(D3, LE) Excellent Decisions for Questionable Reasons

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

Her own brows crease in a small frown of concern to see his composure so moved. It smooths with a sharp inhalation at the *shoosh* of the unfolding fan as she focuses on the quiet words. After, she offers that rueful smile once more. "It's not a great secret, though certainly nothing to shout about."

Her fingers trace absent patterns beneath the light overlay of her other hand as she sighs. "But I was afraid of that. That an....uncharitable motive might not be something you wished to..." She looks up from her hands to see that unshuttered sympathy and pauses, nods twice, and exhales before matching his volume. "Of course, that's wiser. To speak more privately. Though, with discretion for the same reason."

One hand moves again to her cup, as she pulls back slightly. "Do you have a favorite sweet? I keep thinking there should be something with tea, and I'd like to bring something the next time we share some."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"Of course. Discretion is one of the most important things in court." He said and paused briefly "and I was not displeased by your reason nor you openly talking about it. I was displeased by your situation. I felt you should know that." He said before leaning back the fan disappearing as suddenly as it appeared.

He raised his own cup while he contemplated the question and took a small sip "I am quite partial to Dango. I enjoy its subtle sweet flavor. What of you Horiuchi-san? Is there a particular treat you enjoy with tea?"

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

She nods in understanding. "It is not an uncommon situation, but I appreciate your..kindness regarding it."

"Anything with sweet red bean paste," she has no hesitation in naming her favorite. "Though with tea, that's better with something more bitter than tonight's tea. Dango are simple and welcome as well." She makes a mental note to acquire some before they meet again.

Her hand lifts, mimicking the flicking out of the fan. "So have you been in the courts much? To be so quick on the draw there, so to speak."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

He makes a mental note as well but nods "I have been to a few courts. I am not a Courtier by duty but I was trained a bit for it and picked up more along the way seeing how others do it. Us dragon can be somewhat peculiar compared to others but we still try to follow the rules, mostly." There is faint amuesment in his tone.

"The speed with the fan is more a byproduct of my martial arts training than any Courtier lesson."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

She laughs, a low chuckle accompanied by the metallic clinks of charms. "I'd never thought of the ways weapons training might aid in court, other than training for duels. Our clans share that reputation for being a little strange by the standards of the courts, and I've almost no training for it."

She picks up her cup, finding it in her peripheral vision as she finds her focus drawn to Yoshiaki as they converse. Something in those guarded moments breaking a reserve she hadn't realized she was holding onto. "Any sage advice for a fellow oddity in the courts?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

The chuckle brought a slight up turn of his lips "yes training ones body for quick reflexes and to know how to move has all kinds of applications."

He sat back a little this time his turn for a little chuckle "I could claim Mastery over a few things in life but courts is not one of them." He speak with a soft smile "but I'd say always remember who you are and don't let them make you feel ashamed for it. By Emperor's voice you have as much right to be there as anyone else."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

She lets herself listen fully to the advice. "Not too different from Doji Nadeshiko's advice when hearing of my betrothal." There's a pause, pressing her lips together before saying too much. "Well part of her advice, at least. Some is not suitable for such a public space."

The cup is set down, undrunk, with a familiar jingle. "Ah, I recall something I meant to ask earlier! All those tattoos, are most of them the mystical sort? And...is there a solid connection between the form of one and what it does? All mystical Crane tattoos grant...say...an unnatural speed and skill with fans?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"Then Doji-san is wise as she is kind." He replied recalling having tea with the Doji in question just previous day.

Yoshiaki gives her a small but amused smile and then seemed to consider for a moment "Yes and no. The tattoos are merely able to unlock the power within. The form is given meaning, we assign grace and beauty to the Crane, therefore that is what it unlocks within the recipient. The bear is a creature of strength and hearty Resolve those drawn to it wish to unlock their wellspring of those things as well. In a way it is just as much mental and spiritual as it is mystical."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

There is a fond smile for her friend, and a nod at Yoshiaki's assessment. "I see. If somehow one were raised well away from here and believed the Crane symbolized..." the cowardice of flying away from threats...or great efficiency at the hunt. Then it would draw those elements from them instead?

She thinks a moment. "And what does the Ki-Rin bring forth? Not that I expect a mystical sort of art...and you haven't agreed yet in any case. But I'd like knowing what it might otherwise do. Maybe at least have that mental component."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

He gives a slight shrug at that "it is hard to say, an interesting question but one ultimately is likely never to find an answer. I suppose the theory of it is sound enough. Some tattoos are unique as well and it is likely there are even some that I do not know about."

"As for the Ki-Rin it is a symbol of luck." He states simply and with a little smile "an ephemeral power indeed but one that has saved me much ache, head and otherwise."

"Though your tattoo will simply be a well crafted image, the kind my brothers and I wear have many layers to them to do what they do."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

"Luck and I are well acquainted," she says with a faint smile, eyes on his, but the focus a bit distant. "Its unexpected aspects too. Luck played a part in getting me here, but also to court this past winter. I'd imagine you've some experience with that as well."

Her focus slips back to the here and now, "but you speak of my tattoo, as if it's a settled thing. You've decided to do it then?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"Well then I will have to thank luck I suppose." He said with that same slight smile "and I have recognized lucks favor many times in my life, there's a reason I elected to recieve the Ki-Rin."

To her question he pauses a little "Nothing is a foregone conclusion in life. There are still things to be talked about but currently I am still not opposed to it."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

She swirls the dregs of her tea, wondering what some might read in the small bits at the bottom. "Tomorrow then? To talk about those things?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

He nodded finishing his own tea "tomorrow then. The hedge mazes at the same time? It's quite a lovely place and does afford a bit of privacy to those inside."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

There's a jingling nod. "I look forward to it, and your new presentation tomorrow." She stands to bow a farewell. "Fortunes favor you, Togashi-san."

As she steps back out into the night, she pauses for a moment to look up at the moon, before continuing down the path.

/exit

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"As I look forward to yours Horiuchi-san. May fortunes watch over you." He rose as she did smoothly stepping from the seat and bowing to her.

He walked out with her and his eyes lingered on her as she looked up to the moon and then they went their separate ways.

/scene!