Doloris
She had tried to escape this, find duties to keep her busy, duties which Kazuko seemed of particular import. However, she was unable to hide forever. The small heimin woman passed through the gates of the Lion Embassy once again, only this time she was alone. There was no Unicorn samurai to protect her today, no one to vouch for her words and safety. All she had was a letter of agreement and the word of the Lion: a clan known for their barbarity toward the lower classes.

Her lady may have been of the opinion the Lion could be worked alongside with, but Fuyuko was not so gullible. Asking a Lion to stop hating was a foolish as asking a horse to stop herding. Yet it was Kazuko's decision, and Fuyuko would of course follow her lady's lead, even if it put her life in mortal peril as it did today. Entering the waiting area, she would find the steward, bow, and introduce herself, presenting the documentation of why she was here ( She then sat and waited uncomfortably for wherever she would be sent.

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Garry
As Akechi went about his daily tasks in the embassy, his keen eye spotted the newcomer. Unlike the stereotypical image of a stern and unyielding Lion, Akechi was known for his rather unconventional personality. He approached the heimin woman with a friendly smile, his approach more kittenish than that of a fearsome lion.

"Ah, a new face in our humble embassy," His tone surprisingly gentle. "Welcome, I don't often see new faces here on their own. You must have quite the reason to seek an audience with us, or perhaps you're just drawn to my charming presence."

Akechi's laid-back attitude and playful manner might have been unexpected for a Lion samurai, but he had always believed in bridging gaps rather than reinforcing stereotypes. "I'm Akodo Akechi," He continued, extending a hand in a friendly gesture. "And you are?"

His intent was clear: he wanted to put the heimin woman at ease and have a civil conversation, a departure from the typical behavior towards those of lower social status.

Akechi was known among his peers for his unique, more approachable demeanor, a trait that set him apart from the usual Lion stereotypes. She might have even heard the rumors going around about a Lion spending particularly extensive amount a time with the local lassies in the city, specifically in those of tear drop island. But nevertheless, he was genuinely interested in getting to know the woman and her purpose within the embassy, without any intention of intimidation or hostility.

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Doloris
The presence of a Lion samurai sent the woman to the floor in a perfectly formal and precisely proper bow. Fuyuko was Not about to put her life on the line through some sort of social misplay, and had been preparing herself for any such test. "Honored Akodo-sama, there is no need to worry yourself about one as low as this one. However, as you request, this one is known as Fuyuko, a humble servant of my lady among the Unicorn."

Precisely enough. Name, status, and which clan she served. She would not reveal the identity of who it was she served, lest they attempt to bargain her life and safety for concessions after working out her connection to the Ambassador. Hisa-chan was well-trained, and though it would be at a young age, if anything became of Fuyuko she was certain her daughter was ready to take over her responsibilities. She would remain prostrated before the Lion, not raising her eyes to meet him or moving until given allowance to do so.

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Garry
The infamous Akodo Akechi, with his laid-back and approachable demeanor, carefully observed Fuyuko's formal bow. He recognized her caution and respected her adherence to social protocols. After a moment of silent consideration, he spoke, his tone still friendly and accommodating.

"Fuyuko-san, your humility is commendable," He began. "I understand that you may have specific business here. If you require assistance in meeting with someone in particular or navigating our embassy, please do not hesitate to ask. We Lions may have our reputation, but I assure you, our aim here is not to cause distress. We value open communication."

He waited patiently for her response, ready to provide any assistance she might need while maintaining the uncharacteristic friendliness that was becoming his trademark among the Lion Clan.

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Doloris
The little heimin rose, respectfully keeping her eyes lowered, but speaking with a calm and measured voice. "Akodo-sama, this one has an arranged meeting with one of your honored clanswomen, a Kitsu Miu-sama. I have spoken with the steward here who has gone to find her. There is no need to trouble yourself with providing one as unimportant as this one with directions a fellow heimin can provide."

What was with the Lion here? It made little sense. Perhaps the city simply drew those who believed themselves unfitting, not living up to their clans' expectation. Or perhaps it bent and twisted anyone who stayed into its own form. Whatever the case, Fuyuko did not like it one bit, though her years of dedicated and delicate service protected her for displaying more than the standard unease of a peasant toward nobility.

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Sherry
And if Miu had heard her name rang into her ears, the grand lioness had appeared in the waiting room. She wore a grand smile on her face as she bowed down to Fuyuko. *"Fuyuko-san! Thank you for coming here."* The lion would glance over to Akodo before she once more bowed down. This time a bit deeper. *"I assume Akodo-sama gave you an appropriate welcome?"* 

She had questioned. The golden eyes made sure Fuyuko had been at least a tiny bit comfortable. Or at least she thought so. She understood she would probably never be comfortable in a place like this. 

*"Would you like some tea?"* Miu added another question to her list as she clearly was ready to guide Fuyuko to the appropriate room.

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Garry
Akechi nodded with a sense of satisfaction as Kitsu Miu interacted with Fuyuko. He was pleased to see the transition from his initial greeting to Miu's warm and gracious welcome.

In response to Miu's inquiry, he affirmed, "Indeed, Kitsu-sama, I ensured she received a proper welcome. She's in good hands now, and I trust that your guidance will make her feel comfortable during her visit."

With that, Akechi stepped back further, fully confident in Miu's ability to assist Fuyuko and provide the necessary hospitality. He continued to observe the situation, silently supporting the atmosphere.

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Doloris
Upon the arrival of the terrifying Lioness, Fuyuko bowed once more. Equally as deep as she had to Akechi, if not more so, she addressed Miu. "Honorable Kitsu-sama, I assure you Akodo-sama has been most welcoming and helpful."

Her hands nervously fidgeted at her sides for a moment before she clasped them behind her back to follow the priestess. No time to show weakness, only carry through with her lady's orders. That was her purpose, her devotion. "If you would like tea Kitsu-sama, then this one would gladly assist in providing it for you."

The two walked off into one of the other rooms, Fuyuko gently sliding shut the screens behind them to allow for privacy. Her lady's orders were to teach Kitsu-sama *Alone*, and she was not about to show anyone else, samurai or not.

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Sherry
Miu had smiled grandly at Fuyuko as the tea was already in the room. *"I would like to humbly thank you for taking your time to come here. Therefore I must understand that this is probably not your favorite situation."* The Kitsu took a seat and gestured to another place for Fuyuko to sit. 

*"Therefore I could only express my gratitude towards you and Utaku-sama."* Miu had once bowed. 

*"I however hope you are doing well?"* The lion questioned. Making a hundred percent sure that Fuyuko would at least understand that Miu was absolutely not here to harm her in any form. Perhaps that Miu would even protect her. 

Miu took the time and effort to pour Fuyuko some tea. *"It's not as good as the milk tea but I definitely tried."* She once more smiled grandly. 

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Doloris
"W-whatever do you mean, Kitsu-sama? I live and die to serve the samurai, there is greater reward is there than that." Fuyuko lied. She took a seat and considered her options. There were none. Silently she resigned herself to this fate. "I am well, Kitsu-sama. My youngest seems to have fallen ill, but he is being cared for."

When Miu moved to poor the tea, Fuyuko would physically interject herself into the process, attempting to wrest away the pot from the Lion shugenja. It was clear she was not about to let this go without a fight. Guest or not, there was an order to be maintained. "Please, Kitsu-sama, it is not your place to serve. It is mine."

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Sherry
*"Oh? My apologies."* Miu wouldn't start a war over pouring tea. After all she wished Fuyoko to be at least mildly okay with being here and if this was her way of doing so she would not mind. She would set the teapot down on the table and made sure there had been plenty of time and room for Fuyuko to grab it. 

*"I am sorry about your youngest Fuyuko-san. Would you mind if I did a prayer for him tonight at my shrine visit?"* Miu had offered. She was no doctor and could heal minor injuries but not diseases. The kami could however. Alas that is what Miu had believed. The strength of the water kami had been enough to heal broken bones so why not disease. 

*"Thank you for the tea Fuyuko-san."* Miu spoke before taking a less tense position. She wished to make sure the unicorn was okay, causing her tension because she wished to not misstep and take away her chance of learning. 

*"I have one last request before we start. Would you mind asking Utaku-sama what information she wishes to learn about the shugenja and the kami? So I can prepare some books, papers and scrolls when I visit."* Miu politely requested. After all she did not receive this for free. 

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Doloris
A routine action Fuyuko performed countless times before, the motions of filling cups brought some sense of stability to the woman. It was just another day of service to a samurai, yes. The nerves calmed somewhat. "Of course, Kitsu-sama. You are free to pray for whom you wish."

There was a few moments of awkward silence as she wondered what to do next. *Do not take the initiative, let the samurai lead.* And lead she did. "I will do that upon my return. Iuchi-sama was most pleased with the agreement."

The deal was more than a little unfair, trading a peasant's services for the knowledge of a shugenja. Did Miu realize she was being manipulated? It was not Fuyuko's place to worry about these matters. "Now, where would you like to start? We can do common phrases, how phonology is translated to signs, particular words you wish to know. I am at your disposal."

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Sherry
*"Well, I have practised 'Thank you' enough to at least sign it a bit properly."* Miu had been humble. After all she was learning something new and well, learning hadn't particularly been her strongest asset. Thank you was something even Kazuko seemed to agree about that she could do it. She had rubbed the back of her head and remained silent for a moment. Something in her screamed to perform well, to help out Kazuko with her speech. After all kindness was shown and will be returned. 

*"What about the basics?"* Damn she sounded stupid. But she took the opportunity to cover it up. *"Like hello, how are you, it is an honor to meet you. The standard things. After all I do not think I will be having a complex conversation with Utaku-sama soon."* Miu stated. Taking a sip of the steaming hot tea. Putting it down and smiling once more at Fuyuko. 

*"Eventually I wish to learn how to do prayers, not specifically for Utaku-sama of course. But finding new ways to honor the kami will stay with me forever. Maybe I could teach her some if she does them."* It was clear Miu was determined to prove herself. Determined to show kindness. She had not thought of any of them as weak, she was simply compassionate. 

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Doloris
Fuyuko dutifully listened and watched. It was what she was trained to do from the moment she took on her duties as a servant of the Utaku Daimyo's household. It was a skill she cultivated and refined. Watching body language, social queues to know how to attend to one's needs before even they were aware of it. Miu's requests and actions were . . . Familiar. But not quite evident enough for her to be sure.

"That is most kind of you, Kitsu-sama. Though I must warn you that the basics and formal prayers are two quite different worlds." The heimin's eyebrows furrowed in thought, deciding what to do first. Eventually she nodded her head in determination. "I think we can begin with a simple conversation, one you would have in passing. Small talk, as it were. But before I begin, perhaps you would be so kind as to answer for me one question, which will help me guide these lessons:

"Why is it you have such determination to learn the way that my lady speaks?"

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Sherry
Miu had visibly tilted her head at this question, like a feline's curiosity being sparked. The golden eyes glanced at Fuyuko as they represented not only her but the many Kitsu before her. A smile grew, one friendlier yet even more genuine than before. As where Kazuko had spoken of not owing a heart, Miu had perhaps owned one too big for her own good. Then Kitsu spoke in a polite mannerism, even though her usual humble self shone through perfectly. *"I wish not to fill in things for others, but it seems sometimes lonely for Utaku-sama."* Miu had not broken eye contact with Fuyoko, it was not too intense, just being polite. After all she had not forgotten to blink. She rubbed the back of her head once more. 

*"I wish to learn, so Utaku-sama and I can meet for tea and have a normal conversation without her having to strain her vocal chords to simply talk. I wish to learn, so you can have the day off to take care of your son, not that I wish to dishonor your position, but spending time with me instead of with your sick son seems like a huge sacrifice you have to make for me in my eyes."* Miu had brambled a little but made it very clear she even had compassion for a servant. 

*"Once again a simple assumption. But what is kindness other than to assume what one needs or likes?"* She would take the time to take a sip of her drink. 

*"I know the relationship between Unicorn and Lion has not always been stable, but I hope you can understand I have no ill intent. I wish to learn so Kazuko can have another person to talk to without having to hurt herself. She has already made enough sacrifices from what I've seen."* Miu had stopped talking. *"I apologize, you asked a simple question and received much more words than necessary."* 

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Doloris
Fuyuko remained silent for some time after the Lion's explanation, head bowed respectfully so as not to look the samurai in the eyes. Then the little woman would begin to tremble, almost imperceptibly. She brought a hand up to her face, the long sleeves over her downcast eyes.

Loneliness. The Lion had no idea just how empty her lady's life so often was. Yet she was right. "You are too kind, Kitsu-sama, to think of foreign struggles with such deep compassion. Forgive my imprudence, but you are perhaps the strangest Lion I have ever met. Are you certain your ancestors were not of Shinjo?"

After a few moments, the slightly shaky voice calmed down and the woman would turn her gaze upward at the Lion. The fear that was in her features was but a shadow on comparison to what it was. Talking a deep, steadying breath, she nodded. "Well, the basics were asked for, so the basics you will get. Shall we begin?"

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Sherry
Miu had tilted her head sideways when Fuyoko had spoken about her being a strange lion. She could simply not deny this fact and did not take any offense in her free speech on this at all. *"I wish to become like Shinjo one day. Strong. Strong so others don't have to be. Strong so the weakest will have a chance to recover and become stronger themselves."* Miu smiled with compassion. It explained her kindness. Miu believed that if one was not strong enough, they should be helped and supported. Not dishonored and neglected. Much like she was. 

She would notice the nervous behaviour but seemed at peace with it. Fuyuko had clearly tried her best to relax a bit. Sitting in front of a Lion samurai that had for some reason no intention of war or to speak of honor. Strange she was indeed. 

*"Thank you for listening to me Fuyuko-san. I know I am not one to put my nose into your business. But please, if you or somebody of your family ever needs healing or spiritual guidance. Even though different in clan, I will be here to support. Do not hesitate to ask please."* Miu mentioned before she seemed very happy to start learning. 

*"I am ready Fuyuko-san!"* She spoke. Making sure she was not too loud to startle the poor woman. 

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Doloris
"Alright then, let us get to it." The translator clapped her hands together, doing all she could to disperse what nerves remained. She could do this, for her clan and for her lady, whatever plans she had for this.

Several signs were shown, enough to make it through a surface level conversation. A greetings, asking how one was doing, how their family fared, what plans they may have for the day. The observant could start to make out that some of the signs held similarities, though not enough to make connections into new related signs.

After showing each sign and explaining its meaning, Fuyuko would ask for the Lion to copy it, continuing to practice it until it was *Just right* Before moving to the next one. It took longer than expected, and Fuyuko made less progress than she wished, but the Lion's determination made up for the lack of nimble-fingers.

Finally, she was satisfied enough to see what the Lion had learned. "Very well, I do not want to overwhelm you with too many signs to remember in one day. Let us try to have a conversation without speaking. I will start."

The little peasant's hands began to move as the first signs began this mock conversation: *Hello, Lion-sama.*

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Sherry
Miu had tried. She had tried very hard. She appeared to not be the brightest but with hard work one could come far. She was amazed by how patient Fuyuko had been with her. 

So after many struggles the Lion seemed nothing but nervous when Fuyoko was testing her newfound skill. Strange that a being like Miu could be nervous. She would then watch Fuyuko's hands move. 

If Fuyuko had looked at Miu she could clearly see the girl translating. Mimicking the words with her mouth without truly speaking. She then sighed. She was not fast at signing but slow and steady did the job here. Miu signed: *Hello, Fuyuko-san.*

Yes, Miu had actually asked Fuyuko during their session to teach her her name. Even though it was only briefly discussed she had managed to memorize it through the great amount of words she already learned. Then she smiled. Continuing to sign: *How are you doing?*

She sat there. Not sure if she did well but hoped she did good enough for her to understand. 

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Doloris
"Well done, Kitsu-sama!" The little heimin woman clapped her hands together once in approval of the attempt. Of course, there was always room for improvement. "Now, if you want to make sure it does not get confused with a different sign, perhaps try to hold your hand like *This* Instead of *This*."

It was a small change and one easily missed between the two gestures, so she did not seem too concerned if Miu did not quite have the dexterity to display the difference just yet. Satisfied, she would continue. *I am well. How are you?*

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Sherry
Miu seemed filled with joy when the heimin woman approved of her signing. A correction was shown and she repeated it several times over and over and over. Making sure to say the word as well in order to memorize it. The Kitsu had been sunken in thoughts for a moment as she suddenly saw Fuyuko sign. The golden eyes would spark up and squint her eyes. Making sure to read what she said and not simply assume what would fit in the context. 

After all Fuyuko could tell her she's an idiot and she could not read it if she tried. A few moments passed by. It was perhaps funny to see a tall woman like that practice the signs with tiny movements to herself first. Then she signed to Fuyuko. *I am glad. Thank you."* It was clear that Miu tried to say happy but clearly did not know the word for it. This came to the closest translation she could find. Looking at the lady in hopes that she did right. It was clear Miu was taking this very seriously. 

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Doloris
There was a brief puzzled look on Fuyuko's face as she played through in her mind what Miu was attempting to say. A moment of realization when she pieced it together. "Oh, um, let me think the best way to say that part. Probably like this?"

She moved through a sign pattern of *I am happy* But even for the experienced translator it was not as smooth as the rest of her work. *Happy* Was not a sign she had used or seen from her lady for years now, as with most strong positive emotions. After practicing the phrase with a few times, she nodded contently. *It is good to see you, and I wish you well.*

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Sherry
Miu smiled through the pain of learning this. She wished to learn this as this was truly her most common emotion somehow. Strange how Fuyuko had struggled with it for a moment. She was the translator after all. But Miu was wise enough not to doubt the woman's mastery. After all Kazuko trusted her enough to teach. She would nod her head. She had not spoken a word as she made sure to stick to the task of a conversation without speech. *"I am happy to see you."* Miu had adapted swiftly. Although it could be interpreted the other way. Miu clearly just meant that she was glad to see her. *"May the kami guide you."* This was the one sentence she had only slightly butchered. After all she had been practicing this over and over. This was perhaps one of the most important sentences she could grant the world. 

The lion would take duty very seriously. Smiling at Fuyuko as she patiently awaited the judgement of the woman. 

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Doloris
"Congratulations Kitsu-sama, you did it!" It was a simple, basic conversation. One given in passing to another without deep substance. It was still more than most would ever be able to communicate to Kazuko. It would be greatly appreciated. "I think that will conclude our lesson for today. Continue practicing what we learned today, and I will return next week to build upon these."

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Sherry
The grand smile on the face of the Kitsu had been nothing more than displaying her childlike side. A clear Lion if her looks hadn't screamed it already. She would stand up and bow down to Fujuko. *"Thank you Fuyuko-san. I truly appreciate your time and effort."* With that the two would take their leave. Making sure the woman would be left alone during her leave of the embassy, Miu had shown the way out. Bowing down once more to show her gratitude.

 As soon as she saw Fuyuko fade she had walked the other way towards the small hollies. She would hold incense, some small omamori and some offerings. Taking her place at the shrine for the water kami and the fortune of strength. She would perform a ritual of lighting incense and offering the small gifts she had brought. *"Please hear me. May it rain. May the rain heal. Heal the child of Fuyuko-san. Lend their family my strength, so they don't have to exhaust themselves even more. May I repay their kindness through this gesture. Honorable kami of the water and rain, Honorable Bishamon, thank you for listening."* 

From that moment on, Miu would pray for fortune and strength for Fuyuko and her family. In the hopes that she could repay the kindness of the lady one day. 

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