<div class="floatleft">(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/352/3/2/splinter_by_jennyverse-d8a97sl.jpg)</div>Splinter's face visibly sank as realization set in.  Any other samurai master would have cited April's foolhardy entrance of their home as reason to attack.  They would never apologize for their brash actions at his appearance and intrusion.  Mistress Splinter was a different sort, however.  Her mind full of regret, the woman leapt up and tossed her staff to the side.  She helped April to his feet, dusting him off quickly.  "Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry, April. Yes, the children told me about you, but they didn't tell me what you looked like. I hope you won't think ill of me."  She gave him a worried look, expecting him to be mad about the attack.  Instead she found herself blushing at his next comment.<br/><br/>"Well, I- uh.. Y-yes.. I don't.. I wouldn't know anything about that. I'm just an old rat, Mr. O'Neil. I appreciate your kind words, but you don't need to be so nice on account of my pupils."  Mistress Splinter offered a brief smile, though it was clear she wasn't used to such blatant compliments.  Her children never thought to mention her looks, being her children.  Even with as steamy as she and Leonardo got in their last entanglement, any word from him was more lust or love than objective observance.<br/><br/>Splinter turned slightly, gesturing towards the kitchen.  "Please, I was just about to make some tea. Would you care to join me? I'm afraid the Turtles are all out at the moment."  She offered another smile, this one much more warm and inviting.  Now that she knew April meant them no harm, she wanted him to stay as long as possible.  The rat never received guests, especially one so handsome.