Southern sands (D10 EA)

[Doji Yoshino]

The sand garden was on the South of town. Shizenko was going to head South. So, Yoshino had gotten there in the morning and started a painting of the town. By the early afternoon it was finished.

She set it in the sun to dry as she wandered the sand garden. She kept her eyes open for the Fox shugenja...

[Kitsune Shizenko]

The Fox Shugenja was walking around the places she had visited in Teitaku. Now she was followed by her assistant tanuki since he is now awake. She noted the Doji and smiled. "Good afternoon Doji sama. I hope the fortunes have blessed you today."

[Doji Yoshino]

I knew I'd spot you from here. Yoshino smiled as she raised a hand in greeting. She walked closer before offering a bow. "Good afternoon Kitsune-san. I've eaten, and you?" She asks cheerfully. "And good afternoon to you too Raakun."

[Kitsune Shizenko]

I got a fish head! Raakun seemed excited when asked.

"Raakun and I have been blessed. It is nice to see you." She smiled. "It is a bittersweet day neh."

[Doji Yoshino]

"Isn't it?" She agrees. "Do you know what you'll be doing next?"

[Kitsune Shizenko]

"To Daidoji lands... maybe find an Ikebana sensei. I have to explore Akagi Mori to learn more about the flora and the fauna." She nodded.

[Doji Yoshino]

"I have a few Daidoji connections. I don't know an ikebana sensei among the Daidoji, but I do know someone who would know." Yoshino is happy to say. "I could write you a letter of introduction."

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Shizenko smiled brightly. "I couldn't impose but I would be very honored to have such letter and meet someone who can help.me develop that idea of the flowers representing each clan."

[Doji Yoshino]

"I'll try to help you find a good path. It would be my pleasure." She gingerly held up a hand. "But, before that, could you have a look at something?"

She gestured to something on the ground some metres away. It was a canvas. The now mostly dry painting of the town was waiting for Shizenko's inspection. "I'd like your opinion on it."

-----

Fluff painting roll: painting with one raise, TN20: 23 = pass

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Shizenko nodded, moved to the painting and started analysing it. Raakun also looked at the painting.

It could use more animals.

"It is fine as it is... It doesn't need any animals." She replied to the tanuki. " It looks good."

[Doji Yoshino]

"Animals...?" She asks, moving to stand by Shizenko and join her in staring at it. "I suppose a few birds in the nearest tree would be nice. Should I add them in...?" Her paint was nearby. It wouldn't be difficult, although she'd need to wash her brush again.

[Kitsune Shizenko]

"Hmmm... may be a few cranes to represent the clan."

Raakun nodded. See it does need animals.

"Now you are a paint critic?" Shizenko shook her head then looked at the Doji. "I gave him the assistant title and it has gone to his head."

[Doji Yoshino]

"A flying Crane would be easy enough..."

She watched the exchange between the tanuki and the shugenja. She didn't understand it so the explanation was appreciated. "I see?" She really didn't.

Yoshino moved to get her paints to add in the additional features. "Please wait a little while. I'd like your opinion on the inclusions."

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Shizenko knew it was weird taking criticism from a tanuki.

She should also put a tanuki in memory of my friends.
Shizenko blinked. " Your tanuki friends are thieves! We were lucky that Doji sama didn't kick us out." She shook her head.

It was just a prank and they were hungry.

"Next time come to me and I will procure the food." The Kitsune turned to the Doji and sighed. "Well, he wants a tanuki... and may be an animal to represent each element... cranes would be air, tanuki earth. I just wonder what would represent fire and water?"

[Doji Yoshino]

"Perhaps Raakun should make his own painting?" It was a polite a way as any of saying no.

Yoshino still found the one sided chatter with the tanuki odd, but she had no doubt there was some sort of communication taking place. She carefully adds a few common birds that were currently visible to branches of a tree in the foreground. A crane flying distantly high overhead came last...

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Shizenko nodded. "The birds look good. Perhaps I should give him some paint and a canvas for him to make a painting. He knows how to dance and he has practiced some painting and calligraphy." She explained to the Doji.

[Doji Yoshino]

Would Yoshino ever get used to this? Probably not. She sort of nods her head in vague agreement.

"Actually, I wanted your opinion for another reason." Yoshino says as she packs things up. The painting is picked up and held out to Shizenko. "I thought you might like a memento of your time here."

[Kitsune Shizenko]

The Kitsune's eyes grew wide. "Oh my Doji sama I not worthy of such thing."

[Doji Yoshino]

"Nonsense. You are a Sapphire Ambassador. You are worthy of a humble painting." She counters, as the gifting ceremony begins.

[Kitsune Shizenko]

"It would be better if you keep it to be reminded of the friends you made here." The woman bowed.