Guess who's back. Back again (D6 EA)

[Doji Yoshino]

"I won't be the Champion so it wouldn't be my place to speculate." Yoshino states for politeness' sake. "However, hypothetically... I would not have any Ambassadors go around the Empire displaying their art. No, I would bring in Ambassadors to visit all over the Empire to learn art. They could then return to their home Clans and spread appreciation for the art of others. It is easier to show something alien to family than to convince strangers that the alien thing you bring them is good. It would also show more respect for everyone's art than being dictated to by outsiders." She tapped her finger gently on the table. "If it were a business then it would be the difference between you returning to the Capital to show your family and peers some new goods you found there, versus you going to the Capital with trinkets our family have made and trying to convince strangers to buy them. Strangers you do not know well in all likelihood. I do believe art and sharing needs to go both ways, but I'd lay a stronger foundation of trust and acknowledgement before seeking investment in my own products."

She rubbed her right hand over the top of her left. "The idea isn't flawed, but operating it from the start like the Jade or Emerald Offices... well." Yoshino shook her head. "It'll make things harder than they need to be in my humble opinion."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"The idea isn't flawed, but operating it from the start like the Jade or Emerald Offices... well." Yoshino shook her head. "It'll make things harder than they need to be in my humble opinion."

Nadeshiko nods as she listens, finding it all very practical.

"Do you think the Sapphire Champion might have much sway in that, were they to establish that sort of tradition with their own duties? And what of the Ambassadors? I would happily bring art home to share, myself, and had planned to write all I saw in the case of cherished treasures, too."

[Doji Yoshino]

"I truly don't have an idea. I would imagine our Clan will choose someone they can influence, so Ambassadors will likely be following Crane wishes." She didn't sound happy or sad about this. It was matter of fact.

"If I'm chosen then I'd like to bring art and creative ideas back too. It ought to be an exchange. Mutual respect and acknowledgement, ne?"

She had another sip of tea.

"Are you feeling a little hungry?" This was the tea shop famous for snacks.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Are you feeling a little hungry?"

"Hm," Is all she says at first; she's her own thoughts on the matter, and hopes, too. As her fellow Doji speaks she drinks her tea. At the girl's finish, she firmly answers, "Of course you'll be chosen, Yoshino-san! Your work's splendid and your talents many. Only a fool would deny you." Nadeshiko sternly nods -- she believes it.

At the mention of food, she brightens. "Yes! Shall we split something?"

[Doji Yoshino]

"... Most other members of our family are not this kind or supportive of me, Nadeshiko-san. I'm grateful..." She rubbed around her eyes. Clearly there was some dog fur or something in the air. "Excuse me. Let's split something, yes. What would you like?"

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Excuse me. Let's split something, yes. What would you like?"

There's a brief pause, and then, gently, barely above a whisper, "I'm only speaking the truth, Yoshino-san." She then smiles as they bounce to something that will hopefully be comforting: "Oh, what would you recommend? I'm quite happy with anything sweet, though..." Nadeshiko wouldn't mind a full meal, either... she has a stomach for meals and a stomach for snacks. "Really, I'd love to share your favorite."

[Doji Yoshino]

She acknowledges the statement with a little nod, but says nothing in response. Instead there was the allure of food. Sharing was about to be dangerous. They were both foodies. Oh my!

"Some wagashi would go well with many of the teas... or would you like something savoury to start, and sweets after?" The food talk had begun in earnest!

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Some wagashi would go well with many of the teas... or would you like something savoury to start, and sweets after?" The food talk had begun in earnest!

"Oooh..." Her stomach's already rumbling at the thought. "Savoury, then sweet? Yes, please! That sounds... very good... do you have a particular sweet you favor? I love sakura mochi!"

[Doji Yoshino]

"Many..." Yoshino mumbled with some embarrassment. One day she really ought to write a treatise on Rokugani snacks. "Sakura mochi are very good. It's a little early for them, but let's see if they can do them. Shall we have some dumplings followed by sakura mochi?" She asks, brightening up. "With Honey Ginger Chamomile?"

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Many..." Yoshino mumbled with some embarrassment. One day she really ought to write a treatise on Rokugani snacks. "Sakura mochi are very good. It's a little early for them, but let's see if they can do them. Shall we have some dumplings followed by sakura mochi?" She asks, brightening up. "With Honey Ginger Chamomile?"

"Oh, Yoshino-san, you're a girl after my own heart!" Nadeshiko wiggles a little in her seat, cheeks pink. "I'd love dumplings, and maybe a little miso, and do you think they have any veggies? With that sakura mochi, and honey ginger chamomile... that sounds divine..."

[Doji Yoshino]

"Then let's turn it into lunch. It's hard to do work or to be creative on an empty stomach, ne?" It was a sound justification. "Some miso does sound tempting." Yoshino confines in Nadeshiko.

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Then let's turn it into lunch. It's hard to do work or to be creative on an empty stomach, ne?" It was a sound justification. "Some miso does sound tempting." Yoshino confines in Nadeshiko.

"Mm, doesn't it? I can't help but always feel a little comforted when I have miso." Their order's hailed, Nadeshiko brightening even further knowing now food's on the way. "I think we're kindred spirits, you and I. Though our paths have been quite different." Her voice is warm and even, almost like a hug.

[Doji Yoshino]

"Nothing beats miso on a cold day." Yoshino asserts. The miso lovers had found one another. Nadeshiko was absolutely right. Yoshino's own voice is far mellower and softer than it usually ever is. "You may be right Nadeshiko-san. I'm glad that, though our paths have been different, we have ended up at the same stopping point for a little while. This way we could meet."

She lifts her tea cup.

"It's not sake, but... 'to new beginnings', ne?"

/ Scene?

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"It's not sake, but... 'to new beginnings', ne?"

/ Scene?

Oh, yes, how wonderful life is, to find souls who understand you when you least expect them: Nadeshiko raises her cup, nodding with a happy laugh,

"To new beginnings, Yoshino-san, and bright futures ahead!"

/scene!