Something to answer for? (Day 6 LM, Fukawa's Yurt)

[Shinjo Akil]

He considered the question very carefully, obviously trying to make sure he words it right. "When I become a Crane... will I have to dye my hair white?"

[Doji Fukawa]

That earned him Fukawa's first laugh of the miai, which sounded like silvery bells.

"Ah, no, A-kun, it is not required." she assured him. "It is a tradition honoring Doji Hayaku's courage and sacrifice, and to show loyalty to the Crane. Not doing it does not mean you lack those qualities, it is simply a choice."

She takes a lock of her own hair between her fingers.

"Do you not like the color on me, A-kun?"

[Shinjo Akil]

"Oh, no! I think it looks fine on you," he smiled brightly, "I just don't know that it would fit me overly well," he mussed his hair a bit, poking at it almost as if it were a bother. "It is not exactly exceptional to begin with, and I imagine dyeing it all the time is quite the hassle."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa smiles at him.

"I like your hair just as it is, A-kun." she reveals. "One can easily picture you on horseback, with the wind blowing through your hair."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Then I see no reason for it to change," he nodded, relieved at her revelation.

[Doji Fukawa]

She smiles a bit.

"We will need to get you some gold netsuke, for fashion's sake though." she adds.

[Shinjo Akil]

"I suppose that does not seem unreasonable," he nodded in return. "Oh! We should arrange for you to ride some more before the miai ends."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"I would enjoy that greatly, A-kun." she says. "Perhaps tomorrow?"

[Shinjo Akil]

"Certainly," he grinned, "Setem will be glad to have you, I'm sure. He really liked you when you both first met."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"He is an amazing steed." she admits. "You are worthy of each other, to be sure."

[Shinjo Akil]

"I hope that's true," he let out a laugh, "it would be awkward if I were unworthy of the steed I've been riding since I was learning to properly walk "