Kawauso looks at the Dragon thoughtfully. "My father is a loyal if straightforward follower of Lord Akodo. No problem that can't be solved through force or the threat of force. He simply wants leave to pursue raiders wherever they may flee, which... Was unlikely to be approved by the emperor," she s...

Voted 11 because I think the Day of Thunder helping to set the tone for inter-empires relations going forward is both interesting and appropriate. I won't cry if there's a Nezumi "guide" or whatever instead, although as some have noted I think the Yume-do connection makes them even more logically co...

"The Daikawa took the many uses of spears very seriously. Among the benefits of the coming of the kami was improving metalworking, to make something like this possible for us. And it was a priority of mine," she says with a small grin. "Of course, they are not common. And perhaps not up to the stand...

"Yes," Kawauso nods emphatically. "And likewise, Wu-sama. The best dreams of home."

/scene?

"Hai, Nozomi-san," the Lion says, nodding emphatically. "It is... Or, it can be, complicated in many ways. And going from no thought at all on the subject to, um, many thoughts in a short time... It feels even more complicated, I think." She takes a deep breath. "Nozomi-san's wisdom is very helpful....

Now Kawauso does squeeze tighter -- just a little, just briefly -- and release Misaki finally. "And I will never refuse to help you," the Lion says, eyes still moist but her face alight with joy.

/scene?

Kawauso gave a half laugh, half sob without letting Misaki go. To her credit, she didn't squeeze harder, although there was some temptation.

"You're right," the Lion said softly, still emotional. "And I am relieved. I worried you would say no." She sniffs back a tear.

The smile that erupts on Kawauso's face is bright. Misaki only sees it for a moment though, as the Lion woman stands and engulfs her in an emotional hug. It isn't crushing, but it's a secure hug, driven by simultaneous relief and excitement.

Looking up, Kawauso swallows hard. "I would... want you to join the Lion, regardless. We..." Her voice is barely audible. "We need good people. People... who will help the many more than the few." The Lion swallows hard again, eyes wide in anticipation.

Kawauso couldn't help but laugh, both to release some of her tension and at the great image of the little redhead patting the taller woman on the head.

"Come and go," she agreed, with a bit of effort. Then she grabbed Sasori in a big hug, her long arms easily engulfing her friend.

/scene?

Kawauso listens intently still, nodding as Nozomi affirms things that she already wants to believe. "My, uh... My family was not very good at talking about feelings, even before Lord Akodo won my father's allegiance." She sniffs. "Although it is... worse now." She shakes her head to chase away that ...

Kawauso swallows nervously, and in her eyes there's a little war between impatience and adoration, although Misaki might not know those are the forces. "I... Just need you to be you," the Lion says quietly. "The creative inventor, the one who calms my sea of anxiety, the one... The one who fell in a...

"Hai, Jiyo-sama. That is all most helpful." She bows forward, really as much as she can within context of the office. "You've more than answered my question, but if I might also ask another..." She hesitates, looking for permission, but also, he can tell, held back by some other factor. At his indic...

Kawauso smiles at Misaki's initial enthusiasm, and she rolls forward onto her knees, slightly taller and slightly closer this way. "I, um... I thank you for your quick support, Misaki-san. And I think there will be others who... who value and support what I think we can do here. I know there are." T...

<Appears to be Prime Birbverse Kolat Material> If I had any Influence at all to spare... but I'm not even 100% sure I got the three I needed for my pet project... No worries, good Sora. Appreciate the positive energy nonetheless. And re: being Kolat material, that's... Yeah. Painted myself into a c...

Kawauso nods respectfully, then seems to brace herself. "I am wondering, um, what you would say about marriage? How... How challenging you would say that it is. Whether you, uh... recommend it?" The Lion's eyes are as intensely curious as those of a young otter watching a shiny object float in the w...

"Hai. There is much to do. But it is... After all I've seen here, the... opportunities... I can't just go be a river guardian for my village, and an occasional emissary for my father. There's... There's a lot more we can do. I mean, with people like you." As she focuses on Misaki, there's a fire in ...

"I think so. I hope, anyway. I... Lord Akodo needs people like the Makime, particularly to facilitate Ayano-sama's road project, but he needs people also to help secure the rivers and woodlands of the west. The Ki-rin would have a formal alliance with us, and people to engage with them from a... cer...

The Lion nods, sitting with an uncharacteristic amount of serenity for her. "It... made a lot of sense, art least in some ways. But I was always conflicted, knowing that life wouldn't be..." She sighs. "It wouldn't be what I really want. And..." She looks down, sighing again. "I have, I think, more....

Kawauso frowns. "The voice of the emperor is the voice of Lord Akodo, so of course he will accept it. My father is nothing if not a dedicated servant of Lord Akodo. But I expect he will be... disappointed that I did not get him closer to what he wants. Reporting back to him will be... uh, perhaps ar...