Eye of the Tiger [Kogo's Yurt, D5, EA, Closed]

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo returned to the camp, feeling more confident than she had felt since her time in the Akodo court. Who would have thought a Scorpion would be the best friend a Lion could have? Something about that thought niggled at her, along with Suteichi's unexpected unmasking but it left her mind as she continued to wash her face, brush her hair and don fresh clothing. She opened up the flap to her Yurt, to allow air in and kicked Noburu to the outside.

Using a small piece of glass to see her face, she opened her makeup kit. Think of it as warpaint Kogo. A Matsu does not give in so easily. She applied the makeup, accentuating her eyes and reddening her lips. She adds a thin line of red across her face and the bridge of her nose. Outside, she hears a brief sound from Noburu. She ignores it for the time being and begins putting away her makeup kit.

[Shinjo Akil]

The sound, of course, was because Akil had happened by the Lioness's yurt. The sound from Noburu caused him to smile lightly and approach the lion, offering his hand and looking to her. "Hey, Noburu... Is Kogo doing ok? I know I caused problems, didn't I. You know I didn't mean to though, right?"

[Matsu Kogo]

Noburu growls a little bit. Kogo hears the sound and comes out. "Oh, hello Shinjo-san. Noburu, do not be impolite. " She clicks her fingers. Noburu looks at her with shuttered eyes and turns about, flicking her tail close enough to almost strike the Shinjo. She sits with her behind to him with a huff. "I offer my condolences Shinjo-san on the death of your cousin, Otaku Chi-pu. She was a great warrior and beloved of many. I am sad I will not have the opportunity to get to know her better."




/ooc she looks a bit like this but with redder lips and darker hair right now

https://www.google.com/search?q=japanes ... VMrGNAwTZM:

[Shinjo Akil]

"Ah..." Akil frowned. His question was certainly answered. Still, he bowed politely. "Thank you, Matsu-sama. She was a good Samurai from what I hear. I wish I had known her better." His eyes betrayed a certain sadness as he looked to her, perhaps even a bit of guilt.

[Matsu Kogo]

She nodded. "I was impressed by her honor and her determination to keep her word. She impressed me and helped me form a favorable opinion of the Unicorn clan. "She pauses. "Perhaps, this miai will result in me marrying into the Otaku family. I have heard that their men are noted horse trainers. I am sure we would have much in common."

[Shinjo Akil]

He considered her words, not sure exactly how to respond. it would be irresponsible to suggest things out of my control, he reminded himself. "Perhaps. Though the Matsu name suits you well as well. Whoever you marry should be honored to share that name with you."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods. "It is a proud name. Have you heard the stories of my ancestress? I told them to Otaku-sama, when she was still living. She found them intriguing."

[Shinjo Akil]

"I haven't," he shook his head, "but I would be honored to hear the stories from you."

[Matsu Kogo]

She indicates the entrance to the Yurt, inviting him in. Noburu growls for a brief moment. She clicks her fingers and glares at the cat. Noburu settles again.

[Shinjo Akil]

He hesitated a moment. The potential for talks was a risk... and he supposed she could murder him easily if she wanted to. Still, at this point angering her further would not help him, so he nodded and politely complied.

[Matsu Kogo]

She follows, leaving the flap slightly cracked for air. She selects a seat, across from Shinjo-san. "So, Shinjo-san, what have you heard of my noble ancestress? That will save me from repeating myself and I would not wish to waste your time."

[Shinjo Akil]

He seats himself slowly. "Very little. And please, you are no waste of my time. even if I knew the whole story already."

[Matsu Kogo]

She flicks her eyes up at him and then back down to the ground. " Actions speak louder than words for a Lion, Shinjo-san. It is the Crane who value the poetic word so highly. Do not mistake my politeness for a love of dishonest flattery. It is a tool I use and part of my honor as a samurai." She takes a brief breath.

"My ancestress was a warrior of note, but she was not, in her life always an honorable one. Before she met Akodo-no-Kami, she was part of a bandit group known as the Tribe of Noriaki. During this time, it is said she fell in love with the son of the bandit leader, a man by the name of Mutsuhito. However, after a time, she began to realize how meaningless her life had become. She retired to a small village near Otosan Uchi, where she taught the art of defense using weapons."

[Shinjo Akil]

He winced a bit at the sting of her words. "I..." No. He would let her finish her story. He nodded as he listened to her story, that she might continue without his interruption.

[Matsu Kogo]

She watched his shuttered speech. No honeyed words this time, Akil-kun? Perhaps they are gone now.

"Sometime after her arrival, Akodo-no-kami came to the village, having heard of her martial prowess and vowing to test his strength against the samurai of this land. Matsu-dono assumed when she met him that he was a killer, just like all the others she had known. Eventually though, Akodo-no-kami was able to prove himself to Matsu-dono. The Tribe was defeated by the Kami and Seppun-dono and the rest fled into the Shadowlands, Matsuhito among them. " She paused. "When Akodo-no-kami sought Matsu-dono out to court her, she took his courtship as an insult and challenged him to a duel. They added conditions. If she won, she would win his army and command the Lion family. An additional condition was that he would ask for her hand again. And if he won, she would accept his proposal and he would keep his army and command of the Lion clan." She paused again. "The duel ended with his blade at Matsu-dono's throat."