(D0, LE) contemplations on a new chapter

[Kaiu Kunio]

For the first time in quite a while, this young Kaiu need not consider function. Merely enjoy a cup of tea with no caffeine and sit calmly under a cherry tree. Even when he would meditate, it was usually for the explicit purpose of having a clear mind for an impending major project.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

There's a woman already sitting near the cherry tree; she breathes slowly, eyes closed, heart elsewhere even as her hands cradle her teacup. It's only at the solid footfalls of another she's pulled from her meditation, and she speaks softly, "Oh! Have you come to enjoy the blossoms as well?" He catches a smile before she gives as much a bow as her position allows.

((Edited bc oops -_-))

[Asahina Asano]

Asano was here to enjoy the evening, experience some tea. Maybe be a bit of a rebel and have caffeine late, yeah!!

...from her seat she watched the Crab approach one of her Crane cousins, sipping the tea like the rebel she was. Maybe this was something interesting? A secret rendezvous? A challenge? Rivals? It was almost too exciting. Or maybe that was because she'd drank three cups of roasted black tea already.

[Kaiu Kunio]

There's a woman already sitting near the cherry tree; she breathes slowly, eyes closed, heart elsewhere even as her hands cradle her teacup. It's only at the solid footfalls of another she's pulled from her meditation, and she speaks softly, "Oh! Have you come to enjoy the blossoms as well?" He catches a smile before she gives as much a bow as her position allows.

((Edited bc oops -_-))

(Sorry for not responding, RL no Oni) Returning the bow, he addresses the Crane ladies, holding up a cup of white tea. "Indeed I am, sometimes you just need to take a break and slow your mind."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

((It's okay, hope you're well!))

"I understand completely." She gives him a big smile. "I'm Doji Nadeshiko. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Her introduction made, the woman takes a sip of her tea.

[Kaiu Kunio]

Asano was here to enjoy the evening, experience some tea. Maybe be a bit of a rebel and have caffeine late, yeah!!

...from her seat she watched the Crab approach one of her Crane cousins, sipping the tea like the rebel she was. Maybe this was something interesting? A secret rendezvous? A challenge? Rivals? It was almost too exciting. Or maybe that was because she'd drank three cups of roasted black tea already.

(Poke)

"And I am Kaiu Kunio of the Second Imperial Legion."

[Asahina Asano]

"And I am Kaiu Kunio of the Second Imperial Legion."

Asano noticed the Crab was speaking to her as well and got up, walking over and giving a little half-curtsy half bow so as to not spill her tea, "Kaiu-sama, Doji-sama. It is an honor and pleasure. I am Asahina Asano, priestess to the kami and daughter to the assistant keeper of Tajinori Village."

[Kaiu Kunio]

He takes the cue from his peers and takes a seat opposite the ladies and takes a sip as well. Content with comfortable silence if the ladies wish, but willing to contribute further if they wish.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

snip!

snip!

"A pleasure to meet you both. How do you like the paintings here?" As she asks, Nadeshiko's head turns towards one of the tea room's paintings: two bushi on the battlefield, a Lion half-fallen in what looks to be his final moments holding the hand of a delicate Fox. "I imagine they're all scenes from stories. I recognize a few."

[Asahina Asano]

"A pleasure to meet you both. How do you like the paintings here?" As she asks, Nadeshiko's head turns towards one of the tea room's paintings: two bushi on the battlefield, a Lion half-fallen in what looks to be his final moments holding the hand of a delicate Fox. "I imagine they're all scenes from stories. I recognize a few."

"You do? You have a good memory for stories then... or perhaps are just better at recognizing such things. I do not recognize a single one!"

[Kaiu Kunio]

"Most would find it strange they use a painting with that scenery in a tea house themed after spring, but arguments could be made they are showing the new moments just before the founding of the Fox Clan. A bold choice regardless."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Most would find it strange they use a painting with that scenery in a tea house themed after spring, but arguments could be made they are showing the new moments just before the founding of the Fox Clan. A bold choice regardless."

"Most certainly. I was a little confused myself, at first, but the painting implies tragedy with that choice, and from my time in the Academy, I was taught that contrast in art can be very effective at grabbing -- and holding -- attention. I'd probably just ask a Fox what they'd think, though. It might be a folktale we simply don't know." With that she takes a sip of tea.