Liang smiled politely at the Scorpion, and her reassurance that they would all sail together.  He did not dispute her claim, as now was not the time, but also because she wouldn't know that, unlike the rest, he had not been sent to Kyuden Ikoma.  She also would not know the difference her Clan's status made in such situations.  He smiled nervously at the Scorpion as he responded.<strong>"You have far more experience sailing against the wind than I."</strong><br/><br/>As Maseko made her announcement, the Lion (an Ikoma for those who would know) began writing diligently.  The Otomo nodded tersely, pausing for a brief moment before responding, a barely detectable irritation in his voice.<strong>"Your daimyo has already traveled to Hisashiyama Mura.  <em>His</em> commands will be received there..."</strong>It seemed as though he wished to say more, but instead he merely gave a final nod before deliberately glancing away.<br/><br/>As both Keitaro and Shiori spoke, the Otomo remained silent, offering no more than a nod to each after they were finished, lending considerable viability to Shiori's suspicion that neither scribe nor Imperial wished to hear more.<br/><br/>It was time for Liang.  He stepped forward and bowed slightly to the Otomo.<strong>"I am Liang of the Kaeru family of Toshi sano Kanemochi Kaeru.  I pledge my fealty to the Owl Clan."</strong>He braced himself, the words of the argument running through his mind.  The Otomo looked at him, his gaze lingering on him a moment, then his gaze flicked to the Unicorn next to him.<br/><br/>Liang, puzzled, stepped back in line, his face displaying an expression just shy of shock.