I would do anything for love...(D8, EM, Expecting, Closed)

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"It is good to know that even during their long ride they were able to keep the arts alive orally and through what instruments they could carry along. Now that they'll be able to make more permanent artwork, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing paintings and sculptures of their adventures as well." she says.

"Of their stories that you've heard, Matsu-san, which have you enjoyed the most?"

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo feels a slight pang go through her at the question but hides it well. Several days ago, I would have had a sure answer...Now, I do not know. "I would be hard pressed to choose. Shinjo-san is an adept story teller. And Otomo-sama also told a beautiful story at the same event." She pauses. "I wonder what they will make in their new land. I wonder what their new land will make of them as well." She pauses, hearing a scratching at the flap. "Excuse me Doji-san, it seems someone else has come."

[Doji Fukawa]

Outside stand a couple of ugly Moto warriors, holding a squirming man-sized sack between them.



"Ah, Matsu-san, gud morning, isn't it? My brudder and I haf brought yu a message, we haf. he says, with.....a smile? sneer? The facial scars make it a little hard to tell, other than it's ugly.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo keeps a straight face, though she is slightly confused. "Yes, what is the message?" She looks at the sack, attempting to decipher what could be inside.

[Doji Fukawa]

As if in response to her thoughts, the Moto thrusts his hand into the bag, taking a moment to reach around inside.

"Ach, no bittings, yuz! he says, before pulling out from the bag.....a puppy which he thrusts into the Matsu's face. The puppy, for it's part, takes a confused lick of the Matsu's nose.

"Yuz and da otta peoples of the Me-eye are to take one of dese poppies, and train them for da big game today.
Jumpin', runnin' sniffin' performin' Ya knows, doggie stuff.

He looks around the Matsu, and spies the Crane.

"Ah, lucky, yu are wif da shiny Crane gurl? We haf a poppy fer her too."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo blinks, deciphering their words with a bit of effort and taking the puppy he thrusts at her. "Doji-san, these men apparently have a puppy for both of us for the event today. Do you mind if I bring yours inside?" The little puppy licks her face for a brief moment and then makes a face at the makeup. Kogo's face loses some of its marble like sternness and softens for a brief moment.

[Doji Fukawa]

"A puppy?" she says, surprised.

Fukawa stands back up.

"Of course, Matsu-san, if it is not too much trouble to bring it into your quarters." she says gracefully.

[Matsu Kogo]

"I will take both. Thank you for your time Moto-san." She takes the puppies in hand. She looks back to the Crane. "It is no trouble at all."

[Doji Fukawa]

The Moto, having fulfilled their story purpose, were never heard from again.

Fukawa looks at the fierce Matsu warrior, avatar of bloodshed and mayhem, carrying two little puppies, and can barely take it. She reaches for her fan before stopping herself, and instead looks slightly to the side.

"Ah...it would seem our hosts are full of surprises, Matsu-san." she manages.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo, charmed by the puppies, sees none of this. "They definitely are. I am gladdened though. This small one is full of possibilities." Perhaps this is the day my luck changes. She lays her small puppy down on her side and comes around the table to offer the puppy to the Doji.

[Doji Fukawa]

The Doji takes the puppy carefully. Being near to her face, the puppy starts licking her ear, forcing a musical giggle out of the Crane.

"Ah, no Takahiro, no licking." she says, trying to get the puppy under control.

She brings the dog in front of her face looking it in the eyes.

"Your name is Takahiro, and you can't just lick me whenever you like, understand?" she instructs Takahiro.

Takahiro....licks her nose.

This starts another mini-bout of wrestling with the puppy, and the Crane tries to hold it in such a way that it will behave.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo....can't quite keep it together. With no fan to hide her face, she resorts to her hand for her laughter. Kabu begins crawling up her kimono, but she sets him down with a stern look. He prances and her heart melts a bit. "May I....May I offer a suggestion Doji-san?"

[Doji Fukawa]

It had seemed like holding the puppy to her side would work well. Now Takahiro was doing his best to burrow into the Crane's kimono. So many layers!

"Ah! Um, yes, Matsu-san?" the Crane replied, her attention at the moment being on keeping the puppy from exploring her underkimono.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo keeps her face with distinct effort. "Young things often respond well to direct and firm direction." She notes Kabu worrying at her own kimono and gives a distinct and proper "No." in a firm tone to him. He stops for a moment and then begins to squirm again. Kogo smiles. "And if that does not work, a distraction is often best." Noburu, as if summoned, comes to the front of the tent flap. "Noburu-san, would you be willing to entertain our young guests with a game?" Noburu huffs but seems to acquiesce. Kogo waits for the Crane's response.

[Doji Fukawa]

A cat! A big one! Takahiro starts to bark!

"No, Takahiro, that's a bad dog, we do not bark at our hosts." Fukawa commands, not with Matsu fire, but Doji Ice. This seems to settle Takahiro down a bit with a huff.

"My apologies, Matsu-san. I left behind the family pets when I left for the miai, and I have missed the companionship." she said, over the initial cuteness overload.

"We would be honored to partake of your game, Matsu-san." she says.