Sapphire Ambassadors

Having spent the early morning among the vibrant beauty of the flower gardens Taijo felt it was fitting his wanderings had led him to a sand garden. he exchanged pleasantries with a few of the locals and then turned his attention fully to the garden, reflecting on the sculpted lines and flowing nature of it all.

Having arrived earlier in the morning, Yua had intended to get the lay of the land. The gardens seemed like a good spot to visit, and the small Imperial soon found the sand gardens. She wasn't a fan of sand, however it had a very zen feel to it, especially in the quiet, so she walked along the path taking the sight in.

She noticed another also doing so, a monk by his attire. There was a respectful bow in the mans direction.

He returned the bow with a deeper one and approached the Imperial.

"Blessed tidings Otomo-sama, I hope this day finds you well. This one is is Taijo, I am at your call should you need any aid in life's journey. Do you find this garden to your liking?"

There was a curious look on the young Imperials face.

"Ones life can be quite long Taijo-san, especially at my current age. Are you sure you want to commit to something that long term?"

She looked at the garden again.

"I do. It's welcoming, tranquil. I can imagine sitting here and painting, and not being disturbed by anyone even though others are about. Is this your work?"

She looked back to the man.

"Apologies, I am Otomo Yua. A pleasure to meet you Taijo-san."

"I am honored you would think this is my work but no, I have only just arrived here this morning. I do tend to the gardens at my temple but our sand garden is only half the size of this. I hope I will have an opportunity to do so while I am here but I will need to speak with whoever maintains the grounds currently."

He paused a moment to consider.

"I have little experience with with the more acclaimed arts such as painting, I realize now that I made assumptions about it; thinking it required the utmost focus. Do you find this to be true or do you find your zen while painting?"

"Oh, my apology then" Yua lowered her head "I'm certain your temple is as well cared for and loved as this has been though. It's clear you have a good eye for it. Where is it based? I haven't seen much of the lands but perhaps I've crossed its path."

She looked over the garden as she considered his question.

"I don't know if it's either one or the other. In this instance, I think it would be both. I enjoy painting as a hobby, it does help me relax after court sessions, and the serenity of this location creates a peace. It's inspiring in a way, ne? So if you don't tend to these gardens, may I assume you are here for the competition?"

"West of the Moshi and south of the Phoenix sits a small mountain range. The climb is difficult, the rocky ground is lose and prone to sliding and a strong wind from the coast threatens to push one over and sending them tumbling down the slope. As you climb higher the wind funnels and becomes stronger, but when you reach the top the ground levels out and the wind suddenly calms to a gentle breeze. Local legend says that the area was used as a safehold during the First War and that Isawa himself blessed the area but the temple holds no records about it. While I am not the sole caretaker I do tend the gardens and other natural features on the grounds and my Master has sent me to represent our sect at this event.

And what about you Otomo-sama, are you here to participate or as a judge?"

"Hmm, I may have passed your temple then on the way to the Naishou provinces, not that I am one to climb mountains. Nor was the entourage likely to stop, with who was travelling" Yua smiled "surprising that one from the Brotherhood would involve himself in a competition like this. A welcome one though, I look forward to seeing the arts you present here. As for myself, I am intending to be participating. A new competition should have imperial presence, ne?"

"You see this as a competition?" His words were child like, full of surprise and confusion. "There are so many words that one could use to describe this event, what makes you see it as a competition?"

There was a tilt of the head at that response.

"A curious view, this gathering is to allow those assigned as judges to review the talents of those gathered to decide the future of a new position. In that sense, it is a competition, ne? How would Taijo-san view it, if not a competition to show ones worth?"