Sapphire Ambassadors

Yoshiaki arrived at the dojo after giving his morning prayers at the shrine. He trained here as he did at home, shirtless and in flowing pants that allowed for less restricted movement.

The monk moved through different body weight exercises and meditative flowing movements that both strengthened and stretched his muscles.

The rustle of a courtier's kimono alerts the Dragon that someone has entered the dojo. The masked figure bows as is proper to the dojo's shrine, but takes up a position watching the Dragon as he works out.

The Dragon slowly lowered himself from what many would see as a strange and convoluted position with his body weight on hos hands and arms mostly but he landed in a lotus position and slowly silver eyes opened to regard the guest he heard enter.

"Hello Scorpion-sama, have you come merely to observe the dojo this morning?"

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 8:08 am

The Dragon slowly lowered himself from what many would see as a strange and convoluted position with his body weight on hos hands and arms mostly but he landed in a lotus position and slowly silver eyes opened to regard the guest he heard enter.

"Hello Scorpion-sama, have you come merely to observe the dojo this morning?"

"Would that be such a terrible thing, Togashi-san?" she offered qalongside her bow. "I've witnessed more than a few Togashi performing their exercises in my travels through the Dragon lands. There is a poetry in the movement of the tattoos as muscle stretches and releases found nowhere else in the Empire."

"This one is Shosuro Otoko, actress and currently diplomat of the Scorpion Clan. I hope you've found your morning routine invigorating."

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 1:40 pm

"Would that be such a terrible thing, Togashi-san?" she offered qalongside her bow. "I've witnessed more than a few Togashi performing their exercises in my travels through the Dragon lands. There is a poetry in the movement of the tattoos as muscle stretches and releases found nowhere else in the Empire."

"This one is Shosuro Otoko, actress and currently diplomat of the Scorpion Clan. I hope you've found your morning routine invigorating."

The man unfolded his legs and rose bowing to her "and this one is Togashi Yoshiaki."

"It has been invigorating enough so far Shosuro-sama. There is nothing wrong with observing I was simply curious if I was to exercise with an audience, I am not opposed to it." His lips quirk up at the ends in amusement.

"Though I'm glad you have found my others of my order to be interesting to watch. You speak so highly of us, it honors me."

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 5:08 pm

The man unfolded his legs and rose bowing to her "and this one is Togashi Yoshiaki."

"It has been invigorating enough so far Shosuro-sama. There is nothing wrong with observing I was simply curious if I was to exercise with an audience, I am not opposed to it." His lips quirk up at the ends in amusement.

"Though I'm glad you have found my others of my order to be interesting to watch. You speak so highly of us, it honors me."

Otoko nods.

"Indeed. More than simply being interesting to watch, I find the Dragon are also quite intriguing as the watchers. There is a certain open-mindedness that makes performing for them quite engaging. And if you can legitimately deceive a Kitsuki magistrate with a well-crafted mystery, they're quite appreciative. Of course, a poorly written mystery will also generate quite a bit of talk from them as well, though not nearly as pleasant." she mused.

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 5:22 pm

Otoko nods.

"Indeed. More than simply being interesting to watch, I find the Dragon are also quite intriguing as the watchers. There is a certain open-mindedness that makes performing for them quite engaging. And if you can legitimately deceive a Kitsuki magistrate with a well-crafted mystery, they're quite appreciative. Of course, a poorly written mystery will also generate quite a bit of talk from them as well, though not nearly as pleasant." she mused.

It was his turn to nod "Yes we strive to always be open to others as they find their own path through life. Everyone takes steps on their own journey and no two paths are the same."

There is a soft laugh the richness of his voice giving the sound a pleasant quality "Though I do not envy one trying to outwit a kitsuki, all the ones I have met were exceedingly sharp."

"So you have spent much time performing in the Dragon lands then?"

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 5:26 pm

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 5:22 pm

Otoko nods.

"Indeed. More than simply being interesting to watch, I find the Dragon are also quite intriguing as the watchers. There is a certain open-mindedness that makes performing for them quite engaging. And if you can legitimately deceive a Kitsuki magistrate with a well-crafted mystery, they're quite appreciative. Of course, a poorly written mystery will also generate quite a bit of talk from them as well, though not nearly as pleasant." she mused.

It was his turn to nod "Yes we strive to always be open to others as they find their own path through life. Everyone takes steps on their own journey and no two paths are the same."

There is a soft laugh the richness of his voice giving the sound a pleasant quality "Though I do not envy one trying to outwit a kitsuki, all the ones I have met were exceedingly sharp."

"So you have spent much time performing in the Dragon lands then?"

Otoko lifted a sleeve to her full face mask as if hiding a laugh.

"Ah, it is not so difficult, Togashi-san. You must simply apply the lessons of the dojo to the problem. If you know your opponent's strength, you should know there is a way to turn it to a weakness." she said with a small laugh.

"But as for my travels, my time is roughly split between the Dragon lands and the lands of the Minor clans. My most recent performance was at Kyuden Suzume, certainly a much flatter landscape. I believe it's my dedication to spreading art to corners of the Empire that lent my clan the idea that I would have some greater insight into securing the rights for the Scorpion clan to host next year's tournament."

Her small laugh recieved an equally sized smile in return "Well I will leave such a thing to the experts."

"Interesting, do you decide where you go? I am afraid I'm unfamiliar with how organizing performances works. If so what drew you to Dragon and minor clans?"

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 8:00 pm

Her small laugh recieved an equally sized smile in return "Well I will leave such a thing to the experts."

"Interesting, do you decide where you go? I am afraid I'm unfamiliar with how organizing performances works. If so what drew you to Dragon and minor clans?"

A small shrug.

"I've no more say in my journeys than any other clan samurai." she confesses. "If my lord ordered me to perform at Kyuden Doji or Kyuden Gotei or in the middle of the Shinomen Mori, Duty would dictate that I would perform there. Of course, I've spent time forging ties in the Dragon lands and the Minor Clans lands, so I would not be able to capitalize and continue to strengthen those were I in the middle of the woods, so in my lord's infinite wisdom, I go where I am most useful."

She tilted her head curiously.

"What of your own travels, Togashi-san? Have you extensively travelled the Empire, or is this your first major foray outside the Dragon Mountains?"

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 8:11 pm

A small shrug.

"I've no more say in my journeys than any other clan samurai." she confesses. "If my lord ordered me to perform at Kyuden Doji or Kyuden Gotei or in the middle of the Shinomen Mori, Duty would dictate that I would perform there. Of course, I've spent time forging ties in the Dragon lands and the Minor Clans lands, so I would not be able to capitalize and continue to strengthen those were I in the middle of the woods, so in my lord's infinite wisdom, I go where I am most useful."

She tilted her head curiously.

"What of your own travels, Togashi-san? Have you extensively travelled the Empire, or is this your first major foray outside the Dragon Mountains?"

"It is good that your lord sees that and uses you to your strengths in a way that seems to match with your personal wishes."

"For myself much of my life has been spent in the High House of Light and surrounding areas. I went to Unicorn lands once but I have been mostly very diligent in my study of the sacred art of tattooing.. this journey is by far the furthest I have been from home."

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 8:34 pm

"It is good that your lord sees that and uses you to your strengths in a way that seems to match with your personal wishes."

"For myself much of my life has been spent in the High House of Light and surrounding areas. I went to Unicorn lands once but I have been mostly very diligent in my study of the sacred art of tattooing.. this journey is by far the furthest I have been from home."

"You must find it very different indeed, Togashi-san." she offers. "Hopefully you will be able to make the most of your time here during the competition. Beyond the competition, was there anything in particular you wished to see or to do?"

The question was born from genuine curiosity. The answer could be anything from rooftop sitting to bar crawling. The Dragon were a very diverse people.

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 8:52 pm

"You must find it very different indeed, Togashi-san." she offers. "Hopefully you will be able to make the most of your time here during the competition. Beyond the competition, was there anything in particular you wished to see or to do?"

The question was born from genuine curiosity. The answer could be anything from rooftop sitting to bar crawling. The Dragon were a very diverse people.

A gentle nod of the head "it is indeed quite different from the places I have been before. I have seen and experienced much already during my travels through the Lion and Crane lands."

"I do not believe I have any specific goals for this time rather just to see what unique experiences I can have. Many new things to see, people to meet. I believe initially I was most excited to simply meet artists from across the Empire and learn about what kind of new and different arts are out there."

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 9:08 pm

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 8:52 pm

"You must find it very different indeed, Togashi-san." she offers. "Hopefully you will be able to make the most of your time here during the competition. Beyond the competition, was there anything in particular you wished to see or to do?"

The question was born from genuine curiosity. The answer could be anything from rooftop sitting to bar crawling. The Dragon were a very diverse people.

A gentle nod of the head "it is indeed quite different from the places I have been before. I have seen and experienced much already during my travels through the Lion and Crane lands."

"I do not believe I have any specific goals for this time rather just to see what unique experiences I can have. Many new things to see, people to meet. I believe initially I was most excited to simply meet artists from across the Empire and learn about what kind of new and different arts are out there."

"I believe you will not be disappointed in that Togashi-san. The Crane have certainly gathered a diverse bunch of artistic traditions here. It will be interesting to see which inspires which. I expect this Winter Court season will see quite a flourishing of arts." she comments.

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 9:54 pm

"I believe you will not be disappointed in that Togashi-san. The Crane have certainly gathered a diverse bunch of artistic traditions here. It will be interesting to see which inspires which. I expect this Winter Court season will see quite a flourishing of arts." she comments.

"Indeed, I have already met a few rather intriguing individuals, a few from your own clan no less. So far I have learned about cooking and jeweling as art forms. If the trend continues this will be a most enlightening trip."

"But what of you? You say you spend most of your time in Dragon and Minor Clan lands. Do you also often spend time in Crane lands? Or is this a novel experience for you as well?"

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 10:30 pm

"Indeed, I have already met a few rather intriguing individuals, a few from your own clan no less. So far I have learned about cooking and jeweling as art forms. If the trend continues this will be a most enlightening trip."

"But what of you? You say you spend most of your time in Dragin and Minor Clan lands. Do you also often spend time in Crane lands? Or is this a novel experience for you as well?"

Otako offers a small shrug.

"Ah, not novel per se. Travelling from Minor Clan holding to Minor Clan holding has seen me travelling in a variety of ways, whether aboard a ship, or crossing through Crane, Scorpion, or even Lion holdings. I simply do not normally have postings in Crane lands. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Crane are not particularly....open-minded when it comes to the theater. For example, while the Sparrow definitely enjoyed the production of "Most Sincerely Requested' I cannot see such a production gaining any traction within the lands of the Crane." she explains.

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 11:23 pm

Otako offers a small shrug.

"Ah, not novel per se. Travelling from Minor Clan holding to Minor Clan holding has seen me travelling in a variety of ways, whether aboard a ship, or crossing through Crane, Scorpion, or even Lion holdings. I simply do not normally have postings in Crane lands. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Crane are not particularly....open-minded when it comes to the theater. For example, while the Sparrow definitely enjoyed the production of "Most Sincerely Requested' I cannot see such a production gaining any traction within the lands of the Crane." she explains.

"I see, so Shosuro-sama is rather well traveled then. I envy that a bit, I love my art and wouldn't give up practicing it but you must have a wealth of stories and experiences from seeing so many places."

"As for the Crane, that matches what I have learned from other Dragon and the visitors that make it up to our mountain. The Crane seem very rigid and set in their ways. It is strange to see people live this way since, as you noted earlier, Dragon tend to be very open minded."

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:26 am

Shosuro Otoko wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 09, 2022 11:23 pm

Otako offers a small shrug.

"Ah, not novel per se. Travelling from Minor Clan holding to Minor Clan holding has seen me travelling in a variety of ways, whether aboard a ship, or crossing through Crane, Scorpion, or even Lion holdings. I simply do not normally have postings in Crane lands. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Crane are not particularly....open-minded when it comes to the theater. For example, while the Sparrow definitely enjoyed the production of "Most Sincerely Requested' I cannot see such a production gaining any traction within the lands of the Crane." she explains.

"I see, so Shosuro-sama is rather well traveled then. I envy that a bit, I love my art and wouldn't give up practicing it but you must have a wealth of stories and experiences from seeing so many places."

"As for the Crane, that matches what I have learned from other Dragon and the visitors that make it up to our mountain. The Crane seem very rigid and set in their ways. It is strange to see people live this way since, as you noted earlier, Dragon tend to be very open minded."

Otoko waved the sentiment away with her hand.

"Ah well, when one defines oneself as the standard of something, a certain amount of rigidity is inevitable. I'm sure if Togashi-san desires it, we could locate a stalwart defender of the Crane's stiffness. Perhaps you could use them for your excercises?" she suggests with a small amount of mirth.

Saibankan wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:36 am

Otoko waved the sentiment away with her hand.

"Ah well, when one defines oneself as the standard of something, a certain amount of rigidity is inevitable. I'm sure if Togashi-san desires it, we could locate a stalwart defender of the Crane's stiffness. Perhaps you could use them for your excercises?" she suggests with a small amount of mirth.

"I have no doubt such a thing could be done but I would not wish to impose on our hosts any more than I already have." The reply has its own subtle mirth which can be seen dancing behind the strange eyes.

"Is there anything of personal interest Shosuro-san wishes to experience during her time among the Crane? Something other than securing the honor of hosting."

Togashi Yoshiaki wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:56 am

"I have no doubt such a thing could be done but I would not wish to impose on our hosts any more than I already have." The reply has its own subtle mirth which can be seen dancing behind the strange eyes.

"Is there anything of personal interest Shosuro-san wishes to experience during her time among the Crane? Something other than securing the honor of hosting."

"Oh, there are certain people in attendance I wouldn't mind getting to know better, if you know what I mean, Togashi-san. It is Spring after all." she offers coyly.