In the time it took him to walk from the stage to the Shiba, Izumi progressed through at least six Vulpine Excitement Levels. He had a wide grin by the time he reached him.

"So . . . howmanypetscanwehavebythistimenextyear, Atsu-kun?"

That was an infectious FoxGrin; Atsumori grinned too, running a hand through his hair and completely messing up its for-once-neat arrangement. "That depends, I guess. How big is that house of yours?"

There was some kind of roaring afoot from the Lion enclosure, which he registered in a back corner of his mind; if he needed to tune into it he would, but for now it wasn't at the forefront of his situational awareness.

Shoan returns to stand beside Nozomi, the Murame unflappable as ever

Mildly "Well, that is settled then. I thought it best to declare in case there was a need to duel....half the audience on a certain someone's behalf after the ceremony."

Her tone is light but any samurai shooting dark looks Nozomi's way would receive an absolute death stare from Shoan.

Lowering her own voice just for her and the Kitsu
"But you did say exactly what I was thinking. It is not often a fiance knows they have chosen well even as they walk up to choose."

Hyeon-ju, like Hayato, seemed happy for Shoan and Nozomi. She was certain the two samurai-ko would indeed find happiness together... and she was glad she hadn't split those two up at the last minute herself. Even if she knew that both of them would have been quick to step up to make up for things.

"No plans yet, but I would be surprised if there won't be any celebrations or gatherings after this..." she remarked quietly, not wishing to disturb the ceremony too much.

A wry smile was given at his joke, and well... she knew her mother might not approve fully. Her mom though, would be sympathetic to what Hyeon-ju would have to share of the circumstances, and she knew her mother would come around to it too. And hopefully not decide to duel any Lion samurai crossing her path right away.

"I suppose we'll have much to work out, about the future."

"It seems like that won't be necessary. Indeed, I never really felt there was a risk," Nozomi said. "He knows Heaven would smile upon anyone who would stand as my champion."

She scooped up her glasses and looked to Shoan. "Looks like I'll need a new pair. You can help me pick them out." She turned back to the rest of the proceedings. "I'm glad I got to impress you even more."

In between all the mayhem, shouting Kitsus, and all the couples meeting, Nara heard her name called. Which made no sense, because why would she be called up now? She was last on the list apparently! Then she looked up at who called her name; Asahina Fusako. It took her a moment before she worked out why, and when she did her eyes lit up with joy.

I get to be with Fusako all the time!

She managed to not run over to the woman, walking quickly though as she moved to meet Fusako and bowing deeply.

"Thank you" was the first thing she said.

"Yes, we'll have a lot to figure out." He agreed thoughtfully, pausing for a few moments before adding. "You know I have no qualms against marrying out, though it might not be what the Nakodo have in mind at the moment." It helped too that he may be able to leverage a favor in that direction.

"Would you prefer to stay with you family, your clan if it were possible?"

"I... yes, I would like that, but I understand if that can't happen anymore... it would have to be some discussion to be had about it, if that is to be changed," it felt awkward to discuss it now, when others were still making their choices.

Looking to the announcements, it seemed the odd little Moshi was getting picked up by a Spider. Looking to Hayato, she tried to gauge his reaction to that match.

Ishiyo nods to Shokomaru as he approaches, "Later....if you will excuse me. I think my clan mate needs me."

With that she departed to join Daidoji Shizuku

/exit

"It'sinaforest, plentyofroomforcritterstoroam."

The roaring Lions were ignored, Izumi was more focused on Atsumori and himself.

"AlthoughthepetIacquiredlastnightwon'tbeableto. Idoubtagoldfishisgoingtowanderaroundaforest."

Hide made her way back into the crowd after her choice was made. She was beyond relieved and all that had transpired with her Clan had been shoved aside. She had Eriko and that was all that mattered right now.

Hide made her way back into the crowd after her choice was made. She was beyond relieved and all that had transpired with her Clan had been shoved aside. She had Eriko and that was all that mattered right now.

Hayato was pleased when Chiyo was picked by the Daidoji. They would hopefully suit each other well. He was less pleased when it was the very last Spider to chose that picked Masako. Though at least the man had honor enough to give a token gesture to his allies.

He was a bit concerned the pick nonetheless and his gaze ment to Hyeon-ju to try and see what she thought of it. If he he recalled she knew the man after all.

"Got room for a pond in your garden?" Atsumori smiled but also seemed to be taking the issue somewhat seriously... it was a question of suitable habitat, after all! "One we can screen... those fish looked right small, so they'd be temptin' for birds." He nodded, evidently thinking, then suddenly laughed at himself. "Watch out, the ink's not dry yet and I'm already renovating your digs. Don't want your family thinkin' you've brought home some gold-digger, right?"

In fact, the genealogy read out by the Phoenix nakodo following Atsumori's name had been a solidly respectable and prosperous one, even if it wasn't nearly as illustrious as Izumi's.

Hyeon-ju gave her betrothed a reassuring nod. "I'm sure he'll treat your cousin with kindness and respect."