[D7 LA] At the Ready

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

Monkhbaatar sat astride Meushi, scanning the horizon in the direction the guards said the enemy forces would be coming from. The rain was unpleasant, but far from the worst weather he had dealt with in his life. His yumi was in hand, mostly under the blanket he had over his shoulders, easily tossed aside if necessary.

Despite the fact that he looked ready for a fight, his face was calm.

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

A figure walks up near him, not attempting to hide her approach... in fact, making it quite obvious.

"Do you expect more refugees?"

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"Not anyone in particular, no. I'm just watching. There is a threat somewhere over the horizon and if it comes I want to be here," he says. "Good afternoon Scorpion-sama."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"Good afternoon."

She looks over at the man and then back out over the land. "Surely there is something better you can be doing? Practicing or preening or something."

The words are cold, but she doesn't sound like she's intending to be insulting.

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"There are plenty of things I would rather be doing. Hunting, riding through open land, spending time by my wife's side... But being prepared for the eventual arrival is all I can truly do for the moment. I am Doji Monkhbaatar by the way," he says, offering his name.

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"Mmm. Bayushi Kiku."

She points to a rabbit in an open area ahead, a decent distance away.

"Could you hit that rabbit?"

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"Possibly. Rabbit is tricky with how small they are. It's easier to hunt them using dogs or hawks," he says with a nod. "If I wanted to shoot it I'd ride closer to do so to improve my chances."

He couldn't help but feel like he's being assessed. "But it's not outside the realm of possibility."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"Mmm...... from horseback?"

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"That is my preference, though I was not granted a daikyu so it makes it much more difficult. Something that I need to rectify, but they are far less common among the Crane than they were with the Unicorn."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"Mmm....... I once practiced with a bow."

She is clearly not forthcoming. Except for the fact that she's still here and speaking, you'd be pretty sure she had no desire at all to talk.

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"It's often a favored weapon of the Unicorn. Keep yourself out of melee range of opponents and fire at them from a distance is the earliest tactic we are taught. Even if you are a novice at both, it keeps you alive longer to take more shots at your enemy. And since you aren't running around on foot, it keeps you from becoming worn out as well."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

She sighs, so faintly as to almost not even have happened.

"I should learn to ride a horse."

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"I would agree. Everyone should learn to ride. It's a very freeing experience to feel the wind in your hair and move effortlessly over long distances. I've been trying to get my new family to learn but many seem content to be able to simply sit in a saddle while the horse trots," he replies with a shrug.

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

She looks at him appraisingly.

"Pick a target. You take a shot, then I do. If I win, you give me a quick lesson. If you win...?"

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"That's not really necessary. I can give you a quick lesson," he says with a shrug. "Just keep an eye on the horizon. There is an army bearing down on us."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

She looks a bit confused, but shrugs.

"Thanks. I will stay alert....... what is the key to riding?"

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"Becoming comfortable in the saddle is the first lesson. I've spent nearly as much time in a saddle as I have on the ground. The Shinjo start riding lessons well before any other formal education. I was around four years when I first rode by myself. Not uncommon among the Unicorn," he says. "But becoming acclimated to balance and moving with the stride of the horse are the most important aspects of being able to ride comfortably at a gallop."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"Is there... a way to do that without a horse? It is likely I won't have access to one for some time."

She frowns a little.

Doji Monkhbaatar · **Joined:** Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 am **Posts:** 231

"Not really. That would be like trying to practice archery without a bow. If you know of a stable within the walls of the city, they should have a small area to let the horses trot. Assuming we're not under attack tomorrow morning we can meet there and I can give a proper lesson. But the ground here is not good for beginning lessons and scouts from the enemy's army could come over a hill and decide to take shots at us if we tried here."

Bayushi Kiku · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:39 pm **Posts:** 46

"Mmm. Considerate."

She looks around and shrugs slightly.

"Thank you for your insight. I will look into the stables, but you need not trouble yourself."

She turns to go.

[D7 LA] At the Ready

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