Reba
It was another day, and another trip to the Ide Residency. This time about, it was business. Not _strictly_ business, but close enough. Moshi Mai needed some paperwork turned over to Ide no Suio Kenza-sama, and intended to send a courier, but Chiyoko, rather enthusiastically, volunteered to do it herself. 'Important papers need important care,' she had said. 

The real reason is, she intended to steal a moment to see Masanori, if she could manage it. With everything going on, she hadn't had a chance to sneak off to visit him in the night, not since she got 'caught' by Atsuko-san. Thus, it had been some time, and as much as it killed her cool, mean exterior... She missed his kisses. 

And thus, she walked briskly down the path up to the buildings proudly emblazoned with the Unicorn Mon, trying her best not to smile like a fool. Unfortunately, her mind _did_ wander a bit, so she wasn't necessarily paying perfect attention... 

||
Nicholas
"Ugh . . . You could have . . . Just asked . . . The actual servants—oof—to come pick this up later." The muffled sounds of complaint behind a large rug with legs slowly wobbling toward the front entry were largely ignored by the imposing woman alongside. Kazuko *Could* Have let the servants collect it, but she couldn't trust that the salesman wouldn't try to switch the goods or some other underhanded business in between her departure and their arrival. Besides, Fuyuko got off far too easily in her role as translator, some real work was good for a change.

"Think on the bright side: you'll have some new horror stories to tell the kids so they behave next time 'oba-sama' comes through to visit." She chuckled softly as Fuyuko rolled her eyes, still straining to rotate the thing to fit it through the doorway. She finally coerced it into the residence, and moved to drop it off in an adjoining room. "And you'd best hurry along too, it seems we have a visitor."

Kazuko really did not have the energy to deal with another person today, but her assignment here never ended it seemed. She briefly considered letting someone else handle whatever this was; but no, pawning off duties meant to be yours would not be a good look no matter how tired. No room for weakness.

She decided to wait on the approaching woman, standing just in front of the doorway with her arms crossed before her and eyes staring straight ahead at the new arrival. She probably missed a notification she was to receive a visitor today, and it would be a far better look for her to seem she was expecting one than being caught unawares. While Kazuko intended to seem only expectant of a new arrival, the sight of the six foot warrior looming by the door may not have instilled such emotions on those watching.

||
Reba
As Chiyoko approached, she noticed that there were others at the front doors, who seemed to be just as busy as she was. A woman of imposing presence (an Utaku, no doubt) was standing next to another woman struggling with large rug. It was almost comical, but it was not the time or place for chuckles. 

When the ronin got closer, she bowed respectfully to the both of them. "Good day, honorable Unicorn Samurai," She said, "I hope I'm not intruding. I am merely here to turn over paperwork to Ide no Suio Kenza-sama on behalf of the Mantis Ambassador, Moshi-Mai... Sama..." 

She stopped her speaking, her eye drifting over to the woman with the rug. "Um, forgive me if I insult, but... Do you need assistance with that rug? It looks... Awkward to carry." 

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Nicholas
"No, no. This one would never bother an honorable samurai with a servant's work. I've-whoops-I've got it." The slight woman almost lost control of the item, before finally nearly throwing it on the ground near a growing pile of various decorations and furniture. "There we go."

Kazuko bowed curtly. A Mantis samurai, and a warrior at that. As Fuyuko returned, she dropped down respectfully before her better before beginning to translate. "Good day, Mantis-san, I am Utaku Kazuko. The woman speaking is Fuyuko-san. She serves as my translator, as I am unable to speak clearly after attempts on my life. Any words conveyed by her are my words, and I respectfully ask you to consider them with the same weight."

Kazuko paused to allow the introduction was fully understood, then began to sign again. "You have fortuitous timing; I have completed my errands for the day and can provide you my full attention. Please, follow me into my offices, and we can discuss what business brought you here unscheduled and unannounced."

||
Reba
This was a rather delicate scenario the ronin found herself in. A translator was not uncommon, as she had seen such things at the Mantis Embassy, but for someone that was injured, it was a newer thing. Chiyoko made a mental note to keep her eyes on Utaku-Kazuko when she spoke, as well as her bow. "You honor me," She said, bowing again, "But I'm afraid I am not a Samurai. I am Chiyoko, a ronin. I wear this mon so there is no mistake of my allegiances." She hated to correct anyone, but she sure as hell would not be caught impersonating a true Samurai. "It is good that your attackers failed. I pray they were dealt with swiftly." 

The ronin swallowed a bit at the way she was ushered to follow. The tone was hard to set, what with the message coming third-party, but the foundation was set: Chiyoko came, unannounced and unscheduled. Was there _supposed_ to be an announcement? She'd ran messages and letters before with no issue. Should she say something again? No, no. Samurai were temperamental things, best not be a contrarian. Thus, she merely accepted, and followed suit, missive still in hand. 

She would remain silent as she walked the hall to go to Kazuko's office, and once there she would removed her daisho and set it on her left to show no quarrel and no need for alarm, as was custom. Once prompted to speak, she would explain herself. 

"I was tasked by my employer Moshi Mai-sama to deliver signed terms to Ide no Suio Kenza-sama," She explained. "Normally a runner or courier would be sent, but with the uptick in crime as of recent, it seemed best to make certain it arrived without delay or issue. I am not privy to all the details of my master's dealings, but I recall the paperwork was to be returned at earliest convenience. And any time is convenient for a ronin under one's command." A little joke. Probably a bad idea. Hard to gauge. "In either way, I apologize if I have committed an error." 

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Nicholas
"No, my attacker was dealt with slowly. Very slowly." The side of Kazuko's mouth turned upwards in a cold grin. Moto executions were saved for the most heinous of criminals. Assassins fit the list. "But let us not discuss such matters, ronin Chiyoko-san."

Once they arrived at her offices, Kazuko would seat herself behind her desk, ornate oak with silver etched in beautiful, flowing patterns. The papers gracing its surface were much more organized now than when she first arrived, thanks in no small part to the Ide. "Ah, matters for Kenza-san to care for. Of course, of course. Do not apologize, I assumed the arrival of a samurai was for an audience. Please feel free to leave those with me and I will see to it he receives them. The ronin under my care is kept far too busy with her actual tasks to perform trifling errands during her working hours."

Another servant would bring tea and cups. Fuyuko would pour first for Kazuko, then Chiyoko, and finally herself. "But since I have you here, and as your time is as convenient as you say, sit for a while. My second, Utaku Masanori-san, told me about you. He has exacting standards, and that you performed well enough to meet those speaks highly of your abilities. We should talk."

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Reba
Her eyebrow twitched ever so slightly. Was this woman implying she only does trifling tasks, or that she wasn't working? Or maybe it was just lost via translation. Either way, not her place to say a thing on the matter. Especially not someone that implied torturing someone to death. 

Instead, she extended the package of papers with both hands, bowing her head. "I thank you, Utaku-sama," She said simply. "If that would be all-"

But before she could, a servant came with cups and tea. Seems that would not be all. She thanked Fuyuko, and accepted, awaiting for the superior to sip before she did herself. She perked up ever so slightly to hear Masanori's name, and even more so to hear he spoke of her in high regard. "Ah, did he, now? That was very kind of him to speak of my in such a way." She wasn't surprised that Masanori served someone important; he was an honorable Samurai, after all. 

"I will have to thank him for his assessment when I see him next," She commented. "While my opinion may not mean much, I should note that I find your second an honorable man. He took charge in a joint operation with distinction and bravery." 

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Nicholas
"A soldier's opinion of their commander always means much, even if it may not have been considered a battlefield proper. And of course that road travels both ways. In fact, I can't seem to remember him speaking much of the others involved at all The Crane and Scorpion, oh what were the names . . .?" Her eyes narrowed a fraction as she tried to remember. Thinking back, had Masanori even mentioned any of the other members of the raid by name?

Then there was the fact Chiyoko spoke of thanking him when next they met with such a casual manner. She must be Masanori's point of contact with the other side of this strange alliance of convenience. "You will be seeing Utaku-san again soon then I take it?"

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Reba
"Kakita Arai, and the Scorpion was a Bayushi. In Scorpion fashion, she did not give her name. Both served well enough to get the job done." Chiyoko took a sip of her tea once her superior did. 

But, she almost choked on it when the next question was probed. She may have played herself foolishly. She knew this woman was a superior to Masanori, let alone herself, and she would be very remiss to make her lover's life difficult by her own hand. "Yes. Or, rather, more likely yes than no. We are both tasked with fighting back the criminal element in the city, so surely we'll meet again sooner than later. The gangs here are brazen enough to attack even Samurai. Truly honorless fools. Not that you would not know that already, I'm sure you're aware of this. N-not that I am implying that you _should_ if you don't, that is, um.." 

The ronin felt she was fumbling all the sudden, embarrassingly so. "Please, forgive me for speaking so foolishly. Even when I was an honorable Samurai was not known for my speaking. Years on the wave-path has only made it worse." 

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Nicholas
*Kakita Arai. Well now, that certainly is interesting.* Kazuko reminded herself she still needed to schedule a meeting with Doji Koharu to discuss the security of the city—as well as the conduct of Arai. She would have to bring Masanori with her so he could present his opinion as well.

The poor ronin was struggling to speak coherently in answer to her question. Was she afraid because of the gulf of status between the two? Or perhaps she was under orders from her employer about what matters she could and could not divulge. It mattered not. Kazuko hated watching someone make a fool of themselves if she had the power to stop it. "I und—"

*When I was an honorable samurai*

Her hands and thoughts froze. Her eyes grew hard as she coolly regarded Chiyoko. "You are forgiven for your foolish speech, Chiyoko-san. You may be ronin, yet save for reconciliation with wherever you fell from I can think of no more *Honorable* Place for the lowest of samurai than finding service with a Great Clan under the will of the Emperor. Unless you mean to say you do not find your current employment *Honorable.*"
Reba
Chiyoko sighed, and bowed her head once more. "Thank you, Utaku-sama," She said, "You speak the truth." On the topic of if the Mantis were honorable or not, Chiyoko was quick to correct. "No, Utaku-sama, my work has been nothing but honorable, though I may have been surprised at first. I hailed from the Dragon Lands, and knew little of the Mantis or the Unicorn. I foolishly took them both for being even more peculiar than my own old Clan. But after serving one and working alongside Utaku Masanori-sama, I have seen that they both embody Bushido in ways I can respect, and wish to emulate myself. 

"In other words, I have yet to have done anything I could not see as honorable under the Mantis' command. Likewise has the Unicorn been nothing but good to me. I would find no issue in returning to the world as either, if I perished." She felt content in her answers, as she spoke the truth of things. "And Utaku Masanori-sama is to thank for the latter. That, and airag. It's an odd mixture, but delicious." 

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Nicholas
"Good." She nodded curtly. There was no reason or need to press the matter further, the ronin seemed to understand where she erred. "I am glad the clan you find yourself in service to and my own have been pleasant. More importantly, it pleases me that Utaku-san has conducted himself in a manner to leave such a large impression on you. I have watched his career for some time and have always been of the opinion he had the potential for greater things than merely a 'dutiful soldier.' Though I am . . . Shall we say unable to place those words in the right ears, it is relieving to hear validation of my beliefs."

Truthfully she was perfectly capable of forcing the matter through. It would be so easy to say the word and Masanori would find himself lord of his own province. However, it would only be due to the political burden she carried, not his own merit. She would never forgive herself for that. Neither would he.

"Would you like to take some airag back with you? We have more than enough to spare." She chuckled a bit. "Utaku-san is quite hospitable and loves sharing airag with whoever he can. That and milk tea. Has he made you try that yet?"

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Reba
"Ah, I see." Chiyoko could agree that Masanori had a lot more potential than he gave off. More likely than not, if he eschewed his kindness, he could be a fearsome leader of an army, at the cost of one of his better traits. "Trees grow slowly, but never stand still. In time the flowers bloom, a surprise, often times." A truly Dragon way of commenting: In time, Masanori will show his true potential, and it will be brilliant. "You are a grand superior to care so dearly for your second's potential, Utaku-sama," Chiyoko complimented. "Many would wish to keep someone that reliable around." 

On the topic of airag, Chiyoko wasn't sure if she should refuse or not. On one hand, she was no Samurai, so the rules of refusing hardly applied. On the other, she wasn't sure if they did or not. But, she also wanted some... 

"If you insist, I would be most thankful," She replied. "Indeed, he sold me on the way it cuts spice. It has served well in that regard. Ah, and milk tea." She _had_ shared milk tea with the man, one night after... Well... 

"Yes, Utaku-sama. I found it rather pleasing after a long night." She tried not to think about what that _actually_ meant. "It has not been one-sided, however. I was able to procure mountain tuna jerky in the Dragon style. That is, goat meat. Mountain Tuna is just a old joke between Dragons at the expense of those that despise red meat." 

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Nicholas
A lifetime of professionalism in her assignment, as well as some recent reminders when her mask slipped last, meant Fuyuko's expression remained constant. As a married woman with three children of her own? She paled visibly, knowing precisely what "Milk tea after a long night" Meant. It was either a credit to her remarkable restraint or Kazuko's utter obliviousness that nothing was noticed.

"So you've visited our Embassy before? While Utaku-san took charge in the interim before my arrival, no doubt." It's not as if the equipment for making milk tea was especially portable. She found it highly unlikely he took it somewhere else. "My staff never informed me we had visits from the Mantis in the past. I will instruct them to keep better watch for your next arrival. I'm sure you will need to meet with Utaku-san again to discuss the important matters you are spearheading, and it would be unbecoming for us to treat an associate as a stranger.

"Next time we will ensure a proper meal is provided. If you are not afraid to partake of 'Mountain Tuna' as you call it I think you would find what our chefs can do with it more than satisfying. I would hate important business between the two of you to be hampered by empty stomachs. And before you try to say no, this is not a request." She waived a hand dismissively, as if the matter had already been decided. Let Temujin and Kenza work the Ambassador; if they walked up to her doorstep she was more than happy to work the underlings, especially if they were all as easy to deal with as this ronin.

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Reba
"Yes, I have," Chiyoko said, not lying, but also not saying the whole truth. "I try not to make much of a fuss or stand out when I can, so surely I was just another visitor." This... Was going well. This Utaku Kazuko was someone to take seriously, but respectable. And very, very serious, even through an interpreter. In a way it reminded her of Masanori when he got serious, but only vaguely. Perhaps all Utaku were like that. 

"Oh, there is no need to make a both-" The ronin stopped herself. This was not a request, as was directed at her. "Yes, Utaku-sama," She said with a bow, "I am most thankful." It was a little peculiar, being treated so bluntly and austerely, but at the very same way, being treated so _well._ These Unicorn were an odd lot, but Chiyoko liked them. "I will make sure to express your generosity and kindness to Moshi-sama," She added. "As I said, I'd rather her and your Clan be friendly than anything." 

Taking a sip of tea, and feeling rather comfortable, the ronin chanced a question. "If I may ask, how long has Utaku Masanori-sama served you? He isn't one to boast or speak of his accolades, but I was curious all the same." 

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Nicholas
"As would I, Chiyoko-san. We may have our differences in our choice of allies, but alliances and friendships are often two different things." She knew well the difference, having a friend herself in a clan full of hatred toward her people.

"How long has Utaku-san served me?" She looked up and right, counting through the years, mentally putting the math together. "On and off since his gempuku. The Mobile Infantry is the second half of the Shiotome, and when we were both younger he was directly my subordinate. The War of the Plains saw us fighting on separate theatres. You see, when he was a boy mother sent him to live with the Moto, and so he returned to help bolster and lead their forces back then."

The tiniest mistake. Forgetting a single word in her recounting. Not "His" Mother. Just mother. It could have been a slip of the tongue, or an error in translation. But the smoothness with which it flowed out . . . 

"And when he volunteered to join the forces pointed at this city he was placed back under my direct command again." She finished flowing back through history, eyes growing somewhat distant as she remembered the *Conversation* She most recently had with her brother. The anger and resentment in his cold voice. How he must hate her now.

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Reba
"Ah, I see. He mentioned that he lived among the Moto before, though he didn't say anything about your Moth-" 

Chiyoko continued her sentence normally, ending it as well as the casual conversation could. _Mother._ Not _his Mother_. Just _Mother._ This woman, this Utaku Kazuko, this Battle Maiden that was one of the most powerful women that Chiyoko ever was aware of, was Masanori's older sister. 

Now, a Samurai doesn't panic, and a ronin should do the same. So, internally the one-eyed woman was freaking out, but externally she was cool and collected, even if her hands trembled slightly as she set down her cup. "It's, it's a good thing, having someone you know well as your second," Chiyoko said, trying to keep her cool, "Since you know you can trust them. Blood is thicker than water, as they say." 

She needed to get out of there, If this woman got wise to what she was doing with her brother, Chiyoko would be in hot water. Worse, Masanori might get himself in trouble.

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Nicholas
*Did I let that slip out? Damn it all.* She had gotten a little too comfortable speaking with Chiyoko and forgot herself. Now she had to quash this before rumors began to spread. "What difference does relation make to how one serves? Too many use status to excuse poor performance.

"Blood is thicker than water? Did your former family tell you that when they cast you to the waves?" She scoffed. Ridiculous notions. To think this woman thought family equated trust. "I *Know well* And *Trust* Those who prove themselves to me, nothing else. Whether they are the Clan Champion's heir, the least ronin, even my own kin matters not. Everyone under my care has the place they earned, not one they felt deserved."

It was cruel, and in a few hours Kazuko would undoubtedly regret her words. Yet it was too late: by the fire in her eyes and scowl on her face, the matter was a deadly personal. And it was little wonder: every achievement in her life has been marred by the same whispers. *Look at her, the daimyo's daughter. She doesn't deserve it. Must be nice to have mother get you places.* Hear it enough and you start believing it yourself. Kazuko was a fraud, a fake, and unworthy. It had to be true. Nothing she did was ever good enough, could ever be. She didn't deserve any of it, and it was only a matter of time before it all fell apart.

There was no way she would *Ever* Subject her own brother to the same fate. Not someone she loved so dearly.

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Reba
The sharp attack was unexpected, and dug in deeply and with more venom than may have been intended. The atmosphere changed quickly, and the ronin felt like doing a _lot_ of things that would get her head chopped off, no doubt. While she held her tongue, her eye did not betray her offense and anger. 

"...It appears that I have offended you." Chiyoko prostrated as best one could on the other side of the desk. "A thousand pardons, Utaku-sama. I merely meant that it must be nice to have family close. As you have pointed out, mine has cast me away like so many bones or scraps of cloth, so I miss that feeling dearly. Forgive a fool for speaking foolishly. " She sat back up, still clearly angry, but doing what any good lesser would do and keep her emotions in check. 

"I have completed my task. If I have your permission, Utaku-sama, I feel I've overstayed my welcome. So, by your leave." 

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Nicholas
"You are dismissed, Chiyoko-san. These papers will arrive safely to their intended recipients." Kazuko gestured to the door, her anger still visible but cooling somewhat.

"Please, let this one escort you out. We can collect your airag along the way." Fuyuko spoke as herself for the first time since their first interaction. The shift in body language and tone was impressive. She now stood with her head appropriately bowed away from the two, voice quiet and demure, and the small woman seemed even tinier than before. The perfect picture of a heimin house servant.

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Reba
Chiyoko wasted no time picking up her daisho and standing up, and despite her desire to leave in a hurry, she showed proper respect to Kazuko. Her intent was to leave briskly after that, but she was paused by the woman, Fuyuko. She didn't want any damned airag, and she hardly wanted to be here, either. 

"Very well, then," She said simply. "With haste, please." 

As soon as she was out in the hall, Chiyoko balled her hands into fists and exhaled, trying to let her anger simmer out into nothing. She had done so well not to let her anger show, all to be undone by Utaku Kazuko's statement. It hardly mattered anyway. Chiyoko would not be coming back around to the Ide Residence if she could help it. 

Knowing that her lover was someone of this great importance, it was obvious that she would need to call off things. This could only end disastrously for the both of them, and Masanori actually had prospects for greatness. It'd be wrong to ruin his future with her foolish feelings and status. 

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Nicholas
Fuyuko would take her swiftly to the storage room where the airag was kept, bringing Chiyoko inside before closing the door. There, she cast a furtive glance around to ensure their privacy before risking her words. "I, ah, I know it is not my place, nor does it mean anything coming from but a lowly servant as myself, but I do apologize in behalf of my lady. Her words were uncalled for, and I should have blunted their sharpness when translating."

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Reba
"...It's your job to translate. You did your job properly. I'm not going to yell at a servant for something their Master wanted to express." The Ronin crossed her arms, and took a deep breath as she finally started to calm down. "I also won't be saying anything about this to my own master. Not that she would care anyways, but I won't hold anything against Utaku Kazuko sama. If I held a grudge for every time someone greater than myself showed me disdain, I would turn into some sort of yokai." 

All the same, Chiyōko held herself in doubt. Not over if she really didn't hold anything against the Utaku, but moreover what she should do next. Knowing what she did now, it wouldn't be right for her to meddle in affairs. With her status, she wasn't destined for anything that would be worthy of someone like Masanori. In a way, she already knew this. But it didn't make it any less hard to admit.

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Nicholas
"Thank you, Chiyoko-sama, your kindness is far greater than deserved." She bowed deeply. "Utaku-sama has had that way about her for many years now. Very good on the battlefield; not so much in any other setting. If it's any consolation she would have said something equally distasteful to anyone who said what you did. Family is a . . . Delicate business with her."

She looked at her hands and fidgeted nervously, trying to decide whether to broach the next topic or not. Finally she looked back at the ronin. "Um, how long have you and Masanori-sama been *Partaking of late night milk tea*? Don't worry, I will not say a word to anyone and Utaku-sama is quite unaware."

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Reba
"Hm." Chiyoko felt herself get less and less upset, and more sympathetic towards the woman. "Accusations of Nepotism, is it? I can relate. My father was accused once of choose me over another in a very important task for that very reason. I cut that bastard's ear off myself in honorable dueling. So, I understand that sort of anger that comes with that." Her fire was dwindling, much to her embarrassment. 

But not near as much as when Fuyuko brought up Masanori. She went pink in the face, both worried and flustered all at once. "What? I, I am not, he, that is, uh..." The ronin clutched her kimono as she floundered, until she finally hung her head. "...Since the winter," She finally admitted. "We met by chance at the Red Lantern. And we shared a meal a few other times. On the night of the raid that I spoke of earlier, we admitted we had feelings for one another. The rest isn't mine to tell..." 

The ronin felt bashful, thinking of her Masa-kun. "If you find yourself having to tell your master, let her know that I had no idea she was his sister. If I had known, I would never have accepted his advances. I don't intend to try and weasel my way into becoming Samurai again. I just... Well... Love Masanori-sama. But, that is not enough to justify making things difficult, I fear." 

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Nicholas
The woman smiled warmly at Chiyoko when she admitted the truth to her. "It's not the place of a servant to meddle in the affairs of her betters. It is, as you say, not my story to tell."

Someday, someone would have to tell Kazuko. But that was a duty for the parties involved. Fuyuko, for her part, had resolved to keep her lips sealed on the matter.

"Here you are, some of our best." Fuyuko passed her a large skin filled with airag. As the container passed to Chiyoko, the smaller woman took the opportunity to give her arm a brief reaffirming touch. "If this one may speak freely, as one who has lived alongside this esteemed family from birth, do not make yourself a stranger here. Despite what happened, my lady didn't hate you. Which is bigger than you may imagine. And do not keep this a secret forever. She will have more harsh words when the truth comes out but . . . "

Fuyuko grew a bit more reserved, gloom and melancholy overtaking her features for a moment. "Well, who knows? Though I fear she gave up on herself long ago, all she wants for her family is for them to be happy. And I'm sure a pretty, kind, honorable woman like yourself makes Masanori-sama very happy.

"Oh, and one more thing? Don't tell him the two of you met just yet. As I said, family is a delicate business, and it flows both ways." She would wait a moment to see if there was anything else the ronin wished to say, but her act of boldness was over.

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Reba
It seemed Compassion encompassed even the peasantry of the Unicorn, as this Fuyuko woman was clearly looking out for all parties involved in a brilliant way. Chiyoko held onto the sloshing bag of airag, and listened closely to what the woman had to say. In Chiyoko's experience, it was the humble folk from less that had the most valuable things to say. This was no different. 

"If you really think it wise," The ronin relented, "And if I can count on your experience, I'll do as you say. As I said, I only care about Masanori-sama's wellbeing and future. And if just pretending this didn't happen, and play along... Then so be it." 

It was rather amazing, having her mind changed like that. She was so damn stubborn, and yet she actually gave up on her plan to abandon her feelings for the sake of another. Or, maybe she was just lying when she said she had to do the right thing. She wanted what she wanted, after all. 

"I'll keep this all between us, Fuyuko-san," Chiyoko said, bowing to the servant. "Thank you for the advice. And make sure to give Utaku Kazuko-sama my thanks for the airag." 

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Nicholas
"I will do so. After a bit of time has passed of course." Fuyuko was glad to have at least calmed matters at least a bit. If there was one thing she could not stand to see it was a heart broken due to her lady's disposition. "Now, I think it best I show you out before someone else wanders into here looking for a drink or Utaku-sama wonders why I was gone for so long."

They left the storage room and proceeded back to the entryway of the residence, Fuyuko casting a long sideways glance at the closed screens heading back to Kazuko's office. "Here we are, Chiyoko-sama. I hope your path continues to be a bright one. Oh! And one more thing."

She rummaged through the folds of her kimono, pulling out a small pouch and emptying the contents in her hand, displaying six crudely carved netsuke that looked vaguely like different animals. "My youngest recently decided she was an artist. These were all supposed to be for 'Oba-sama Ko' but I convinced her to choose only one for my lady and I would find the rest homes with other 'nice people.' Please, take one as a token of thanks for your discretion and for listening to my ramblings."

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Reba
Chiyōko followed the servant, leaving in less happy spirits than before, but not near as angry and brashly, either. She felt a bit foolish, thinking she may have overshot her anger and let that and her own self-loathing trick her out of happiness. Leave it to the humble folk to talk sense. 

The ronin blinked when she looked at the rather lumpy-looking netsuke Fuyuko had on hand. Hearing the story, however, made the rough woman grin. "That is adorable," She said, "I accept." She looked around the small collection, but as soon as her eyes saw it, she picked up one of them. "Thank your daughter for me, Fuyuko-san. Thank you, as well. A wife's wisdom is appreciated." 

With a bow, Chiyōko departed. As she left, she removed the plain netsuke from her thread and satchel, and attached the brown horse netsuke in its stead. More likely than not, no one would really pay it any attention. But it meant something to Chiyōko, and that's all that really mattered.

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