled her horse back slightly. "Do you have a knife? Small slices would be adequate. When you feed her, be careful of your fingers."

The young woman then smirked. "Why do you carry around dried apples?"

[Asako Hirase]

"They're already small." He pulled a few out, showing the young Unicorn the thin half-slices in his palm. "I carry them because of Ichiro, my son."

Carefully, holding the longest strip he could find by the tip, he extended it forward in offering to the steed.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

At first, Yue was warm and receptive to the idea of a son. It dawned on her afterward that a father at a miai was a strange sight indeed. "Are you looking for a wife, Hirase-san?" she asked, unsure of how better to put it in Rokugani.

Hikazume, for her part, gobbled up the apple with much enthusiasm. Perhaps that may have been intimidating, given the man's earlier reaction to the horses.

[Asako Yuki]

"Every Unicorn can ride a horse, some better than others of course. Our Shugenja and Courtier need only to ride to remain with the Clan but it is our Bushi who have a much more adept hand at the reign to control a horse through combat or worse," she said instructionally enough. Though there was a hint of respect, admiration holding close in her words, when she said the next, "Otaku Battle Maidens have the greatest connection with their horses. Best riders I have ever seen."

Yuki tilted her head to the side. "What do you suppose makes such a connection? If you ride your horse just as often as they do, shouldn't your bond be just as strong?" There was obviously no insult meant by the question, merely over curiosity.

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

"Gokiburi and I are close, partners that trust each other, but the Otaku Battle Maidens, their horses are raised by them from infancy. Both the rider and horse grow up together. I trust Gokiburi to be there when I need him but.. our bond isn't anything near that," she explained, seeming to be managing this instructor type gig pretty well.

[Asako Hirase]

"Yes." The man turned to look at her squarely. "I married shortly after gempukku. My son was scarce walking when his mother fell in battle on our northern border. That was a year and a half ago and my proper mourning for her is done. I miss the comraderie we had, but live goes on. I am still quite young and have a whole life to offer in partnership to the one who becomes my wife."