Peasant theatre (D1, Mid Evening, Open)

[Doji Yoshino]

"That's a very tactful way of putting it. I'm not sure all my sensei would have agreed, but I do find the more varied part is enjoyable."

She wasn't even remotely surprised at the mention of tattooing. Calling it a sacred art was new. The Dragon were really out there.

"I see. Isn't that... painful? I always imagined it as more a personal thing, rather than something to do... so openly."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"There is pain of course but the pain draws out the power of the tattoos. Surely you have heard stories of the Ise Zumi, the Tattooed monks, and their seemingly mystical powers?"

"The process of applying the tattoo is indeed sacred and private between the artist and the reciever. But after it is done we display the tattoos proudly. The more tattoos one has the closer to enlightens they have become." He explained.

[Doji Yoshino]

"Yes. I've also heard stories of Ise Zumi just jumping off of cliffs atop mountains higher than the clouds. Like it was... the common thing to do upon the arrival of the hour of the Horse." She placed a hand on her cheek as she recalled something odd she'd encountered once. "Then again, I've seen the body of some bizarre thing in Crab lands and some Lords have claimed to see ghosts, so anything is possible."

With a degree of interest she listened to the explanation about tattooing. She pursed her lips at the end, lowering her hand from her face. "So, they're a mark of... enlightenment attainment progress?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

He wobbled his hand back and forth "in a way yes they do that but that is not why people get tattoos. The tattoos unlock the power within us. As one grows they are deemed worthy of more."

"So they are less like a medal or badge of honor whose sole purpose is to signify achievement and more like large muscles, a visible result of hard work."

[Doji Yoshino]

Somewhere in between understanding and not was where Yoshino found herself. "I perhaps see the theory." She wasn't sure much beyond that. Her right hand motioned to the Dragon. "Will it only be your tattooing you demonstrate?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

He inclined his head "Indeed. It is the only art that I have any official training in. To do anything else would risk all the hard work I already put in."

[Doji Yoshino]

"See, to me that's a shame. Everything good I've heard about the Dragon has you all finding your own path and therefore exploring all that's possible. Togashi-san knows, enjoys and excels at tattooing, ne? Wonderful. Yet you don't take time for other arts beyond a vague interest to know them and the 'truth of the world'. If you want to see the truth through art Togashi-san, don't ask for others' perspectives. Go and try them."

She had got caught up in a diatribe and she held up a hand. Her tone was apologetic. "Excuse me. I'm being worse than my sensei." Yoshino played with the fringe overhanging her eyes. "What I mean to say is, whenever I've learned a new art I've always found new knowledge and application for the art forms I already know." Some real emotion began to slip into her voice as she spoke, her gaze lowered. "I am impressed by anyone dedicated to just one art. I suppose I can't imagine only knowing how to paint on... flesh. Not when there are so many other canvases and ways of painting."

Yoshino stepped back as her hands came together tightly. "My, it's like I spilled a bottle of sake and the liquid is spreading across the floor. I'm sorry for troubling you. It's late, ne?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

In the face of her rant Yoshiaki merely smiled softly and shook his head "Please no offense was taken so no apology is necesarry."

"There are benefits and drawbacks to all paths Doji-san. As you say you learn many things when you learn a new skill but you also learn different things as you dive deep into a discipline."

"We all walk our own paths and collect our own experiences, no matter what path we choose there will be other paths that are missed. That is why we share experiences and learn new perspectives to glean what we can from others that have taken paths we did not." He explained calmly

He then nodded fixing her directly with his silvery gaze "it is indeed, would you like to walk back to the Jinbaori together Doji-san?"

[Doji Yoshino]

"If... if it's no trouble. But, are you sure about those paths?" She gazed up at him. "It sounded more that you were afraid of trying another another art as it might somehow undue your devotion to tattooing." In her mind she wondered if his tattoo needles were lonely. Then again, didn't the Dragon prefer their isolation?

Yoshino turned away from his silvery gaze. "Are most of the competitors at the Jinbaori?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

Yoshiaki nodded "to the best of my knowledge yes most if not all of the traveling competitors are staying in the Jinbaori. I would be happy to walk with you." He turned toward the exit and began to walk at a casual pace.

He then chuckled a little bit returning to her question "Oh no Doji-san, I merely meant for the competition my work is already done so it would make little sense to add or replace an already done piece in the interest of variety."

"I have explored some other arts informally, I quiet enjoy singing and have been told I have a good voice for it. Also I have done a good amount of sketching and tried painting a bit. But as I seek mastery of this art it is where most of my time goes."

[Doji Yoshino]

Yoshino placed a hand to her chest as she let out a breath. "That's a relief. Then I've merely made a fool of myself for no reason. That's a weekly occurrence." She smiled dejectedly. "I'm glad your world isn't too narrow Togashi-san. I enjoy some singing and painting myself."

She followed him toward the exit, a half step behind and a couple of feet to the side. A proper distance.

"I'll try to catch a glimpse of your work tomorrow."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"And I yours." He replied with a small yet kind smile

"Doji-san is too hard on herself." He said matter of factly "my response was ambiguous, no reason to say you made a fool of yourself."

"But perhaps we could sing together sometime if that sounds interesting to you."

[Doji Yoshino]

"... I'll think about it." Yoshino offers, looking down.

She'd follow Yoshiaki toward the inn while mostly listening to him rather than coming up with witty conversation. She does, however, wish him a good evening and a pleasant night's rest.

/ Scene?

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

It would be a rather quiet walk in that case as Yoshiaki was not one to ramble. So a walk through the night enjoying eachothers presence was nice as anything else.

He would return her well wishes as he headed to his own room

/scene!

Thank you so much ^^