Dragons and Ponies and swords, OH MY!

[Togashi Dao]

Dao steps slightly behind and to the side of Oichi, shadowing her movements as he mimics fer actions.

*pause, draw, strike*

"I dunno, I kinda pictured myself as a great general. I hear there's an Imperial Legion with a few units of Togashi in it. Akodo-sensei seems to think I have a good grasp of battle tactics."

*pause, draw, strike*

[Vutall]

"Becoming an Emerald Magistrate would be a good stepping stone for that goal."

The Utaku's strike are continually some sort of method that does not involve the edged side of the blade.

[Togashi Dao]

The unusual strike seems oddly comfortable to Dao, whose unarmed training had taught him to improvise weapons out of many objects. Although they are obviously less refined than those of the experienced Shiotome

"Then I am doubly grateful to you this day Utaku-sama, for your wisdom as well as your instruction."

[Vutall]

"I am more than happy to be of any assistance you need, Togashi-san"

[Togashi Dao]

Dao laughs heartily. "I might take you upon that Utaku-sama." He replies with all the confidence of a boy who knows too little of the world around him.

"Perhaps, when the time is right, Utaku-sensei could help recommend a nakodo from among the Unicorn?"

[Vutall]

She look Dao up and down with an appraising look.

"Perhaps..though, it would of course require your own lord's permission. Why the Unicorn?"

[Togashi Dao]

Dao takes a moment to consider his words.

"Over my time here, I have witnessed the bravery of Moto Ichiro, the loyalty of Utaku Ichiro and the courtesy of Iuchi Prashant."

He blushes a little further and mumbles. "And the beauty and compassion of Utaku Oichi."

A few moments later he has composed himself and continues. "I can't think of any other Clan I would choose to forge a union with, if the choice were mine."

[Vutall]

Oichi beams a bright smile at the words, including the compliment of herself.

“Well then, I certainly think I could mention you to our match makers. One so honest, strong, and brave as you would be an excellent fit in our clan.”

[Togashi Dao]

"I will strive to prove myself worthy of the compliments you have given me Utaku-sama."

Dao replies, unable to stop a small smile curling up at the corner of his mouth.

[Vutall]

"Come, you should practice some of these strikes that will not draw blood"

[Togashi Dao]

Dao nods enthusiastically.

"As you wish, sensei. I would honor the traditions of those I seek to emulate. Well, most of them anyway."

He glances out the corner of his eye at his instructor.

"I mean, I don't REALLY have to kidnap a bride do I?"

[Vutall]

"There's only one way to find out..."

[Togashi Dao]

Dao's head almost spins around.

Was that an offer? Or a challenge? Or a warning?{/i] The gears in his head turn and his pulse races.

"I assume it's easier if the bride doesn't resist too hard, but where's the fun or the challenge in that?"

[Vutall]

"You will have much to learn about our ways if you ever come to Unicorn Lands, Togashi-san."

[Togashi Dao]

"I think I will have much to learn before I come to your lands Utaku-sama. Perhaps I will have to find an instructor generous with their time to teach me more of your ways after I finish my training. Oh where, oh where might such a soul be found?"

Dao starts laying it on overly thick as he continues to practice the bloodless strikes Oichi was displaying.

[Vutall]

"I am not a Scorpion, Togashi-san. Unicorn speak clearly and proudly. If you wish for something, ask."

[Togashi Dao]

Dao is taken slightly aback by Oichi's frankness for a brief moment, but finds it comforting to be able to converse on such a simple and genuine level. Puffing out his chest and lifting himself up to his full height, he boldly looks Oichi eye to eye.

"I would like permission to write you, and learn more of your ways Utaku-sama. My time between now and the Topaz Championship will be filled with training and study and ritual, I would also like it to be filled with correspondence with a friend."

[Vutall]

"That would be amenable. I look forward to hearing from you. Correspondence may be slow however, as I do roam the breadth of Unicorn Lands often."

[Togashi Dao]

"Even the best of friends realize that such pleasant distractions must be necessity take a back seat to one's duty." He bows deeply to his Utaku sensei, and (now) Ally.

"Besides, if Utaku-sama hasn't heard, the Togashi are blessed with some of the swiftest messengers in the Empire."

[Vutall]

"Is that so? I thought the Miya held that honor?"