Judy
"Dragon-Sama we~" *The older of the two boys began to speak, the child barely seven, only to be silenced as the arm that gripped he and his brother about their middles tightened in warning.* 

"Not. A. Word." *The Magistrate grit out between clenched teeth, jaw tight to keep them from clattering as the cold of the evening soaked into their skin. Her once spring green yukata with it's red obi was near brown and murky with water and mud, her vibrant crimson hair now dark where it's strands clung to her face without a free hand for her to swipe aside the offending locks. With each step her sandals and socks made a awful squelch and even now after hauling the two little hooligans this far droplets still dripped from the hem of her clothes leaving behind a trail of meager puddles in the Dragon's wake. The only thing spared the Magistrates impromtu swimming lesson being the Samurai's Diasho which she had had the mind to untie before diving in after the two Lion cubs.*

"You both should thank the Fortunes I lingered overly long in the gardens or else there would have been no one to hear you fall." *The Dragon scolded scowling down at the two boys and cutting a sharp figure in her quiet fury at the thought of what might have been. She had not expected the two cubs to forget their game and try to sneak away from their nursemaid to come retrieve it. In the darkness it was all too easy to take a wrong turn and with only a surprised yelp and a splash their plight might have been easily missed. The roots and vines of the lily's that made the pond so beautiful were just as deadly and a weighted net when tangled around small limbs.*

*Katsumi had no doubt more than one body lay at rest at the bottom of such a pond, but tonight that number would not increase by two. As giving up his attempts to talk his way out of such a plight the older of the two cubs let himself go limp with a whimper. His younger brother already boneless with exhaustion where he was tucked under the Magistrate's other arm. Both children looking like drowned cats as the Dragon heedless of her sopping wet appearance in the face of what would likely become a hoard of panicked and angry lions should the boys remain missing much longer marched with dogged determination up the steps of the Embassy. One squelching sandal at a time as they knocked the wood of their shoe against the door. Having not even the hands to reach for the brass knocker lest their precious, squirming, and most certainly deeply in trouble cargo tried to make a break for it and get themselves in yet more trouble.*

||Lion NPC's used with
Carmela
For a long moment, the door remains closed, as if some Fortune had decided to have fun prolonging the Dragon's plight. Finally, however, the embassy comes to life, and the wooden door slam open. And a pair of eyes stare at Katsumi from the other side.

Miho couldn't be more different from Katsumi in that moment. The woman was, as always, impeccable, her light brown hakama only slightly less formal than her usual clothing. For but a moment, she studies the Magistrate, the two children, and her disheveled. Then, without a word, she moves out of the way and bows deeply, freeing the way for her. "Samurai-sama. Please, come in, i ll find you new clothes. " Without even mentioning them, she outstretches her hands, offering to take the kids herself.

||
Judy
*For a time the Magistrate ponders if they will be stuck out here all night. The cold while trying for her posed little danger, but the children beneath her arms had long ago begun to shiver. Considering for a time the diplomatic hoops she might need to jump through should she return to her own Embassy with the cubs her thoughts were thankfully interrupted by the opening of the door.* 

"Lion-san," *She greets with as respectful of a bow as the woman can manage with her cargo. Her gaze sliding over the Ikoma taking note of her mon before the Magistrate carefully hoists over the two errant cubs.* "I could be grateful for dry clothes and a cup of tea should you be able to spare it, but I do not mind waiting for these two to be seen too first." *Katsumi assures her as the Dragon nods to the slowly blueing lips and chattering teeth of the tired children as she follows Miho inside. The Magistrate careful as she can manage to not make more of a mess with her wet apparel.*

||
Carmela
"Nonsense. You are a guest, and you will be treated with all honors. We will be taking care of the children, you only think about yourself." Her words were a strange mixture of kind and authoritative, which seemed somewhat out place considering the woman probably outrank her. She calls for the attention of some servants, who were already hurrying to the door as they heard it open, and she gives them a few curt instructions: to one, to clear the floor, to the other to escort the Magistrate to a empty room, to another to find her clothes. "We will be preparing a bath as quickly as we can. I hope you do not mind wearing Lion colours, but they are the only thing befit to your rank. Once you are properly nourished, I would be glad to meet you again in your rooms, to clarify what happened tonight. " As she spoke, she gave the children to a motherly looking servant, trusting her to take proper care of them. She seemed brusque, almost indifferent in the way she treated them, but as the youngest one starts crying for the cold she does not hesitate one moment in taking off the overcoat she wore over her hakama and draping it over their shoulders- even if they were going to get new clothes shortly.

"Then, I will not delay you further, samurai-sama." She bows rapidly, like a toy soldier with an hidden mechanism, and once the Magistrate turns she makes her way to her rooms, for now her outfit was also ruined.

||
Judy
*The Magistrate inclines her head with a soft wry chuckle her smile warm, but understanding as she allows the Ikoma woman to sweep her along like a mother lion,* "You have my thanks for your hospitality Lion-san. I would be flattered to wear your clans colors for the night, though perhaps a set without your clan mon lest we cause unwanted misunderstandings." *The Dragon suggests gesturing to the embroidery upon Miho's own clothes.*

"I look forward to when we meet again," *The Magistrate murmurs leaving the woman to her own pursuit of clean clothes as she follows the servant indicated to her. The bustle and efficiency of the Lion Embassy a stark contrast to the reserved quiet of the Dragon's. The bath though is warm, and the change of clean, dry, and thankfully unadorned clothes is a welcome one. The yellow and brown of the Lion clan an odd, but complimentary contrast with the Mirumoto's red hair and green eyes. The woman realizing in that moment that were she not so petite one might easily mistake her for one of the Lion's red haired shugenja.*

*The Magistrate chuckling to herself at the thought as she stepped out into the hall in search of the servant that was meant to lead her from the bathing chambers to the awaited meeting with whomever she was supposed to speak to in regards to the little incident. Only to find the hallways empty at the moment. Resolving to wait the Samurai took her time to inspect some of the art painted upon the walls. Admiring the scene of battle laid out upon it in fine brushstrokes.*

||
Hannah
Katsuhiro composed himself slightly, straightening his yukata and sliding his wakazashi into his obi before stepping out into the hallways after Katsumi had been put into a room. It had not been sounds that concerned him enough to come charging out of his room like they were under attack, but the wailing of children and commotion in the embassy at this hour disturbed him enough to beg investigation. As he came out, he noticed that Miho was up and about herself.

"Ikoma-san, what in the name of the ancestors is all this noise about." He was not angry, but perturbed at his quiet evening meditations being interrupted. "Why are there crying children and people running about?"

||
Carmela
She was just going about to meet back with the red haired dragon, but as she caught sight of her Taisa, she bowed immediately, touching the floor with a knee. "A thousand apologies, Akodo-sama, I hoped I could deal with this problem without needing to disturb you. A Dragon samurai has brought in two children of our clan, drenched and on the brink of hypothermia. I gave orders to take care of the children and of her, and now I was going to meet her to hear what happened. If my actions displeased you, you have my sincerest apologies." 

Miho looked hardly different from before opening the door, or from any part of the day really. The only change from her day counterpart was that her hair were in a normal bun instead of her usual complicate style, the "Relaxed" Look she used for the evenings.

||
Judy
*The Dragon in question had remained in the hallway. Her hands folded into the sleeves of their borrowed yukata as they did their best to politely ignore the organized chaos of the Lion Embassy around them. Though as voices drifted towards them from further into the building they weighed the whether or not to approach. The Mirumoto eventually giving the tapestry one last glance before turning on their heels to stride slowly, but with purpose towards what was becoming the familiar voice of Miho.* 

"A thousand pardons Lion-sans, but it seems the servant that lead me has been called away." *She murmured as the Ikoma and Akodo would find themselves approached by a rather stunning if petite crimson haired woman. One familiar now to Miho though her hair was now far more vibrant when not drenched with pond water and mud as she gave the two Lions a hesitaint, but warm smile.*

||
Hannah
Katsuhiro blinked in surprise at Miho's sudden display and explanations. He hadn't ever really given thought to the idea that there were Lion clan members who would have brought their families with them, or perhaps were Lion clansmen who lived in the city that were not part of the embassy staff. This was a large, vibrant city, so he supposed it made sense. He gestured for Miho to rise, and was just about to ask her to lead him to the dragon clan samurai that saved a few of their cubs when a kitsu he hadn't seen before turned the corner.

"No need to appologize for anything, Miho-san, I just-" His eyes took in the still slightly damp woman with vivid red hair and wearing a the colors of their clan, his surprise keeping him from connecting the dots for a moment, until she explained herself. Akodo felt his tongue stick in his mouth for a moment before he gave the woman a slight bow.

"I am Akodo Katsuhiro, and this is Chui Ikoma Miho-san. You must be the fortunes blessed Dragon who saved some cubs of ours I am hearing. I am hoping that the servant ran to fetch our healer, Kitsu Miu-san, I am certain she will ensure that they are well. What of you, miss...? Do you need the attentions of a healer?"

||
Carmela
She started bowing, but for a moment, the aspect of the woman gave her pause. She couldn't really tell, when she was drenched in water, but now she could only acknowledge that she looked beautiful. *Yes, those hair really aren't dyed... Must be the blessings of a kami.*

She quickly completed her bow, much deeper than her Taisa due to their difference in rank. It s not like Miho didn't notice these things, she simply did a better job than others at hiding them. And most of all she wasn't going to be manipulated by them; there was always the chance the one behind a pretty facade was an ugly soul.
*Though she did save the children, apparently... Or was it a ruse to gain our trust? Ugh, I m thinking like a Scorpion now, this city is poisoning me.* She debated asking for a name, but if her lord didn't, it felt unproper to ask herself.

||
Judy
*The Dragon pauses her gaze washing over Miho and the man beside her as introductions were made. It was clear from the Ikoma's deference that this Akodo was someone of great importance to the Lion Embassy, but with no explanation of his rank Katsumi chose to war on the side of caution.*

"A pleasure to formally meet you both Miho-san, Akodo-sama. I am Magistrate Mirumoto Katsumi of the Dragon clan." *They introduce themselves with a polite bow that matches Akodo Katsuhiro's given the man had not chosen to make clear his rank. The smile that warms her lips as she straightens is one of polite ease and humble respect.* 

"Though it is my belief that those who are fortuned blessed most surely must be your cubs. Please do not allow yourself to be overly concerned. I merely did my duty as a Samurai of the Dragon clan. Who would I be were I to stand aside and watch a child drown for worry of my appearance?" *Katsumi intoned her words honest though her expression grew clouded at the thought of too many others she knew who might have turned a blind eye in such situations to save face. She however, is quick to set aside such emotions lest they spoil the moment.*

"Please, I am most grateful for the Lion's care. The dry yukata which Miho-san has been so kind to have offered to me and a cup of tea to warm me is all I need. We Mirumoto are hardy warriors and the cold of a Scorpion pond is not able to compare to the chill of our mountain lakes." *She assures them, not wishing the Lions to feel indebted for what she saw as simple duty.*

||
Hannah
Akodo's dark humor answered Katsumi's rhetorical question with an unfair answer, *A crane, perhaps, would be too concerned with appearance. Though many a Scorpion is just as vainglorious.* But Akodo knew his answer was not fair. There *Were* People in every clan who would do that, but most would not. He had seen the worst of them, but he had also seen kindness in unusual places. He had fought against an Isawa who had unleashed terrible magics upon his soldiers, and at the end of the desperate fighting, had sent healers out to save who could be saved among both sides. People, Akodo had learned, could all be hypocrites, and yet it was still rare for someone to be so truly cruel.

"Miruomoto, eh?" Akodo had often dueled against the Mirumoto swordsman as they lived so close to the Castle of the Swift Sword, he had a deep and abiding respect for their skill. He would need to let 

"Please, if Ikoma-san has given you a change of clothes you must be wet and cold." He gestured further into the embassy and into the main room where food and drink was often served, and the general gathering place of the Lion clan was, and then retracted his hand. He should not lead this poor woman into the Lion's den. She was much cleaned up, and likely just had a bath given her hair was clean of muck, but it seemed a bit inappropriate to put her in a situation like that. Instead, he directed her and Miho down another hallway and out into a small sitting garden.

It was tucked away from the noise and more importantly, the wind. He led the two of them out into the small sitting area and gestured for them to sit on some of the pillows which had been laid out. Some of his survey and plans were set out on a nearby table and weighed down by his writing implements, but was otherwise unoccupied.

"Please, be at ease. We will have someone bring us some tea. Can we get you any food? Kitsu-sama would not forgive me if I let you leave without feeding you."

Akodo also thought back to the state of the dragon embassy, and sending her there dressed in lion colors, "And perhaps a place to say for the night while we have your things cleaned, unless there is someone we can send for your things."

Akodo then knelt down onto one of the pillows.

||
Noel
|| wait do I join this thread?

Then an actual lion Kitsu walked out into the gardens. Eyes colored gold and hair as vibrant and fiery as her personality. She seemed a bit sleepy, as if she was awakened from her slumber by two children sent for her. She was here to bring tea and to report to Akodo. She bowed down to the dragon as she smiled in a friendly manner. Then bowed down to Akodo and set down the tea.

*"Akodo-sama."* Miu stated. *'The children are warm and well. Cleared of all damage. Is there anything else I could support you with?'* Miu asked. The sleepy pose Miu held was quite the sight as normally she was way more vibrant. She had been resting from training as the bruises on her fists were still visible. 

*"Ambassador-sama is not home. She's out for some prayers. Just so you know."* 

||
Judy
*The Mirumoto studies the two Lion's with the same open interest with which they study her. The woman's lips quirking into a smile both warm and fond as the Akodo repeats her family name. The interest that lingers in his rich brown eyes igniting a familiar fire within the Dragon's veins that leaves her warrior spirit flaring to life at his assessing gaze.* "Yes. I see you are familiar with my family Akodo-sama," *She murmurs her smile not unkind, but there is the slightest hint of teeth before her lips thin into the a smile closed-lipped and courtly in it's practice. The Mirumoto's eyes though... Oh they* ***Burn*** *Bright and hot as a verdant inferno.*

*The Akodo's sincere concern however, gives them pause as picking at a lock of their bright crimson hair they feel the dampness that still clings to the locks. Leaving the Dragon to incline her head in the face of the Akodo's wisdom. The Lion's hospitality thrice refused and politeness would allow the Mirumoto to refuse no longer.* "My thanks for your consideration. It would be my pleasure to share a pot of tea with such fascinating companions," *She murmurs, manners not lost in the face of her own wants as she carefully smothers the part of her that longs for the ring of steel as all Mirumoto do. Her smile calmer and more natural where it warms her lips. That feral spark gone as quick as a candle covered in the dark.*

"If neither of you have eaten I would welcome dining with you both. Though if a courier could be sent to the Dragon Embassy to request a change of clothes I would be grateful, but if they are unable to gain access due to the late hour then I would welcome your hospitality. That is if I am not imposing." *The Magistrate murmurs.*

"I am not so proud nor vain to believe there is any shame in wearing the colors of another clan. Not when the Lion have honored me so as their guest." *She explain with a bow as the woman settles down at the table. Her gaze drawn to Kitsu Miu as the woman enters to speak to her Akodo host. The difference between the two of them admittedly fascinating to behold between the Kitsu's beautiful scarlet hair, sun kissed skin, and eyes of bright gold contrasting with the Dragon Magistrates vibrant crimson hair, fair skin, and vibrant jade green eyes. The two akin to two sides of a coin as the Mirumoto offers the newcomer a bow of greeting.*

||
Noel
Miu had looked over to the Dragon, bowing down deeply in return. *"My apologies for not introducing myself Dragon-sama. My name is Kitsu Miu and it is an honor meeting you. As for the clothing I will send out a servant and make sure they hurry. If they fail I do have some spare clothing, perhaps more neutral colored. After all Ambassador sama still has her normal shrine maiden clothing. Those are pretty neutral."* Miu elaborated on herself as she set down the tea set. Pouring the drink into the cups for the both of them. 

*"As for the food, do you have prefrences on what meal you like? Things you prefer not to eat? I'll make sure to pass that on to our servants."* Miu questioned with a bright smile. She was waking up again as she brushed her wild manes back to make sure they looked at least proper. Straightening her clothing within a blink of the eye. 

||
Hannah
Katsuhiro smiled as they all settled down in the small nook of the garden, and then Miu appeared with even more good news. Akodo's shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly to hear that things had operated as they should and that the children had been easy for Miu to heal. He offered the Kitsu a warm, pleased smile.

"That is good to hear, Kitsu-san. Thank you for seeing to them. It would be wonderful to have you join us." He nodded appreciatively as she set down the tea and poured for them, "Here allow me." Katsuhiro poured a cup of tea for Miu as well.

"We can have one of the house staff bring us out some yakitori and maybe some rice." As the various members of the Lion clan fussed over the best ways to accommodate their guest, Akodo smiled warmly at the scene before them.

"So tell me, Mirumomto-san, how did you come to find two cubs in the pond and need to wade in and get them?"

||
Judy
"It is a pleasure to meet you Kitsu-san and you have my thanks," *They murmured offering the woman a polite bow of greeting. The Mirumoto at first uncertain what to say in regards to their favorite foods as they tried to recall if the Lion in particular were one of the clans fussier when it came to the prospect of meat. Thankfully Katsuhiro's suggestion saved them from any social faux pas.* 

"Yakitori and rice would be welcome. I have heard many good things in regards to the cuisine of the Lion clan." *Katsumi murmurs turning a small thankful smile upon the Akodo. A smile that turns a touch rueful and shy as the same man prompts her for her tale.* 

"I'm afraid the story is far from grand Akodo-sama. I had ventured to the Scorpion Gardens to enjoy an afternoon in contemplation and chanced across an abandoned game of Go. I and a Priestess played out the game when we realized the set had belonged to a pair of Lion cubs who had ventured to the Gardens with a servant and had become distracted as children are want to do on a fine sunny day. Having wandered off to play with others." *The Dragon begins only pausing to take a sip of her tea.* 

"I cleaned up the board for the children as I felt I ought to do since they had been kind enough to allow me to enjoy it's use and ensured it remained where they had left it before continuing with my stroll. I saw the two children depart with the servant and thought nothing was amiss. I must admit my mind had wandered a bit taking in the beauty of nature and time slipped away from me." *Katsumi explains her cheeks coloring just a touch with a fine blush at such an admission as she was not prone to daydreaming, but the elemental kami had been a joy to discuss with and as good conversation was want to do it had distracted her.*

"I was making my way out of the gardens when I heard a splash and a muffled cry from one of the ponds. Thinking someone had fallen in I rushed over to see your two cubs tangled among the lotus roots and waded in with my tanto to cut them free and haul them to shore. You will have to confirm with your cubs, but I suspect they had in all the excitement of the day forgotten their Go board and in fear of being scolded snuck out to retrieve it before anyone noticed. Unfortunately the evening sky has been clouded and the two children in their haste thought they were cutting across open ground only to realize it was water too late." *The Dragon theorizes with an incline of her head.* 

"Truthfully I too had not expected the pond I thought to be so shallow to dip so deeply and was forced to dive to cut the roots. Thankfully my family have always insisted that I know how to swim."

||
Carmela
*She dived in the water? With those heavy robes, she could also...* Miho felt ashamed of her previous thought. If things had really gone as she said, she didn't just inconvenienced herself, she risked life and limb for their kin. And granted, that was what you would expect from any good samurai, but it made it no less laudable.

Laying her hands on the table, she bows her head, almost hard enough to make it bounce against the wood. It came a bit out of blue, given she was silent for a while, but her words were earnest nonetheless. "Mirumoto-sama. You have our eternal gratitude for what you have done. Tragedy might have befallen on our embassy if you didn't happen to be nearby. If there is anyway I can even attempt to repay this debt, you need only to ask." This offert didn't come only from the heart, however. By offering herself to repay the Dragon, she spared Akodo-sama or the Ambassador from offering promises that could have been used against their clan. Better to offer a lesser piece.

||
Judy
*The Mirumoto draws in a slow breath steadying themselves in the face of Miho's actions,* "Please rise Ikoma-san there is no need to bow," *They urge gesturing for the proud lion warrior to straighten and regain their seat.* 

"Though my clan prefer to pursue contemplation we are not blind to the outside world. Many forget that the Dragon guard the Northern wall, but the Lion's are not counted among them. When the Crane Lands were ravaged by tsunami and food grew scarce the Lion were among our neighbors who did not forget their northern kin." *The Magistrate explains their voice slow and steady, but filled with conviction like a dragon unfurling from sleep. They however, tactfully do not mention that the other clan to recall their plight had been the Unicorn.*

"Though you honor me I will not acknowledge such a debt between us. Whatever obligation the Lion feel towards myself and the Dragon for my actions have already been paid in full by your clan's past kindness." *Katsumi states in a tone firm and without room for contradiction. As folding their hands the woman bows low to the gathered Lions.*

"Though I cannot speak for my Daimyo I only ask that you let my actions show that the Mirumoto family and the Dragon have not forgotten your aid in our time of need." 

||
Emily
There had been a lot of ruckus going on in the compound while Akechi would enjoy his time strolling around the embassy. Some of the servants had been rushing passed him talking about a beautiful woman having saved two of their brethren from an apparent attack or sort. This gives the Lion a sort of flashback to when he first arrived at this forsaken city, although he couldn't overlook the fact they were talking about a beautiful woman from their word. The servants were bringing out some clothes and towels for the guest and the victims, Akechi approached the group and halted them in their path.

"It's okay, I'll take it from here. How about you all take a break and enjoy yourselves, you've all been working so hard. I don't want any of you to over for it." 

He said smoothly as he took the items from their possession; afterward, flipping a couple of coins their way. 

"Drinks are on me, go help yourselves."

After this Akechi would inject his presence into the scene, and it seemed things were going well, even going a little bit of a history tangent between the Dragon and Lion's past. Approaching the Dragon as he handed off her the clothing: 

"Pardon me, I believe this is for you my lady, hopefully this will suffice. You have my gratitude for saving our kin from danger, if you require anything else please don't hesitate to ask." 

He said delightfully as he proceeded to nod in acknowledgment to the rest of the lions at table.

||
Hannah
It was always good to see the clan come together, though Akodo had to work hard to stifle his smile at Akechi. How the man was able to sense the presence of a beautiful woman and manifest an appearance was surely a gift of the Fortunes. Perhaps he was secretly an agent of Benten, fortune of romance. Or perhaps it was time that Katsuhiro and Himiko retained the services of a match maker. Still, the dangerously handsome man was always pleasant company.

"Akodo Akechi-san, it is good to see you, Please, join us. As you heard, our dear Dragon Magistrate, Mirumoto Katsumi-san, was just telling us how some children stumbled into a pond in the Scorpion gardens and got caught among the water plants until she cut them free. We have insisted she let us thank her properly and celebrate her heroic service to our clan. To do otherwise would surely dampen our honor, not to mention our reputation for throwing a good party." A hint of a smile curled one corner of Katsuhiro's cheek. No one would ever say that the Matsu didn't know how to party.

Akodo had been please, if slightly concerned, by Miho's willingness to offer a favor. Surely she did so to protect him from doing so, but any such favors should be addressed by the Ambassador. Thankfully, Katsumi seemed more than pleased to pay back old kindnesses. It was a shame the Dragon didn't have a stronger presence in the city or they might make for good allies.

Finally, he wished to address the words that Katsumi had given them.

"You do us much honor, Mirumoto-san, for remembering old kindnesses. We appreciate your grace in addition to your courage. If I may be so bold as to inquire on your business, but how long are you to be in Ryoko Owari? Your embassy has not seemed to be very busy, though I have had the fortune of meeting members of your clan here in the city."

||
Judy
*The Dragon rises slowly from her bow only when Katsuhiro addresses her once more. Revealing the woman's face to the newcomer as she brushes a few stray strands of vivid crimson red hair back from her eyes the irises of which are the color of dragon jade. Her gaze shifting between Akechi and Katsuhiro as she picks up on the man's name before reaching out to accept her change of clothes with a smile.* "Thank you Akodo Akechi-san I shall keep your words in mind," *The woman murmurs allowing the cloth to come to rest upon her lap her hands folded atop it.*

"And the welcome of the Lion clan has indeed been very warm. I dare say your clans hospitality would thaw even the frozen halls of Shiro Mirumoto in the depths of winter." *Katsumi quips with a warm chuckle some of the tension easing from the Magistrates shoulders now that the issue of debts had been carefully negotiated with no ones honor slighted.*

" I am here to assist the Dragon Ambassador in setting up our Embassy and ensuring our clansmen are well settled within the city in addition to some family business." *The Dragon admits preferring honesty in the moment as there was nothing in her words that could not be known by simply walking past the Embassy itself in it's current state.* 

"As for how long my business within the city shall last I am uncertain. I will remain at least through winter and until such matters are settled unless I am assigned here on a permanent basis."

||
Carmela
She keeps herself from rolling her eyes as Akechi enters the room. She respected greatly his skills and the Kensei style, but she highly disapproved Lovers might have been the norm in Rokugani society, but such relentless pursuit of multiple targets seemed illogical and shameful to her. Not to mention dangerous; she half expected him to find his end by the hands of a jealous Matsu or a vengeful Bayushi. Still, she had to give him props, that clothing had allowed them to reciprocate her "Gift" Without serious peril for their cause.

"Pardon my insistence, but is there any way we could help with that? I assure my request is not out of obligation, but to further the spirit of friendship you radiate through your example." *And see what else you ll be up to.* She added in her mind. This woman intrigued her, in more ways than one. And besides, it wouldn't hurt to get the Dragon on their side, even if their presence in the city was minimal. *Maybe find out this family business of hers, and help out with that... Gratitude goes both ways.* She didn't feel like this scheming of hers was dishonorable. As long as there was no breaches of Bushido involved, she saw nothing wrong with strategising on her moves, like a good commander should.

||
Emily
The Lion nodded at the request of his Akodo brethren, taking a seat next to the dragon samurai to indulge in this exchange. Picking up a pot of tea and serving himself a drink, proceeding to serve the rest whose cup was empty:

" I agree, we should return the favor for her act of heroism. Although, not before our esteemed guest tends to her needs— I'm sure you would like to refresh yourself in a bath before anything. You are more than welcome to use our accommodations, hopefully, they'll serve your standard of beauty, my lady."

Akechi would say with a cozy smile as he began to indulge with his cup of tea. Showing a sign of satisfaction with either the delicious or the fact their new acquaintance sounded like they will be staying here for a prolonged period from the looks of it. His attention would then set to his other brethren in the setting, Ikoma Miho, surely a renowned samurai. Although they admittedly haven't had a whole ton of interaction one thing he could tell of is her passion and dedication to serving— some would say even to an extreme. Even though this was the case, he couldn't help but feel her relentlessness to help the dragon felt out of the ordinary. Not being able to point to why exactly that was but he would keep note of it for the time. 

||
Judy
*The Magistrate observed the Ikoma woman with half lidded eyes as a wary calm stole over the dragon's deep jade orbs. This woman would be one to watch. Yet the reed that bends before the howling wind outlives the tree which breaks. The crimson haired samurai pausing as they pretend to consider both Akechi and Miho's words. Their refusals of the Lion's favors now numbering three. To refuse a fourth time risked more then the Mirumoto was willing to gamble.* 

"Very well I cannot bring slight upon the Lion's generosity." *Katsumi murmurs offering those at large a short bow of acceptance her gaze flickering beneath her lashes to Katsuhiro to see what the man thought of the on-going proceedings.*

"There is one thing I would ask of the Lion if you would see fit to grant it," *The Magistrate tactfully demurs,* "With the Dragon's late arrival within Ryoko Owari Toshi we are still seeing to the establishment of our embassy and it's grounds. To watch the carp play brings many of my clan great peace, but our pond yet remains empty. I have heard that the Lion clan has many fine fish within their gardens. I would request a few such Koi should you be willing to part with them for my Clan's pond. That way when I walk beside it's banks I will ever more recall how I first came to visit the Lion's Embassy." *Katsumi murmurs thinking upon the tales of her Father and his stories of the Akodo and their apt punishment and rewards. Of the story of the soldier who's carelessness had lead to him shooting another samurai's horse only to be forced to carry the samurai's equipment like a beast of burden until he could pay for the victim's steed. Thus the reward of a couple of brightly colored koi for a woman who had dove into a pond to save a pair of cubs seemed delightfully ironic enough to hopefully appeal the surrounding Pride.*

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Hannah
Katsuhiro leaned back in his seat, thinking about the Mirumoto's words. It was certainly not equivalent to the task she had done, but he did enjoy the symbolism of it. Even though he had just stocked the ponds with new koi fish as he had only just built the pond, what she described was the purpose of this. He wanted something of each clan to tie them together, but in this way the symbolism would carry through to the Dragon embassy as well.

"A wonderful thought, Mirumoto-san. These gardens you see around you are my current project, but I would be honored to have some of our koi fish bear the symbolism of friendship between our two embassies. I shall bring them over myself once I pick out the proper koi of suitable honor to represent our clan." He would not, after all, give her some fish that would not last in their pond. He would have the find the heartiest fish of the ones he had bought.

"Tell me, Mirumoto-san. Do you practice Niten? Or perhaps Kyujutsu? Akodo-san here is a graduate of the Akodo Kensei sword school and sensei of our dojo, while Ikoma-san is gifted with yumi and arrow. Akodo-san has been with the embassy for a while now, and is much more familiar with the city than we are, but Ikoma-san and I have worked together for many years now. Since before the Battle of Cherry Blossom Snow Lake."

They had all been so much younger then. Miho and Hotaru especially, but even himself. The memories of that battle, or the Oni and the goblins, of the Onikuma tearing a path through everything in their way at the behest of the Kitsu shugenja. An array of the empire's entire force. More gruesome death than he had ever seen before.

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Carmela
She had half expected another rebuttal, but at the Dragon s answer, she almost (almost) smiles. *Hm, clever idea.* Yes, this Dragon intrigued her.

However, this amusement of hers quickly faded as her Taisa mentioned the Battle of Cherry Blossom Snow Lake. Truthfully, she hated to remember that day, not just because of how horrible it had been, but because it had been a shameful experience for her. Twenty and still green, she almost froze at the horror unleashed by the Shadowlands. Luckily, she had been with the archers, which provided her a healthy distance from the monsters, but if she had been in the melee, she would have definitely frozen and died. Overall, it had been a learning experience, it had taught her she wasn't unshakable, but it was one of those lessons you didn't relish in recalling. 

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Emily
After everyone's imploring to celebrate the heroic actions of the Dragon Magistrate the chances for refusal would be unlikely. Proceeding to continue to indulge with his cup of tea as the magistrate would indeed accept their proposal, although he wasn't expecting her to request some of their Koi fish from the ponds. He had no involvement regarding this request so he didn't see fit to make any decisions, this surely was something for his brethren who had an involvement in these endeavors to give a response. 

He would anticipate that there would be no issue with the request, and see how they all would benefit with a possible alliance with the Dragon. Although that didn't intrigue the samurai as he preferred to stay out of the political discourse but was did set his gears up was the mention of the type of practice she preferred. Now this was something up Akechi's alley, a faithful follower of the way of the blade. Settling his cup down startled:

"I admit, I am rather curious too about your preference my lady. As my Kin said, I specialize in the way of the sword and would be more than pleased to aid you in refining your technique if you so desire." 

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Judy
"My thanks Katsuhiro-san. I am certain the koi shall become the pride of the Dragon Embassy garden's." *The Mirumoto murmured with a polite bow of gratitude beforer turning their attention to sipping their tea. The Magistrate's gaze flitting from one Lion to the next over the rim of their teacup her eyes light with amusement and intrigue. Though the Akodo's question and the mention of the Battle of Cherry Blossom Snow took the woman aback.*

"I like all Mirumoto am a practitioner of Niten Akodo-sama, but I am no master of the style. I would beseech you to not judge my clan by my humble skills." *She murmured as her attention shifted to Akechi her.* "Though I am not opposed to a spar that I might keep what skills I possess sharp. Though I fear my family's style has mostly seen it's use through myself in less formal settings then that of a dojo." *Katsumi explains careful to not mislead the Lion into believing she'd wielded her swords in any fight aside from those of life or death lest they expect the refinement of a duelist from her countenance.*

"Though the Battle of Cherry Blossom Snow was among one of my clan's darker days." *The Mirumoto murmurs her eyes downcast. She had only ever seen Togashi Yokuni from a far distance in the rush of the army to reach their destination, but she recalls vividly their slow procession back and the bright flame of the funeral pyre.*

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Hannah
Katsuhiro realized too late the darkness he had cast upon the group with the mention of the battle. While it certainly was a memorable one, it was one of many more in his memory than that of most of the younger samurai. Akodo had seen war before Cherry Blossom Snow, but it had been many other's first time. He bowed slightly to the group.

"I apologize for speaking of such dark memories. As you say, it was dark days for many of ours clans." A member of the Lion clan had betrayed the Empire in that war, and they were still paying the price for his actions. Rightly so. But it did not due to dwell on it or the Shadowland incursion into the Empire. The only time in living memory that the wall had fallen.

"I fondly remember the competitions between the Ninten school and the Kensei school. While not a Kensei myself, I had the honor of going to your lands for a tournament. While I am not without skill myself, I am certainly no duelist. Battle on the open field creates several habits which are not appropriate for the dojo." He chuckled softly, remembering the display between himself and Matsu Kozue, who tackled him in the middle of a duel.

"But we would always enjoy different sparring partners if you would like to make sure of our dojo. I am sure Akechi-sensei grows tired of telling us the same thing over and over again. New blood to practice against would prevent our skills from growing stale."

He glances over at Miho, the ever dutiful officer, a bit of pride touching his earthen eyes, "Ikoma-san is very gifted with the Yumi, but I have yet to find anywhere to practice within the city other than setting up targets in my garden." He gave a laugh that came from his belly at the idea of archery in his garden.

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Carmela
She didn't want Katsuhiro to apologise for this, it was *Her* Problem if she wasn't capable of speaking normally about that day. If the crabs could weather that all year long, so could she. Hopefully.

Still, she didnt mind the change of topic. She took the compliment as a good retainer should, bowing her head as if to say she s unworthy of this praise, but honestly, it wasn't true. If there was something she was proud of, was her skills with the bow, even if she was not as good as she wishes she was. Her goal was to obtain a position of command in the Lion armies, but if she somehow failed, she wouldn't have minded becoming an Ikoma archer. The bow simply spoke to her In a way no other weapon did. "I think i ve found a solution to that, Akodo-sama. I have learned of a more than suitable Kyujutsu dojo in the city, staffed by the Tsuruchi. It won't be necessary to spoil your artful garden for my practice." Of course, she didn't seem to catch the joke. She glanced at the Mirumoto, from under her eyelids. "Fear not, Mirumoto-dono, Akechi-dono is no Kakita; his style was designed to be used on a battlefield, before than in duelling grounds. I am not nearly as good as my lord and Akechi-dono, but if you wish for a less skilled adversary, I will always be available." She was actually quite interested In seeing how she fought; she had never seen Niten with her own eyes, at least in a real life situation. It was deadly, by all accounts, but she was curious to see just *How* Deadly it was. *Besides, who knows when I might face a Mirumoto in battle.*

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Emily
"That is no issue, I quite enjoy going up against new styles, no matter what the level of expertise of my opponent. Learning can occur any many different ways and forms."

He said reassuringly, taking her suggestion of not being a fully committed swordsman. Agreeing with his Akodo brethren with his statement of enjoying teaching and even learning from new applicants that come to his dojo. The conversation would take a little dark turn with the mention of the Battle Of Cherry Blossom Snow, which he refrained himself from speaking about. Afterwards, the Lion would look at Miho, chuckling before mentioning to the Ikoma: 

"Don't sell yourself short now, your quick-draw might need some refinement but your skill with the blade is nothing to scoff about. "

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Judy
"As my Father would say, "If Gardens were not meant for kyujutsu then why must stone lanterns make such fine targets?" *She jests recalling the old commanders antics with fondness. Though the woman stiffens slightly at the mention of the Tsuruchi attempting to smooth aside her concerns with a sip of her tea.* 

"I thank you for your understanding in regards to my skill Akodo-san. I fear I will never be able to truly do my families style justice, but I would be happy to offer you and your students a spar. Like the Kensei style Niten flourishes like a lotus in the muddy waters of the battlefield more then the cultured garden lilies of the Kakita." *She quips with a soft wry smile over the rim of her teacup.* "Though I must admit I am pleased so many arts of the sword find root within the melting pot of Ryoko Owari Toshi." 

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Hannah
Katsuhiro set down the finished skewers of food and his empty cup of tea and put his hands on his knees, as if ready to stand. He looked around at the group of the samurai and gave a slight smile, "I am afraid that I must retire to a few duties before the night is over." He bowed his head to the assembled Samurai, slightly lower to their guest, and then rose to his feet, being a little ginger with his bad knee.

"Mirumoto-san, if you wish to stay the night then we will make rooms available, otherwise;" His gaze shifted over, "Ikoma Miho-san will escort you home if you should desire to return to the Dragon embassy. We cannot thank you enough for the service and friendship you have shown the Lion clan. I am certain I speak for the Ambassador when I say that we shall remember your service here."

The Taisa slid his hands into the sleeves of his yukata and then made his way back inside.

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Judy
"Thank you for your kindness Akodo-sama and for the kindness of the Lion, but I am certain my kin by now have grown worried in my absence." *The Mirumoto murmurs offering the General and those at the table a bow of respect.* "If you do not mind I will take a moment to change and be on my way. Though I am grateful for you lending me Ikoma-san as an escort." *She murmurs straightening as the woman slowly rises from her seat to be lead to a private room to change into her change of clothes. The evening surely one that will linger fondly in her mind for some time.*

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