[D1 LA] Short Lesson Before Dinner

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

Yuki smiled but shook her head some. "A good thought, but maybe next time, neh?" She then looked at the horse as he snorted and giggled, covering her mouth.

"I don't think we've been introduced." She said, moving towards the horse with the due caution one affords for unfamiliar animals, lifting a hand for him to sniff, should he so wish to. "What is his name?"

Sniff he did, and then a gust of hot hair greeted her hand as Gokiburi shook his head a little. "Gokiburi," she answered calming the horse to the presence of the unfamiliar person.

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki giggled some at the blast of air from the horse. "He is a lovely animal, and he looks very strong." The Phoenix did not move her hand away just yet, but didn't bring it closer yet either, waiting for the horse to get used to her before she would move.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

With an act of will, Hirase's shoulders settled, leaving their raised tense posture to something softer, though a canny observer could still read the hint of nervousness there.

"Like a poorly loaded pack will set off one's feet on a steep hill, neh?" Instead of nodding, he made a contemplative 'Mmm." sound. "Is there anything else a rider should do to make the task for the horse easier? It seems only fair, given that they do all of the hard work."

" Calm down, please. My horse can sense nervousness. She's only staying calm due to my guidance." There were still no major hiccups. They proceeded with a slow trot along the field. "Have faith in her strength. She carries me as I swing my tetsubo off the side in the midst of combat. A gentle walk is nothing."

[Asako Hirase]

"I trust the horse." This, at least, was said with surety. "I don't trust myself not to accidentally hurt her. And, yes, I realize that is likely foolishness on my part."

He took a long, slow breath, reaching for the quiet meditative place he used when Ichiro had been particularly troublesome.

"Thank you for your patience, Shinjo-san. I truly do appreciate it. I'd tell your horse so, if I had that talent. Alas, there is no magical talent in my line."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"You can always tell her yourself. I believe she understands Mekhem the most, though." She looked up at the man with a smile. "In any case, your son will do well on the saddle if your progress is any indication."

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

"We've been through much together," Fei answered as Gokiburi seemed to ponder Yuki's hand. After a short moment Gokiburi nuzzles at her hand, having made the decision for himself that the woman seemed friendly enough.

[Asako Hirase]

That got another small smile out of the man, relaxing him still further. His death-grip on the pommel eased and he even took up the reins, though it was more a matter of holding them loosely than active attempts to steer or manage speed.

"I don't know any Mekhem, but I'm happy to learn the right phrases. Indeed, I wouldn't mind learning the language if it is a common one among the Unicorn. I've come to realize that much can be lost in translation in my time studying the Yodotai and I wouldn't wish to have that happen with so much new to absorb."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

That got another small smile out of the man, relaxing him still further. His death-grip on the pommel eased and he even took up the reins, though it was more a matter of holding them loosely than active attempts to steer or manage speed.

"I don't know any Mekhem, but I'm happy to learn the right phrases. Indeed, I wouldn't mind learning the language if it is a common one among the Unicorn. I've come to realize that much can be lost in translation in my time studying the Yodotai and I wouldn't wish to have that happen with so much new to absorb."

Yue kept her hand on the reins still, even if she was pleased with him taking the initiative. "I can help with that as well. But you are correct; we would be hard pressed to teach you both horseback riding and Mekhem." She paused in reflection. "It is easier for young children to learn a new language, however."

By Shinjo, I am starting to sound like I want to be the boy's mother.

[Asako Hirase]

"Oh, yes." A rueful chuckle escaped, sounding almost rusty. "Ichiro is doing far better learning Yobanjin than I did when I started as a last-year student. I'm hopeful that he'll have many chances to absorb such lessons. Learning is a great virtue among the Phoenix, even the warriors, and it will serve him well no matter what path he takes in life."

Smiling still, he glanced over to Liu Yue. "As for me, I will stick first to the riding. Your culture is still nomadic, I believe? If I marry in, I do not wish to be the reason we are slowed or have to remain behind."

[Usagi Tomoe]

He smiled mischievously and winked, "I'm not sure it's proper to say... I suppose I'll leave it to your imagination and wildest 'dreams'."

Perhaps she was a little flustered by his remark when she did not notice how her foot got caught on a tiny part of a tree-root when she got up, and soon enough she fell forward rather ungraciously. At least she managed to catch herself in time before face-planting into the dirt.

"Ow..." she huffed and got back up on her feet rather quickly.

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

I suppose he fits the 'smart' bit I had told big sis. I really should ask him what she thinks of this man.

Yue nodded. "It would be good for you to learn regardless! I cannot think of a woman in my Clan who would be happy with a husband unfit for the saddle!" The claim included her, of course.

[Soshi Yuuru]

Yuuru leaned in to catch her if needed and then stood beside her and smiled, "Needn't get all worked up Tomoe-chan. I'm only kidding... partially."

[Usagi Tomoe]

She didn't turn down his aid in getting back up, and she took a moment to dust off her clothes.

"Geez... only you could joke at a time like this. Or did you want me to trip, hm?" she asked in a playful tone.

[Soshi Yuuru]

"I was hoping next time you'd fall in my arms." He said with a smile. "But I guess I shouldn't wish such a misfortune on my dear savior."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"It would be quite a misfortunate to fall into your arms, yes," she giggled.

"Should probably be heading back to the... camps? There's a feast of some sort arranged in the next hour by our hosts."