Inventory Check (Day 2, EE, Expecting)

[Soshi Taira]

Taira listened to that with a mixture of feelings.

Ok that was reasonabl... oh can't talk too... and a horse. They really were quite keen on the horses...

"I see. That's a particular set of attributes."

He gave his kumis bowl a pensive look, and then refilled it. "I hope you'll be able to find it... I guess I hadn't thought it through as thoroughly... I hope I don't give the impression I'm making light of this miai. Do you think I should come up with a more particular set of requirements?"

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

This Scorpion is certainly different than the others. Maybe it's the setting? Wait...

She looked around, wondering if she was being improper sitting in a yurt with a man, both without a chaperone. Is it only in an actual building?

She kept her mouth shut and turned back to the Soshi. "I thought of it yesterday," she admitted with a bright smile. "It would be wise for you to do the same. You should know what you want, Taira-dono." Her expression turned more serious. "However, in the end we must fulfill our Duty."

[Soshi Taira]

"Hai, that is true."

The yurt was, at least, open to the world, so it wasn't exactly a secluded setting.

"We are no strangers to duty, among the Scorpion. In the end I will do as the nakado arranges, whether it suits me or not."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue tapped her fingers against her leg. "Tell me what a Scorpion wants of a Unicorn when you learn. I wish to let the others know." She lowered her eyes, wondering so far what impression she had made on all the men she had met so far. She had not told Taira but what she needed was a man who could look past her injuries.

[Soshi Taira]

Taira contemplated that in silence for a moment, taking a slow sip of kumis while he pondered his answer.

After a slow breath, he answered, "I will. I think, if nothing else, I would like someone I can trust as a partner. Someone I respect, who respects me." With a sigh, he managed. "I would hope she would have strength of mind and character, such that I could trust her to advise me when I am in error, and to take my advice when she falters. To be a greater force than the two of us alone, such that we play a truly invaluable role in whatever duty we are assigned."

He glanced out at the camp through the yurt flaps.

"I guess that's a bit vague of me, but I'll have to give it thought. My kin... I cannot speak for. Some likely desire beauty of form, most desire competence, and many value etiquette, attentiveness, and my clan greatly values those who are dutiful."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo woman gave a weak smile. "Members of any Clan are different, ne?" She bowed her head to him. "Arigatou gozaimasu; your answer was good, Taira-dono."

She looked over as well, wondering if he noticed something she did not.

"I cannot speak on behalf of the whole Unicorn either." She let out a small laugh. "No. I am correct on every woman wishing for a man skilled in horseback riding. The men of my Clan also wish for the same of their women."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira considered that in silence.

"Then I guess I should get some practice."

With a faint grin, he added, "I get the impression that the Moto are more direct than the rest of your clan, if my experience is anything to go by. I've seen that they won't be shy about their desires."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue nodded enthusiastically in regards to him willing to learn horseback riding. "Good!" She paused, wondering if it was appropriate for her to ask. "I already offered to help another learn to ride a horse. I could extent the same to you, Taira-dono."

She tilted her head. "Have I not been direct about what I am looking for?" She took a moment to think. Is it because I am Moto trained? No, my sister is also direct, even more than myself.

[Soshi Taira]

Taira flushed. "Not as direct as she was... believe me."

Clearing his throat, he added, not looking directly at the Shinjo, to try and let his flush die down, "If you would tolerate my inexperience, I would be glad of your guidance, Liu Yue-hime."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

The Shinjo perked her brow. "Sou desu ka." Despite her curiosity, she did not press further.

"I would be honored to teach you, Taira-dono. If it is any consolation, my other student is not experienced either." Her face faltered for a brief moment. Should I teach them together? Separately? Ah heck, I am completely over my head on this. My sister is a better horseback rider than I am! Maybe she could help? No, she wouldn't anyways.

She put on an awkward smile. "When would you like to learn?"

[Soshi Taira]

"Whenever is convenient for you." A faint chuckle. "Or more likely whenever I'm not treating injuries or stomach troubles. Perhaps tomorrow morning?"

He stretched his fingers absentmindedly, and added, quietly, "If I have any conflicts I'd send word, right away."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"The morning, then," she said with a smile. She hesitated for a slight moment. "I can help you with my limited abilities, Taira-dono. Medicine."

She raised her brow. "That goes without saying, right?"

[Soshi Taira]

"If you wanted, I wouldn't want to infringe on your time, if you were busy..."

He smiled though, "But help is always welcome. I admit I enjoy not just treating injuries but learning more about cures and remedies... and just about whatever else I can read. Have you had a chance to do any reading? Try any Rokugani novels?"

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

Yue shrugged. "Helping others is a good use of my time, Taira-dono. If you need help, send word."

The woman paused and shook her head. "My skills are limited to treating injuries, Taira-dono. I am not well-read," she admitted, a bit bashful. She took the opportunity to take out her sake cup. "However, I know enough to bring this wherever I go. You wanted to have sake?"

[Soshi Taira]

"Oh, hai! I thought you might like to try it."

He smiled, and rose, wandering to his traveling pack, distinguishable from his medical satchel only in that it hung from both shoulders, and was a little larger and less well secured.

Fishing about inside, he extracted a stone bottle, and examined it thoughtfully.

After a moment, he nodded, and then returned.

"I'm glad you view compassion as a worthwhile enterprise... it speaks well of your character, Lie Yue-hime. As for reading... I guess I had an unusual lot of free time in my youth, after I found I wasn't a shugenja."

He shrugged. "I spent a lot of time in the company of cats and scrolls, when we weren't traveling."

Breaking the cork loose, he added, "This is a junmai ginjo, very clear and dry. It is one of my preferred blends, though I confess it is not sweet like kumis." Pouring out two cups, he raised his. "Kampai."