A Bleating Tune (D2 - LM)

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa had a look of curiosity a moment before smiling. "Is it suppose to be difficult? I have always found it quite simple. Perhaps I have less distractions?" She gave Asahi scritches.

[Kitsune Takeo]

"My sensei said I lack focus," he said, letting his smile edge into his voice, so it wouldn't be entirely lost on Misa.

"To be fair though, not many of the Fox bushi are known for their meditations - the fact that I can find my center at all should be commendable."

[Tonbo Misa]

"I must confess, I don't know much of your family's bushi traditions, other than they must center around the forest you call home. There are so few trees in Tonbo lands, let alone the Dragon Mountains. I would like to visit a true forest someday, just as I would the sea." She smiled softly, though it faded just a bit. "Though, I doubt I will ever find a real opportunity to do either. That is the nature of duty after all."

[Kitsune Takeo]

"Duty is not rigidity, Tonbo-sama," Takeo said gently, "You are a trusted advisor to your family, yes? Then it may be that your suggestions to pay a diplomatic visit to the Fox lands would be well-received - certainly you would be well-received by my family. I am certain Kitsune-dono would consider an opportunity. You could do your duty and experience the world at the same time. I see no reason they must find themselves at odds."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa gave a small nod. "Perhaps in the future, yes. For now though... the Tonbo are in too much trouble for me to even think about leaving, and my cousin needs me just as much. That is a part of why I came here seeking a good husband, one that can help my family recover. There is still a part of me that feels I owe the clan back for all my brother did."

[Kitsune Takeo]

"And what duty did your brother fulfill for your family, Tonbo-sama?" Takeo asked, kindness and sincerity edging his voice. He knew too well what the Dragonfly had been through recently.

[Tonbo Misa]

That seemed to cause Misa to hesitate a moment... but she took a deep breath and let it out before nodding, seeming to find peace. "My brother was Tonbo Saburo, son of Tonbo Quinlan, son of Tonbo Kuyuden, son of Mirumoto Asijin, founder of the Dragonfly clan. My brother served as clan champion when my father died before he was cut down and leadership passed to my cousin Tonbo Mariko."

[Kitsune Takeo]

At hearing this, Takeo knelt, bowing forcefully and loudly, with the deference one might give an Emperor - he made sure she could hear it.

After a breath or two, he rose.

"Your brother and father honored not only the Dragonfly, but also the Minor Clans with their actions," he said solemnly, "They will be remembered in the halls of your ancestors."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa gave a very faint smile. "My father died in Kyuden Tonbo as it was burned down while the women and children fled. I still miss him indeed. My brother however did little to honor my family and was cut down for spending the Tonbo to starvation. All the same Kitsune-sama, your condolences touch me, arigato."

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo frowned at that, glad that Misa could not see the expression. He had not heard those particularly stories about Saburo.

"The actions of a brother inform us, but they need not define us, Tonbo-sama. You are a Dragon now, for all the implications that may carry with you. But the Dragon have always honored those who walk their own path."

[Tonbo Misa]

Sanmi leaned in to whisper softly to her mistress who nodded and smiled gently. "Kitsune-san misinterprets my feelings. I loved my brother as family, but his actions do not define me or my actions. I have always been my own woman, and that is why I am on my current path. My only intent is to see my family renew itself under my cousin's hand."

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo nodded in understanding. He knew such things were necessary, coming from a small clan himself.

"And what is it you hope to accomplish at the miai? Do you have a particular suitor or type of suitor in mind?" he asked.

[Tonbo Misa]

"One in particular, no. Type... perhaps more so. I wish a man that is patient and understanding, warm and hopeful, one that will look to the future and help my family renew itself, find itself again." She shook her head a little. "I suppose I also hope to strengthen the ties between the Dragon and Unicorn, but one so young as I, and from such a small family, would have little say in that."

[Kitsune Takeo]

"As you describe it, it sounds like you might be well-suited to one of the Shinjo men, though I haven't met enough of them to opine of them personally yet," Takeo admitted.

"Or perhaps one of the Iuchi? Adding a shugenja to the line of your family would certainly be beneficial in some respects?"

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa nodded softly. "Both fine ideas." She slowly grinned a bit cheekily. "And what of Kitsune-sama? A fine ride hipped horse woman perhaps?"