Kyuden Shika

When the Lion opens the door, he smiles at the pleasant surprise. His eyes flicker, appreciating that something is different though not immediately sure exactly what or why. "Ah, Narumi-san, come in please," he says quickly, warmly, moving aside to let her in and then closing the door after she's in...

Ishioka hears the soft whimper, the room otherwise silent, and he feels a pull back toward bed even if the letter is there, now in his hand as he straightens and looks over to Inoshishi. There's a moment of indecision, knowing that now or later the name in the letter will be the same. But it's been ...

Ishioka hadn't had an easy time getting to sleep, but he had, finally. And he slept fairly deeply, or so he thought. But the whisper soft sound of a letter sliding under his door makes his eyes fly open and his heart appear in his throat. It's still dark in the room, but he feels like there's a pull...

The Lion nods, and perhaps smiles more than he should. Seeing each other again doesn't sound easy, but he clearly wants to.

/scene?

The big man releases his cousins and takes a small step back. Ishioka looks down, breathes deeply to center himself, and then looks to the Kitsu again. To Moshu: "of course, Moshu-san. But Ino-chan," he slips without realizing, "would no doubt wish to see you personally?" He sighs, then says to Mura...

Ishioka nods his head thoughtfully. "The war with the Crane is never really over, and a war with the Unicorn all too possible. If others take sides..." He shakes his head. "As you know, duty comes first, and my sword is always at Matsu Tsuko-dono's command," he says, a little discomfort evident but ...

Ishioka hesitates a moment, perhaps thinking of waiting for Tsugumasa, but then steps in to squeeze his cousins somewhat powerfully. He relents, taking a deep breath. "This has all been very stressful. I am glad it all ended well," he says, a voice a little stained, but smiling and nodding emphatica...

The biggest Lion arrives as the Kitsu step closer to each other. He doesn't look entirely happy - perhaps just Stone Matsu stoic - but he approaches closeto the other samurai close so that they can speak frankly. His facade cracks a little and his eyes suggest he wants a hug too.

"I have thought more than once that the only part of me that doesn't need fixing is Ino-chan," he says with a self-deprecating tone and partial smile. "No, I think she and I are fine, or rather better than that. I have just... I've had some other feelings to grapple with. But I think they are... set...

"As usual, your advice is wise and welcome, Yasu-san." He smiles and nods thanks for the pour. "If I have need of a talented karo, perhaps you and your future household could come to advise me," he jokes, though she can see a certain seriousness in his eyes. He exhales. "I think I mostly hope that m...