"There is value in an aged society. Look at the Nezumi. Mai learned the capability to work steel from them. Despite their short lives, they have skills we do not. We should learn all we can glean from their culture. The wise trapdoor spider lets its prey crawl into its home before feasting." "You a...

"In a sense, it was an extended betrothal," she explains. "Lady Reiko is a talented seer, and saw visions of Hisomu in the pit. It was her guidance that brought the Empire to Hisomu and saved him." A pause, then she continues. "There is much more to that tale, but I would let better storytellers tha...

"I think her situation is different thanks to her Union with Hantei," Ayeka suggested. "But I am only Nineteen years old by the Imperial Calendar." She floats a bit closer as well, so they can keep a quieter conversation. "The Spider's situation is somewhat strange. Hisomu did not land with the rest...

Fumi's eyes narrowed suspiciously for a second before nodding in understanding. "Learning about other people's cultures could be enlightening. Not exactly my specialty but perhaps they don't view the same things as forbidden as Rokugani do." "There are many things that our cultures can learn from e...

"They do not carry any name save their own, as I understand." She offers. "The original followers of the Kami are many, but only their chosen few were given families to call their own. I am of course two young to know how or why those decisions were made."

"That is... remarkably close to our Celestial Order, as I have heard Lord Hisomu describe it," she nods. "It is the duty of Samurai to fight and defend the land. The duty of the servants to farm the land and assist with the Samurai's needs. And so on." Viveki nods enthusiastically. "Yes, just so! I...

"Warm company, you say? Already found some nice company to keep the cold at bay?" Her voice dropped to a near whisper, tinged with a slight sultry tone. "A gaijin? No, I have not. I wonder how her people view sll this etiquette and formality." She paused and frowned slightly, "was your warm company...

"That is... remarkably close to our Celestial Order, as I have heard Lord Hisomu describe it," she nods. "It is the duty of Samurai to fight and defend the land. The duty of the servants to farm the land and assist with the Samurai's needs. And so on."

The green ones are some manner of matcha mochi, the purple is sweet potato and pink is peach. Fumi appeared to not like the pink one, having not touched it. Fumi allows herself a small smile, not yet fully used to this concept of On. Ayeka might have noticed the servant refill her sake cup. "You wi...

"Perhaps I will be blessed to be able to talk with one of your... warriors? Apologies, I do not wish to dishonor your people by butchering the pronunciation of that word." She lets out a small laugh. "Perhaps you might teach me how to say them properly some time? Though I am unsure a hot spring is t...

"I shall remember your words should I ever encounter them," she offers with a nod. "Though unless they send envoys like your people have, I doubt I ever shall." She taps her chin as she thinks of a different topic. "What do your people in the Ivory Kingdoms think of Honor, if you do not mind my aski...

"I was there at Kanna and Mai's as well, but... well... I barely remember it." Fumi frowned down at the little plates of wagashi. "I am not sure. Would you like a plate?" She lowered her voice, "plenty of others are eating them. Perhaps they taste good." Her brow lowered slightly into a serious exp...

"Then Senpet? I am afraid I am not familiar. You are the first gaijin I have met, Viveki." She shakes her head. "A cat without hair. That would be quite a sight. I think if I were to try removing Shuri's hair, she would claw out my eyes as I sleep."

"P-please." Fumi still seemed rather shaken. "Ayeka-san, hopefully, Mai's gifts endear us to these Crane." Fumi tagged along almost passively, a good bit unlike her usual self. She dropped her voice low and leaned closer. "Are all big weddings like this? Or is this just the way of the Crane?" She g...

"Her hair is somewhat short. She is a small, white haired cat. Very lazy when she is not hunting mice," Ayeka laughs just a bit. "Usually if I am home she just wants to rest in my lap."

A somewhat pale Fumi moved through the crowd after presenting her gift. Fumi wore a well-made black kimono with the darkest of green accents and a silvery-white spider web motif. She looked about for a familiar face and finally spotted Ayeka. Though, as nervous as Fumi was she barely recognized her...

"I have not heard of such creatures myself, but that sounds concerning indeed. One understands the need to keep onesself separated from them as best they can." She bobs her head again. "For such a purpose, I think I am content to keep my cat around. Deadly vicious to rodents, but also rather cute an...

"Snakes?" Her head tilts. "A creature of some form, no doubt. I have not had any experiences with such a creature, and Shuri is adept at catching any rodents that might seek to make their way through my family's house." Her head tilts. "Do you have great issues with beasts attempting to attack you w...

Hisomu Ayeka approaches, offering a very simple gift: a tsuba created by Hisomu Mai. While her sincerity is clear, she has issues expressing the importance and kindness of the gift... and she trips on her veil on the retreat. Not enough to fall, but just enough of a gaffe that any of the effectivene...

"If that is your wish, Viveki," she nods calmly. She wasn't so formal. Her head tilts in a bit of confusion before she finally speaks. "Bedding? You mean your futon? I am unsure what else you would need besides the futon itself..."