Kevin
*The Mantis embassy loomed before her a stark contrast from the quiet and solitary Dragon Embassy as Magistrate Mirumoto Katsumi approached with measured steps. The Dragon Samuria dressed in a suitably nice dark summer green yukata that beyond being just a shade off from Mantis green allowed the red haired woman to pass without raising too much undue attention. All while being proper enough dress that should she unexpectedly encounter the individual they had come to seek they would not be considered improperly attired for a first meeting.*

*Gaze casting about their jade green eyes swept over the various individuals searching for whom they should inquire with. At least in-so-far as to the location of one particular Mantis and whether or not he or letters addressed from him to her older sister had yet to arrive.*
Marta
Tsuta was enjoying a surprisingly lazy day down at the Mantis embassy. For the time being her skills were not required, so she had found a rather comfortable spot to sit on one of the benches near the entranceway, rebraiding her hair. She wore a charcoal gray hakama over a simply jade green kimono, a bit of a reddish brown floral pattern on the sleeves served as a small tribute to Tsuta's family.

A small white rabbit was on the bench beside, her sniffing the air, and occasionally tugging on a pouch that hung on the woman's side with its teeth. The gesture drew an exaggerated sigh from the woman.

"I told you, Fuji... I'll get to you once I finish this braid, okay?"

Tsuta attempted to return to her work, but unfortunately for Fuji, his wait would be a bit longer. She let her hair go as she looked toward the red-haired Samurai who was approaching. She smiled a bit; she was very much looking forward to no longer being the only Kitsune about the embassy. Nodding her head to the woman, she raised a hand in greeting.

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Kevin
*Spotting the movement Katsumi's eyes flickered to the other red haired, green clad woman. Her gaze drifting over her appearance as her brows rose an inch in surprise having not had the pleasure to meet her distant Kitsune cousins, but finding her heart lightening at the thought as she approached. Her Grandmother's hair had long gone grey by the time Katsumi herself had been born. The woman ancient even in her youth and her elder sisters hair was more a dark copper brown only showing the reds intermingled with the cocoa colored strands when the light hit them just right. Leaving Katsumi herself a bright speck of color as far as hair colors went in regards to the rest of her family even if they all shared the same striking jade eye color.* 

"Greetings Mantis-san," *She murmurs offering a bow,* "Would you by chance be of the Kitsune clan?" *Katsumi inquires not wishing to wrongfully assume, but curious to meet her Obaasan's family.*
Marta
Tsuta flashed the approaching woman a grin as she approached, standing up to her, well... Rather meagre height, returning the bow. "Hey, good guess. I figure this kimono did its job then, huh?" She held out the sleeves, showing off the pattern there. "You one of the new arrivals, then? We've been getting a whole lot. I gotta say it'll be nice not to be the only Kitsune around... These..."

Tsuta trailed off a bit as she examined the woman's outfit more closely. She wore green, but it wasn't *Quite* The shade of green that marked someone as a Mantis. Even with people who dressed as brightly as they could, like the Magistrate and the Ambassador usually had something the right shade of green. The clan mon, though, was most certainly not of the Mantis.

She paused a bit, and scratched the back of her neck, attempting to laugh her mistake off. "Or... Maybe not. Sorry. Just figured with that hair..."

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Kevin
*The Magistrate's face lights up, her smile blossoming across her features with rare open joy as Tsuta confirms that she is indeed a member of the Kitsune clan. The two woman nearly identical in height as the Mantis woman rises to her feet with Katsumi only a scant two inches taller. There are similarities there in their appearance beyond just the red of their hair. It's the shape of their chins, the curve of their noses, little features she had only ever seen reflected in her family and her grandmother's weathered face now staring back at her. The assumption is instantly and immediately forgivable.*

"I am Mirumoto Katsumi a Magistrate of the Dragon clan," *She introduces herself,* "But I believe we may well be family nonetheless. My honorable Grandmother Mirumoto Umeko was of the Kitsune clan before she married my honorable Grandfather." *Katsumi explains her beaming smile softening just a touch in regards to talk of her direct family.* 

"I must admit I am rather thrilled to meet you as I've not had the pleasure of encountering any of my Kitsune cousins."
Marta
Tsuta seemed almost relieved the height difference wasn't quite as drastic since she came closer. She also noticed the similarity in their features as well; while the differences might had been lost on an outsider, for one who had spent almost their entire life around Kyuden Kitsune, it was almost like she had gone back for a visit. As she introduced herself, Tsuta met Katsumi's eyes, making note of their hue.

"Ah, damn. Guess I'm being a bit too casual then, Mirumoto-sama." She bowed to her once more, lower this time. "Tsuta Kitsune. Next time I write home, I'll have to ask auntie if she knew Kitsune Umeko-sama. Be a neat connection if she did!"

While she stood up a bit straighter, she still wore the same confident smile. "Likewise. Like I was saying, I've been the only one around so long, so meeting you is great! Have you been in the city very long?" She then asked. "Pretty new arrival myself, but I'm pretty good at getting at the lay of the land. Good tracking, one with the environment, and all that. Could show you around if you needed it sometime."

It was then the white rabbit began tugging on Tsuta's hakama.

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Kevin
"There has been no offense meant and no offense taken Kitsune-san," *She assures Tsuta with a gentle smile feeling almost guilty that she was not what the other woman had expected. Still it would be lovely to not be the only red head around that was not a Kitsu. Though mistaking those of Kitsu blood for those of Kitsune blood was a bit like confusing a fox for a lion. Coat color aside there was simply no comparison.*

"And that would be wonderful. I'm afraid given the winters of Shiro Mirumoto we've lost track of much of our extended family. To reconnect once more would be a wonderful occasion." *Katsumi agrees with an incline of her head. Tsuta's confidence and good humor infectious as the Magistrate found her more business like demeanor softening to something more natural.*

"I've been in the city only a scant handful of days since my arrival, but I would love a tour from yourself. I'm actually looking for a Mantis you see~" *She begins only to pause gaze drawn down to the rabbit tugging at Tsuta's hakama.*

"Oh? Is this little one a friend of yours?" *The Magistrate inquires lips pursing ever so slightly as she resists the urge to coo at the adorable ball of fluff.*
Marta
"Oh, well that's good then. Hate to end up being improper." She then relaxed a bit, before looking down to her little companion, still tugging on her hakama.

"Him? Probably my best friend, if I'm being honest." She laughed once more. It was a deeper, more full laugh this time, as if she wasn't simply trying to put forward confidence. "His name's Fujio. He and I have been together for the past five years. He's a bit pushy, but he's a good boy. Unfortunately for me, though, I got a pleasant, but unexpected distraction from giving him his treats." She then reaches into her pouch, getting some pieces of dried, orange fruit, and offering them to Katsumi. "If you'd like to introduce yourself, he'll love you right away if you give him some of these.

"As for that tour, that sounds great then!" She was back to a more confident demeanor then. "Might even be able to help with that Mantis you're looking for. What's their name?"

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Kevin
"He is adorable," *Katsumi states with all the seriousness and absolute confidence of fact, before her demeanor cracks with a smile. The Magistrate happily accepting the dried orange fruit as they carefully crouched, palm held flat with the fruit upon it, before offering out the treat to the little rabbit.*

"Sincerest greetings oh fine Fujio~" *They murmur in playful soft hearted respect,* "You are a very handsome rabbit. The Handsomest rabbit I dare say I have ever had the pleasure to witness." *Katsumi coos should the rabbit in question hop closer to accept her greetings. The woman glancing up at Tsuta with a smile.*

"And I would be grateful for your assistance. I'm afraid I've never been formerly introduced to the Bushi in question so I do not know their given name. I sent them a letter requesting we meet here to discuss their betrothal with my elder sister, but never received a response. I was hoping perhaps they had left a letter addressed to myself or my sister here or arrived here themselves? They are a Tsuruchi archer." *They explain with a slight frown well aware that sadly there was little to go on and that they could not very well inquire with their sister as to further details. Thankfully the Tsuruchi were not the most numerous and if nothing else she would be able to identify herself and them by their personal mons.*
Marta
Tsuta was beaming like she was a proud parent. "He really is, isn't he? Soon as we crossed paths, I just knew this rabbit was the most handsome in all of Rokugan! Glad to see you also agree, Mirumoto-sama."

Fujio would go at the treat with almost frightening speed, grabbing a piece, and then hopping away a few strides, as if worried that someone would steal his treasure. He then began to munch in earnest, seeming to expend a great deal of effort with the chewy morsel.

"That's normal, by the way. Once bunnies have something they want, they like to take it where they feel safer. Even if in their little bunny life they've never had someone so much as *Think* Of stealing from them!" She added with a chuckle.

She then glanced back as the topic went to the Tsuruchi and Katsumi's sister. "Well then. I haven't run into a Tsuruchi archer myself. We got an archer range that's run by a Tsuruchi, go there myself just to stay sharp," She mimed drawing a bow back and releasing, "But unless your older sister's a lot older, I don't think he's your man."

Her expression actually softened a bit as she saw her frown, though. She once again stood up a bit straighter. "Hey, though... Don't get down, yeah? I'll keep my out for the guy. He's not trying to run out on your sister on anything, is he?"

Fujio would start to try to "Groom" Katsumi's hakama.

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Kevin
*Katsumi chuckles as Fujio snags the treat and hops away like a little bunny shaped thief in the night. The image quite endearing,* "Well I certainly would not want to be accused of stealing from a rabbit. I'm uncertain if my honor could survive such a dire accusation." *They joke flashing Tsuta a smile as they slowly straighten up brushing a few wrinkles from their yukata as they turn back to Tsuta.*

"My sister is only a few years older then myself so he should be in his late twenties or early thirties at most." *She explains certain that whoever ran their range was most likely not the man she was searching for from Tsuta's reaction. Though at the Kitsune's assumption she quickly clears the air.*

"Oh no, nothing so dishonorable. Unfortunately my Sister is..." *The Magistrate pauses for a moment considering their words, their expression one of resigned sorrow,* "Gone... And can no longer fulfil the betrothal. I did not think it right to entrust such news to a courier so I have come in person to discuss the matter and the contract." *She explains not wishing to have a misunderstanding between the Mantis and the Dragon clan. The slight tugging on her hakame drawing the woman's attention as she once more crouched, offering her fingers out to the rabbit to sniff before with slow and gentle care she reached to stroke the little creatures fur should it allow her.*

"And thank you. My sister mentioned that the Mantis are often at sea when I once asked why her betrothed's letters were so often delayed. So I sincerely believe the lack of response is simply due to whimsy of the tide or other complications rather then out of any avoidance."
Marta
Tsuta laughed at the joke, leaning back against the embassy's entrance. She returns Katsumi's smile, but it quickly fades as she hears the circumstances of why exactly she's seeking out her sister's betrothed. "Oh... Oh fortunes, I'm so sorry to hear that." She lowers her head as she continues. "For what it's worth, I think your sister would be honored you decided to deliver that news in person. It's very kind of you."

She decided to remain quiet for a moment out of respect for the revelation. Fujio, though, lacking that same understanding, still seemed rather insistent. He would sniff Katsumi's hand, before lowering his head, letting her know that it would indeed be acceptable to pet him. 

Tstuta looked back up as Katsumi spoke again. "Well, that's good to know. Honestly... Yeah. Being out at sea as much as a lot of us are does lead to some pretty slow writing. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't anyone dishonoring you or your family I needed to have a talking to." She managed a small smile once more at that.

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Kevin
*The Magistrate gently strokes the rabbit. Her fingers carefully smoothing back it's fur and when it becomes clear Fujio does not dislike the attention she gives his ears a soft rub.* "Thank you. It is an unfortunate matter, but my family has always valued our friendship with the Mantis clan so we wish to ensure things are made right." *She assures Tsuta her smile slowly returning.*

"I do not think my Father would ever forgive me if he could not longer attend the Tsuruchi archery competitions due to some folly on my part. I am *Quite* Certain the man would ensure I do a fine impression of a hedgehog." *Katsumi adds with a soft wry laugh and a rueful teasing smile.* 

"Besides I've always wanted to see a Mantis ship. I'm told short of the kami's blessing to sail upon one is the closet man might come to flying."
Marta
"Well, for what the word of another Samurai is worth, and not one of the higher ups, I don't think we'd ever hold a grudge over that. Especially not to you." She grinned. "At least I hope so. I think you make a much better Samurai than you would a hedgehog, to be honest."

Tsuta seemed quite happy to see the smile back on Katsumi's face. In the meantime, Fujio began to close his eyes, grinding his teeth in contentment. 

"Yeah... I think you won the little guy over," She noted. "Treats and good pets and this guy just melts, y'know?" 

"As for ships, well... Lemme tell you. Once you get out on open waters, the wind's in your hair, and the boat's at speed? Can't say I've ever been flying, but I feel like that's gotta get close." She pushed a couple of her braids back as she spoke. "We got the Tomodachi Maru open for visitors, but, ah... That one's not so much for sailing. Try to stay away from that one myself unless it's work. Bit too much drinking for my liking."

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Kevin
"I am glad to hear it," *Katsumi quips with a light bell like laugh as they flash Tsuta a rueful grin.* "It'd be a sad end to leave this world a hedgehog." 

"And I am glad I meet Fujio's approval. I've always wanted a pet myself, but my work and travel just never allowed for such a thing. Perhaps I'll reconsider should I end up settling down in the city." *She muses eyes softening as Katsumi lets out a low content hum. The little rabbit just too cute for words. Though as Tsuta begins to regale her about the Mantis ships she cannot help, but perk up with interest.*

"I can imagine. I'm told there's nothing quite like the smell of the sea and the salt spray on your face as the wind dances. I've read of it extensively, but ah..." *They shake their head ruefully,* "Some things ink and text can never do justice. I imagine those who've never seen the heights of my homelands mountains feel the same when they read the descriptions of them in scrolls rather then walked those peaks themselves." *She murmurs a spark of pity settling within her bones at the thought.*

"The Tomodachi Maru? Is it a drinking establishment?" *They question with a tilt of their head.*
Marta
"I understand what you mean. Honestly, if the little guy didn't travel so well, I probably couldn't manage to look after a pet properly." She glanced up to Katsumi. "If it's not too forward of me to ask, how long do you think you'll end up staying? Just here to deliver the message and do a bit of work, or something more long term?"

She closed her eyes a brief moment as she thought of the ships. "Yeah... Reading's nice, but it's not the same as actually experiencing it. It's kinda cold, almost shockingly so, but like... Not in an unpleasant way. Then again, you're talking to a woman whose favorite season is winter, so maybe I'm not the right one to be asking," She added with a smirk. "Shoot, I bet the mountains must be incredible in the wintertime..."

As the topic turns back to the Tomodachi Maru, she clears her throat. "Yeah. Drinking establishment. Amongst, well... Other things..." She trailed off, hoping she wasn't going to leave *Too* Bad an impression of the clan.

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Kevin
*Katsumi paused in her work, likely to Fujio's annoyance, to consider Tsuta's question. The future had felt rather bleak of late in the light of her family's loss. They would be lying if they said they had thought much of it when their focus had been on simply achieving one step after another. Eventually though they settle on honesty,* "I don't know." 

"In addition to delivering the message and settling the contract I was sent here to assist the Dragon Ambassador and my clan. So I expect I will be in Ryoko Owari Toshi till at least next spring. Perhaps longer depending on a few factors." *They admit offering a small shrug as they allow themselves to be caught up in Tsuta's description of the sea. Their own mind drifting to the picturesque mountain peaks of her own home.*

"Shiro Mirumoto is said to be one of the most breathtaking places in Rokugan in Winter. I believe one of the Crane who visited the place during Winter Court painted a picture of Last Glance Castle atop it's sheer peak. When the sun first rises over the mountains the ice covered stone catches the light and makes the entire castle appear as though it were built of crystal." *Katsumi murmurs with a slow fond smile. The winters of her home had been bitter and cold, but no less beautiful.*

"And ah I see. It is as my Brother might have said, 'a place of good drink and good company." *They quip jade eyes bright with amusement as they mentally earmark the establishment should someone invite them to such a place or... Should they need to find certain Bushi of specific character.*
Marta
Fujio let out a tiny little growl at the stopping of the pets, even thumping his feet a little bit. The bratty rabbit apparently had little consideration for other human affairs! Tsuta, though, was thankfully more mindful, keeping her attention entirely on Katsumi.

"So, here for a good while at least, then," She replied. "Well, if I'm not being too forward again, for what it's worth I'm glad I'll be seeing more of you around here." She grinned. "Not to mention we haven't seen too many Dragons around the city. Not that I blame em'. It'd be a good chance to maybe build some connections?"

"Also, never thought I'd be jealous of a Crane," She added with a short laugh, sighing wistfully. "Getting the chance to paint something like that? That's the kind of thing I've only ever dreamt about. I'm no poet or anything like that, so that's how I like to capture it. Especially snow."

Tsuta did seemed visibly relieved that Katsumi caught her meaning. She wasn't exactly looking forward to the prospect of having to explain what happened there in *Detail*. "Your brother has it right. It's... Well, there's a market for it here, that's for sure."

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Kevin
*Chuckling Katsumi carefully reassumes her petting of the little rabbit lest she find herself further scolded,* "Not too forward at all as I feel the same," *She agrees her smile turning rueful as the talk shifts to her clan.* "I'm unsurprised to hear that the other Dragon's have kept mostly to themselves. I believe that may well be the other reason for my assignment here within Ryoko Owari Toshi. As I am considered uncommonly social for most of my clan." *Katsumi admits, but then again such was often the duty of her family.*

"Though perhaps if our families are able to reconnect you may one day be able to paint such a place yourself." *She adds her smile gentle. The Dragon's were often reclusive, but their dens were warm when it came to their families.*

"And you needn't worry in regards to my sensibilities. I've long worked as a Justicar so I fear I have a rather more robust pool of knowledge in regards to such things then most of my clan. The city is a place of many businesses and many pleasure and I would be more surprised to find that the Mantis with their keen senses have not mastered the winds of opportunity."
Marta
"You do? Well... That's all the better then!" She leaned against the door to the mantis embassy, arms folded as she watched the Dragon continue petting the bunny. Fujio for his part seemed to have his anger soothed, lowering his head once more and resuming the tooth purring.

"Uncommonly social, eh? Yeah, I can see that. In a good way, though. I've known some uncommonly social people who I'd rather not sit and have a talk with," She noted, chortling a little bit. "Though... That's a hell of an offer that you're making there, Mirumoto-sama. I guess if the higher ups got no problem with it, I'd happily take that offer if I'm allowed the opportunity. Especially if it's in winter. Not to flog a dead horse or anything just... I dunno. Something about it. The way it kinda hangs in the air, the way it catches torchlight when it snows in the middle of the night..."

She trails off, closing her eyes as she visualized the sight of it. For a brief moment she even felt a bit homesick, thinking of the winter nights back at Kyuden Kitsune...

"Ah, shoot. Caught me drifting." She chuckled a bit more awkwardly, scratching the back of her neck. "Right, Magistrate and all that, probably got a chance to see most of it. Places like that... Can't say they're ever my choice of where to spend my time, but it does good for the clan at least."

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Kevin
"A suggestion more than an offer," *Katsumi carefully corrects her expression wry, but fond.* "If it were my place to make such decisions then my clan would be a bit less closed off to the world." *She admits, but ah if wishes were Utaku steeds then ronin would ride.*

"Still you are not wrong. I fear my work has taken me all over the land dealing with one case or another, but should the Dragon open our doors I believe my Father would enjoy seeing more of my Grandmother's clan. His work does not allow him to travel beyond the occasional tournament." *Katsumi murmurs her eyes going soft at the thought of her family.* 

"Though speaking of work..." *She murmurs straightening for the last time with great reluctance.* "Would you perhaps be able to inform your Ambassador that I would wish to meet with them at their earliest convience? I will likewise send a letter as I do not wish to impose upon the Mantis."
Marta
"Right... Getting carried away. My apologies." She bowed to Katsumi. "Got to rein myself in a little bit." She returned one more to focusing on and actively listening to Katsumi, meeting her gaze.

"Your father... In any of his travels, has he ever had a chance to go to Kyuden Kitsune?" She tilted her head just slightly, looking a bit like a curious fox as she did. "If he ever did, I think he'd be welcomed there. You too, for that matter. Especially if they know what's good for them," She joked.

"And sure, I can let the boss know you were looking to talk to her. I've only bumped into her in passing so far, but I should still be good to pass it on. Just about the Tsuruchi who was going to marry your sister?" She asked.

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Kevin
"There is no need to worry Kitsune-san," *She assures Tsuta not wishing to worry her. After all the prospect of travel as a thing of great excitement to Katsumi herself and the idea of seeing far away lands made her heart light with excitement. Though she has to restrain herself from laughing as the other red head tilts her head in curiousity. The gesture intimately familiar to Katsumi as the woman has to physically restrain herself not to mirror the action seen not only in herself, but many members of her direct family.*

"I believe my Father visited once before his gempukku, but that was many years ago and our family has not been able to venture so far south sense." *Katsumi admits with some sorrow though her face lightens at Tsuta's reassurance that the family would find welcome there.* "It is my hope that in the coming years I can shoulder some of my Father's burden so he will be freer to travel." *Such a task should have fallen to her brother or sister, but now only she remained.*

"And thank you. Just the information about the Tsuruchi and my sister should be fine. If the kami favor me he will contact me when he arrives in the city, but on the off-chance there are complications if the Embassy could arrange such a meeting I would be grateful." *She murmurs with a small smile.*
Marta
"All right, well, if you insist, then no worries. This is me not worrying!" She grinned. Tsuta evidently seemed rather good at not worrying. Or at the very least like that was the impression she tried to give to others. "Just make sure you give yourself the opportunity to come down and see Kyuden Kitsune for yourself., as well as your father. Don't ask me why, but I get the feeling you'd really appreciate it." Tsuta knew on some level that wasn't exactly something that she could control, or any Samurai, for that matter. Still, you hung on to the hopes that you could.

She then nodded to her request. "Yeah, that'd be no trouble at all. I'll pass things on to the boss lady, and let her know to get in touch or set up a meeting."
Kevin
"Thank you," *She murmured her smile bright and jade eyes glinting with mirth in the sunlight flecked shade where it danced over the two of them like dappled jewels.* "I think I would enjoy seeing Kyuden Kitsune as well. Should the Fortunes favor me there's not a place in Rokugan I do not wish to visit at least once." *She admits though well aware such may never be in the cards.*

"Well perhaps not the Shadowlands, but I think that's more a healthy sense of self-preservation at play there." *Katsumi admits as she turns to Tsuta and offers a bow.* 

"For now though I should best get back to my Embassy. There's still some matters there I need to attend to. Please allow me to treat you to tea next time we meet Kitsune-san?" *She requests as the Magistrate straightens with a smile.*
Marta
"Sometimes I think it'd be nice to be a wanderer. Just... Live in the world, y'know what I mean?" She seemed to keep things somewhat vague, not wanting to hint at anything that might qualify as a dereliction of duty. "Shadowlands exempted, agreed there."

*Maybe she's of a similar mind though...*

"Ah, but you're right. Duty calls. I'm certain you got some important affairs, and I suppose I oughta start earning my keep today." She looked towards the entrance to the embassy, making note that she'd have to track down Mai to pass on that message, but her gaze went right back to Katsumi at her invitation.

"I'd really like that, actually," She replied with a warm expression, bowing towards her. "I'll hold you to it, Mirumoto-sama."

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Kevin
"The hawk is no less dutiful to it's master for yearning for the sky, but more loyal still for having felt the thrill of the hunt, the taste of fresh prey, and the wind upon it's feathers, and returned to the glove all the same." *The Dragon Magistrate murmurs jade eyes distant and focused upon the birds that winged over head. Taken fully by the moment of introspection. The low wind stirring red locks and leaving crimson strands fluttering about the woman's shoulders. Time seeming to grow sluggish like water overcome with frost as the woman turned green eyes, Dragon eyes, upon her distant cousin and smiled.*

"Please do Kitsune-san. It would bring me great pleasure." *Before turning on her heel and departing just as quietly as she had arrived.*