<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/><br/>Not for the first time tonight Akodo Narumi smoothed over the kimono that she wore.  Layers of golden fabric rested on her body that made each brush of light glisten over her slender frame.  Never before did she feel as doll-like as she did this moment.  At her waist a heavy obi was framed that was wide enough to extend up her stomach.  No weapon aside from her wakizashi would be there tonight.  There would be no leaning on her sword arm for strength tonight but instead she would be force to rely on the wit of her mother’s blood.  That caused a frown to mar her features.<br/><br/>Fingers traced over the imprint of fearsome lions on the edges of her kimono, one paw rose as if to strike or to signal friendship.  Narumi was not sure which.  The mon of her family was nestled to her heart while the mon of the Matsu was settled on her right arm in honor of her teacher.  She would at least use her reputation and standing from such a prestigious school shield her tonight.  Chin rose upward with her typical haughtiness before she began down the hallway to her ward’s apartments.<br/><br/>Atop her head her hair was piled in intricate patterns by maids far more knowledgeable than her in such matters.  Ribbons of brown and gold laced through her hair in a grand pattern of colors while gold combs and pins dangled decoratively in their place.  There was no sway to her step as some women might produce and no grand display of ethereal grace as some described her mother.  Instead she moved like the warrior she had become and would forever struggle to be.  Every step measured.  There was an effortless grace to her movements but it was not one of delicacy or beauty, rather of danger and readiness for battle.<br/><br/>Approaching the doorway of Ide Hio she turned to the side and bowed her head in a show of respect before making her presence known.  Once collected she would proceed with him toward the actual party of guests and hosts that were presented.<br/><br/>Narumi knew best to pay her respects to the patriarchal leader of the household first.  Her body sliding through the crowd of people to set her knees before the figure of Ikeda Taneka.  She bowed low before her elder and a family leader before rising slightly to give her greetings and thanks for the invitation.<br/><br/>“My father and mother apologize for their absence Ikeda-sama as they were called away for matters of family.  I have been sent to fill their void and give their best wishes and thoughts for the upcoming ceremony.”<br/>