Getting it Out of the System (D2, EM)

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I hope you will find such a man." he said. "The Dragon mountains do sound difficult for horses. Have you ever ridden one?"

[Tonbo Misa]

She shook her head. "No, I've only ever heard a few horses before, when visitors came to Kyuden Tonbo. I've certainly never ridden one."

A smile blossomed shyly a moment later. "Though, Otaku Kitakuhime-sama has promised to take me for a ride."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"I would make the same promise." he offered. "Sarangerel is a good horse and would take good care of you. Of course, the same is true of Otaku-sama and her steed."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa's cheeks pinkened as she smiled shyly. "That is very kind of you Shinjo-san, and I have no doubt your steed is as good as you say. Still, riding with Otaku-sama would be a bit different than riding with you..."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"True." Sanmi could see him redden a bit. "But, the offer remains. If your ride with Otaku-sama goes well, you may wish to ride on your own."

[Tonbo Misa]

The young servant made no move to let her mistress know about Kemuri's own flushing. Misa smiled a bit wider all the same. "Perhaps. If I do, I will most certainly think of Shinjo-san's offer."

She paused a moment before speaking up a bit shyly. "May I... touch him?"

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"Of course."

He made a clicking sound with his tongue, and the horse moved closer to him. Reaching up, Kemuri guided Sarangerel to lower his head between them. The horse let out a soft breath and waited patiently.

"Tonbo-sama, this is Sarangerel. He's just in front of you."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa gave a soft laugh. "I can hear..." She reached out with a thin hand carefully, finally touching gently onto Sarangerel's snout. Her smile widened and cheeks pinkened slightly as she gave soft pets. "Hello there Sarangerel-kun..."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

The horse nuzzled into her hand, letting out another soft breath. Kemuri smiled broadly, but remained quiet.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa's stroking was gentle and hesitant, but she never seemed ready to pull back. There was a trust in Sarangerel that was clear, as if she seemed more uncertain with herself than him. "Very lovely. Shinjo-san takes very good care of you Sarangerel-kun."

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"He takes good care of me." Kemuri added.

Sarangerel's head dipped slightly. Perhaps he was agreeing or maybe he was just moving closer to the Dragon.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa was a bit surprised a moment before she smiled brighter and actually hugged onto Sarangerel's head, stroking his jawline as she rested her head against him.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"He likes you, Tonbo-sama." Kemuri smiled.

Sarangerel didn't move further, resting comfortably in her embrace

[Tonbo Misa]

"Well, I like him too. He is big, but very gentle. I have never felt a horse before, but he is quite soft, yet strong. I can see why your family and clan put so much trust in horses Shinjo-san." She smiled, remaining just where she was.

[Shinjo Kemuri]

"We could not have survived our travels without them." he nodded. "In many ways, they are family."