"A superior's counselling is never a distraction Akodo-sama, but I appreciate the thought nonetheless. I am....well, I believe I am tracking well. It can be difficult to tell. I have spoken with a range of samurai who might make good matches, I will be riding with one in an ornithopter later actually."

If Shoan notices the look on Akihiko's face she says nothing, but the Lion is clearly ready to be a good supporter like every lower ranking soldiers should be.

"Of course, if you see any samurai you believe would be a good match I will do my utmost to investigate them as potential partners."
Cocking her head slightly
"Would Akodo-sama mind if I did the same for him?"

Akihiko smiles and nods as Shoan speaks, glad to hear she's doing well. Her last question catches him, however, and as he looks at her cocked head over the top of his tea cup, he realizes she's on to him.

The Akodo sets his tea cup aside and folds his hands in front of him. His eyes are closed for a few moments as he breathes deeply. When he opens his eyes again, Shoan can see that his smile is tired.

"Two weeks ago, I was just a fighter ace," he says introspectively. "I was rarely off the ship unless it was in a cockpit. In the last several days, my mission has been to marry well and bring honor to my clan, and it is... More complicated than I could have imagined."

"If you wish to hear suggestions then I will offer them, but -- speaking solely for myself -- I am not sure that having more suggestions is ... desirable."

After a deep sigh, he adds one last thought: "Then again, I may be doing this all wrong. So yes, Murame Shoan-san, I would welcome your suggestions."

"Of course Akodo-sama. You are a well respected member of our military with an excellent position, you are a good match for many present at the miai, they just do not know it yet."

Leaning forward slightly and keeping her voice low.
"If there is some way you can make more of a name for yourself, whether it be through an event or perhaps socialising...more than we Lion are used to, then appropriate samurai will make themselves known to you."

Reaching into her uniform and withdrawing a piece of paper
"And of course I have a list"
Which she slides across the table.

"No. I mostly just spent spare time with diversionary pursuits rather than skilled ones. Conversation, food, plays, shows... that kind of thing. I did enjoy watching sport events, but I was never even a devoted fan, just casual."

"Let me guess, mostly sumai?" He arched an eyebrow. "I've caught some matches here and there, interesting stuff. I hear there's a prorasu event tonight. Planning to check that out?"

At mention of a list, and seeing one sliding toward him, Akihiko swells with good humor. He doesn't laugh out loud, conscious of others in the lounge, but the smile and laughing eyes are no doubt refreshing for Shoan to see.

"I am not surprised that Murame Shoan-san has come prepared," he says, composing himself slightly. I am very curious, he thinks, reaching for the paper.

"I do plan on going, but it's not really my primary diversion. I actually prefer history and nature documentaries," he says with a shrug.

"Nature is...well, I admit most Spider aren't inherently interested. Maybe just on how to kill it better", he shrugged. "I know that sounds horrible, but there's a bad case of practicality in our ranks." he ate some of his egg toast and chewed quickly.

Picking up his coffee he took a sniff. "That is...army coffee never tasted good, and now it's that much worse." he cleared his throat and took a sip. "Though history documentaries. That I'm interested in quite a bit. The Empire's history has always been crazy to me, I liked the era of troubles, after the Clan War. Particularly the Four Winds, but in Spider broadcasts there isn't much information on it."

"Forewarned is forearmed, at least when it comes to marriage."

Shoan's list has the familiar Hide shrug inkmark to indicate it's genuine, and includes the following:



There are a smattering of others listed but those above appear to be the top picks.

The Akodo reads intently, his features pleased. "This is all very useful and appreciated, Murame-san. Thank you. And interestingly, I have spoken with the Utaku and Daidoji pilots you note. They are of interest..." Akihiko's tone is noncommittal. "I think some in our clan would look sideways at a marriage between Lion and Crane, both for our traditional conflicts and their current alignment with the Mantis and Spider. As a soldier, what do you think of the possibility?"

"It is not an ideal pairing Akodo-sama, but with the Crab present not being suitable and the lack of Dragon....options are are more limited."

"Hai," the Akodo agrees quietly. "Conditions on the ground."

"And I assume you have a list of preferred options for yourself, Murame-san? A good soldier always wants a reconnaissance report before planning their strategy, after all."

"H-hai, yes. There is a personal list. I'll be reconoitering one samurai in particular this afternoon. If all goes well I hope to be on track for the overral strategy."

Shoan reaches into a hidden pocket and extracts a folded piece of paper before sliding it over.



Shoan pauses after sliding the paper over
"There is...one other who has displayed the appropriate qualities, but they are a Spider...."

Akihiko blinks thoughtfully at mention of a Spider. "I see." He looks slightly troubled, but musters up the most helpful response that he can: "I already know that you will, but please think very carefully about such a... possibility." Akihiko is clearly trying to reconcile his beliefs with what he knows is possible in a miai. Conditions on the ground. Conditions on the ground. "If it comes to that, I at least would prefer that... That they should marry into our clan." He closes his eyes a moment, taking a meditative breath.

"I do not want any good soldiers, or any good students of Bushido, married out of our clan. In a miai it is bound to happen, but I hope we shall bring good matches into the Lion Clan, rather than enriching other clans with our talent."

With a heavy breath to signal he's done with the lecture,
Akihiko picks up the list and reviews it with interest, squinting to make out some small print.

"Murame-san notes very important considerations with these individuals. And one name the same as on your list for me. Would Murame-san be willing to share more about this person, who I haven't met?"

"Certainly Akodo-sama. Nakauchi-san has been something of a surprise breakout at the miai, half the samurai I have met have expressed an interest in her. I'm still working to know more, but she appears affable with a good career ahead of her as navigator."
Slightly apologetic
"There is the hair though."

"Nature documentaries are more about appreciating unique ecosystems along with their flora and fauna. It's like appreciating the art created by the universe," he says with a smile. "But being prepared for practical concerns is good too. Certainly the Spider don't seek to destroy the flora and fauna that is integral to supporting life. But going the extra step of actually promoting the appreciation of it could certainly lead to inhibitions against destroying the dangerous aspects of it so that's understandable. I imagine many of the clans are selective in their programming to help foster the ideals that their leadership hopes to build in their people. Even in regards to teaching history."

"Whatever the case, I think I'd like to give either a watch when I have time", Shokomaru admitted. "Up until now I've been doing paper work and occasionally reciting regulations to people who don't think they matter." He chuckled a little and finished his coffee. "And I agree, I think history is important, and even the more balanced approaches are still told through a lens the producers and director want the audience to see it through."

He sat back. "There's no real avoiding it, I don't think. Just have to keep an open mind while still doing your duty."

"An open mind is one of the greatest tools a person can have at their disposal," he says with a nod. "Ready to learn and apply new lessons to whatever situation they are applicable to."

"Have to admit, Hanako-san...", he seemed to have a weird time saying his family name, for some reason. "You seem pretty well-adjusted and thoughtful. Is that a common thing among your family? I know it might not seem like much to say, but...well...having met a lot of people here so far, and most folks being a bit stereotypical of what I've been told to expect from them, so far I think you've been the most refreshing if I'm being honest."

Just don't call him Hanako-chan by accident, that'll be one hell of an explanation to him and your sister.

"Interesting," Akihiko replies. "Non-traditional hair is ... Perhaps an indication of something. Perhaps a wilder sort of samurai than would feel comfortable among the Lion. I wonder what Kitsu Nozomi, as a fellow priestess, would make of her."