Low-lying trees stretch their branches out to shelter parts of the garden that are particularly fragrant and lovely, soft beds of moss and grasses skirted by ground covering flowers and blooming lilies with sweet and spicy scents. Perfect spots to sit, contemplate, have a snack… or, as it turns out, to fall down. Standing over the moss, an orangy Kiriga – bent with age and more or less a sack of bones holding up a blue robe like a coat-rack – holds out a crooked hand with prominent knuckles wrapped in linen. "Again," he grunts.

A metallic gold hand comes up from the moss to grasp the bony old hand of the orangy Kiriga. The rest of a young female Kiriga soon follows as the daughter of the estate, Umeko, gets back to her feet. She adjusts the light and plain kimono she's currently wearing, then bows to the older Kiriga, saying, "Yes, Tooth-sensei." She takes a step back and drops into a crouch, her limbs loose and relaxed as she watches the old man. And again, Umeko practices the current lesson of the day and makes a feint to the left, then strike towards Tooth with the open palm of her left hand.

The lesson is part drill and part impromptu. Long Tooth moves to try catching Umeko's blow on a toughened forearm, and one of his broad feet steps by hers, teacher and student meeting and exchanging swing, jab, and parry. To the outside eye, both move with blinding speed, but to Umeko each move has been done dozens of times, each strike and step learned by her hands and feet, executed without the need for higher thought. Those thoughts are free to hear short instructions. "Push. Twist. Retreat. That's it. Block. Dodge. Look for the sweep." The motions speed up, and it becomes more and more of a challenge to stay ahead.

The young woman moves fast, but the old man is faster, and with Zolk trousers fluttering a skinny leg neatly takes Umeko's legs out from beneath her, an open paw helping her on her way for another tumble into the moss.

As has happened many times before Umeko finds herself heading quickly towards the ground. Instead of trying to fight against the force, she allows her body to go limp as she drops. Her tail curls up under her and rolls back as she falls. After going head over heels, the young woman is lying face down in the moss. Bits of twigs and leaves stick out of her mane as she pushes herself back up to her knees. Then with a kicking jump, returns to her feet. With another bow to Tooth, she asks, "Again, Tooth-sensei?" She also can't help but briefly glance at the sky, trying to mentally keep track as to the time so as to not have her parents find her out in the gardens again. The last time she was caught practicing with Master Tooth earned her an hour-long lecture from her father on the impropriety of a woman of her status engaging in such activities.

The old master's face crinkles up into a broad smile, pleased with his pupil's determination. "One more time. You did well, just a little more practice." He adopts his bent-kneed stance again, raising an open palm once more. "You're talented Umeko. Not many learn as fast as you, nor with as much grace. Why do you not visit your old teacher in the garden more often, ah?"

"It is not by my choice, Tooth-sensei," Umeko replies quietly, the hissing words of Imperial betraying frustration in her voice. "Father's pressure for me to conform to the traditions deemed appropriate for a woman of my birth has grown stronger as of late. More and more he insists I should be practicing my characters, studying poetry, and studying dance. He says I am too old for such childish 'play' and need to focus appearance and poise, so that I may be wed and bring the family honor." The frustration is also evident in the young woman's next moves, because when she attacks this time there is a harder edge to them, but they are also a bit more uncontrolled.

Long Tooth steps to meet the attacks, but rather than direct Umeko, he simply mulls over what she's said, and lets her put her training to use. The Arthritic Open Paw plays toward Umeko's stronger blows, allowing some for her recklessness, a rough art so unlike the refined pursuits her noble birth has imposed on her. Swift palm thrusts are met with bone-jarring blocks, a taste of melee more accurate than rote drills. The fact that it's a lesson is brought back into focus by that tricky leg sweep suddenly coming at her again.

Even with the frustration-driven striking, Umeko manages to hold her own for a time. Even when the sweep comes, the Kiriga does a better time at trying to avoid it. But once again Master Tooth's skill shows through and catches the back of one of her knees. Umeko drops forward on that knee, tucking her shoulder and rolling sideways this time. She comes to rest on her knees and looks up at Master Tooth. "Am I wrong to want more from life than what is deemed 'proper', Tooth-sensei? Is it wrong to not dream of my wedding day, but of the islands that fly through the sky? Or the lands where great mysteries still abound?" she asks the older Kiriga.

Tooth pivots, hands held out for a second where they followed through, as if pausing in thought. He lets them drop down again, stroking his tattered whiskers as he hobbles back over to his pupil. "My student, I have always stressed excellence above all things. To rise to challenges, to prove yourself against foolish black kh-… amongst your peers… " He raises his fist, which quivers resolutely as he stares off into the branches of the tree for a moment, seemingly lost in some faraway time. A falling petal strays across his nose and brings him back to the here and now. "Hrm! No, Umeko. They can bind your feet. They can make you wear dresses, and they can make you write calligraphy. You can achieve excellence in courtly manners, but if you want to achieve excellence, it is for you to decide, to do, and it is you who know where your talents lie."

Umeko's brow-ridge furrows in a moment of confusion, then lets out a held breath and seems to deflate away some of the frustration. "You forgot the monthly scale polishing that goes along with the foot binding, Tooth-sensei," the Kiriga notes. With a kick of her legs, the Kiriga pushes herself back to her feet. "I guess I just wish Father would be happy for me, in whatever I want to do. Not … just happy only when I do what he wants. I guess I should be more tolerant of him if I wish him to be tolerant of me. He has not arranged any husband for me yet, at least," she says, and then shakes her head to toss out more of the twigs and leaves that stick from her mane. "Again, Tooth-sensei?"

"Mm. But he will, will he not?" The older Kiriga nods, hiking up his trousers to settle into his crouch again. "It will not be long until you are of age, Umeko. He will want to see you married into wealth, both for comfort and for the family's prestige. If you are not comfortable, that leaves the prestige, ah? What is that worth to you? Would you rather boast that your husband is a lord with enough land to accommodate his fat behind? Or that you have the skill to bring prestige to your family in your own way?" He starts to add, 'breaking the bones of any who stand in your way', but bites that off, simply crooking his finger in a come-hither gesture.

"I know he has a few in mind. He has been inviting many of the younger nobles to the estate as of late. Each time, I am expected to apply lacquer to my eye-scales, wear my finest kimono, and laugh at things that are … not funny," Umeko admits, the familiar hiss of frustration returning, "They are not bad people but … none of them ignite a fire in me. They are all … safe." The Kiriga then launches back into another flurry of strikes, sweeps, and dodges as she resumes her sparring with Tooth. "I want the honor I bring to my family be because of who I am and what I can do, not because I can smile and look beautiful on the arm of some lord," she hisses.

The golden Kiriga's field of vision fills alternately with orange, blue, and white as her mentor dodges, weaves, approaches, and retreats, simultaneously blocking and guiding her strikes, occasionally commenting, "Good." or "Faster!" The routine is varied to keep some element of uncertainty in it, but the lead-up to the technique being taught is approaching, becoming more familiar now, more readily identifiable.

Umeko grows silent, the frustrations of her life fading in the excitement of the fray. The attacks become more varied, sometimes Umeko attacks from a low stance, striking upward with short and furious blows. Other times she shifts to higher ground, striking high and long. Master Tooth easily counters each of these, time and again. But … this doesn't frustrate the young dragon; her breathing remains calm and collected and her strikes controlled. So, this time when the sweep comes, the young Kiriga launches herself upward and back in a graceful backflip … and for the first time today, Umeko has avoided the sweep. She lands with a graceful thump in the soft moss a few feet away. It takes her a moment to realize she's still standing and when the realization hits her, she blinks and says quietly, "I did it."

The ancient master's leg passes cleanly through thin air, and when he stands from the sweep he's beaming, his face wrinkling up all the more and his long eyebrows perking up. "Ha! Well done, Umeko!" he barks in that gravelly voice of his. "You've got it. I doubt many high born can do that. Oh, and they try. Hmmm hm hm." The craggy reptile nods to himself, hobbling over to the young woman's side and sitting next to her on the moss with a creaking of joints.

"Do many actually try, Tooth-sensei?" Umeko asks with a smile. Her legs fold underneath her and she drops down to kneel beside Master Long Tooth. "I have always been told this sort of behavior was beneath my station," she says as her head twists in a way only reptiles can so she can face the older Kiriga.

Long Tooth produces a nicked and scratched pipe from somewhere around the sash of his robe, stuffing the bowl of it with an aromatic blend of leaf, tiny shreds of tobacco trickling over the edge as he tamps it down somewhat haphazardly. "Pah. Many of the noble boys believe that the martial arts are a manly thing to learn for their station, just as you'd learn poetry or fancy writing." He leans toward one of the many stone lanterns adorning the garden, setting both a long piece of tinder and the end of one of his eyebrows alight. He licks his thumb and carefully pinches the smoldering end of his eyebrow out with a sizzle, then returns to lighting his pipe, puffing it a few times to get it started. When he speaks again, a cloud of smoke gusts out. "Few really try hard enough to learn anything, and those that do don't think about it right." The orangy reptile taps the side of his head. "They think because of their breeding the lessons jump right in, t'chah. It's hard work and it hurts. They start crying."

"They quit because it hurts?" Umeko asks and her brow ridge furrows, "That's … they should experience having their feet bound, or wear the tight obis that women are expected to, or practice writing until their hands hurt so much they cannot grip anything anymore. This pain has a purpose, a lesson. Most of the the pain women are forced to endure do not." She shifts a bit to the side and pulls out her own foot. Her clawed toes wiggle as she looks at them, the onyl bits of her foot visible from beyond the bindings she still wears. Even fully grown, she is expected to keep her feet wrapped to keep them from spreading too much. She quickly tucks her foot back underneath her and shakes her head. She runs one of her clawtips along her slender jawline in thought, then asks the older Kiriga, "Did you ever take a wife, Tooth-sensei?"

The orangy bag of bones puffs contentedly away, wisps of smoke curling away from his nostrils and adding a faintly sweet, earthy scent to the air. "Just because it hurts, yes. And oh how they cry! Great big tears." He brings a gnarled fist up to one of his bagged eyes, mock rubbing at it, his voice getting higher but no less gravely. "Ohh, Tooth-sensei! Too many knuckle pushups! Wah, Tooth-sensei! I'm getting calluses! Ha, ha, cough ha. You have a good attitude, Umeko, and I'm proud of what you've taken from the old ways. Too many forget, now." He snorts a plume of smoke, then takes another long drag, letting it out as he muses out loud. "Ehhh… I met many ladies, knew love many times, but I was too much a wanderer to settle down. My home is where I sleep, and my students are my children. There's a price to all things, you know."

"I thought the price you had to pay was your pursuit of the mysterious black Khatta, Shikoujou," Umeko says quietly. The Kiriga rolls her neck, letting the vertebrae pop and crackle from all the work of the day. "Knuckle pushups?" she comments and frowns, "Pah. They should give birth to a child before they complain so. But, such is the way of things."

Long Tooth grunts, shifting the pipe in his mouth. An ember jumps out, but the old Kiriga snuffs it out before it reaches the turf. "Mm. Yes, my rival has occupied much of my time. But to have a worthy foe to pursue, it is not a price, but a privilege!" He emphasizes the point by waving an index finger over his head. "Really, having a purpose is key in life for happiness. It can be to become a great fighter, or it can be to raise a happy family, or anything. It is for you to decide what that purpose is and how to go about it, don't let anyone else do it for you, or you'll never be happy. Hm!"

"It is hard to find a goal in life when your family wishes to assign you your goals. So, my goal is to thwart their goals for my goal … I think," Umeko notes as she pulls out a comb made from bone from inside her robe. She starts brushing out her tangled mane, before saying, "But, that is most long term. I think that right now my goal will be to get some tea. Would you like to join me, Tooth-sensei?"

The old Kiriga nods sagely, as if it all makes perfect sense to him. "Exactly. You're wise beyond your years, Umeko." He picks himself up with various creaks and pops. "And tea would be good! I think we can skip the post exercise stretches, just this once. Especially if there are little sesame cakes. I love those." He squinches his hands together to try demonstrating just how little the cakes are, pipe swinging about and trailing gray plumes.

"I am sure I can find them," the young Kiriga says with a smile. She gets to her feet, then helps the Master Long Tooth to his. She leads the older Kiriga through the gardens. The conversation is nothing more than simple things, the colors of the flowers, thoughts on if the koi have any goals in their life, and bits about the greater outside world. After the short walk, Umeko leads the ancient Kiriga up into a small covered pavilion. In the center is a table surrounded by pillows. Atop the table rests an unlit charcoal brazier. "Do please make yourself comfortable, Tooth-sensei. I will go fetch the tea tray and cakes," she says, before she disappears into the nearby house.

"Where is she?" rumbles the deep voice Umeko's father from somewhere in the house (the walls, being thin and decorative, do little to muffle sounds). The clacking of servants' wooden sandals give a better idea of where the old dragon is, since they are all uniformly fleeing from him.

"Such a good girl to such an old wretch," rasps Tooth. He settles amongst the pillows, careful not to touch any with his pipe, his kinked tail zigzagging across them. A tattered earfin perks at the rumble from indoors, but he otherwise does nothing.

Umeko emerges from the house only a few moments after the rumbling voice is head. She's crouching and half-slithering her way back to Master Long Tooth. Clutched in her arms is a basket and a tea-tray. She sets the basket on the table and the pot on the brazier. Using the flint under it, she strikes a spark and lights it. All through this she's frowning and her brow ridge furrows from the familiar frustration returning. "I may not be able to join you with tea," she says quietly to the old Kiriga. "Father is … in a mood, it seems. It won't be long before he finds me." She slides the basket to Long Tooth, adding, do, please partake of the sesame. She also sets one of the ceramic cups before him. Still, defiant as ever, she doesn't go to her father, though. She kneels down on a pillow and using a thin wooden needle, stirs the warming tea.

"Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't tear you away from a guest. It'd be rude!" The old master stretches his long skinny neck out to eye the cakes greedily, rubbing his palms together. "Mm, thank you, Umeko dear. I hope you'll be able to sit with me, it's not often I get to relax like this." By that he probably means relax while eating someone else's food, since most of the time Umeko's happened on Long Tooth, he's been asleep. "And in such fine company. It does an old man's heart good."

The green tea does at least reach a good temperature during the time Umeko stirs it. She looks to the house regularly with a strange mix of both fear and anger. Quickly and quietly, she pours some tea into Master Long Tooth's cup, then says, "Well, one can hope that he would not, but … Father is not known to be rational, not with me."

"Umeko!" booms the voice of Lord Tsuguri, as the red-scaled draconian looks towards the gazebo. "Answer when your father summons you!" The head of the family is wearing his formal black kimono with the silver cranes pattern, and even has on the large black wig with the elaborate toque – made from his own hair, of course.

Umeko winces as she sets the teapot back on the brazier. She quickly stands and bows towards her father, saying, "Forgive me father, I was not aware you were trying to summon me. I was attending to my guest." She smiles weakly to Long Tooth, saying in a whisper, "I must go for what I hope is a moment." Without waiting for a reply from Tooth, the young dragon exits the gazebo and heads quickly over to her father. She quickly folds her hands together and bows again. "What do you wish of me, Father?" she asks. From her father's perspective, it's quite obvious his daughter has once again been up to unladylike activities. Bits of leaves still stick from her half-combed mane.

The Lord sighs, and grips the large fan tucked into his obi to avoid raising his arm in anger. "You are unpresentable, Umeko, but there is no time to punish you. Clean yourself up and have the servants ready your betrothal robes," the man says. "Tonight you meet your chosen husband. Do not bring shame to us!"

Long Tooth quirks a brow, looking after Umeko as she excuses herself. He stretches his neck up rather than out now to see over the pillows. It lends the visual effect of some kind of orangy mushroom sprouting in the gazebo, and is soon joined by a waving paw. "It's alright, she's been with me. Such a good girl, Tsurugi. Refined and graceful, you must be proud."

The young dragon blinks and looks up at her father. "Tonight? I am being betrothed /tonight?" she asks weakly, though sounding shocked by the sudden news. "It's too soon … I'm not ready. Please, Father, it's too soon."

The Lord's nostrils flare, but Tooth is a guest, and moderately celebrated in some circles. Looking back down to his daughter, he says, "You are soon to turn eighteen years of age, Umeko. You will be married on your birthday, as was your mother and her mother before her. Hakuu is a fine man, and you will lean to love him in time. He is a poet and an artist."

Umeko looks briefly as if she wants to yell. But, the dragon only bites her lip and bows her head. "Yes, Father," she says with a quiet sigh. She looks down at her dirty hands and arms. Frowning, she says, "I will go to the polishing room and have the servants prepare my scales. Will you be accompanying me? May my guest attend us as well?"

"Master Hakuu will be arriving for dinner tonight, so that you may meet before the wedding," Lord Tsuguri explains. "This is a courtesy to him, of course, to see that you are suitable. And you will be suitable by tonight, Umeko."

"Master Tooth is our guest, so of course he will be in attendance," the dragon adds, sounding a bit less than pleased.

Umeko frowns briefly, realizing what being suitable will entail and it's never a pleasant experience. She bows again, "As you wish, Father. I will go have the servants begin preparations. As a favor to me, please escort my guest to the waiting room outside the chamber? We may all at least converse before dinner." The young dragon then looks up at her father, waiting for the answer before going.

The orangy old master frowns, but refrains from saying anything, simply stroking his whiskers thoughtfully and taking a sip of tea.

"Your habit of 'chatting' will need to be broken soon, Umeko," her father says unhappily. "Artists do not appreciate such distraction. For now though, I will let you converse with your guest, out of respect for his status." The Lord looks then to see if Master Tooth has finished his tea yet.

Umeko's ears flick and she just nods. The young dragon heads away from her father and into the house.

The old Kiriga's whispers swing with his chewing motions, and he stands, swallowing and washing the cake down with his tea. Though there's plenty of the little cakes left, he uncharacteristically sets his drained cup aside. "Oh, I think I've had enough," he says, squinting. "After you, Lord Tsurugi."

Lord Tsurugi leads Master Tooth to the waiting area, then takes his leave once he is certain that his daughter has arrived and the servants have begun to work on her. "If you get bored, Master Long Tooth, simply call for a servant to escort you elsewhere," the red Kiriga says, before bowing and sliding closed the wall panel.

Umeko has entered this room, followed by three servants (all three-finger Kirigas). One goes to hang up her betrothal kimono and the others go to gather various instruments and cloth. Umeko undoes her robe and lets his slide from her slight frame. She drapes it over a hook, then climbs up on the table, laying face down. Letting out a sigh, she spreads her limbs a bit, waiting. The servants then move in. One goes to her feet and cuts away the bindings that wrap them. That part, at least, she likes as her toes play and wiggle again. The others then start their work as they carefully apply a red paste to small sections of her scales in a circular motion. "Father?" she calls out as she hears her father leave, and then lets out another quiet sigh. "He really does not like me."

The elderly reptile folds his hands in his sleeves and bows stiffly at the waist before the Tsurugi head of household leaves, then finds a spot behind his side of the screen to sit, sighing as he settles. "Oh, Umeko, you shouldn't say such things," he scolds lightly. He squints out the hall the lord left through. "For all your father and I don't really see eye to eye, I am sure he loves you. He wants what's best for you and for the family. He just happens to think this is the best for you and the family."

Umeko closes her eyes as the servants do their work in quiet. "Then why does he never smile? Why are all his words to me ones of anger?" she asks, "Why can he not be happy with me as I am?" There's a pained grunt from the young Kiriga as one of the servants begin work on her feet again, replacing the dirty wrappings with new clean ones. "

"Mm. He is a lord. He is used to getting his way without question." The old man snorts, his whiskers fluttering. "He is grim and serious and it is undignified to laugh or smile. When faced with the fire inside you, he doesn't know what to do, and it vexes him."

"Mmm. He is also my Father. Does that not mean just as much to him?" Umeko comments in exasperation. Meanwhile the servants just look at each other, then shrug, since it is not their place to comment on the musings of the Lord's daughter. "I am sorry you are in the middle of this, Tooth-sensei. Oh, I wish I could just leave this place and find mine in this world. I am sure Hakuu-san is a noble man, but … I am sure he is like the others I have met." The woman then has to go quiet when one of the servants taps her nosetip, then leans down and starts applying a purple lacquer to the scales surrounding her eyes.

Long Tooth rubs the end of his snout. "Feh. I'd like to see what kind of man this Hakuu is myself. Not sure I remember his family name." He taps the bowl of his pipe out into his palm and smothers the ashes in it. He pauses, as if lost in thought, starts to say something, glances at the outlines of the servants through the screen, and stops. Finally, he just says, "We shall see what happens, Umeko."

The lacquer goes on quickly, as the servant is well practiced. One of the servants begins clearing away the red paste-polish from her scales, which now glint with newfound shininess. The third goes and prepares her betrothal robes. There are several minutes more of silence, then the shadows move behind the screen, indicating Umeko is up. "What if I cannot stand him?" she asks as she holds her arms out. The servant slips the robes onto her thin frame.

The old Kiriga doesn't have a direct answer for that, grunting as he thinks. "Well, tonight you are simply meeting him. We'll see what kind of man he is," he eventually rasps. "I'll expect him to be tough if he's to marry a student of mine.

There's another long bit of silence as the servants go about securing the kimono tightly to the young dragon. The only sounds, really, are muffled grunts as they tight the obi tightly. After what seems like an age, Umeko walks around the curtain. Gone is the scrapping little dragon woman from earlier. What greets Long Tooth is a young noblewoman in her best finery and paints. The Zolk robe is nearly pure black. The only things that break up the deep color are white orchids that curl and dance across its surface. Her mane has been properly brushed and rolled, then pinned to the back of her skill. Her eyes are pools of gold, brought to life by the shimmering purple paint adoring the surrounding scales. She puts on a brave face for Tooth and forces a smile, "Shall we go meet this man, Tooth-sensei?"

The little old master looks positively shabby by comparison, Zolk robe or not, but he stands with all the dignity his stooped frame allows, and offers his elbow. "I should very much like to, Lady Tsurugi. Let's see if he's deserving of such a flower."

The dining room is large by most standards, though not on the same order of formal dining in most other places. Rather than a long table in a hall, the Tsuguri's dining accomodations occupy a large square room with a low circular table at its center, around which cushions to kneel on are spaced. A pipe adorned with carvings of stylized grimacing reptilian faces, perhaps ancestors, carries away smoke from the slow-burning heater beneath the table. A richly embroidered tablecloth traps the heat beneath the table, allowing guests to tuck their knees and tails under it to warm up. Currently, the places are set lavishly, the best lacquered cups and dishes set out, and servants scurry about to bring platters heaped with tempting dishes of fish with sliced ginger, cages of tasty little mammals and songbirds, and bottles of wine in crackled glazes. Along the walls are hanging scrolls of artful calligraphy, exquisite Zolk, stands of crested helmets, and other treasures the Tsurugi family wishes to show off.

There is space at one end of the dining room for musicians to ply their art, similar low pillows cushioning some curious stringed instruments and drums seated upright on them as if to attentively wait for their players.

Lady Umeko Tsuguri walks quietly into the dining room with Master Long Tooth's arm around hers. After a quick look around, she says to him, "Ah, we must be the first to arrive. Please, allow me to seat you." And with that, the young Kiriga leads Master Long Tooth to the section of cushions often reserved for guests and helps him sit down. Once he's seated, the young dragon takes her place next to the cushion reserved for her father. She slips her hands into the sleeves of her kimono as she tries to sit there and appear impassive. But, to Long Tooth's senses, he can tell she's actually a bit scared.

Master Tooth takes his place with Umeko's help, kneeling with a faint groan and cracking of joints. He pats the younger Kiriga's hand before she goes to take her seat, and smiles at her wrinklishly and reassuringly from across the table, going so far as to ignore the food for the time being, though he does lick his chops a few times at the smells.

Standing out like a sore thumb, even in her borrowed kimono, a human woman enters along side several household servants. Hair black as night, eyes purple like an old plum, and skin the color of ash, it seems pains were taken counter her somber appearance with bright, sunset-colored, clothing and hair ornaments. Further labeling her a foreigner, she has oddly pointed ears and bat wings, which drape over her shoulders like a dusty leather cloak. "Are you sure I, um, because … " When she catches sight of the people inside, she almost gapes. Even her accent is foreign, different from the human Rephidimite traders that occasionally visit these lands.

Umeko's brow furrows as this strange figure enters. "Please tell me that isn't him," she whispers quietly towards Long Tooth. "It couldn't be. That isn't a Kiriga. Maybe it's his pet?"

The Lord and Lady of the house enter, with their honored guest, the Artist Hakuu, between them, and followed by a small train of servants. "You honor us greatly by your presence, Master Hakuu," says Umeko's mother, her head inclined at the exact proper angle of deference and respect.

Umeko's attention on the strange and babbling creature is broken when her father enters. Her pose straightens and her tail curls out of the way. The young woman's muzzle then dips down respectfully to her father. She can't help, though, that her golden, slitted eyes are watching who is to be her future husband.

Mimicking the servants near her, albeit a second or two later, the human woman also bows. She stares at the floor, eyes wide, a thin sheen of sweat glistening on her brow.

Long Tooth's brows scrunch together, feathery white brows fluttering. "It's coming in with the servants. I don't think it's a pet, but… well, I wouldn't worry. Your father probably hired it on short notice."

The Artist lifts his tufted chin and glances critically at the silks and artwork adorning the room. Master Hakuu is a bit older than Umeko expected, perhaps even close to her mother's age. He still has the noble draconic profile, and his scales have been polished and tinted with more makeup than Umeko has probably worn in her entire life, to the point that his face seems to be entirely painted on. At least his hair is real, not a wig, although the complicated coiffeur must have taken hours and involved a few structural engineers. His Zolken finery is all in shades of green, to match his scales, although his eyes are a dull red in color. A ring-laden claw reaches up to stroke one dangling moustache, and his nostrils flare in mild disdain. "I strive to be both humble and magnanimous in spreading my honor, Lady Tsuguri," he says, in a surprisingly soft voice.

Umeko's brow twitches a bit, as if to say 'You must be kidding!'. She glances towards Tooth pleadingly, then reverts her attention to the Artist. "Good evening, Father, Mother," she says softly and timidly, a marked difference from her usual outspoken demeanor. She then also finally nods her head to the human in their mist and says in heavily accented standard, "Good evening to you to as well, ssstranger." She offers a smile to all of them.

Once seated, the Lord introduces the others. "May I present our honored guest, the renown Master Long Tooth of the School of the Arthritic Open Paw of Sever Drubbing, and our pride and joy, out daughter Umeko of the Golden Scale." Hakuu finally seems to notice Umeko after the introduction, and gives her a slight not of acknowledgement.

"I am honored to meet you, Hakuu-sama," Umeko says with a small head-bow towards the artist. The woman can't help but look to her Father and bite her lip … resisting with all her might some things she would like to say right now.

Head down, the human woman doesn't seem to realize she's being addressed until she straightens with the other servants. When several give her displeased glowers, and she looks around to see why, she spots Umeko. Bowing so fast she might have given herself whiplash, the woman replies, "It's h-honor – a. A honor. Thank you, Lady Umeko."

Long Tooth gives Hakuu a dubious look and Umeko a sympathetic one, but he simply inclines his head briefly toward the young noble as introductions are made.

Lord Tsuguri nods to the musicians to begin the dinner music, if only to make sure Umeko doesn't try to start a conversation with any of them. "We are greatly honored by your acceptance of our daughter's hand, Master Hakuu," he says to their guest, sounding more humble than Umeko has ever heard. The servants begin to pour the rice wine and serve out the food. "She is quite… promising," Hakuu replies, looking over Umeko as one might consider a fish at market. "With some work, she will be fit to stand behind me in the Court, and tend to my patrons." Addressing Umeko directly for the first time, he adds, "Your duties will be to pose for me and to stimulate my muse, as well as tending to whatever needs my patrons and guests require. If you serve your duty well, you may be rewarded with children, should the timing be convenient."

"Some work, Hakuu-sama?" Umeko inquires of the artist in a quiet and non-confrontational tone, "May I inquire as in what way am I displeasing to you? And, please forgive my boldness, but what do your patrons often require? I am trained in the classics, of course, and in dance."

After kneeling on the cushions with the other musicians, the human woman slips a flute from her obi and stares at it as she rests it in her lap. By the looks of it, the flute would be what some more polite nobles would call 'quaint' or 'charmingly rustic,' while other, less polite nobility might be inclined to use 'fit for a peasant or a beggar,' or just ignore its existence entirely. It's crafted from some exotic wood, crudely painted with flowery designs. When the musicians beside her begin, continues to wait patiently for her time.

Umeko then reaches out and takes her sake masu in both hands. With practiced precision, she takes a drink from it as she watches the artist from over the wooden cup.

Even Umeko's mother twitches a lip at the description of her daughter's future, but remains appropriately silent. The artist stares as Umeko for a moment, stroking his long moustache, before replying with, "You are still a bit plain, my girl. To reflect well upon me, you must become a work of art worthy of my name. I will design your clothing and posture, as well as your make up, as you are to be one more canvas for the showcasing of my genius. As for entertaining, I cannot say. My previous consort was commented on for her lack of of sufficient attentiveness, so of course I had her cast out. I cannot bear to be the stuff of gossip or whispers behind my back due to the imperfections of my companions, you understand."

"Of … course," Umeko answers with a formal nod of her head. The young Kiriga can't help but look pleadingly to her own mother, then to her father … then to even their guest musician. Her claws tighten around her cup, to the point her clawtips start to gouge into the wood. "But, Hakuu-sama," Umeko says after gathering up a bit of courage to try and say more, "I have often been complimented on the quality and sheen of my scales. Surely those, at least, are pleasing enough to you?"

"They are pleasing, but a bit too eye-catching," the artist says, pausing to sip from his cup. "In private, you may favor me with them, but in public it would not do for you to draw attention away from me."

Unable to understand what the draconian people are saying, the human musician's eyes widen even more when Umeko looks pleading at her. She blinks several times, then lifts her flute to her mouth as if to ask if she should play now.

The other musicians begin to play the chamber music, and one actually elbows Lilac slightly to get her started.

"Then what would you prefer in public Hakuu-sama?" Umeko asks next, her fingers flexing against her own cup.

Startled, the human woman who gave her name as 'Lilac, the Flower of Sylvania,' jumps when elbowed. Her teeth pull back as she glares at the elbowing servant, then she gasps, bows to him, and quickly begins playing. Her style is more exotic than good. 'Passable' would be an adequate description, and if she wasn't a foreign player amidst local musicians, her music might go completely unnoticed among the other, better, players.

"As I explained, in public you are to reflect my own greatness," the Kiriga says, raising a hand and flaring his bejeweled talons. "I surround myself only with beautiful things, and none are more beautiful than those that I create."

After another drink, Umeko continues her questioning whether her parents approve or not. "If it does not offend, Hakuu-sama, will you tell me where my posture is lacking?" she asks. "I do not drag my tail or slouch."

Tooth takes up his own cup with much less delicacy, taking a swig and squinting at Hakuu out of one eye disapprovingly. As the artist continues, the tiny ceramic cup between his fingers quivers, and at the mention of reward, it's as if the cup is pinched in a vise. "And what have you created, ah? I am curious if I have seen any."

"My art and poetry is not for public appreciation," Hakuu notes to the old man. "My patrons are in the Court of the Imperial Governor, and it is there where my talents are displayed."

As she plays, Lilac's nose begins to twitch. She looks up at the food longingly, ears splaying out, before seeming to force herself to focus on her instrument. She casts her eyes down, and grips the wooden flute more tightly.

Lord Tsuguri smiles ever so slightly at the mention of the Governor's Court, where the ruling classes mix.

In a voice so low only her father next to her should be able to hear, Umeko whispers, "Please, Father, not this one. I will do more to please you, I promise. Just … please not this one."

"You would deny us a clawhold into the Imperial Court?" Umeko's father quietly replies. "The attention of just one of the Leading Families could ensure our fortunes for a decade."

"You would sacrifice your daughter for a few years of riches? He merely wishes a living statue," Umeko notes quietly. "He would be just as well served by buying one from a brothel." She then returns her attention to the artist, asking, "How would you make me a work of art, Hakuu-sama?"

"I would teach you how to hold a pose for hours on end, a very useful skill," Hakuu notes after eating some spiced fish. "As well as applying my art directly to your flesh, of course."

Umeko's eyes narrow at that. She takes a few bites from her plate, then asks, "What is your specialty in art, Hakuu-sama? You would not … damage me, would you?"

"I have many talents," Hakuu says, warming up to the topic of talking about his own abilities. "I have written and choreographed operas for the Court, scribed official documents with my perfect brush strokes, and even created portraits of the High Lords. You would be made to match my style of portraiture as closely as possible, to leave no doubt as to its classic beauty."

"How would I be made, Hakuu-sama? Do you have examples of your portraiture with you?" Umeko inquires of the artist. The young Kiriga then cranes her head a bit to look at the visiting musician. "Is sssshe an example of your work?" she asks, this time in standard so the human can understand.

Lilac blushes at the comment. Having no idea as to the context, she can only wonder, and apparently assumes a compliment. She bows her head slightly in response and continues to play.

"As I said, my work is for the Court alone," Hakuu notes, waving a chopstick in an artistic swirl. "You will see my works in progress after the wedding, of course. I may even design your gown and makeup, if I feel it can be accomplished in such a short span of days."

Umeko frowns at this as something in her gut is telling her that perhaps this artist isn't all he's claiming to be. The young Kiriga resumes eating. After a short bit, she asks her father, "May I be excused, Father? I am sure you have much to discuss with him. May the musicians attend me so I may relax and contemplate my future?"

Lord Tsuguri seems a bit shocked by the request, especially when there are guests. "Our Umeko is a delicate flower," Lady Tsuguri says instead. "And is not used to the attention of such an august personage as yourself, Master Hakuu. In time she will bloom further under your radiance, I am sure, if you will excuse her this one time?"

Hakuu waves a hand, and says, "Indeed, such is often the case with the fairer maidens within my presence. She may go, as it is hardly necessary for her to be present for the formal negotiations. I have no qualms with letting the musicians leave as well, for I usually prefer soft chanting for dinner accompaniment."

Umeko says to Master Long Tooth, "Please, honored sir, enjoy the meal. I will speak with you later." And in a whisper to him, adds, "And tell me what they negotiate… " She then looks to her mother, searching her eyes for some understanding of how her daughter is feeling right now.

The Lady Tsuguri gives her daughter a slight smile and nod.

After a formal bow to those gathered Umeko heads towards the exit. "Come with me," she tells the musicians in standard as she passes by them.

Long Tooth sets his cup down, his plate still empty, and starts to stand, but at Umeko's words he settles back down, nodding and looking slightly uncomfortable.

The local and household musicians bow in unison, while the foreigner is slower to react. Gathering their instruments, they all stand and prepare to follow after the young lady.

Umeko walks quietly to her bed and sits down on it. To the regular musicians, she says in imperial. "Please, play something light and happy." But then to the stranger … she motions her to come closer. "Please, do not be afraid, ssstranger. We do not bite," she offers with an unfortunately toothy smile. Motioning to the floor in front of her, she asks, "Sit?"

Lilac walks forward with her flute clasped with both hands in front of her. "Yes, my lady," she replies in that odd accent of hers. Glancing at the floor, she kneels down, then looks up expectantly at the Kiriga. "H-have I offended you, my lady? I-I'm sorry if I have." Her expression is pleading, eyes wide, ears splayed.

Umeko's brow-ridge furrows. "Offended? Why do you ask me that?" the Kiriga inquires. "And please, tell me your name. It is not polite to just call you 'stranger'."

"The servants, they were looking at me. And you, my lady, you looked at me as well. I'm sorry, I don't understand your language. I only speak Standard. I may have missed a request." Shaking her head, Lilac glances towards a wall, avoiding the toothy-mawed gaze of the dragon-woman. "My name is Lysa- … " She pauses, then looks back, forcing a smile along with confidence as she answers, "Lilac. My name is Lilac, the Flower of Sylvania."

"Oh, no, no request. You did not offend," Umeko says, she reaches out as if she's going to 'pet' the human's head, but stops. Her hand draws back and slips inside her sleeve. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lilac. I am just sorry you had to meet me tonight. It has not been a good night. But, enough of that. There are some things I would ask if you, if you do not mind, that is."

When Umeko reaches for her head, Lilac's eyes widen more as if the hand were a boulder about to crush her. She continues to look startled, even after the hand pulls away. "It is an honor to serve," Lilac replies, unsteadily. It sounds like a formulaic response, something Umeko may suspect she was taught by her father or one of their senior servants.

"I see that my Father or his servants have already gotten to you," Umeko says with a sigh and the dragon lowers her head a bit. "You must feel alone in these lands, Lilac; we must appear strange to you. And please, do not feel you must say what you believe is the polite response. Say what is in your heart."

"As you say, Lady Umeko," the woman replies, which also sounds like something Umeko's father probably taught her. She looks slightly less startled, now, at least. Her saucer-like gaze has diminished to merely large shekel-like.

Umeko's jaw sets hard for a moment, her reptilian eyes fixed on the human before her. And then … the reptile seems to deflate. "Is it so hard for you to speak to me?" the dragon asks Lilac. "I intend you no harm. I just wanted company."

Lilac stares at the women for a long moment, as if everything Umeko had just said was in Imperial. Finally, she breathes, "Oh." Looking down, she fiddles with her flute a bit. "I've never spoken to a … a lady before, Lady Umeko. If I offended you, I am truly sorry."

"No, you have not offended me," Umeko says and this time actually reaches down and places her clawed hand on the fidgeting human's hands. "Right now, Lilac-san, I wish I was not a Lady. You did not understand the discussion at dinner, correct?"

After jumping slightly, Lilac stops fidgeting. She looks up, answering, "It was none of business, Lady Umeko. I wouldn't have understood even if I had been eavesdropping. I was just listening for requests." A pause, then she asks, "If I may ask, what did you mean by my being one of his works?"

Umeko withdraws her hand. After a pause, the dragon answers quietly, "My father is arranging me to wed that … artist. He does not care for me. All he sees me as as a template for him to perform artistic works on. And, he would not answer me as to what sort of 'art' he wished to perform." Her jaw sets again and those sharp teeth are once again visible. "I was asking him if you were one of his projects. You are … distinct here."

"Oh," Lilac repeats. She frowns slightly, then nods. "I'm not with the lord, if that's what you mean. I was hired yesterday, as an entertainer. I need the mon- … " The woman's ears flick, and something near the small of her back twitches. "I heard of your gathering, and came to demonstrate my skills. I came alone. The Flower of Sylvania travels alone."

"You need the money to leave the island, don't you?" Umeko asks next and folds her hands into her lap.

"Um, well, I like to travel and see exotic sites and ply my … " Lilac takes a deep breath as she pauses, then sighs and nods again. "Yes. I'm not really sure how I … um. Well. I mean, coming to Jadai was a detour I hadn't expected, that's all."

The dragon nods. She watches the human quietly for another moment, then asks, "Why do you travel alone? do you not get lonely? Do you not miss your parents?"

"Not … really," Lilac insists hesitantly. "I travel to see the world. The world, like Jadai." She gestures to the room, looking a little morose despite her cheery insistence this is exactly what she's looking for. "I also want to prove my skills. If I go home before I achieve fame, … Well, I can't do that."

That comment elicits a reaction from the dragon and her ears actually wilt a little. "The rest of the world is like this island?" she asks.

"I had always heard otherwise," the dragon admits quietly. "That in other lands, women could pursue their dreams and were not slaves to men."

"Oh no, my lady," Lilac insists, waving her hands and almost knocking her flute from her lap. "That's not it at all. Jadai is very strange." Looking horror struck, she turns waving in to pleading. "Oh! I meant no offence, Lady Umeko. It is strange to me. I am from far, far away and I … " Taking the dragon's remark as a convenient escape from the subject of how strange Jadai is, Lilac explains, "The world is very diverse! I have no seen all of it, but, um, well, I'm a woman and I'm pursuing my dreams."

"I envy you," the dragon says simply.

That makes Lilac's eyes widen again. "Y-you do?" She stares, as if Umeko had declared herself a tree. "W-why? You have all this," she gestures at the room again, "and you're so beautiful, and a artist wants to marry you. Jadai is a beautiful land."

"Do you believe beauty buys happiness, Lilac-san? You have freedom, you have a chance to become what you want," The dragon says and then runs a claw down the fine kimono she's wearing. "I have trappings of beauty. I have a plush home, no want for food. But, I also have no chance for my soul to bloom. Your future is the road. My future is to be a … bauble for a self important… " The dragon doesn't complete the statement about just what her husband to be is. "I have things, but no life. You have a life, but no things," she then says, "Which is truly the more wealthy?"

"I don't know," Lilac answers honestly. "I guess what's important is up to you, Lady Umeko? If you want to travel, why can't you just … " she wiggles her fingers at the door, " … go?"

"It is not so simple for me to just go," Umeko answers. "As you have said, Jadai is a different place. There are expectations of a Lady of a household. Expectations of upholding the family honor and helping it prosper. My Father believes this match would be good for that. I partially feel it is his way of punishing me for being a … disappointment. I have never been what he wanted in a daughter. But, I have said too much, that is not your concern. Please, join the others in playing? I wish some time to think."

Lilac inclines her head. "As you say, Lady Umeko. I hope I have been some service to you." Standing, the human woman bows again before walking over to join the rest of the musicians.