Izumi slowly shakes her head. "We have made it to Toshi no Omoidoso in one piece, Matsu-san. There are others who require more assistance than myself. Please see that they receive it."

She shifts her grip on the wrapped item in her hands.

Eventually her duties brought her out of her head and she approached with a bow, "Kitsu-dono, I hate to impose... but I would humbly suggest that perhaps the governor would like to hear a report of the events as they have occurred over the past few days from someone of your station at the earliest convenience... We can help direct you and your attendants if need be."

"Ah, sorry!" says Sukekage. "Temporarily overwhelmed by...by all this. I am Bayushi Sukekage."

There's going to be far too many ill old courtiers to look after in the near future if you over-exert yourself."

"Ah, I suppose that's understandable Suke-san. Hell of a way to kick off your dedication to exercising more this year. Keep this up and you'll be fit for Dragon Winter Court net year." she offered willfully misunderstanding. "Just make sure you stretch in the morning. There's going to be far too many ill old courtiers to look after in the near future if you over-exert yourself."

"Ah, sorry!" says Sukekage. "Temporarily overwhelmed by...by all this. I am Bayushi Sukekage."

With the cats situated, Erina jogs back to the group, saluting at Tani. "I apologize for my lateness Legionaire Matsu. What needs be done?"

She nodded and bowed deeply, "I'm honored by the recognition of this humble servant."

She waited for a moment as the Daimyo stood and said, "If you would please follow me."

She made her way through the crowds in the direction of where the governor should be in this crisis...

Koushi helped Taka find a seat and set him down with a grunt and a grim smile.

"I am pleased to find so many of the helping kind among the Lion clan these past few days."

Once situated, the Crane quickly and efficiently changed Taka's bandages from his own supply, produced from the pack slung over his shoulder. As the pack was removed, the blossom of a spray of blood--presumably not the Crane's own, was revealed, trailing down his side. As he worked, he turned down the corner of his mouth and replied:

"I am not entirely certain, Ikoma-san. I was conversing with members of the Lion delegation in their suite when the attack occurred, fought my way out in their company, and have not been able to locate any other members of my delegation."

While his tone remained affable, there was a certain haunted look about his eyes.

Another Scorpion waits near the gate, seemingly quite anxious as she tries to avoid brushing up against any of the people crowding forward in an attempt to enter the city. Dressed in a hooded traveling coat, she waits patiently for the crowd to thin out as her servants do their best to keep other people from coming too close to their mistress.

Now there's a familiar face...er, mask.

"Bayushi Sukekage at your service, Shosuro-sama," says the Scorpion as he all but abandons Norikami and Aya to see to the VIP. He stops at a respectable distance (as determined by Uruwashii's servants) and bows. "How may I be of assistance?"

I officially decree you the most useful Crane I have ever met.

Homura looked away politely as the bandages were changed.

"So you didn't witness it. A blessing, one that I wish I could say I had also, but alas I was in the court when it happened. Not sure I'll ever unsee it. To think such a thing could happen...Ancestors walking among us, guiding us again, it should be a good thing. Now I can honestly say I don't know what to think" Homura shook her head "all we can do is ensure that those who have traveled in such a hasty fashion are safe and assisted, then see what our superiors report on the matter. One thing is for certain though, that murderer cannot be allowed to continue as they are."

Another clan daimyo... this was going to get interested real fast.

He watched the other go and then made an approach towards the Shosuro daimyo, for appearances at least.

Koushi nodded. "Indeed, although I find myself wondering why I am surprised at this turn of events. Hantei XVI did not hesitate to murder his kin when he was alive. I feel as though I...well, there is little that I might have said that could have prevented this."

He finished his task, bowing deeply to Taka, and then again to Homura. "You should find that more to your liking, Ikoma-sama. I suppose that I must take your advice, Ikoma-san, and apply myself to those tasks we can accomplish." He stooped to re-shoulder his pack. "Might you know the way to your medical staff? I ought to offer my services."