"Thank you, Ryoshun-sama. It is nice to have the importance of one's work affirmed." The Lion turns back from the river, glancing down to smile at Hen and then looking again at Rei. "I fear you've provided me much more help with my responsibilities today than I have with yours, Ryoshun-sama. Is ther...

The tall Lion woman with the long dark hair was hard to miss when she made her way to the castle's hot springs. Wrapped in towels intended for more typically-sized people, she ended up showing more skin on her way to the water than she really wanted to. But just now, she was on a mission. There was ...

Kawauso nods, looking thoughtful, and then turns to the river. "My father sent me here," she says, voice a little distant, "to gain more authority over the river. To be allowed to pursue raiders wherever they might go, up or down the river." The tall woman bows her head and sighs. "I am not sure tha...

The Lion smiles warmly as Rei talks about offering something to the empire. But her face turns conflicted at mention of fitting in among the clans. "Yes, among the clans," she murmurs pensively. Some thought clearly occurs to her, as her tone changes greatly. "What do you know of the emperor? Do you...

Inside the room, Kawauso freezes, then looks through narrowed eyes at the door. Surely it can't be... The Lion sets aside her whittling, noting with a frown she had rather more wood scraps and shavings piled on the floor than she'd expected. How long was I... Certain she must be hearing things or th...

Ayeka took the initiative this time, refilling Kawauso's cup, then her own, her light smile never leaving. "In some ways it is very different, neh? I have served Lord Hisomu as long as I can remember, so I admit my perspective comes from having been born in the light of the Kami, but it seems to me...

Kawauso bows her head briefly, perhaps in thanks for her point being taken, and returns to looking at Masanori with a smile on her face. "Mostly, I think," she says, brushing her hands off on each other. "You will find that more and more, the capitol will attract the kind of people who already like ...

"It seems the addition of rules is an inevitability of our lives, especially as the way of Samurai becomes more and more codified," Ayeka says lightly. "It stands to reason that if nothing else, we might be able to enjoy something so straightforward as drinking something that smells nice without fo...

Kawauso smiles, happy to make suggestions on this topic. "Food especially, then shelter. And then security, I think. My people have never struggled for food because of the bounty of the river, and we have strong trees along the shores to build good houses. But raiders are a problem, so we must alway...

The Hot Springs description mentions "in addition to indoor baths." Where do these baths exist in the castle or, better question first: Are these baths able to accommodate threads or should we limit ourselves to the Hot Springs location for any bath-type threads?

Sasori smiled. "Good... because I was worried I would have to use my little knowledge of medicine on you." She shook her head. "Some say I am a lucky cat... nya" Sasori winked. She looked at Nozomi and sighed. "Maybe we should get new friends hai?" There's a tiny giggle at the wink. "Is that what a...

Kawauso stands up from her rock, but gives Masanori the curious animal look again. "But what is desirable to some is undesirable to others," she notes without sounding argumentative. "How will the glorious capitol be all things to all people?" She asks the question with a smile, suggesting it's a rh...

Kawauso makes a face, too willful to be that accepting of things she couldn't change. "Hrm," she grumbles. "At the very least, we need to try to direct improvements where they're most needed. The kinds of things that help the most people the most often," she says, a little more animated by this topi...

She blinks at the sudden question, then shakes her head. "If there are rules or guidelines with the tea, you shall forgive me for being ignorant to them as well. We are here to know each other, not to stand on ceremony. Please, there is nothing to be concerned with so far as I believe." Kawauso lis...

"Today you seem to not need saving Akodo sama." A familiar voice comes from behind her. "Maybe you do from drowning." Kawauso looks up, the frown visible below her mask softening at sight of her Scorpion friend. "Bayushi-san," she says, pleasantly surprised, though her voice takes a little time to ...

Ayeka takes her cup as soon as Kawauo does. A slow, appreciative smell, then a sip. After a moment of contemplating the taste, she holds the cup gingerly in front of her. "A fellow warrior, then. That is well met. I serve my clan with the blade as well, though my role is perhaps less defined than y...

Being trapped indoors when Kawauso's patience for walks and rules was approaching threadbare was not a good situation. There was at least some solitude available in her small guest room, although the number of people in the palace was so great from the wedding, and they were bound so tight by the sn...

The Lion smiles up at the Bat as she chuckles.

"We should try not to do that," she says, only half joking. "Not everything needs improving. Or, at least doesn't need it as much." She makes a face, like the words maybe didn't come out as she'd hoped, and she watches for Rei's reaction.

Ayeka's hands remained folded in her lap til Kawauso finished pouring and reached for her cup. It would only be then that she reached for her own. "The energy of the reception certainly had a certain feel, that is certain. I prefer a more intimate setting for conversation myself. The informality of...

Kawauso is looking at him cheerfully, giving the impression of a curious animal wondering what a silly human will do next. "Is it important to you that I live in a city somewhere?" She asks half joking. "The city of the Makime, where I go to school, is not so bad. It's still a young city, still lots...