(D0, EE) Pray Away Your Worries

[Kitsu Murato]

"Definitely different tactics. And it is rare that any Lion commander stakes a battle on a duel. If an issue wasn't settled by a duel before an army is mustered then a Lion won't change their mind on the day of battle. And it's easier to avoid bushi in an army fighting for glory with good discipline."

[Kakita Akihiro]

Akihiro shrugs. "We were never really taught to go for commanders on a battlefield, but a Kakita duelist who spends all day cutting down ashigaru is wasting his time."

He smiles tightly to the Kitsu, "but I think that discussing battle tactics in a place of nominal neutrality might give the wrong impression. Instead, how about we discuss our marriage prospects. Are any of you looking to find someone?"

[Kitsu Moshumaru]

The Kitsu nodded.

"We are - and yourself?"

[Kitsu Murato]

"I'd say I'm looking for friends. The matchmakers will look for something more than that for me," Murato replies with a smile.

[Kakita Akihiro]

"I have been asked to join the miai. Well...a request I could not refuse." Akihiro's tight smile doesn't go away as he had hoped it would. "Friendship is a noble goal among the clans as they are. I wish you luck Kitsu-san."

[Kitsu Murato]

"Well, friendship between clans is certainly lofty, but between individuals is a bit more attainable," he says with a smile.

[Kakita Akihiro]

"Attainable is a good word to use, I salute you for it." Akihiro returned to his normal expression with a conscious effort to relax. "Perhaps by the end of the miai we could be good friends. Though saying that makes me feel some dread. None of the stories about Crane and Lion friendships end with both sides living happy dutiful lives."

[Kitsu Murato]

"That is because they're the stories. Nobody wants to read about the relationships that are simpl, honest, respectful and professional. The torrid and tragic pique curiosity and imagination," the bureaucrat offers. "I've seen plenty of signs of interclan friendships in the far more reliable official paper trails."

[Kakita Akihiro]

Akihiro raised an eyebrow and left it there. Whether the Kitsu was dunking on the Crane or not was not Akihiro's immediate concern. "It was great to meet each of you. Kitsu-san, Kitsu-san, Kitsu-san."

A bow for each of them.

[Kitsu Murato]

Murato returned the bow. "An honor to meet you Kakita-san."