Counting Sheep (D6, EE)

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa kept up her petting for a moment in silence, just smiling and running her fingers through the wool. Finally she spoke up quietly. "Is Shinjo-san familiar with handling animals that aren't horses then?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"To some extent." he nodded. "Just their basic behaviors and how one might influence them. Sheep are fairly easy."

[Tonbo Misa]

"We have none up in the Dragon mountains, only goats. They're a bit meaner, and nowhere as soft." Pet pet.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"And, goats seem to eat anything." he chuckled. "Sheep are nicer. They are nicer than the yaks, too."

[Tonbo Misa]

She nodded, chewing her lower lip softly a moment. "...I've avoided the yak pens. I'm a bit intimidated, I admit. They sound large."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"They are. And, they are stubborn." he confirmed. "Avoiding them is probably for the best. You are pretty good with animals, though."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa laughed softly. "Am I? I will take that as a compliment Shinjo-san. My life hasn't dealt with animals much, so it isn't from any sort of training."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"It is in how you approach and interact with them." he explained. "You are patient and gentle. That is better than most."

[Tonbo Misa]

"It is how I am with people as well I suppose. A part of the enlightenment I've touched upon is that there is little point to anger, fear, regret, or jealousy in this life. Cautious hope is my approach with these one's at least." She hugged the sheep.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"That is a wise perspective." he agreed. "Life can be too short for any of that. Why waste precious time with such things, when you can hug a sheep?"

His voice had an amused tone, but there was no mockery. His words were sincere.

[Tonbo Misa]

She gave a soft laugh, not letting go. "Because of concern for yourself or the sheep. But this one has no room for concern with Shinjo-san's watchful eye."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Are there any other animals Tonbo-sama would like to meet someday?" he asked cheerfully.

[Tonbo Misa]

"I would be happy to meet any that would not try to eat me. I quite like them after all. Especially the fuzzy ones." She finally let go of her sheep, patting it's head.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Hmm... That would include many small creatures and a few larger ones." he mused. "Are there any you particularly don't care for?"

[Tonbo Misa]

She smirked faintly as she smoothed out her robes. "I suppose I wouldn't really like to meet a whale. I'm not certain what I would do with one. Hugging it would be out of the question."