[D1 LA] Short Lesson Before Dinner

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

...

"It is. And they've been an invaluable part of the Unicorn ever since. They're a bit rougher around the edges than the rest of the Unicorn but they're also straightforward, honest and strong. We'd not have done as well as we had out there if not for them," he replies with a nod. "And what of any new families in the Lion since we've been gone? Have there been any developments?"

[Matsu Kogo]

...

"It is. And they've been an invaluable part of the Unicorn ever since. They're a bit rougher around the edges than the rest of the Unicorn but they're also straightforward, honest and strong. We'd not have done as well as we had out there if not for them," he replies with a nod. "And what of any new families in the Lion since we've been gone? Have there been any developments?"

Kogo listens attentively. "Akodo speaks wisely. Each has their strengths. Many of my Matsu kin may also have sharp claws in etiquette, but those claws are invaluable in battle." Kogo thinks for a moment. "The Shimizu are a relatively new family. One of my fellow clan mates is here from that family. They were granted lands for a great service to the empire. My clan mate may have better stories about their life."

[Soshi Yuuru]

"Maybe?" She grinned. "Never tried it... can't be worse than natto, neh? Or the things you've eaten in the Shinomen."

He chuckled, "I suppose you're right. I hear they eat red meat though... should be interesting."

[Usagi Tomoe]

He chuckled, "I suppose you're right. I hear they eat red meat though... should be interesting."

"Gonna give it all a fair chance, as our host would want from us. It was a nice speech after all... but I wouldn't be surprised if we end up having at least one fight. Someone gonna get all butt-hurt over something I'm sure."

Tomoe sighed.

[Soshi Yuuru]

He chuckled, "Wagers on which clan it is first?"

[Usagi Tomoe]

"Hmm...alright, I'm up for a bet. Unicorn and Scorpion I say is most likely to end up fighting." She nodded confidently. Not that she thought Yuuru would start it, but a certain touchy Bayushi Courtier might...

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

...

"Oh? I'll have to meet with them. Might I ask who they are so I can find them and strike up a conversation at some point?" He seems intrigued by the idea of learning about the Shimizu.

[Soshi Yuuru]

"Alright... I'll take... hmmm Crab or Lion seem decent bets. But I know this one smarty pants Hare that could start something..." He smiled.

"I guess I'll go with convention this time and say Lion."

[Matsu Kogo]

...

"Oh? I'll have to meet with them. Might I ask who they are so I can find them and strike up a conversation at some point?" He seems intrigued by the idea of learning about the Shimizu.

Kogo smiles. "Of course. They live near me in the Northern Yurts. Or you could likely find them out in the fields some morning. Their name is Shimizu Ryori. You will see them also with a large cat, as they trained with the Matsu."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Another with one of the majestic lions of the Lion," he says. Is that a male or female name? "Your posture is looking fine. Try to commit that feeling to memory. Remembering is the first step before muscle memory kicks in. You don't want to train in bad habits." He smiles up at her. "Another minute holding that posture than we'll call the riding lesson for the afternoon and we can just take a walk and talk afterwards."

[Matsu Kogo]

"Another with one of the majestic lions of the Lion," he says. Is that a male or female name? "Your posture is looking fine. Try to commit that feeling to memory. Remembering is the first step before muscle memory kicks in. You don't want to train in bad habits." He smiles up at her. "Another minute holding that posture than we'll call the riding lesson for the afternoon and we can just take a walk and talk afterwards."

She nods. " I will do my best. One should overdo, but rather listen to the wisdom of one who knows." She relaxes into the posture a bit, moving more with the horse. "A walk sounds lovely. It is too nice a day to be inside."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

With no hesitation, Hirase bowed. "If you are willing to teach, I will learn. I'm afraid I'm not versed in the terms for horses or riding in Yobanjin, so you will have to use Rokugani for those things. Given my relative lack of active skills, we might be wise to start with the proper way to fall off. I expect to do so at least once."

Yue gave a soft smile. "That will not be necessary, HIrase-san. I will be keeping the reins and leading Hikazume as you ride." She looked to her horse and then back to the man. "Allow me to demonstrate proper mounting technique."

The tall woman went up to her mount at the midsection and took in a rein. She then hooked her foot into the stirrup and grabbed the horn. For a split moment, she waited and checked her horse's posture before pulling herself up onto the saddle. "The most important concept to remember is balance, Hirase-san. You do not want to be off-center if your horse is spooked."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"Alright... I'll take... hmmm Crab or Lion seem decent bets. But I know this one smarty pants Hare that could start something..." He smiled.

"I guess I'll go with convention this time and say Lion."

"I'm too smart to get into a fight," she replied with a confident grin.

"So, what do I get when I win?"

[Asako Hirase]

Moving closer to watch how she managed this...stirrup....Hirase nodded. "Is it only with enemies or inclement weather that a horse will startle or are there other things I should be alert for?"

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

Seeing Hirase approach, the young Asako stepped out of the way to let him get closer, which took her towards the still mounted sister. "I admit, I've never seen so many horses as i have here, you must have nearly three horses for every person here."

"Not a member of our Clan is unable to ride a horse. From the moment we can wield a sword, begin our training, we learn to ride. Otaku Battle Maidens are a proper example of that," she answered, keeping at least one eye watching the moment between the male Phoenix and her sister. Waiting, wanting to see how Hirase would manage.