<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/1/13/Keitaro.jpg)</div>Keitaro gave Shiori a grateful smile when she stopped at his suggestion. He watched her as she laid down her pack and drew out her water bottle, glad that she was handling the pace and the weight well. "Thank you, Shiori-san," he said, taking the bottle from her, seeming to be rather touched by her kindness. When her words and body language changed, he pursed his lips and looked briefly ashamed, then busied himself in drinking from the bottle - carefully, of course.<br/><br/>While he had the bottle to his lips, he felt Maseko step close to him, and was then rather surprised to feel her hands darting over his body to loosen the straps of his pack. Unable to protest effectively, he allowed her to finish her work, and it was quite a relief to have its weight lifted, a relief that showed in the posture of his body. When he lowered the bottle, he found himself looking directly into her black eyes, and he clearly admired the beauty of her features, and the insight that showed in her gaze. A very pleased smile spread across his face as their eyes met.<br/><br/>When she stepped away, he swallowed hard, then bowed deeply to both women. "I thank you both, Shiori-san, Maseko-san. The truth is, I planned my burden for this journey poorly. Unlike Shiori-san, I am accustomed to marching as part of a large army, not a small unit, and I packed accordingly. Five samurai and a horse can travel much faster than an army." He grinned ruefully. "It was a miscalculation, that's all. I will remove my<em>sode</em>and<em>haidate</em>while we travel. They slow me down too much, and are the least useful in a skirmish." He paused as Maseko suggested that Shiori help him with his armour, then shook his head. "I can manage, although if Liang-san would assist me, I would be grateful."