*************Chapter Nine*************
**********A Journey Begins************
**************************************
The next morning, Nousatsu got everyone up bright and early to begin
the ride to Konan. She felt that they should stop there to avoid any
mix-ups with the Seiryuu, and to refresh themselves. It would take
several days to get to Konan, but, as Nousatsu had said, the sooner
they started the better.
Nousatsu glanced at the company's horses. More for show than hard
travel, and fully laden. This could be a problem if they ever wanted to
actually get to Konan. She causally walked up to Tamahome.
"Have you ever ridden these horses faster than a walk?"
Tamahome looked surprised. "Actually, no, not that I can remember."
"And do you think that we will really need all that stuff?" she
continued.
"Well, yes, ... maybe,..."
"Let me make a suggestion. First, unload all the horses and leave
behind everything that you won't need in the next...four days. In order
to make it, you're gonna have to rough it." Nousatsu began to form a
pile of the things she thought they wouldn't need as the others began
to listen. "You don't need these, or these, this is just holding space.
Why do you have so much food? I don't think that the whole army uses
this much food in a week! Needs to go..." Miaka was, of course,
furious.
An hour later, and the group was ready. Over half of their previous
luggage was lying on the ground. Miaka looked at the remaining
provisions. What meager portions! Was she going to die of starvation?
Nousatsu took up her position to lead them to Konan. "Are you all
ready? Well then lets go!" Her horse reared and then she was off like
the wind. The group followed awkwardly behind.
Tasuki had gotten plenty of unexpected riding lessons from his former
profession. He looked over at Nousatsu to judge her form. He realized
after a glimpse, that it was perfect. She rode on the horse as if they
were one; like black liquid they flowed together, in perfect sync. She
looked as if she wasn't seeing the road, or the others in the group.
She was simply riding; laid back and comfortable, like it was as
natural as walking. It was an art, the way she rode; pure fluid motion.
She glanced behind her and caught Tasuki staring at her. She smiled,
though this time it was a friendly smile, not one of the wicked,
devilish ones she usually displayed. Her glance passed over him and
fell on Miaka.
"Loosen up a bit, don't ride the horse, float on it." She advised.
"Easy. For you. To say. I can. Barely. Stay on. This. Thing." Miaka
said between bumps.
Nousatsu threw her head back and laughed. Her laugh was strong and
wild, but pure and silvery, like rain falling on chimes.
"You'll get the hang of it soon," she supported.
**********A Journey Begins************
**************************************
The next morning, Nousatsu got everyone up bright and early to begin
the ride to Konan. She felt that they should stop there to avoid any
mix-ups with the Seiryuu, and to refresh themselves. It would take
several days to get to Konan, but, as Nousatsu had said, the sooner
they started the better.
Nousatsu glanced at the company's horses. More for show than hard
travel, and fully laden. This could be a problem if they ever wanted to
actually get to Konan. She causally walked up to Tamahome.
"Have you ever ridden these horses faster than a walk?"
Tamahome looked surprised. "Actually, no, not that I can remember."
"And do you think that we will really need all that stuff?" she
continued.
"Well, yes, ... maybe,..."
"Let me make a suggestion. First, unload all the horses and leave
behind everything that you won't need in the next...four days. In order
to make it, you're gonna have to rough it." Nousatsu began to form a
pile of the things she thought they wouldn't need as the others began
to listen. "You don't need these, or these, this is just holding space.
Why do you have so much food? I don't think that the whole army uses
this much food in a week! Needs to go..." Miaka was, of course,
furious.
An hour later, and the group was ready. Over half of their previous
luggage was lying on the ground. Miaka looked at the remaining
provisions. What meager portions! Was she going to die of starvation?
Nousatsu took up her position to lead them to Konan. "Are you all
ready? Well then lets go!" Her horse reared and then she was off like
the wind. The group followed awkwardly behind.
Tasuki had gotten plenty of unexpected riding lessons from his former
profession. He looked over at Nousatsu to judge her form. He realized
after a glimpse, that it was perfect. She rode on the horse as if they
were one; like black liquid they flowed together, in perfect sync. She
looked as if she wasn't seeing the road, or the others in the group.
She was simply riding; laid back and comfortable, like it was as
natural as walking. It was an art, the way she rode; pure fluid motion.
She glanced behind her and caught Tasuki staring at her. She smiled,
though this time it was a friendly smile, not one of the wicked,
devilish ones she usually displayed. Her glance passed over him and
fell on Miaka.
"Loosen up a bit, don't ride the horse, float on it." She advised.
"Easy. For you. To say. I can. Barely. Stay on. This. Thing." Miaka
said between bumps.
Nousatsu threw her head back and laughed. Her laugh was strong and
wild, but pure and silvery, like rain falling on chimes.
"You'll get the hang of it soon," she supported.