"Of course. Thank you, Makime Ayano-sama," the Akodo says formally as she bows. When she straightens, she has a happy smile on her face, even though her eyes still sparkle with some secret she couldn't quite convince herself to share. Still, given the women's differences, a genuinely warm smile is q...

The Lion, hard pressed to argue the point, shifts to give Sasori free rein behind her, eyes closing as she relaxes into the attention.

The Akodo, mouth falling open as she sees a cat paw pointed at her, sits in stunned silence.

[Fluff to come]

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Rolls:
1. Design: Sub Courtier. success plus 1 raise. 3 fashion points.
2. Hype: success. 1 fashion point.
3. Walk: success plus 1 raise, plus Walk and Talk bonus. 3 fashion points.

Total 7 fashion points, and Kawauso is proud af.

Kawauso smiles, although her eyes reveal she's not entirely convinced. "Well, inventing isn't really what river guardians do. I mean, I just started working on spear projects because I was frustrated that we didn't really have what we need. Some light spears for throwing, but too light. Heavy spears...

Kawauso gives a sad bark of a laugh. "I don't know. I mean, four days ago I'd never given it a thought. Between the river and school and dad, when was I going to worry about it?" She squeezes her hands in her lap. "Then all of this happened, and now... Maybe I could? I mean, Hantei Genji-sama is so ...

"Thank you, Yuzuru-heika," the Lion said respectfully as she bowed and then stepped back. She didn't plan to leave, should there be any follow up on their proposal to the emperor, but she certainly knew when a powerful man was dismissing her and wasn't about to dawdle. She filters into the crowd a f...

Kawauso had sat as bidden, looking uncomfortable for an entire list of reasons. Catching the frown from Ayano, she forces out some reassuring words, or what she goes is helpful. "There there, Ayano-sama. Togashi-sama was clearly the right place to come." She manages a smile that's more confident tha...

Lurking in the hall behind Ayano and trailing her in is the tall Lion, Akodo Kawauso, silently (except when she fails to stifle a yawn) on hand to support her clan mate. She wasn't awake enough to understand what was happening, but when the stoic Makime-sama woke you early and beckoned you to follow...

Kawauso has plenty of problems of her own and sleeps a peaceful sleep, unbothered by any kind of critters or other weirdness.

---------
Will roll: 25!

"My Wardens have informed me that you and several others present at this court attempted visit out ursine visitor yesterday. You should know I would have the bear undisturbed until it returns to it's expected behaviour, or might you have some insight into why it is behaving so unnaturally?" He tilt...

"Otomo-san's concern for health and safety is appreciated. Certainly the health of river and ocean is important as well, and it's wise for us to give diligence to that well-being." Kawauso looks at Gusai critically. "But Otomo-san politely ignores the currently greater number of Stag vessels. Might ...

Kawauso had sat quietly through most everything -- and was extra silent as the big Spider and the big Crane tested wills.

*snip* He considered, noting the additional support, then nodded. "I would like to know more of the details once they are sorted out, but I see no reason you should not be able to move forward with such an agreement." "Son of Heaven, may I, Akodo Kawauso, expand upon my kind sister's words?" Kawaus...

"Er, I'm... Not really an inventor. Maybe a designer? I mean, I just try to... refine, or improve what's already there. Different wood, different shaping to improve... I mean, it's not like what you're doing here!" The Lion looks bashful, not confident enough to compare herself to the Crane.

"There is some virtue in this idea," she says cautiously, "but the Stag are already far ahead in the hunt for trading ports. Would this mean free reign for the Stag? I am not sure that the Stag navy should be welcome in every river village of the Lion." Kawauso arches one eyebrow, her manner suggest...

"Makime-sama is wise and well spoken, so I would not disagree with anything she's told you. On behalf of the Akodo, I might reinforce that good access to the sea is a priority. The people of Lord Akodo's wife should be welcome in our lands, making coastline very important, and of course with greater...

"Yes," Kawauso agrees enthusiastically. "I think that's exactly right. If I can shape a better fishing spear, it's good for everyone who spear fishes. It's meant for those whose fishing isn't already great, but if the skilled spear-fishers want to use it too, that's great." The Lion pauses a moment ...

"No, thank you, Makime-sama. It's all right. Just, um, some complicated... traditions... around marriage, among my people." She starts to turn to go, then catches herself. "Um, I'm sorry, Makime-sama. One other item, if I may. A request." She composes herself and takes a breath before beginning. "It...

Kawauso smiles broadly as Misaki describes her inspiration. "Those are the people on whom we should focus," the Lion says emphatically. "More fancy things for those already living fancy lives are just... That's waste. But when we make life better for more people, especially those who have the least ...