[D1 LA] Short Lesson Before Dinner

[Matsu Kogo]

...

"I'm guessing that it's also not as feasible when you're in a fight," he says with a nod. "You'd be too busy with your sword and footwork to be giving her commands physically I imagine. It's probably more like fighting beside a fellow bushi too, able to maneuver tactically and watch each other's backs."

Kogo nodded. "Exactly. The Matsu beastmasters consider the WarCats our equal on the battle field. Though we command them, they also watch for us. We sometimes have an easier eye at seeing the bigger picture, but they are their own sort of weapon. " Kogo pauses for a moment. "They are the truest embodiment of the samurai's willingess to die in battle. There are few cowards among lions."

[Asako Hirase]

Yue thought on his words. "That is true. At the end of the miai, we are to elect our own spouses. I recall that often times marriages are outside of our control. They are arranged by said nakodo, correct?"

In this, he was something of an expert, having gone through the experience once before. Relaxing and reaching to pat the horse gently again, he explained, "Yes, indeed. It usually starts when ones parents, or Lord, if the parents are either active elsewhere or have passed on, contacts a nakodo. They give them your salient information...bloodlines, occupation, talents, challenges, and so on. The nakodo often meets with clients to assess for herself their qualities as well. Then the nakodo looks through their clientele and sets up pairings that might suit the needs of the time, be it political or simply a need to breed up a characteristic or two. If you are lucky, you may meet your spouse before the betrothal and have a chance to say no, but that's not always the case."

Remembering his own union, he offered, "In my case, my wife and I were paired for a certain willingness to learn new things. We were stationed very near the northern border right after marriage and the Clan didn't want to send any anyone unsuited for it, even a spouse. I met her at the ceremony. Still, it worked out well enough. We built a friendship in the short time we had and that was more than enough to consider the nakodo's work a success."

[Asako Yuki]

"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.

Yuki paused at that, scratching her chin some. "I see. So what happens if the horse dies then? They raise a new one, yes? Also, why do you call them Battle Maidens? Surely some men serve in their ranks, yes?" The young woman was getting more comfortable, and as such would come more and more questions as she sought to learn.

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

"I've never seen what happens when a Battle Maidens horse dies Asakao-san," she answered that part quickly enough but then shifted on Gokiburi as he was starting to get a little restless just standing around. Once they both settled again Fei went back and added the last with an inward grin, "I believe you are intelligent enough to answer that second question for yourself Asako-san. Only women serve the Battle Maidens."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

...

"Yes, that makes sense. It's a bit different with our horses. The activities we perform together are far more interdependent. But communication is much easier and quicker, often relying on small cues that muscle memory handles almost thoughtlessly. But thats only really possible due to our handlers and trainers, something I'm not personally educated with."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

In this, he was something of an expert, having gone through the experience once before. Relaxing and reaching to pat the horse gently again, he explained, "Yes, indeed. It usually starts when ones parents, or Lord, if the parents are either active elsewhere or have passed on, contacts a nakodo. They give them your salient information...bloodlines, occupation, talents, challenges, and so on. The nakodo often meets with clients to assess for herself their qualities as well. Then the nakodo looks through their clientele and sets up pairings that might suit the needs of the time, be it political or simply a need to breed up a characteristic or two. If you are lucky, you may meet your spouse before the betrothal and have a chance to say no, but that's not always the case."

Remembering his own union, he offered, "In my case, my wife and I were paired for a certain willingness to learn new things. We were stationed very near the northern border right after marriage and the Clan didn't want to send any anyone unsuited for it, even a spouse. I met her at the ceremony. Still, it worked out well enough. We built a friendship in the short time we had and that was more than enough to consider the nakodo's work a success."

Yue nodded along with the discussion, her grip on the reins loosening. Fortunately for both of them, Hikazume did not show any aggression to the man.

"I cannot imagine such an arrangement," she concluded at the end of it. She was unsure of how else to put it. The woman paused and then continued in Yobanjin, "Ah, I am very sorry to hear for your loss. I cannot imagine that it was easy." She then gave the man another deep bow.

Afterward, she perked a brow, her horse picking up on it and turning to her. "Oh don't fret, it's okay you worrywart." She did not ask the question on her mind, however. To ask him if he is ready for a new marriage would be quite rude, wouldn't it?

[Matsu Kogo]

...

"Yes, that makes sense. It's a bit different with our horses. The activities we perform together are far more interdependent. But communication is much easier and quicker, often relying on small cues that muscle memory handles almost thoughtlessly. But thats only really possible due to our handlers and trainers, something I'm not personally educated with."

Kogo looks serious. "They sound like wise beings. I hope I will be able to meet some of them. I am sure there is much we could learn from each other." She pauses and then says, "But they are not here now and we are and the day is bright. Who could ask for more?" She smiles at him, her eyes dancing a bit.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"One could always ask for more," he says, his eyes meeting hers. "The field could be filled with wildflowers and the wind carrying music. The trick is to know when you're asking too much. Recognizing the opportunity to be happy and content for a short while between long periods of work and effort. It's made easier to recognize that when you're beside a person that you enjoy being with."

[Matsu Kogo]

"One could always ask for more," he says, his eyes meeting hers. "The field could be filled with wildflowers and the wind carrying music. The trick is to know when you're asking too much. Recognizing the opportunity to be happy and content for a short while between long periods of work and effort. It's made easier to recognize that when you're beside a person that you enjoy being with."

Kogo laughs loudly for a brief moment and then catches herself, blushing. "Too correct Shinjo-san. One could always ask for more. But I suspect Noburu has taught me over the years to stay more in the moment. Our cats do not think so far ahead as we do. There is a gift in that." She looks back to see Noburu catching a small prarie dog, all too content with herself. "Noburu, take that over there and eat. I am sure Meushi will not like the smell of the blood." She clicks her tongue at the cat when it looks to hesitate and gestures. Noburu tosses her head for a second and then saunters off. "That cat. Mischievous as the day is long." She looks over at Shinjo-san, a sparkle in her eyes. "Perhaps she could teach me something about being too serious at times."

[Asako Hirase]

Yue nodded along with the discussion, her grip on the reins loosening. Fortunately for both of them, Hikazume did not show any aggression to the man.

"I cannot imagine such an arrangement," she concluded at the end of it. She was unsure of how else to put it. The woman paused and then continued in Yobanjin, "Ah, I am very sorry to hear for your loss. I cannot imagine that it was easy." She then gave the man another deep bow.

Afterward, she perked a brow, her horse picking up on it and turning to her. "Oh don't fret, it's okay you worrywart." She did not ask the question on her mind, however. To ask him if he is ready for a new marriage would be quite rude, wouldn't it?

"It was a challenge. As much the adjustment to being alone, more or less, with the baby as her absence, though in truth her Duty had her away often as it was. This time I knew it was up to me, and me alone, that would have to bring him up to be a good servant of the Empire. The loss was as bad as the loss of any friend, I dare say, but...I have come here in good heart. The past should not dampen the future."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"It was a challenge. As much the adjustment to being alone, more or less, with the baby as her absence, though in truth her Duty had her away often as it was. This time I knew it was up to me, and me alone, that would have to bring him up to be a good servant of the Empire. The loss was as bad as the loss of any friend, I dare say, but...I have come here in good heart. The past should not dampen the future."

The tall woman smiled brightly. She was relieved to hear him say such words. "You are right, Hirase-san; the past does not control us." She, of course, was speaking on behalf of her own injuries. "Did your child come with you, Hirase-san?" She was unsure if the boy would be left at home or not.

[Asako Yuki]

"I've never seen what happens when a Battle Maidens horse dies Asakao-san," she answered that part quickly enough but then shifted on Gokiburi as he was starting to get a little restless just standing around. Once they both settled again Fei went back and added the last with an inward grin, "I believe you are intelligent enough to answer that second question for yourself Asako-san. Only women serve the Battle Maidens."

"So Otaku horses live longer? Most horses only live about 20 years. Fascinating." The Phoenix exclaimed. Yuki then flushed a bit at the last answer. "Hai, well, I'm sure. But I meant why do only women serve among the Battle Maidens? Is it a position of honor like the Lion's Pride then?"

[Usagi Tomoe]

"What is it you'd like?" He asked warmly.

"Oooh... you're letting me decide?" she grinned and steepled her fingers in an attempt to look scheming.

"If I win our wager, I get to ask any favour of you, within reasonable bounds of course as you know I won't ask you to betray your clan or anything like that."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

...

"I think that among the Unicorn you'll find plenty of folks that know how to switch between living in the moment and looking to the future. Being nomads practically mandates such an outlook. And it's very likely you'll be able to pick that up from your husband."

[Soshi Yuuru]

"Very well. Then I shall ask the same of you. Deal?" Yuuru asked with a smile.