Kathy
It had taken some weeks since Hotaru's arrival in Ryoko Owari Toshi before the Fortunes had finally smiled upon Katsuhiro and Hotaru's scehduals so they might have a moment to relax in one another's presence. 

The pair were sat at a small table, perhaps amongst Katsuhiro's suite or a similarly private room within the Lion Clan's Embassy. To accompany their chilled sake, the servents had prepared a selection of tempura vegetables and fishcakes. 

Hotaru had bowed deeply to Katsuhiro upon greeting, even in private Hotaru remained appropriatly respectful of Katsuhiro's rank above her. Within the walls of the embassy and privatly meeting with a respected friend, Hotaru had left her katana on it's stand within her own room. It was unusual sight perhaps, for any who might have passed the Matsu bushi on her way to the meeting, Hotaru was known for never going anywhere without her katana on principal. Within the embassy however, and within the presence of her Taisa and close friend, Hotaru would make a point, as she always did when the circumstances allowed, to arrive only with her wakazashi worn on her right hip. It was vigilance, or perhaps simple paranoia and anxiety on foreign soil, that prevented the woman from outright peace-binding the weapon.

Sitting at the table, Hotaru poured the sake for the pair. "It gladdens me Katsuhiro-sama that the fortunes have finally blessed us with the chance to enjoy each others company again." Typically Hotaru might have felt more awkward in such a setting, but time and familiarity with Katushiro meant she was familiar with his company.

||
Frank
Katsuhiro let out a soft sigh when Hotaru was the one at his door. He sat behind the small desk in his quarters with papers sprawled out before him that Kenshin had sent over for his review and chop. While Kenshin typically had his chop for most things, they had worked out a system of what Katsuhiro wanted to see, and what he didn't need to see. Much like the bond between him and his karo, the bond between Hiro and Hotaru was one of absolute trust. Hotaru had taken an arrow for him before, put herself before a charging line of unicorn, and placed herself between him and the fury of Osano-wo. She had also been there when they had fought against the legions of the Shadowlands, and it took an incredible strength of will to hold the line in front of goblins and ogres.

"I would have arranged this sooner, but the summer festivals took up a lot of planning time, and I have been working with Miho-san to train the bonge... I also wanted to make sure that you had a chance to get to know Kitsu-sama without her feeling like you had divided loyalties. However, I have been sleeping better at night knowing you are here, both for my sake and for peace of mind with Ambassador-dono." He eyes smiled slightly at that. Himiko could be unpredictable, and he appreciated having another trustworthy pair of eyes to keep her safe.

"How have you adjusted to the city life?"

||
Kathy
"Well enough I believe." Hotaru shrugged. "The city is a cesspit though. I find it humorous that the Unicorn still entertain notions of controlling the place." Hotaru did not mince her words. There was a time, early in their friendship, where the Matsu had entertained maintaining proper conversation conventions between the two of them, given their differing status. Years of familiarity, and harsh campaigns had wittled away such reserve over time however, and within private company, Hotaru had no issues boldy speaking her honest thoughts. 

"Needless to say, I will be pleased if this buisness is finished come summer, though I suspect we shall still be embroiled within it." Hotaru concluded. Though her face turnred pensive soon after and there was a considering look on her face as she asked, "I understand if you would desire not to share such thoughts, Katsuhiro-sama, but I find myself wondering your opinion on the Scorpion's recent olive branch?" 

Hotaru was, of course, referencing the promise of reparations the Scorpion Magistrate Bayushi Yuto had signed off on. ||  || To Hotaru, siding with the Scorpion in their conflict with the Unicorn made the most sense. They both hated the Unicorn and they both did not want to see the horse-lords control the city. Hotaru suspected the action would be devestating for the Lion army, as she held no doubts in her mind that the Unicorn would restrict access to medicinal opium to the Lion due to the last decade's hostilities.

Even if she ignored these factors, Hotaru did not believe the Unicorn could hold the City of Lies longterm. The city was a cesspit of vice and criminality, the corrpution of the city seeming almost tangible. Hotaru wholeheartedly believed that the only clan actually prepared to handle the criminal element was the Scorpion. They might do so by less than honorable means, but Hotaru did not believe for a second that any other clan could reasonably contain the mess. The Unicorn certainly would not be able too. Which would make the city's return to the Scorpion an eventuality. Better to let them just have it now, that way the Emperor's wish for a stable Ryoko Owari Toshi would come sooner than later.
Frank
The Taisa was impressed with Hotaru's appraisal of the city and its situation. She had seemed to quickly get a feel for the pulse of the city, though he was intrigued by her seeming civility with the Scoprion clan. Perhaps this Bayushi Yuto was more persuasive than the previous Ambassador. Though that bar was quite low. It seems the complications of the relationship between Himiko and the previous Scoprion ambassador was no longer in play, and that was a weight off of Katsuhiro's shoulders.

"These questions are beyond the scope of my schemes, Hotaru-san, but if history is any precedent, than the token gesture of some koku to the city and the families is a bandage on a lost limb. The game that Daimyo play care little about the wounds and more about the opportunities. Does the Scoprion attack give us justification to claim lands, or does it mount alongside these rumors of raiding along Beiden pass mean that we can make a move and push through the mountains once more. The reparations are likely to try and salve egos and win some people good will."

He took a sip of his tea, staring into its murky green depths, "I have found letters as I have gone through paperwork from before out time here that hints that the reason the Scorpion raided us, is because they were worried about the Unicorn making a move on the city here. They wanted us to fight the Unicorn so that they horse lords could not mount an invasion of Ryoko Owari. I have no thoughts on if it is true or not, but it would certainly explain the Scorpion's actions. Unwittingly, they may have handed the children or Ki-rin the excuse they need to invade the city."

He set the cup down and looked back at his sometimes yojimbo, "I agree with you though, I do not know that the Unicorn could hold the city any better than the Crab did. I don't think anyone other than an Imperial family member, or a council of Ambassadors could, and I don't know that either would have true power."

||
Kathy
"I could see the merit in leaving the city in the hands of the Imperial Family. Then no one wins and someone is still making the decisions that need to be made. A council though... I think leaves too much room for instability. Or, specifically, no real control for us, if that is the desire." Hotaru paused to sip from her cup before continuing.

"Looking at things from a clan politics perspective, if the Daimyo takes the position that the Scorpion are our enemy here, then they presumably join the Unicorn and Crane on our list of agenda's to screw over. That is three of the great clans. I've hardly heard from the Dragon within the city, they clearly have little interest in what is going on. And then we have the Phoenix and Mantis, both of whom I'm unsure we could firmly call allies in this endevour. I dont know if the Scorpion can rely on both of them either. A council is left either in a stalemate, at which point we act as a tie breaker and are left picking between the Scorpion and Unicorns agenda and nothing changes. I wouldnt be surpised the if the Crane continue to back the Unicorn and if they gain either the Mantis or the Phoenix's support then whatever council exists, the Unicorn's faction will hold majority over. At that point, we might as well give the city to the Unicorn."

"A council seems a good idea in theory, but I dont know if it would work in practice. If I had the chance to make decisions, i would milk the Scorpion's goodwill while we have it. Make a deal army support for discounted trade goods and use the inevitable attack from the Unicorn on the Scorpion to outmanauver them. Draw their army through the mountains, then block the pass and cut of supply. Take their southern lands while theyre overcommited and cant retreat."

Hotaru would be lying if she said she hadnt given the idea some thought. Her best dreams were of decimating the Unicorn's armys.
Frank
"Hmm..." Akodo said over his tea, "The lay of the land is a good bit more complicated. The Phoenix were trying to setup a Triumvirate between Unicorn, Scorpion, and Lion to rule the city. Though things seem to have soured between Unicorn and Phoenix, I do feel that they would support us if we came up with a plan. The Crane and the Unicorn seemed to be strongly aligned, though the Crane were making motions to me for formalizing some kind of relationship, they are not likely to be good bedfellows. The Scorpion have been courting our favor, and if my theory is correct, they would choose us over the Unicorn in any play for power. As you point out the Dragon have no presence, but the Crab have been making motions to establish something formal with us. It is currently a pursuit of ours, should you happen to make any friends among their ranks. The Mantis are friendly as well, though they are strangely comfortable with the Unicorn."

Katsuhiro set his cup down and picked at senbei, breaking it in half before nibbling on it.

"No, if there is going to be a play for the city, it will either be us or the Unicorn. The Emperor has seen fit to make a Bayushi Governor of both Toshi Ranbo and Rich Frog though at separate times. There is no reason why it could not be us under the right circumstances. Unlike the Crab, however, we are students of history. We can learn from the past and adapt. However, our position would be tentative without supplies, especially with the troubles in Beiden. Thus, having good relations with both Crab and Mantis will mean the difference between success in our venture and failure. Kitsu-sama means for us to be the stabilizing force of the Emperor in this city, and it our job to make thus. *Assuming* We don't get called away to war this Summer, we have only until Winter Court to make inroads with the other clans to show we are capable of rule."

He moved his hand to the caraf to top them both off, then paused. He turned his head and leaned back a little.

"Kenshin-kun, Hotaru-san and I require more sake. Though the night is warm, send in the good stuff."

Katsuhiro turned his mossy brown eyes back to Hotaru, someone he valued the ability to speak frankly to.

"The only sense I can make of us being here is that Akodo-dono feels that there is open warfare imminently, or to prove that our legion has what it takes. This is sink or swim. Ryoko Owari is the proving grounds for Otosan Uchi. If we can be victorious here as we have in the past, then there is a chance I could be promoted. Being the head of the Akodo armies means that every step we take is a political one. We need to show we can maneuver and out-maneuver in the ways that matter."

A moment later the doors slid open, and Kenshin appeared, bowed as he slid a tray into the room, and then slid the panel close. Akodo picked up the caraf from the tray and filled both their cups. The workmanship was fine red glazed earthenware obviously from their homeland, though it was painted with the grassy lands of Hotaru's home, and the fox and the lions at play.

"I do firmly believe that in order for us to succeed here, we need Kitsu Himiko. She is gifted by the kami and is shrewd beyond her years."

||
Kathy
"And her youth makes one overconfident when dealing with her." The young Lion had impressed Hotaru enough that she no longer feared for one so young to be in such a position. Hotaru could not shake the unease she held at how well Himiko appeared to get on with the Unicorn Ambassador, however. The matter concerned Hotaru. She wondered if it was a ploy or a worse, more genuine relationship. Such questioning might be *Too* Bold for her to voice though, even given her relationship with Katsuhiro, so Hotaru held her voice at bay and moved on to other musings. 

"I can see about making inroads with any of the crab bushi in town. Their warrior spirit appeals to me. If there are any you have in mind i will appreciate their names." Hotaru nodded. The opportunity Katsuhiro's confession proffered was not lost on Hotaru. A promotion for the man would be a good thing and perhaps open an opportunity for her own promotion as the command structure shuffled upwards in response. 

Hotaru *Was* Content within her rank. But she was also not unaware of the complications that being only a soldier brought up for her. She had no land, no real inheritance, nothing that would give a Matsu family stability. Such facts meant that Hotaru would likely have to marry into another family, to a man that did have holdings. This had never been something Hotaru really wanted, she saw promotion as a solution to this problem, though felt time for it was likely running out for her. Marriage, at this rate, would catch up before promotion. Such musings were concerns Hotaru rarely ever spoke on. Yes she would bemoan marriage, but she rarely went into why she was avoiding the duty. Such a topic was not one she'd prefer to bring up with Katsuhiro tonight either. Banishing such musings from her mind, Hotaru followed up her previous statements with a question.

"Katsuhiro-sama.." She began, her tone considering and she began speaking, as if unsure of the answer she would recieve or the question she would ask. "I understand the reasonings behind the moratorium on me sparring with members of the other clans. I would ask it to be lifted though. I have no desire to clash blade with those we might consider enemy, but there is camaraderie to be built over sparring and it is a language that appeals to the Crab in particular... It might help in our endevour to ingratiate the Lion to the Crab." Hotaru noted with a bob of her head. She paused though considering more words before finally finishing. "And I hold a desire to spar with Bayushi Yuto-sama. We have spoken since the dinner at the Shosuro Palace."
Frank
Katsuhiro raised his eyebrows in surprise when he heard what was bothering Hotaru, but even more so when he heard that she wanted to spar with a Bayushi. His mossy brown eyes took her in for a long moment, weighing his thoughts and how to express them to her. He had never meant to keep her from sparring anyone, but they wanted to avoid the publicity of the tournament scene. Word of those victories was likely to travel all the way to the capital.

"Hotaru-san, I apologize, we did not mean for you to be unable to spar with anyone outside of the clan. Like our Ambassador, it is best if you are underestimated, but I also wish to keep your skills sharp, and honing them against the many fighting schools you will find here is an opportunity not to be passed up. And" He raised a forstalling hand, "I am not instructing you to lose, either, just temper your passion. I would rather you lose a close fight than win a close fight, but I also do not want anyone to think the Ambassador's yojimbo is a push over. You carry the pride of our entire Legion with you. Keep some tricks for when you need them, but otherwise go out and fight. Remember that in war, information is the key to victory, both yours and your enemies."

He threw back the small cup of sake and poured another, "Now, tell me of this Bayushi you wish to duel. The magistrate, is it?"

||
Kathy
Information *Was* The key to victory and misinformation was a tactic Hotaru often employed. She was Matsu, and people expected from her a rage-fuled beserker that would swing hard and with little thought. In reality, Hotaru was very differennt. She was a measured striker and was not against using every tool she could get her hands on to defeat an opponent, as such she took great advantage of the assumptions people would make about her.

"Ah. Understood, the misinterpretation is mine Katsuhiro-sama." Hotaru nodded appreciativly, taking a sip from her sake before answering his question.

"Yes, Yuto-san is a magistrate. He has made interesting claims about nodachi drawing techniques that have peaked my interest and has offered a demonstration that my curiosity cannot refuse. In general we swapped stories. He reads a good man, a rare thing to have found in this city. Perhaps a litte... Young? I would not stretch to call the sentiment inexpereince or nievte rather, i think perhaps I get a sense of *Eagerness*. Life has not tempered the light of his youth yet. Yes. I think that is a good way to describe it." 

There was an... Almost weariness or, perhaps, a hardness was a better descriptor, that accompanied those that had survived wars. The headstrong and reckless seldom lived long in war, especially over multiple campaigns. War forged boys and girls into men and women. Exposure to death did that. 

It was not that Hotaru did not think Yuto was unfamiliar with battle or death, it was more that he clearly had not seen it on scale. Walking through hills of corpses changed a person. Hotaru liked to think she could pick, by now, the people that had walked that exhaustive walk. Rokugo Yuto did not read as one and, he had confirmed it.
Frank
Katsuhiro simply could *Not* Avoid rising to the bait. His eyes rarely alighted with mischief, but they did so now. His face sought to control the smile he felt, yet another war to be raged that he ultimately would have lost had his not covered it with a saucer of sake.

"*Yuto*-san, is it now?" The cup and fist covering the smile on his face could to nothing to hide the amused cented tilt to his eyebrows.

"I too would be interested in watching someone make a fool of themselves trying to draw a nodachi in order to impress a woman." He slowly set the cup down and reclined on the cushion he sat on.

"I will admit, finding a Scorpion who is so sheltered is a difficult enough, but to find them as magistrate in this cesspool of crime is unheard of. He either isn't what he seems, or he is so unthreatening that the criminals of the city don't feel the need to remove him for someone they can bribe. Either way, intriguing. I look forward to you taking his full measure." As Kami Akodo One-eye wished it, through combat.

||
Kathy
I-impress a woman? W-what was Katsuhiro implying!? That wasnt how this was at all!! And what did he mean by- .*OH*. 

It had taken Hotaru a second, as her cheeks seemed to flush a little and the woman was clearly flustered and about to interrupt her friend in indignant denial before she clocked the look in his eye. The man was teasing her. Hotaru's lips pressed into a thin line, in an irritated almost pout of indignation that clearly conveyed she had not appreacted the tease though also conveyed there was no real hard feelings.

If she let herself wonder why she had reacted so at a later date, Hotaru *Would* Find herself admitting that perhaps the magistrate was quite handsome. Her interest was solely martial though!! 

Hotaru did her best to recompose by sipping from her drink as Katsuhiro further speculated on the man, hoping he'd attributed the flush of her skin to the alcohol. She found herself nodding as he finished speaking, agreeing with the sentiments he as expressed. 
"As do I! Your assessment is similar to my own, combat will grant me a better measure of him. Either way, I will look forward to the event, It promises to be interesting regardless of the results."
Frank
Katsuhiro took great joy at watching the series of emotions play across Hotaru's face. She had given him the reaction he had hoped for, and perhaps he had even struck at nerve based on her reponse. They had playful banter like this all the time so he had no doubt that she took the teasing for what it was, but he really *Would* Have to find time to evaluate this Yuto-san. It was the rare man who could capture Hotaru's attention.

"I am also interested in your opinion on others you have encountered in the city and what you find of their worth. You have your own methods of mingling and interacting people that give you a different sense of people than when a *Taisa* Is in the room. Where I go, especially when I go somewhere with Kitsu-sama, people are on their guard. I am no longer so unkonwn in the city that I can get away with a bit of anonymity."

He did miss the early days in the city when people didn't know who he was. He got better deals in the bizarre, and people were more free with their opinions, but part of looking the part meant that people took him for the man he was.

"Who else *Have* You taken note of in the city. Any other... -sans... I should know about?" His eyes flickered playfully a moment, even though the question was genuine.

||
Kathy
"Outside of the Lion that I have met? Not many of the other clans. I've had a few run-ins with Crane, though none have left any impression. I held a conversation with a Crab not long after entering the city a... Hiruma I believe, their name escapes me and I have not run into them since. They seemed personable though. I have also heard of a Bayushi of interest. A Bayushi Kaori-san. She placed well in the iajutsu tournament from what I have heard, despite a severe injury to her dominant arm. She has notably piqued my interest. Otherwise, I have glared at several Unicorn, though I doubt that comes as a surprise to you." Hotaru summarized with a chuckle. Punctuating her statement with another sip from her cup.
Frank
"Hmm... That does make me think of something. Apparently there is a reigning champion of several Iaijustsu tournaments here, and a few *Particularly* Dangerous Ronin running around. I know you favor a sword fight over Iai, but you may be called to put that skill into use. It would probably behoove you to brush up on your first blood skills. I know Akechi-san is quite talented, and I do not mind helping you practice, but if the previous Ryoko Owari winter court was any measure, there may come the point where everything may rest on your Iai skills. Had I the option to chose the terms I would press for a Kenjutsu fight as I do not believe there are many, if any, in the city who could take you."

Akodo frowned at a thought that he had, "It may also be wise to brush up on the techniques we are taught to combat shinobi and the like. I have started practicing with my *Tessen* Once more, due to the limiting factor of my ability to be armed and armored within the city. This is new terrain, and we must adjust."

The reports of dead samurai turning up were concerning, even supposedly gifted duelists, plus he had noticed Shiba-sama with an injury. He was not sure where he could find suitable dueling opponents to press Hotaru without tipping their hand. If only there was a dragon duelist in the city.

"We have an uneasy working relationship with the Unicorn. Do not rock the boat, but do not let your guard down either. I wonder if there are any kenshi among the Crab?"

||
Kathy
"I'll take your observations under note Katsuhiro-sama" Hotaru nodded. She understood the warning for what it was and would endeavour to seek out those she could practice with. "I had been intending to seek out Akodo-san for practice but had not gotten around to it yet. I shall pursue the intention with more vigor now." She noted.

"I have not heard much of the crabs forces within the city. If you come across any adequately proficient before me I would appreciate an introduction. As for the Unicorn.. My blade will not be the first drawn, but I can make no promises if they start something. I keep my distance where I can though."
Frank
Katsuhiro smirked at Hotaru's words when she spoke of the Unicorn. He was not unaware of how she felt, nor *Why* She felt the way she did. It was personal and he found no fault with her reasoning. Katsuhiro had not lost in the same way she had lost. He felt the death of his men, but they were to die in battle serving the clan if not the Emperor. Would that all fighting could be so easily Righteous as the Cherry Blossom, but they must hone their swords for the Emperor if they were ever to be successful in such a battle again. History and the Unicorn had taught them complacency was death, and while many commanders may seek only their own history to guide their warfare, Katsuhiro was interested in results over tradition in that way.

"I don't care if you brawl with Unicorns to let out your anger or frustrations, but we are not in Lion lands and the Otomo-dono has *Very* Particular feeling about duels and fighting in the streets. If you wish a duel, it needs to be *Registered* With the Magistrates. So fight with your fists, cups, wagon wheels, whatever you please, but remember this: You are my best 20 soldiers. If you are arrested for conduct, you make take down that Unicorn barbarian, or even a handful, but you strength their number by 20 with your absence."

Drunken brawls in the streets were what they were. Every city and governor had them and dealt with them. The moment steel was drawn in *This* City is when things become serious. Perhaps they should be begin a focus on hand to hand training while here. It would be better suited for brawling at the sake houses, and indoor fighting anyways.

"Now, I will also need you to be ready. We may be hunting rabbit soon." A smile crossed Katsuhiro's face that was frightening. It was not offten Katsuhiro wished true violence on someone, let alone a family.

||
Kathy
Hotaru would nod to Katsuhiro's words, the solemnity with which she undertook the action conveying to Katsuhiro that she understood his words. The reasoning was exactly what already stayed her blade. Her causing trouble would not benefit the clan's position within Ryoko Owari Toshi, as much joy that slaughtering the Unicorn here would bring her, and, ultimately, it was the will of the clan that Hotaru was loyal too. 

"Rabbit?" She enquired, her brows raising in surprise, not aware of any troubles that the elusive Hare clan might have caused against time. She sipped from her sake, her gaze taking in his grin. "I was not aware we had an overpopulation issue. You seem eager though. I havn't seen that face in a while." She noted, taking another sip as she waited for his reply. Her friend's face promised violence. Something that quickened her pulse. She was reminded again, that the winter had been long and she was most anticipatory for summer. Violence coming sooner would be... *Fun*.
Frank
Katsuhiro's fist tightened on the cup, the deeply ingrained self control the only reason it did not pop out of his grip or be crushed by the force. He slowed his breathing and relaxed himself again, stopping his tongue from pressing on the roof of his mouth, and relaxing his shoulders willfully.

"I stumbled upon the Hare clan while out hunting. The Hare at the Matsu, long ago, had a good relationship, so I offered them honor. While they appeared to appreciate the gesture, they used the opportunity to attack me and a guest under my protection. We made it back to the city alive and unhurt, but to make such an insult in not something I will let stand. The Hare clan in Scorpion territory shall be ripped from the earth, roots and all. I will leave not a single one left alive."

He carefully set the cup down, "The plans are already in the works, though details are still being worked out. The Hare are a jumpy bunch, and if they are spooked they could run further than we can chase them. So we must carefully lay a trap."

||
Kathy
Hotaru's gaze narrowed, the corners of her eyes pinching in consideration and her own masked flare of indignant rage at such a dishonorable act. She understood now her friend's unbridled rage.

"I *See*. Let me know when my blade is needed then Katsuhiro-sama. You have it, as always." She intoned. She had though briefly to drop the sama to a san. To convey to the man besides her that this was something she happily offered as a friend and not just a subordinate, but she hesitated to do so. Maybe one day she might stretch to refer to the man as an equal, once she had been invited though. She did not want to insult her friend by doing so beforehand. Regardless of her musing, she hoped at least that he understood her words as the genuine offer between friends that it was and not just her obligation as one of his warriors.

"Though... I will admit you will need another to go looking elsewhere for the groundwork behind such an effort. I do not believe *Subtle* Is a word that has ever been used to describe me" Hotaru chuckled, following up her words with a sip from her cup.
Frank
He was comforted by the visible reaction Hotaru showed, knowing that he wans't alone. He knew the others Lions would be there with him, but seeing her fury was comforting to know on a different level.

"I will definitely be calling on you when the time comes. One of the locations to be inspected is a dojo. I will need to find someone who isn't Lion clan to see if they still frequent the place, though I have my doubts."

He took another sip of his sake, "So tell me Hotaru-san, have you given any thoughts towards meeting with a matchmaker? Or do you have your eyes settled on this Yuto-san?" His brown eyes regained their bit of mischief as he tried to turn the conversation to something more light hearted once again.
Kathy
Hotarus brows furrowed and a decidedly grumpy look came over her mien as she outwardly sighed. A few cups into her sake by now and Hotaru was certainly beginning to care less about keeping a face up infront of her friend.

" I am *Not* Interested in Yuto-San like that. The man simply prefers the lack of formality." Hotaru defended before answering his actual question. "But no, no I have not considered doing so. Has Father finally written you like he'd threatened?" 

Hotarus father, Toshiro, was a retired bard, and had dropped his Ikoma birth name when he had married her mother. Hotarus parents had been pestering her to marry for years now but the sudden death of her mother, Kirako, in childbirth eight years ago had hit the family hard and left Toshiro to care for his newborn daughter alone. Combined with the loss of her brothers the year after, the man had stopped his insistence that his daughter marry in the turmoil of the last few years. Things having finally settled, Toshiro was back to trying to sort out marriage for his of-age children. Much to Hotarus chagrin he had been threatening to write Katsuhiro for months now. It would t surprise her if he'd finally followed through on the promise.
Frank
"Not *Yet*" Katsuhiro drug out the word. He was intimiately familiar with Hotaru's family situation, "But you know as well as I do, that such a match will help your family out in the long run."

He eyes the bottom of the sake cup as if it held the answers, "Kenshin-kun's monther wrote me a while ago, particularly after what happened to their home. And I just recently received work that Akodo Akechi-san's father is planning to come here *Personally* To begin to sort out his errant son's dereliction of familial duty in favor of spending his money on geisha. He is a... Man accustomed to getting what he is after."

Finally, Akodo threw back the cup and finished the sake off, placing the cup back on the table with a clatter.

"It is only a matter of time, so if you wish to have any say in the matter, I would start thinking about it. The options are either your father arranges something for you back home, or I pick someone for you."

||
Kathy
"Hmm" Hotaru's grunt made clear how favourably she thought of either of those option. "Is it too much to ask the kami for a glorious death in battle this summer?" She bemoaned, resignation ringing in her tone as she frowned. 

It was perhaps a childish, and certainly a selfish, want. But it was one Hotaru would be unlikely to genuinely seek out, regardless of her thoughts on the matter. With a sigh the Matsu quickly downed what was left of her cup before she took up the sake bottle to pour for them both.

"Is there a matchmaker in town you've been conspiring with?" The words were likely as close as Katsuhiro would ever get to hearing Hotaru ask for a recommendation on the matter. It was progress though certainly. The Matsu usually just avoided the topic outright.
Frank
Katsuhiro quirked a smile at Hotaru's reaction, he knew that would be her reaction, just as she knew what his response would be.

"*I borrow my name from my ancestors. I must return it to them unharmed. I borrow my honor from my descendants. In shaming myself, I shame them as well.*" He quoted. It was a phrase everyone in his legion heard multiple times.

"I have a invested in you Hotaru-san. You are one of my best, and the thought of losing you is not one I look forward to, regardless of the glory. But it will a a shame if you do not pass on what you have learned to future generations. You have seen more battles than most, and few Lions in the history of our clan can be said to have fought both the Unicorn and the Shadowlands and come out not just alive but victorious. The clan needs more like you."

||
Kathy
"Hmmm. I think you flatter me Katsuhiro-sama. I do no less than my duty and that is not such an isolated quality amongst your soldiers." If Hotaru's face wasnt already flushed from the alchol one might have thought a blush had risen to her face at the genuine compliment. Any indictation of such a thing is quickly banished though as Hotaru transitions the subject.

"You can rest assured that I have no plans to leave the field any year soon. Upon retirement though... I think some part of me has hopes to teach" The sentiment was something Hotaru had only recently started considering. She was 27 and while children would no doubt be within her future in the coming years, Hotaru had certainly gotten to an age and experience where she was starting to genuinely consider that she would make it to retirement age. Anticipating that an idle life of child-rearing and mind-numbing old age would leave her far from fulfilled Hotaru had begun thinking of her options. Teaching in a dojo, or even one of the bushi academies had certainly crossed her mind.
Frank
"Children are not the end of your career, Hotaru-san. You know this." He seemed to consider something for a moment, "I had always assumed a command position would not be something you would enjoy, so I have tried to spare you of it. But perhaps doing so has held you back. If you want, I will make you a deal. If you find someone you can tolerate, or even enjoy, a marriage with by Winter Court I will delay your parents with news that you are being prepared to a promotion of Gunso. You certainly have the experience for it, you'll just need to work on actually being the one to give the orders instead of receive them."



"However, this improves your stipend enough that you can continue to serve and have someone watch the kids when you are out. I have no doubt it would also make your father and your siblings proud. A Gunso of the First Company is certainly worthy of honoring your ancestors."

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Kathy
Hotaru's eyes grew wide as the words left Katsuhiro's mouth. "Truly?" She queried, her sake cup left hanging halfway up to the woman's mouth from the table where it had been previously set. Hotaru didnt question Katsuhiro often, but this was something she truly wanted. It was something she had always wanted, even if some part of her always thought it would never come to pass. So she asked again for the man to clarify. To ensure she had heard his words right.
Frank
Katsuhiro laughed from deep in his belly at Hotaru's eyes and reaction to his offer, "If that is what it takes, then yes, that is a deal."
In the back of his mind, he wondered if he had made a bad call, keeping Hotaru where she was rank wise. As the position grew, she would move and more away from the field and from the fighting, but a Gunso position would be good for her. Leadership, yet still in the front of things. She would likely not be able to retain the role of Yojimbo, so he was loath to give someone up who was so proven, but she had certainly earned it.

"Winter Court is not far away, however." He gave her a sly smile as he took another sip.

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Kathy
"Ehh, when have I ever backed down from a good challenge Taisa?" Hotaru grinned, raising her cup and taking a sip. "I am not getting any younger, loath as I am to admit the fact."

|| want to leave this here with the assumption they get very drunk and start the retelling of warstories??