[D2 EA] Blooms and Brews

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"So we do." His smile was gentle as well "some would argue to be selfish and to be human are the same thing."

"Though it is likely a mixture of things, of course life would be easier if people did not make such hasty judgements of me but I do truly wish for others to feel more comfortable as well."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

That gets a nod. Nadeshiko is quiet a moment, as she thinks, and then she answers: "If it matters, I find you quite comfortable to be around, Togashi-san. Even after seeing your eyes." Her lips form a thin line as her expression becomes sheepish. The Doji scratches the back of her neck as she adds, "I understand that's not very helpful, since you'd prefer everyone be comfortable, yet... one hopes those with open hearts will always see you for who you are. We don't yet live in a world where kintsugi applies beyond objects, but there are surely still people who will find no fault in you for the things others fear." Oh, she's SO bad at this.

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

His gentle smile gains a touch if warmth that leeches into his voice as he replies "well thank you Doji-san, it seems there are many kind hearted people that have made their way here."

"For what it is worth I find talking with you quite calming as well. You have a refreshingly open way of viewing the world, a trait many samurai tend to lack." especially among the Crane he adds silently as he takes another sip of tea.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

His first reply is a bit of a nervous laugh. "I've heard that before. I've been told I'm a bit of an odd duckling! But, well, one lives as one does. Sincerity calls for us samurai to live true to ourselves, and my Way is one which tries to embrace people as they are..." Outside the battlefield, anyway. Still, her heart feels a little lighter! "Fate bringing us together is a blessing, I think, and I hope once this tournament ends, perhaps we could continue to speak through letters? If that is not too bold a request."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

He nods to her "Indeed it is, it feels as if we are kindred spirits set on one another's path. I would be happy to correspond with you after I return to the mountain.

"Though I do warn that I often neglected my calligraphy lessons. I hope Doji-san does not judge it too harshly." He adds with with a bit of mirth to his tone.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

He nods to her "Indeed it is, it feels as if we are kindred spirits set on one another's path. I would be happy to correspond with you after I return to the mountain.

"Though I do warn that I often neglected my calligraphy lessons. I hope Doji-san does not judge it too harshly." He adds with with a bit of mirth to his tone.

This time her laughter is boisterous and rather unladylike. "Oh, oh, don't you worry, Togashi-san," She covers her mouth with her sleeve... but Nadeshiko's still giggling as she continues, "My own calligraphy is quite unbecoming for a poet!" It takes her a good long moment to return to inner calm. The Crane's shoulders still twitch a bit even as her voice regains its even keel.

"What's it like, living among the mountains, then? Or -- ah -- am I keeping you?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"Well that is good." He says taking a sip of his tea as he forms a response "it is beautiful, harsh at times, winters can be brutal but there is a beauty in the brutality of nature sometimes. The High House of Light recieves visitors though not so many as other holdings since the journey there is not always an easy one."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"it is beautiful, harsh at times, winters can be brutal but there is a beauty in the brutality of nature sometimes. The High House of Light recieves visitors though not so many as other holdings since the journey there is not always an easy one."

"Would you care to elaborate what you mean, when you speak of the beauty in nature's brutality?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"It is beautiful in a brutal and uncaring way. Cold and distant, uncaring but gorgeous. The snow covered mountains jutting into the sky have been inspiration for decades to artists." He explained a bit.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"It is beautiful in a brutal and uncaring way. Cold and distant, uncaring but gorgeous. The snow covered mountains jutting into the sky have been inspiration for decades to artists." He explained a bit.

She imagines the peaks he speaks of, nods. "A place that can swallow men whole," Nadeshiko whispers. "I think I now understand what you mean. For us Crane, that place is often the ocean. It's what took our Lady, and if we are not careful, it can steal us as well. Yet our hearts still call our gaze to its dark waters."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"It is a good lesson, to learn that not everything beautiful is good. That beauty and an alluring nature can be just as dangerous as more obvious threats."

"Has Doji-san much experience with the sea? Or more of an admirer from afar?"

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"It is a good lesson, to learn that not everything beautiful is good. That beauty and an alluring nature can be just as dangerous as more obvious threats."

"Has Doji-san much experience with the sea? Or more of an admirer from afar?"

"I've been close enough to it," She answers, heart far off. The sound of the waves rings in her ears as the memories flood her mind. "Kyuden Doji is right by the sea. It's not very accessible, and you ought not go down there, but you can still see the ocean. The sea's most beautiful at twilight, when the light ripples across the water."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"Hmmm perhaps I will have to make the trip sometime. I have never seen the ocean before." His tone is thoughtful

"Do you take inspiration from the sea in your writings? You speak of it like you admire it quite a bit."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Do you take inspiration from the sea in your writings? You speak of it like you admire it quite a bit."

"I find nature, in general, inspiring." Her cheeks flush a bit; it's a little awkward talking about it, but she'll try. "You can use nature as shorthand and symbolism, or use natural imagery to set the mood of a piece. But -- for the sea..."

"In my work, the sea means many things. It is the passage of time, it is life itself, it is that which we can never know or understand -- things too big for our small lives to fully comprehend."

"Do you have something like that, Togashi-san?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

He listens with a reassuring smile seeing the flush of embarrassment and nodding along "I see, that is a beautiful sentiment Doji-san."

He pauses, thinking a bit "The sky I think. Especially the night sky. I know we have our stories about the Heavens but looking up into the depth of the night it seems too big to really understand. In some of my meditations I have lost more time than I know staring into its twinkling depths." He replied "I do not use it in much of my art but it is something I enjoy to contemplate."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"I do not use it in much of my art but it is something I enjoy to contemplate."

"Why don't you?" Her voice is barely above a whisper; she isn't sure she's even allowed to ask.

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

His expression shows no offense at her delving "it has never come up truly. My art is only partially mine the recipient has to agree to the designs and they make requests."

"I also don't know if I could do the feeling it gives me justice. Maybe some time in the future."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

His expression shows no offense at her delving "it has never come up truly. My art is only partially mine the recipient has to agree to the designs and they make requests."

"I also don't know if I could do the feeling it gives me justice. Maybe some time in the future."

"If you do, please tell me of it, or if somehow possible, I wish to see it. It would do my heart good to see the stars through your eyes."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"Well Doji-san I would be happy to recount the piece to you, show you the sketches that will exist but unfortunately it would be difficult to show you unless I brought the person with me. Unless you are volunteering to have a piece done on yourself." He said with a slight chuckle.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Well Doji-san I would be happy to recount the piece to you, show you the sketches that will exist but unfortunately it would be difficult to show you unless I brought the person with me. Unless you are volunteering to have a piece done on yourself." He said with a slight chuckle.

She blushes again as she considers it. Maybe... "I don't know if I'd want stars," Nadeshiko answers softly.