[Day 5 - Early Afternoon, Tearoom] Tea, Just Tea (Open)

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Ah, and I thought I lived in the open country. The Unicorn lands must be as open as they are famed in the Empire. They must be a wondrous sight to see with my own eyes. Would you do a lot of riding because of that?"

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"They are, well barring the mountains and the forests." he nodded to her. "And yes, because of that, we tend to move a lot. Then again, that's how we have always been, ever since Shinjo-kami lead the Ki-Rin out of the Empire."

Chuckling he added. "Most Crane and Phoenix wouldn't call it wonder though. The word 'dull' might be on their lips instead."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi gave a wave of her hand to dismiss that critique. "Perhaps it comes with being spoiled when you live so close to the coastline. It's strange that you'd think the Crane would call it so, when they strive themselves on finding the subtleties in everything. Perhaps they're merely waiting for it to become a trend."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Well, plains are more or less the same, anywhere you look." Iucho nodded. "And for some reason I can't see the Cranes living in tents either..."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"What? They haven't discovered a lavish means of dressing up tents in the same form as their kimonos? It would be nice to have a house that you can change the wall's colours on whim." Hoshi gave a shake of her head to show that she was half kidding. "If they look the same everywhere, it's could be a fitting reminder of your Clan's founding heritage, where they ride out until they get less of the same?"

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Yes." he chuckled. "You seem to know well. Some of the tents of my... less settled kin are more lavish that the homes of the ji-samurai. And have more room as well. And yes, I guess that's one of the reasons we ended settling the lands. No-one else had any real use for them"

Scanning the woman carefully he continued. "Have you travelled a lot, Bayushi-san? Before this... expedition."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"A good imagination rather than knowing Iuchi-san." Hoshi said modestly. She was going to ask him something but the line of conversation had seemingly taken a life of its own, perhaps best to just leave it on track.

"My past duty bars me from doing much travel when I'm asked to stay in one place. But I do get some opportunities of leave where I use to return to my hometown. I have been to other places though, such as the Imperial lands, the Crane, Lion and south. In passing."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Well, good imagination then. Ah, more than most still, I'd guess." Most samurai didn't travel much, after all. "You haven't spent much time on a ship before this, then?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"I've been to a ship once. Apparently to some sailors, the rafts that are used inland aren't counted among them...If the river barges and kobune are to be counted, I've stepped my foot in more than a few but haven't truly served in one until now."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Novel experience then for you as well. Can't say had much experience before this voyage either. Mostly sailing along the coast, on the smaller, faster vessels. One trip to the Island of Silk and Spices." Iuchi explained. "And yes, it seems to be so. The people who sail the sea seem to look down to the people work of rafts. "

"Bit like most of my kin tend to scorn the ponies most of the Clans breed." he chuckled.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Some say that the grass is greener on the other side, but I guess people are always going to be quick to say that they have the better pony ne Iuchi-san? There won't be any arguments from me with horses, the breeds of the Unicorn are famous for a reason. However...my big brother might say otherwise, he's an avid rider."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Un, in some cases the grass is greener on the side of the fence the talker is standing. It's not that uncommon. Most people like to think they have it right, including your brother. Speaking of horses, you haven't had the chance to ride a lot then?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi held up a hand to dismiss that idea from Xiao Hua's mind. "-Ah...I've never reached to the point of 'a lot' ever. There may have been once or twice I've been on one but, they were an 'exclusive' specialty of my brother's. And became his duty when he was made part of the Scorpion cavalry."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"Ah.." He nodded somewhat sadly. "A shame. It's a pleasure, really. To see the scenery flash past you, and to feel the horse beneath you." Iuchi explained, smiling. "Is such appointment rare then?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Uncommon but not rare really Iuchi-san. I know that horses aren't a Scorpion's specialty but they are an essential part of any army. Passion for riding isn't required, but my brother just happened to have it. Perhaps he could have made a good Utaku bride." Hoshi half-joked with a chuckle.

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"As long as he doesn't mind ending as a steed himelf." he chuckled in return, playing along. "As the common crass joke goes. But no, all the battle maidens I have met have been most kind and polite. That is, before the rode to kill people."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi held up a hand for a moment in defensive gesture of the crass joke. "Gomen Iuchi-san. I don't doubt that the famed Battle Maidens are far different than their perceived reputation, just like how not all women of the Scorpion are supposedly poisonous."

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

"I haven't met any that many people of your Clan." he admitted, smiling sheepishly. "Our family deals mostly with the Phoenix and the Mantis. But I have to admit I have heard the rumours."

And I am rather sure some of them are true...

"So, Bayushi-san is not poisonous then?" Another poor attempt at humour. Had certain Shiba seen him, she would have despaired.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Iuchi-san..." Hoshi said softly in a volume of her natural tone as she leaned closer slightly from her spot. "Such a question almost feels like you're asking about my measurements. Are you planning to buy me a kimono?"

[Iuchi Xiao Hua]

Leaning away from the woman, Iuchi stammered. "I... no.. wait... what has kimono to do with this?" He was flustered and a little confused.