<div class="floatleft">(http://www.wallpapercase.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Samurai-Girl-in-Kimono-1024x683.jpg)</div><div align="center">Akodo Narumi (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=261269.msg12890740#msg12890740)</div><br/><br/>The collision of a body with the pristine surface of the water had stolen Narumi from her contemplation.  Thoughts had formed into words in her mind.  Whimsical notions of peace and the eternal brushing her mind as she considered the placid nature of the water in this bath.  The effervescent quality of the steam rising and the nature of even her own existence were brought to bear in this moment of contemplative purity.  Then water rose upward and splashed her face to end her moment of peace.  Instead her first reaction was to allow the corner of her lip to rise upward in a near growl.  The gesture perhaps lost as she quickly allowed her mask of stoicism to slide back into place.<br/><br/>Eyes darkened a touch when the presence of more guests filled the tub so that she would not find that empty place again.  Instead those bodies also came with voices that were now cast into the air.  Much like the cats were clan took its name from she would peer at each new arrival with a mixture of contempt and interest.  Languishing in her place she knew this would not last when the Sparrow arrived.  She enjoyed his company on the roads of Rokugan, but amidst company she doubted he would allow her quiet.  Better than, she mused, to be the first on the offensive than be caught on the defensive in foreign terrain.<br/><br/>Narumi moved with an effortless grace as she stood up from the water.  A distinct pride shown on her face before she settled into a bow to those already gathered.  Perhaps she did not realize that such a position left her chest fully exposed.  Youthful breasts only hinted at moments before were now set into view along with a slender, muscular frame.<br/><br/>“I am Akodo Narumi, tensai to Matsu Yua and ninth born to Akodo Misashi, Chui to the Imperial Legion.  Grand-daughter to Akodo Haichoro first sword to the Akodo family daimyo who died protecting his lord.  Great Grand-daughter to Akodo Jurobei scout to the family legion who died in service at the Battle of Iron Bridge.”<br/><br/>Her spine straightened to bring her upright.  There was the hint of a blush as if realizing now how she stood, but she would not relinquish the stare she gave them in turn as if daring them to challenge her lineage.  Once spoken though she would allow herself to sink back into the warm waters.  The soft surface was then brought up to near her chin once more.<br/>