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

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo smiles, a truer one than has been seen towards the Doji through the whole encounter. "There is no need for apologies. I am hardly one to fault another for enjoying another's company." That...could be misunderstood. "Animals have their own value. They are loyal and loving. They demand little except our time and our affection." Jeez Kogo. Write a poem, why don't you about how you feel.

Kogo shakes her head and picks up little Kabu, carrying him to the door. "Takahiro-kun, if you would come with me?' She clicks her tongue and makes a compelling sort of sound. (Animal handling fluff: 4d10o10k2 20)

Takahiro comes to her. "Noburu-san, not too rough. And make sure they have a good run with it. Perhaps hide and find me?" Noburu makes a huffing sound but strolls out. The two pups follow her, as if they were her kittens.

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa shakes her head, finding that hard to believe.

"I've heard tales of heroic Lions leading lions upon a battlefield, Matsu-san. Seeing such an ability to command in person is very impressive. Your sensei must be very proud of you." she offers sincerely impressed.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo looks up, slightly startled by the compliment. "You do me much honor Doji-san. I have always had a rapport with the lions, Doji-san. It is part of why I was selected to train with the Beastmasters. Noburu and I have a good partnership. I hope we will one day lead a strong pride."

[Doji Fukawa]

"Could you tell me more about the Beastmasters, Matsu-san?" she asked, curious. "Have they been a Matsu tradition since the founding of the Empire?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods, returning to the table. "They are an old school, to be sure. And very selective. They are most famed for their ability to open gaps in an enemy line. None wish to stand in front of a full pride. It is a sight to behold." She pauses a moment. "A Beast master raises a cub from its first days. No one else is allowed to work with the cub. In time, as they grow stronger, other lions will be added to the pride, but the leader of that pride will be the Samurai, leading her partner lion."

[Doji Fukawa]

The Doji had also returned to the table.

Such a gift...turned towards shedding the blood of the Crane. After all, lions were unlikely to accept an iaijitsu challenge. Fukawa thought.

Fukawa nods.

"I thought they were selective. I met one at the start of the miai, so I was surprised you also followed the tradition." she admitted. "He was a very unfortunate Shimizu, apparently he's become fascinated with the Otaku steeds."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo's eyes turn slightly harder but her face stays calm. "Ahh yes, Shimizu-san. He went through gempukku shortly after me. He has an extensive connection with animals, beyond just the lions. I am not surprised he has become fascinated with the Otaku steeds. They are quite glorious." She pauses, taking a quiet breath. "I am unsure as to why you would be surprised at my school. Noburu is certainly obvious enough." She says, making a joke, though the humor does not quite reach her eyes.

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa bows a little at that.

"My pardon Matsu-san, but I did not see Noburu-san until you brought him in, nor did I see any sign of him in your quarters." she offers apologetically. "Considering how exclusive your school is, it was surprising to meet one, I thought the possibility of meeting two was beyond remote. Like finding a rare gem in an old vase, and then finding another rare gem in the next old vase."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo is surprised by the apology. She softens slightly. "It is no difficulty Doji-san. Knowing that some are disturbed by her presence, I asked her to wait outside for this meeting. The tent can become quite cramped when she chooses to sprawl." She bows slightly to the Doji. "I guess when one is used to being surrounded by others training in the same way, one does not realize that one's school is a rare viewing." She looks to the side. "Shimizu-san and I are....more open than some of the other Lion to new ideas. I suspect that is why we were chosen for this miai."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods.

"That would make sense. I know some Crane who would have been offering duels over the Ide's choice of appetizers alone. And really, that's not how we want to welcome back the clan of Shinjo, sister of Akodo and Doji. Still, the Unicorn are going to be in for an uphill ride finding their place in the Empire, I think." she offers.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods. "I know some Lion who would have done similar things over similar reasons. And I agree. A homecoming should be welcoming, not focused on faults or changes." She smiles at the Doji. "Yes, the Unicorn will have their challenges. But I find them...refreshing." She pauses. "Speaking of refreshments, would you wish me to ask the servants for tea? The Matsu Beastmasters do not pride themselves on their tea ceremony, so I shall not subject you to that." She says, jokingly.

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa dips her head at that.

"Tea would be lovely, Matsu-san." she agrees readily. "Did you bring any teas from your homeland with you? I've had many Crane and Crab teas, but not Lion teas."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo shakes her head. "I am afraid to say I did not. But there are lovely ones from Lion lands, to be sure. There is a smoky tea from near the connection between Scorpion lands and Lion lands that I find to be an ideal morning tea. Bold, refreshing and mind clearing." Kogo stands and walks to the door, summoning a servant in a moment and asking for two cups of tea. She waits at the door for the servant to return, but turns back toward the Doji to not be rude.

[Doji Fukawa]

An awkward silence descended upon the tent briefly. What to talk about? The Unicorn boy who stole Kogo's heart and rode off? The events she had failed to place in? The tea she wouldn't drink?

"Did you bring any books with you to the miai, Matsu-san?" she asks. "I've been reading 'The Tale of Genji' myself lately."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods, taking the tea from the servants hands as he brings it and bringing it to the table, setting one cup gently in front of the Doji. "I brought Akodo's Leadership along with me, but I have lent it to the Lending library Asako Hirase has started. I must go and look into what other texts have joined it. I suspect there will be something interested to read there." She sips the tea. "I have heard of this tale, but not much of it. What is it about?"