"Konbonwa, Seppun-sama. Did you enjoy the performance? I apologize for how long it took to return your umbrella, but you were nowhere to be found earlier."

"Good evening minna-sama, Nagiko-san."

She bowed a short nod to everyone she saw before smiling a bit at Horonigai and waving before finding herself a spot in the pool.

After a few moments she turned to Tetsuko and said, "I'm afraid we haven't had the chance of meeting yet. My name is Akodo Ren... did you arrive with others from Morikage Toshi?"

"Konbonwa, Nagiko-san. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had some concerns about how it might be received. Rakugo is not an especially common art, and observing something outside what one is used to often starts with distaste. Fortunately it appears to have gone rather well."

The Scorpion observed the Mantis as he spoke, doing his best to keep his inspection respectful, despite the difficulty in doing so. "If my eyes were not mistaken, you were armored when I saw you before. Did you participate in that awful battle today?"

"Good evening minna-sama, Nagiko-san." Calmly she paused in the cold rain, enjoying the sensation of it against her warm skin. Iron Warriors were used to enduring far worse than a little sleet. Sadane from Doji courtiers for example. The warm waters were a welcome reward though.

If three was exciting then surely four must've been even more noteworthy. Another woman... perhaps beautiful... found her way to the warm baths that evening as well. She had heard the governor was making a decision only shortly before and decided this would be the only time to clean herself off before the marching began...

She bowed a short nod to everyone she saw before smiling a bit at Horonigai and waving before finding herself a spot in the pool.

The Seppun opens a bright smile and waves excitedly to Ren, as she passes by.

Then, she looks to Nagiko again, as if she were in the middle of her path. Which obviously wasn't the case.

Tetsuko lifted her head and turned to view the Lion. A polite smile lit up her face. "This one is Daidoji Tetsuko, pleased to meet you Akodo-san." She shook her head. "Actually no, I have been here since winter began. Our paths had simply not yet crossed. Although I was supposed to be there, at Morikage Toshi."

She nodded but then replied in a positive tone, "Well... you are supposed to be here now. That much we know. And that is a reassuring thought."

Degarashi's posture relaxed, as he sought to maximize the benefits of the warm waters against his muscles. "I commend you for your preparation. I may have been in armor myself had I not committed myself to my art this day. I certainly do not feel my presence would be noteworthy, but I have some skill with a yumi." He paused, tensing slightly. "I am relieved you met the day without harm."

She smiled at the Akodo's reassurance. "Hai. You are right Akodo-san. I was able to put my archery skills to good use today. It was an honour to stand in defence of this city with so many fine samurai."

She relaxed a little, the dull ache of her muscles felt good in the warmth of the steaming Onsen.

"Did you travel far to be here for the winter?"

'' That is a samurai's life. Even though you are a Shosuro Butei and, i'm a courtier, we live at the edge of the sword. That is our distance between life and death.'' She said.'' But let us not delve now, in such, more serious topics.'' She offered a smile as she enjoyed the onsen waters

'' ~Ah~ '' Nagiko let out as she relaxed. '' Nothing like the hot waters of an onsen after a long day.'' The mantis stretched the muscles of her back and arms.

'' Did i told you, Bayushi-san, that our islands are full of them?'' She asked.