The arrow THUNKED into its target, just shy of center. Ahmya huffed to herself in disappointment, then paused to consider what went wrong. A fluttering across the grass revealed a breeze that was just starting to come up. The wood kame drew another arrow and nocked it. "Ahmya?" She stopped and turned. Her mother, Toshiko, was walking along the path. Prim, measured steps carried her down the hill from their well-fortified home; the central manor of Ishisawa town. Dust licked along the bottom of her semi-formal green outfit while her personal attendant hurried along behind the General's Lady.
Ahmya set her things on a nearby table then joined them under a nearby tree. "Mother, what can I do for you?"
Flicking away a bug with her perfectly manicured black hand, Toshiko replied. "The watchmen spotted your father coming up the road. I'm on my way to greet him, go clean up will you? I'm sure he'll have news from court to share." Clearly dismissed, the young woman bowed to her mother, gathered up her equipment and headed inside. Wasting no time, she quickly stripped, made use of the wash basin in her room and selected a pink kimono her father had recently purchased for her.
Sat in front of her mirror, Ahmya got to work applying lines of light green over golden dorsal scales. Noticing that her hand shaking, the eighteen-year-old took a moment to breath and recentre herself. It was hard to set aside the mix of excitement and nerves that had taken root under her dark plastron. The General's daughter knew that her father had been asking around at court, looking to make an advantageous match. There was no guarantee he'd found one this time, but it wasn't unlikely either.
Flowing highlights added to her eyes, temples and chin, the youngest lady of the manor got up and headed out to meet her parents. I wonder who he asked. Isamu suggested another merchant like his father in law, given how many warriors there already are in the clan. Father might even pick a craftsman if he was useful or accomplished enough. Maybe he asked Lord Noriyuki if a clan head from another Lord's territory was looking for a bride? Possibilities whirled through her head, along with imaginings of what life would be like married to such men. At least she knew that her father wouldn't select someone that he couldn't intimidate into treating her reasonably well.
Before long, the manor's thick stone walls gave way to the main entrance where her parents were walking in. "Father." His attention turned to her and a gentle smile grew on the old soldier's face. "Ahmya." He walked over and embraced his daughter before she could bow; Mokuzai never had been as concerned with etiquette as his higher-born wife. Leaning back to look her over, his eyes were full of a telling wistfulness.
"Come with me." He led Toshiko his and youngest to the family's private chambers, settling into a collection of comfy pillows arranged together. Sighing at finally being able to relax after two weeks of travel and time spent at court, the clan head took a moment to drink deeply from tea his wife had just handed him then announced, "I secured a betrothal for you Ahmya."
She sucked in a deep breath. Here it was.
"To whom Husband?" her mother asked, deep brown eyes politely curious.
Mokuzai scratched his chin a bit, a picture of nonchalance. Ahmya's eyes narrowed in suspicion. He's afraid to tell Mother. Oh, Father what have you done?
"His name is Hamato Leonardo. Chunin of the Hamato Clan; eldest son of their Jonin, Hamato Splinter. He's in his early twenties and is a warrior of some note. Lord Noriyuki personally invited Leonardo to enter his service." The general paused to wave in a servant carrying a tray of food. Snacks delivered, and servant gone, private conversation resumed.
"Leonardo? What an unusual name." Toshiko commented, delicately sipping at her tea. "I'm not familiar with the Hamato Clan. What do we know of them?"
Ahmya's sharp eyes definitely spotted hesitation in her father now. "They're not from Seikii. The clan originates in a dimension called Third Earth. Lord Noriyuki's favoured ronin, Miyamoto Usagi, encountered them at the Battle Nexus Tournament. Apparently, the Hamatos had championed twice before and did a third time on that occasion. The Ultimate Daimyo holds them in high esteem." He stopped to eat a few morsels. "An enemy on their homeworld captured one of Leonardo's brothers and implanted some manner of tracker in his spine that cannot be removed." Ahmya shuddered at the thought of being so violated. "They cannot fight this enemy, so they have asked Lord Noriyuki for sanctuary in return for the services of their clan."
Toshiko, ever practical, asked, "And the Lord considers their services valuable enough for this trade?"
Mokuzai nodded, looking over the tray for what he wanted to eat next. "Oh yes. Actually, Leonardo once saved Noriyuki's life when Hebi was causing all that trouble. The Lord wanted to reward him, but the young man wasn't willing to leave his family. Now Noriyuki sees this as an opportunity to clear the debt." He snagged a little cake and studiously looked away from his wife's disapproving glare. She'd been after him about eating too many sweets lately.
Giving up on his diet for now, she observed, "A young warrior of note that has earned our Lord's favour and is in line to be clan head? Not unimpressive I suppose." It was no secret that the General's wife was ambitious and sought to improve their collective position with good matches for her children. "I'm sure you are happy to add another samurai to the family." The General winced ever so slightly.
"Father?"
"Husband?"
He huffed a little and plowed ahead. "He's not a samurai."
The two ladies exchanged curious looks. "What manner of warrior is he then? An archer?"
"No," carefully looking over the food again, "he's a ninja."
There was a beat of silence, then for the first time ever, Ahmya's mother actually YELLED at her husband. "A ninja?! You promised our daughter to a NINJA?!"
"Now Toshiko…"
"Itsuki! They're honorless! They have no standing! They are the lowest of the low!"
"The Hamato Clan has powerful allies and Lord Noriyuki's ear! They have a history of defending the innocent and winning battles despite overwhelming odds!" He bellowed, unused to an outright challenge from his wife. After a calming breath, the elder wood kame continued in a more measured tone. "They are not of this world Toshiko. They are not the ninja we are accustomed to."
Ahmya had never seen her mother so aghast. Mokzai huffed. "We would have to deal with them anyway. Lord Noriyuki has offered them Geto and the mountains down to the tablelands, if they can take it." Allowing for a beat of silence while gathering his composure once more, he then continued, "They will provide a buffer between us and the outlanders. With a marriage alliance we will have stronger ties with our new neighbours, a continued claim to those lands, and Ahmya will marry into a clan with lands, influence and a great deal of wealth from grateful lords. Tell me Toshiko, how is that a poor match?"
Jaw clenched, she visibly wrestled herself back under control. "You, of course, are correct husband. Forgive my doubts; I forget that you are a master strategist. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to begin making preparations. Our relatives will need to be sent letters immediately so that they can make travel arrangements." Sketching a quick bow, the deeply irritated kame made her exit.
The younger woman sipped at her own tea, waiting for Mokuzai to turn his attention from the door. He sighed, popped a sweet into his mouth, then his gaze slid over. "That went well."
Ahmya traded a sardonic snort for a slight smirk. "Not what she was expecting I imagine."
Her father didn't bother to hide his amusement. "No, I don't imagine that it was. Not what you were expecting either, hmmm?" He raised an eye ridge.
The future bride set her empty cup down. "A ninja? No, but you have stated your reasoning and it is sound, Father."
Mokuzai sat back a bit. "Still, do you object to marrying him? Living on the mountain? I'm sure you were hoping for more."
She felt the painted lines furrow against her scales when she frowned. "Father, it is not my place to object. My role is to serve the clan, first my father's and then my husband's. I will do my best either way, I assure you." It was her elder's turn to frown. "That's your mother talking," he muttered.
"Father?"
A rueful smile pulled scuffed black up the side of his face. "Your mother is, of course, the expert in all things proper; but if I were proper, I'd still be working in a rice field." Leaning forward, hands braced on knees, "Daughter, all roles in society must be filled, but our station at birth does not determine our ability to fill those roles. I have no doubt that you will be as good a wife and mother as you are a daughter, well taught by your own mother; but do not forget that you can fill other roles as well, maybe even better." He sighed, "In any case, I trust you to uphold our family's honor and if he should prove to be …. unsuitable…" her father's face became forboding, "you are the daughter of a samurai, I believe your skills will be sufficient."
A thrill of alarm ran through her. She had the training yes, but… "Father, a husband has the right.."
He waved her off. "For an honorless ninja? I think society would make an exception." Shifting his great bulk, the elder kame scooted closer; Ahmya's hand suddenly seemed so small as her father grasped it. "And no matter what society dictates, my children will always have my support and protection. Remember that, my Little One."
Eyes burning, she nodded, grateful to have such a man for her father. Nodding in return, Mokuzai smiled. "I don't really think it will come to that though," reaching into a sleeve, he retrieved some paper. "I spoke to Leonardo before I left. He asked to write to you, so that the two of you could become acquainted before the wedding."
She took the small packet carefully. "That is very considerate of him." The girl mused, considering the kikkyo flower crest sealing it shut.
Patting her hand a couple times, he sat back again. "Yes it is. He has good men vouching for him and comports himself with kindness. For all that he is a ninja, I believe he could be a good husband for you. Go, read your letter. I'll see you at dinner."
In a daze, Ahmya managed to get back to her room, dignity intact, letter clutched in hand. Door slid firmly shut, she checked that there was no one near her windows, then perched on a cushion in the corner. Shaking every so slightly, she broke the seal and began to read her future husband's neat, precise handwriting.
"Lady Ahmya of the Mokuzai Clan,
Hello. My name is Hamato Leonardo. I'm sure by now that you've learned of the arrangement our clans have made. I'm sorry for the abruptness of all this. I'm also sorry that you've been drawn into our clan's difficulties. If there was another way, I would spare you having to get involved, but circumstances have made it unavoidable.
Despite neither of us having sought this marriage, I want both of us to be as happy as possible, so I hoped that we could get to know each other a bit beforehand.
I'm one of four brothers. We're not sure who is oldest, we're all about twenty-two, but I've always sort of fallen into the role of eldest son. I am a ninja, specializing in the twin katanas. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and enjoying nature when I have the opportunity.
Next is Raphael. He's strong, passionate and unfailingly loyal. He's also gruff, bordering on rude, but the best support you can have. He also acts as our family blacksmith, and shares a love of all things mechanical with our next brother.
Donatello is the 'second youngest'. An absolute genius, I don't know that any of us would still be here without Donnie's inventions and knowledge. Builder, engineer, doctor, he's all that and more. He's also gentle and kind, though he's an able warrior when need be.
Michelangelo is our 'baby' brother. He's playful, cheerful, kind and does everything he can to make the people around him just as happy as he is. He's a light in the darkness and a warm hug on a dreary day. More than once, he's helped me to see possibilities where I didn't think there were any left. If you can, he'd love it if you provided recipes for your favourite dishes. Mikey also loves to cook for the family.
Our father, Master Splinter…"
Leonardo's letter continued on, detailing the orphan ninja clan. Their unusual origins, the isolation of their existence on a foreign world. Eventually, she set the papers aside and tried to assemble a picture of their author in her mind.
Earnest, apologetic, devoted, affectionate, complimentary. Up to this point she'd been picturing a dark, dangerous ninja, lurking in the shadows, waiting to claim her. Now, another image was forming. A man who lived for his family, cared for the feelings of others and was concerned with the effects of his actions on them. Maybe he is a good man after all.
ZZZZTTT! "Ack! Shell!" Donnie shook the shock of his hand. And here I thought better resources would mean fewer shorts. Ruefully, the engineer grinned to himself and dove back into the innards of the drone he was constructing. Mental exercise was working wonders for his overall demeanour, or at least it was providing an excellent distraction.
Physically, Don was recovering nicely. A healthy diet and progressive exercise had him at the point where he no longer needed a cane, just his bo staff at hand. The implant… ached. If he had a soft back, he'd probably be stooping, hopefully not as much as Master Splinter. Stretching as far as he could, Donnie tried to relieve the discomfort in his shell, then bent over his work again.
Emotionally… Donatello could admit he'd been better. But… he'd also been worse. The knowledge they'd dodged that dark future was helping. While awake, he could rationalize his feelings; answer when his mind would whisper, why?
Sleeping was a different matter. Then, when his subconscious was in charge, it would run rampant exploring all possible scenarios. A few times a night, he would startle awake, panicking, heart trying to climb up his throat, to his brothers murmuring comforts in his ears.
His family was fantastic. None of them were willing to let Don be truly alone, their own lingering fear pushing them to keep a constant guard on their recovered brother and son. That especially included at night. As generous as Lord Noriyuki was, offering them a suite with individual rooms for them all, they'd generally ended up in a pile at the end of the day. A scaley, furry lump reminiscent of their early years sheltering in the New York tunnels against winter cold.
Don absently noted Raphael coming back in, another box in his arms to continue assembling drone hardware. By the time they were finished, they'd have a half dozen of the things to scout out and monitor their assault on Geto castle.
"Yah almost done with thah circuit board Don?" Speaking of…
"Yeah, I've nearly got it. Then I can start on the programming."
"No, then yah can have lunch. Mikey's waitin' for us." Well… they were fantastic to a point.
"Raphie…"
The burly turtle came over and gently plucked the soldering iron from his younger brother's hand. "Nope, time for good little engineers tah fill their fuel tanks." Raph said playfully, rubbing the top of Donnie's head.
Swatting the hand away, Donatello did his best not to laugh at his brother's antics. "Ha ha. C'mon Raph, I'm in the zone." But the emerald turtle would not be dissuaded. "Nuh uh, let's go. Before Fearless' worry lines get any worse."
Outright chuckling now, Donnie allowed himself to be manhandled upright and ushered out into the main room of their suite, shrugging back into his loose samue. The olive turtle had quickly learned that long sleeves and electronics did not mix.
Splinter and Mikey were setting out their meal while Leonardo was reading over some papers, making notes in a small book on the low table. "Oh, so I have to stop but Leo can work at the dinner table?"
"It's a letter from Ahmya." Mikey chirped as he sat, valiantly resisting the fraternal urge to tease his big brother. That situation was still too touchy for their usual banter… except….
"Wait," Don stopped dead, forcing Raph to pause with him, "you're taking notes on her letter?"
Leo flushed violently, carefully but quickly packing his letter and notebook away into the upper folds of his garment. "I don't want to forget anything important." He said primly, carefully taking a cup of tea to hide behind. Soft smiles and rolling eyes all around, the rest of the family let him off the hook… for now.
Once they'd all eaten enough to dull their hunger, conversation started up again. "How long do you think until the drones are complete?" Leonardo asked the more mechanically inclined brothers. "Two days? Maybe three?" Raphael estimated, sharing a look with Donnie as he nodded along.
"How about one?" They all turned to see April walking in, Casey and Usagi close behind her, grinning widely.
"April!" Don frantically fought both bo and legs to leverage himself up and barrel into his sister/bestie as fast as his nearly recovered body could manage. For a moment they just stood there, swaying slightly, his one arm wrapped around her relatively delicate frame; the woman cradling his head and shoulders close. "Missed you too big guy. Don't do that again, huh?" He sniffed wetly into her jacket. "Sorry." He whispered, hating how much distress his whole family had endured over him.
"Shhhh," she gentled him down, "none of that. Not your fault, I'm just glad you're gonna be ok." A heavy hand clapped down on his shoulder. "What she said Don. Glad tah have yah back." Casey added, giving a squeeze before sidling in to hug them both. Sandwiched between the two warm humans, Donatello was so thankful to have them in their little family. Yes, even Casey. Loveable knucklehead.
"Mikey told me what you're planning to do," the young warrior murmured for their ears alone, "I'm too selfish to ask if you're sure. I just wanna say… thanks."
"Pssh." April pulled back so he could see her face. "As if we don't want you around just as much." Jaw trembling with emotion as she smiled wide, the woman leaned forward to place a kiss on his forehead before stepping back. "C'mon, sit down. You're not a hundred percent yet."
Everyone else shuffled around the low table to make room, April silently passing a small box to Leonardo before parking herself between Casey and Donnie. Usagi settling next to Leo himself as Michelangelo handed over a portion of stew to the samurai's thanks.
"Leatherhead is nearly packed up. He should be ready to go in a couple days." April informed the table, "He's going to bring a travel bag and leave the rest of his things at the Lair. Angel just has a couple more things to get set up for her brother, then she'll be along too."
"Good," Leo acknowledged, fidgeting with his spoon, "Everything we need is essentially in place. Once the drones are complete and ready to travel, we can head to Mokuzai at Ishisawa and get things started." The leaf green ninja heaved a sigh. "I hate to use the wedding as a cover but…"
"Having Lord Noriyuki as a guest is a good excuse for so many troops to enter the tablelands." Usagi cut off his friend's recriminations, "The okami will still be on alert with extra soldiers nearby, but hopefully, they will not expect a full assault."
Don watched Leo's eye flick back and forth as his older brother stared into the middle distance. We're together, we've done worse. We can do this too.
Two days later, allowing everything to be packed up and prepared to travel, a massive caravan set out from Lord Noriyuki's castle town. Bookended by his forces, with the Lord's own carriage firmly in the middle, his people wound their way along the highway up towards Ishisawa.
Directly behind his entourage, at the heart of the caravan, the Hamato Clan rode in formation. Leonardo and Usagi took the lead, accompanied by Gennosuke, who was entertaining himself needling the eldest turtle brother. Following them were two wagons carrying all the materials and supplies they would be needing for the next month or so; Donatello, Splinter, Angel and Leatherhead taking turns guiding the horses. Guarding their rear, Michelangelo and Raphael kept an eye on the various soldiers glowering at having ninjas in their midst. Weaving in and about their little troop, April was trying to help Casey, who didn't have her equestrian experience but did have a rather cranky mare.
Raph couldn't remember the last time he'd laughed so hard.
"C'mon Casey! You can handle a motorcycle in thah middle of ah alien invasion, but not one little horsie on a road?" The emerald brawler hollered from his own saddle. "I grew up in a sewer for cryin' out loud, an' I'm managin' jus' fine!" Mikey chuckled next to him as Casey's horse sidestepped April's outstretched arm once again, nearly unseating the woman's husband.
"Your horse is cooperating Raph! Stop making this harder!" She yelled back, frustrated with the trouble and non-help. He broke out laughing again. "I ain't doin' nothin' sista! Maybe he should jus' ride in one ah thah wagons."
"You jus' wait til tonigh' Raphie! We'll see who can handle what then!" Casey bellowed, setting his horse off into a round of bucking. Even the soldiers were laughing now. As they made their way across the landscape, Casey eventually gave up on the horse, tying her off to a wagon and adding himself to the driving rotation.
Gradually, the sun moved across the sky and began to set behind the mountain range they were headed for. As darkness began to fall, a halt was called to set up camp for the night. Tents erected and fire burning to cook supper, the family ate, decided on watch rotations and settled down for the night.
There had been some debate about allowing Raph and Casey to stand watch together, seeing as they were likely to distract each other, but here they sat, back-to-back on top of a wagon to maximise their view. Leatherhead and Usagi were awake under the other wagon, ready out of sight in case the alarm was sounded.
"So, we supposed to get there tamorrah?" Casey asked, pulling some jerky out of his pocket.
Raph grunted an affirmative, reaching to take the package of jerky over his shoulder. "Yeah, 'cording to Usagi, s'long as the weather holds anyway."
"Good, don' really wanna spend too much time on thah stupid horse." They both chewed for awhile, passing the jerky back and forth. Casey piped up again. "So, we get there, couple days, Leo gets married, couple days, then we move on castle?"
"Yep, that's the plan."
"Doesn' give Leo an' his lady much of a honeymoon."
Raph shuddered a little. "They might be fine with tha." Having to.. be… with someone you didn't know? When you'd never even really thought it might happen? He was suddenly very happy about being passed over for leadership.
"Yeah, I guess." Casey's sigh rocked Raphael. "You guys finally get a chance for somethin' like tha, an' Leo gets stuck with this. Feel bad for the guy." His weight against Raph's shell increased as he leaned back. "How's he doin' with it anyway? He talked to yah abou' it?"
Oh they'd talked all right. At length, heatedly. He thought back, dark nights away from the others on roof tops only a ninja could reach. Leo pouring out his heart, fears and hopes. I dunno how he's holdin' it together. Idda run back tah New York by now. "Yeah, we talked some. He's nervous, nevah really been prepared tah be a husband yah know?"
This time a water jug was passed backwards. "Man. I was nervous as hell, an' I KNEW April. KNEW I wan'ed tah be wit' her forevah. Can' imagine whah he's goin' through."
Raph pulled a sai and started to spin it to keeps his hands busy. "Yeah. Leo.. he's tryn' tah look at it as a 'calculated risk', right? Like could be bad, could turn out great! Just takin' a chance for the big payoff, getting' a safe home for his family. All we can really do is help him make it happen."
"Hope it works out for him."
Raph looked over his shoulder. "Just a heads up, he might come to yah for advice."
Casey's surprise jolted them both. "Leo? Come tah ME for advice?"
"Well yeah bonehead," Raph snorted, "how many married guys do yah think we know? 'Sides, April seems happy enough wi' yah. Sure worked hard tah keep yah fallin' off an' crackin' your thick skull taday."
Casey barked a laugh and shoved his friend, Raph of course shoved back and soon the two were engaged in a bizarre backwards tussle. Eventually the friendly banter and roughhousing ran its course, leaving them staring into the dark again. "Anythin' he or any of yah need Raph, y'know yah can count on us."
"I know Case, I know. .. Thanks."
Once they packed up again the next morning, the entire convoy quickly got back underway as soon as it was light enough for their horses to see. The day passed slowly, with a persistent drizzle starting up mid-morning and persisting all the way up into Seikii's hills.
Shortly before dark, the damp contingent finally reached Ishisawa; cold, tired and hungry. Definitely not at their best. Just outside the small city, they began setting up again, eager to get fires and hot food ready. Meanwhile, the Hamatos were more concerned with other matters.
Splinter watched his eldest get dressed in the finest clothes the Ultimate Daimyo had provided. Thinking back on the small hatchling that had fit in his palm so long ago, the Master could hardly believe the changes time had wrought.
Now as tall as April, his son was leaner than burly Raphael, but bulkier than their younger brothers. Overall, he was well muscled, but closer to human proportions since a growth spurt that had hit the brothers as they moved into their twenties. Now they all had a smattering of red coming in at their temples reminiscent of their slider stripes that had originally disappeared with their mutation. Actually, as Splinter watched, Leonardo considered his appearance in the mirror, then left his bandana loose around his neck.
"My son?"
The swordsman inhaled sharply, as if he'd forgotten his father was there.
"Sorry, I just…" he looked down, fiddling with the blue fabric, "I … don't want to be wearing a mask the first time I meet her. Ahmya… I mean."
Splinter chuckled slightly, stepping forward to adjust his son's clothing. "Yes my son, I know what you meant. I think you are right, I no experience with such relationships, but I know one thing Master Yoshi and Tang Shen worked hard at was making sure there were as few barriers between them as possible." He looked up into the glossy dark eyes of his eldest. "Were you able to speak with Mr Jones?"
A rush of amusement ran through him as Leonardo blushed and looked to the side. "Yes, we were able to talk a bit on the trail today. It… helped. I think?"
Patting his blue clad arm, Splinter reassured, "All indications are that he is a good husband. In any case, the Golden Rule applies, treat her the way you would want to be treated in her position, and you will likely be just fine."
Leonardo smiled, small, nervous and tremulous, but genuine. "Thank you, Father."
"Well, let's go meet your bride. I am looking forward to having another daughter."
Ahmya breathed slowly, deliberately and did her best to calm her racing heart. Lord Noriyuki's party had arrived earlier in the evening and now her father's much smaller court was waiting to receive them in the Ishisawa manor. Discreetly checking her appearance and posture again under her mother's critical eye, she was satisfied when Toshiko nodded and went back to conferring with the house steward. Her mother may not approve of a ninja son in law, but no one would ever be able to fault her as a hostess.
Finally, the doors at the end of the hall opened, admitting Lord Noriyuki with his retainer and favoured warriors at his back. General Mokuzai stepped forward and bowed low, the rest of his court and family following suit. "My Lord, welcome to my house."
The young panda nodded in response. "Thank you General. I am pleased to be here. The lands are beautiful under your care." He smiled kindly, "But we are not here for me, please. There are other matters at hand." Pleasantries out of the way, Noriyuki took the honoured position set aside for him so the introduction of the Hamato and Mokuzai clans could carry on.
They strode in, proud and strong behind their nezumi father, Master Splinter. She was aware of the heavy, smoke laden air while they fanned out behind him. There were four unusual kame, three of the "humans" her father told her about and a man that looked to be a giant, dragon-like tokage. One of the kame stepped forward to his father's right and Ahmya finally got her first look at her betrothed.
As her father described, he was slim, almost feminine in appearance, though she supposed that would be useful for a kame ninja. Leonardo's mask was low around his neck revealing obsidian eyes highlighted with flecks of red scales amongst the green. Frankly, he was like no kame she'd ever seen before with his build and light green scales. Not that he was unattractive; quite the opposite. She was glad he wasn't some great behemoth of an older kame that would dwarf her, with rough scutes she'd have to be wary of as her mother and sister had warned her.
The General spoke again. "Welcome, Master Splinter. I am pleased to have you and your clan in my home. If you need anything at all, please, do not hesitate to ask. My wife, Toshiko," he gestured, "is an excellent hostess, and will see to your needs."
The entirety of the Hamatos bowed low, though the male human seemed to need prompting from the red furred female. Such bizarre looking creatures. Then Master Splinter spoke in a soft, weathered voice. "Thank you, honoured General, for your gracious welcome. We will endeavour to be unobtrusive guests, so much as we can. I would like to present to your family, my eldest son, and Chunnin of our clan, Hamato Leonardo."
The blue clad ninja stood straight. "Hello again General."
Mokuzai smiled slightly. "Hello. Please allow me to introduce, my daughter, Mokuzai Ahmya," she bowed again at her father's gesture, then looked up to try and gauge Leonardo's reaction. His eyes were definitely fixed on her as he gave a little smile and nod of acknowledgement. "Hello, my Lady." His orange brother snickered behind him and was swiftly stifled by the one in purple. Do his brothers disapprove of me?
Leonardo's eyes widened, then he hastened to draw attention back to himself. "General, there is a custom from our home that I would ask to perform. It is traditional to seek the bride's approval of the marriage by offering her a gift. May I?"
The elder kame waved for him to do so, and Leonardo walked in front of her raised seat. Getting down on one knee, the warrior pulled a box out of his sleeve and presented it, asking, "Lady Ahmya, will you marry me?" Opening the box, he revealed a golden necklace with a tree hanging from its chain, leaves or flowers made of small, pink diamonds. Her mother sucked in a startled breath at the piece and looked up sharply, reassessing.
"I… yes. I will. Thank you, Leonardo-San. It is beautiful." Ahmya carefully pulled the necklace from his velvet clad box to drape the long chain over her head, letting the radiant tree rest over her silk covered plastron.
His throat bobbed as Leonardo swallowed deeply, getting back to his feet and bowing from the hips. "You are very welcome and … thank you."
"Well!" her father boomed, trying to reduce the tension in the room. "We have a wedding to prepare for!"