Jason
As Bayushi Kotori does whatever she does in the gardens, a servant walks up to her and bows saying "Konnichiwa, Bayushi-sama. A Crane man by the name of Kakita Kage has requested you at the entrance to the gardens."

The servant looks a little nervous that a Crane is fraternizing with Scorpion but that is not his place to say. But his discomfort is VERY clear.

The sun is at midday and when she greets the Crane he looks rather calm and almost amused. He presents a box. What is it I wonder?
Alexander
Kotori approached slowly, not intentionally, of course, but as befitting a woman of her station taking small steps and wearing elaborate kimono. She carried a parasol to shade her porcelain skin from the sun, though the gems on her mask glittered even in the shadows. A pleasant smile settled on her painted lips as she grew closer.

"Good day to you, Kakita-sama. Was a pleasant surprise to see you again." 

When he offered the gift, she smiled and shook her head. "A gift is unnecessary, I cannot possibly accept." 

"What brings you here, Kakita-sama? Are you here to visit the baths, or perhaps the menagerie? Please, allow me to be your guide."


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Jason
Kakita Kage was wearing a fine Kimono and -oddly enough- a small amount of subtly feminine makeup letting hint that there is something different about this Crane. He wore his rings the name on the custom ring now clear *Daidoji no Kakita Asami*.

"Good day to you as well, Bayushi-sama. I was hoping to see the menagerie. And I'd be honored if you showed me around."
He said those first and last parts as he bowed.

He was hoping his odd appearance wasn't off-putting.

"To be forthright I was merely hoping to see you again. You're a most fascinating person."
He looked around for the Yojimbo hoping he wouldn't interrupt his visit.
Alexander
Kotori smiled again, passing the gift off to a waiting attendant. She would open it later, as was proper, now devoting the entirety of her attention to her guest. 

"I would be delighted, Kakita-sama. This way." She bowed in response before making a slow, sweeping gesture to a path on their right. She began walking slowly, a comfortable strolling pace.

"To think I made such an impression in so short a time," Kotori teased him as they walked, "I see that your appearance is somewhat changed. Were you on your way to or from another engagement, or is the honor all mine?" 

Chances were high that someone from his clan had informed Kage that the gardens were one of the safest places in the city for a Scorpion aside from the embassy. While he was unlikely to see them, a person able and ready to protect the little Scorpion were always present. That was to say nothing of the dozens of gardeners and groundskeepers and other servants roaming the gardens carrying out their tasks. 

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Jason
He looked mildly uncomfortable at the mention of his manner of dress.

"The honour is all yours. The makeup is a day-to-day thing."

He kept that normal smile that looked like something was amusing him.

He was aware that being here was a little unpopular but he didn't particularly give a fuck right now. He looked around with what he attempted at subtlety but it was obvious that he was uncomfortable in such a place.
Alexander
"How wonderful." Her eyes narrowed in amusement. "It is an unusual look, but I think it suits you." 

As they progresses through the gardens, the calls of numerous birds could be heard the nearer they approached the menagerie. There were some other sounds as well, a strange almost bovine bellow, a low growl. There were other samurai visiting the gardens as well, strolling about either alone or in pairs, engaged in thought or conversation. More than one was seated on one of the grassy areas, enjoying the midday sun and perhaps a cup of tea. It really was a beautiful place, and no amount of clan bias could ever take that away, not truly.

"Have you been well since last we met? You look to be in good health and spirits both." 

She angled the parasol over her opposite shoulder so she could better give Kage her attention, glancing over at him frequently as they walked.

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Jason
"I have been fine. Had quite a stimulating theological conversation with a Unicorn Shugenja and a Mantis individual..." 

His voice did little to hide his distrust of Mantis. Odd that he'd distrust Mantis and Lion so much but Scorpion he was practically friendly with. 

"How about you? Hopefully you haven't heard anything bad about me"

 He said that last part almost jokingly with a tone of amusement, like the rumors were amusing to him. He looked over at a Scorpion couple having tea and almost seemed sad before returning his attention back his beautiful companion.
Alexander
"A discussion on theology... How interesting." Her brows arched up slightly behind her mask as she listened to him, wondering which individuals exactly he had met. 

Rounding another bend in the path, the menagerie came into view. There were more people gathered here, clustered in front of different enclosures or pens. 

"Why Kakita-sama, for what reason should I hear anything bad about you?" She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice playfully. "Have you been up to anything *Untoward?*"

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Jason
A momentary break in his charm occured where the fire in his eyes showed again but he quickly regained himself.

"Of course not. But you know, when you're a politician or a diplomat people spread *Untoward* Rumors and I want to make sure you don't have any false information about me"

Internally he was terrified. If she knew what he was she'd trust him. Shit. He shouldn't have brought it up.
Alexander
She hid a giggle behind her sleeve. "Oh, dear. Have you forgotten to whom you speak? We Scorpion are the epitome of untoward rumors and false information." 

Before they approached the animal enclosures, Kotori paused beside a copse of trees. She pointed towards an impressive spider web shining faintly gold in the light, in the center of which rested a large, colorful spider.

"It would not surprise me at all if people spread tales that I myself am a *Jorogumo*, luring unsuspecting men into my web to feed upon them." 

"It is good to be aware of rumors, but one should be cautious before giving them too much weight."

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Jason
He gave a slight chuckle at his own ignorance.

"Hehe. Well you see I have heard some interesting rumors about you. Some do consider you a *Jorogumo*. A nasty lie if you ask me. You're far too modest to be a *Jorogumo*. But I'm no fool. Most people have head rumours about who or *What* I might be. So I'm curiouos Bayushi-sama, what have ***You*** Heard?"

He hid his fear behind a mask of charming inquisitiveness. There *Were* Many rumours about him. Some said he was a *Yūrei*, others said he was an *Oni*, and still more held the -mostly untrue- notion that he was a *Shinobi*. But still there were more and far more nasty rumours and he wanted to make sure she would trust him
Alexander
She laughed when he confirmed the rumor she may be a literal man eater, the sound musical, almost twinkling. She looked at the impressive spider web for another moment before turning her gaze back to Kage, a smile still on her lips. "I am pleased to know you think better of me."

A few more steps brought them to the first enclosure; a wide, shallow rock pool perhaps three feet at its deepest, in which were a number of crabs. Many of the crabs were still or walking along the bottom slowly, lazily, clearly not on the hunt for food or anything else. However, as they stood, one of the crabs executed a remarkable behavior: it sprang straight up into the air from the pool, some several feet, before landing on the sandy bank. It then scuttled about slowly, in no particular direction. At least she no longer jumped in surprise when they did.

"What rumours have I heard, hm," She mulled the question over as she watched the crabs, making sure their numbers had not changed since the day before. One of the nearby birds had been getting a bit bold, and it wouldn't do to have the exhibits eating each other.

The expression on the face of the little Scorpion grew serious for a moment as she once again locked him within her vulpine stare. She was studying him, as though she could see behind his very eyes and into his soul. And then, she just smiled, as sweet and friendly as she'd ever been. 

"I have heard you are a great lover of the arts and a man of great resourcefulness, both of which traits I admire."

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Jason
He didn't fully believe that she hadn't heard any of the rumors but he didn't really care either.

"Well I'm flattered that you think so highly of me!"

He couldn't look away from her eyes. They were enrapturing. He wished he could stand there with her forever. He ended up looking away to see the birds, he particularly liked one bird with balls of jade. 

"You told me about something people say about you so I'll share something of mine. There are people who say I am an *Onryō*. That I have returned from the afterlife in search of revenge. That I am a brutal being of pure malice. Nasty rumor but there's not much I can do about it. What do you think of such things? Do you believe that spirits walk the world doing whatever it is that spirits do?"

He loved these conversations he had with her. Maybe he'd send her letters occasionally.
Alexander
This man was terribly amusing. Once again, speaking to a Scorpion about unflattering rumors. One may as well comment on the color of the sea or sky—almost always the shade was blue, if of varying shades or hues. Rumors were much the same; true or not, seldom were they good.

"While you perhaps *Could* Be an onryō in disguise, you seem to have manifested as the wrong gender." She purposefully gave him a sweeping up and down look to emphasize her point, still smiling. 

"Do I believe in spirits and yurei and yokai? I do, absolutely. If shugenja can speak to the kami—this we have both witnessed, I am sure—how can we deny the existence of other things which may be seldom seen, or seen only through special eyes?" She leaned in just a little, lowering her voice teasingly. "After all, I am allegedly a yokai myself. It wouldn't be right to deny my own existence." 

"And, Kakita-sama, were you a vengeful spirit, for what would you be seeking revenge? What wrongs have been committed against you?"

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Jason
His charming look faded and became one of sadness but he regained himself again. 

"It's not necessarily an appropriate topic. It was terrible is what I'll say. If you want to know more we'd need a more private meeting."

His eyes still looked sad, the fire died down. Kage looked like his soul had been cut. 

"But folk tales say that *Jorogumo* Are scorned women who devour men. Who scorned you?"

He was half joking but his knowledge of folklore did make him want to know.
Alexander
Seeing his expression droop, Kotori immediately ceased smiling and lowered her eyes apologetically. "A thousand apologies, Kakita-sama. I did not mean to dredge up painful memories."

The little Scorpion looked out towards the other animal enclosures, seeing the ill-tempered camel stalking about his pen and bellowing for who knew what reason. "Who has scorned me... That is a good question, Kakita-sama. I suppose it was be fair to say that many men have scorned me, though not necessarily in a romantic way."

"How amusing we should be discussing this." Her lips twitched up slightly but her smile was neither playful nor joyful. "Just the other day I was discussing yokai with a friend." 

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Jason
"It's fine. We all have bad experiences. Mine just still haunt me. But that's not important right now..."

He looks over at the camel as well and smiles. 

"Would you know where that camel is from? I've been many places -a perk of being a foreign diplomat for the Crane- maybe I've been to that camels home ***Chuckles***"

He was unsure how to ask his next question but decided to see her response to the camel question first. Work his way up. 

"Yokai? That's an interesting topic. And an interesting coincidence."
Alexander
"I think we are all haunted by something. Anyone who is not hasn't really lived." Fox-like eyes flashed over to Kage's face to assess his reaction. She'd unintentionally found a sore spot, and did not wish to poke it again. Not without good reason.

"I believe they are creatures native to The Burning Sands. So tells me a Unicorn." She smiled at the thought, shaking her head with a little laugh. "Did you know they *Spit*? And apparently quite regularly!" 

Kotori feigned a shudder of disgust. "Yes. My friend is allowing me to borrow his rather exquisite copy of *Kwaidan.* I was thinking that I would like to be a yuki-onna, if I must become a yokai." 

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Jason
He moved on from that uncomfortable topic. He decided to go more happy topics

"I've been there actually! A camel once spat on me. It was disgusting. Say perhaps I could talk more about my travels over a more formal cup of tea. Just the two of us?"

He knew he had grown attached to her quickly but he hoped it'd be worth it. She was a delightful woman.

"Sorry if the question is too bold. I would hate to offend you."
Alexander
Her brows arched slightly, but her smile remained; her poise was not so easily shaken. 

"I would very much enjoy to hear of your travels, Kakita-sama." She twisted her parasol slightly in her hands, slender fingers stroking slowly up and down the handle. Suggestive? Yes. 

"I am honored to accept your invitation, though we have to negotiate exactly what "Just the two of us" Means." Her eyes glinted playfully. "After all, I am an unmarried woman and unable to defend myself. Not from you, of course. I am sure you would *Never* Even think to do something... Perverse." The last word was spoken with intentional slowness, her smile remaining. "But, should we be set upon by ruffians? I could not dare burden you with my safety in addition to your own." 

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Jason
"Oh! Of course! How could I forget that haha! I guess you could bring your Yojimbo. His job ***Is*** To protect you. How does that sound? And perhaps at the same Tea House as last time we met?"

He was elated that she had accepted his invitation at all. He didn't relish the thought of the Yojimbo tagging along but what can you do. His eyes quite obviously -to anyone paying attention- were fixed on the movement of her hands.

"But I must assure you that safety isn't a concern, Bayushi-sama"

He slightly pulls back one side of his Kimono showing the hilt of a *Tanto*.

"I know it's rude to carry these around but you can understand a little Paranoia. I can pass this off to a servant now though if that'd be more comfortable. I want to see more but do not wish to offend"
Alexander
"I do not for a moment question your abilities, Kakita-sama." She smiled, slowly opening her hand and then curling her fingers back around the handle of her parasol one at a time in smooth succession. The fingers of a musician were nimble, indeed. 

"I will request he sit a short distance away, and only stay nearer during the trek to and from. Will that be a reasonable accommodation?" 

"And I take no offense, Kakita-sama. We are all due the right to protect ourselves. Come, let me show you more of the animals." She began walking towards another enclosure. In this one, a very strange looking animal with an extremely long snout snuffled at the ground as it walked. The front paws were lighter than the back, producing an odd effect that occasionally made the animal seem to have two heads. While the long claws on its forefeet looked vicious, it seemed a docile animal, a long tail swishing the ground lazily like a broom. 

"This is Gurume. He's become one of my favorites recently." Kotori's expression took on a more gentle cast as she watched the animal amble about, sniffing here and there. 

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Jason
"That is quite a reasonable accommodation. And thank you for understanding."

He was worried that carrying a weapon -even one as small as his *Tanto* Would be viewed as an insult. This animal though was quite fascinating.

"Gurume? He's a fun animal. I can see why you like him so much. Do you always take to odd looking creatures?"

That last part was a subtle reference to his unusual appearance from the make-up to the vitiligo splotches. He liked making humour about his own appearance at times.
Alexander
"He's very gentle, despite his size and claws. The keepers tell me he enjoys having his belly rubbed. I suppose many people might be tamed in much the same way, a fully stomach and a comfortable home. Include affection, and what more is required?" 

Oddly enough, she had never given the pale patches on his hands and face more than a passing glance, the way one might assess a stranger's hair style or eye color. Kotori glanced from the giant anteater back to the Crane, tipping her head with a grin.

"I try to find beauty in all things, even those which may be unconventional or strange. Tell me, Kakita-sama, does the garden please you thus far? We aim to make this a place of peace and tranquility with the city where things may so often be contentious and cruel."

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Jason
It was odd that she didn't judge Kage's splotches. Normally people ostracise him for his strange look.

"The garden is beautiful. Quite a peaceful place. What is your favourite thing in the Garden?"

He wanted to keep this conversation for a while. It was nice. He wondered what he'd put in those letters he planned on setting.
Alexander
"My favorite thing..." She pondered the question for a moment, strolling over to the enclosure which held the woodcock hen and her chicks. The juvenile birds were no where to be seen, though the adult was performing her bounce and step dance, every so often digging her beak into the dirt. 

"There is a quiet pavillion further into the gardens that I like. I find myself going there for solace and when I wish to compose." 

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Jason
"That sounds quite delightful. Would you show it to me? I think this would be a fine place for making one of my paintings in the future"

He loved the way the light bounced off the flowers and the antics that the animals would get up to. Every sound, every sight, and every smell brought him more joy then before.

"The Scorpion are far more beautiful then they are given credit for. This garden is like a paradise. And the people are beautiful too"

He said that last line with a subtle wink.
Alexander
Kotori smiled at his flattery, demurely lowering her eyes. "You are much too kind. But I am pleased to hear you find the gardens to be a beautiful place."

"You mention you paint. What are some of your favorite subjects? Perhaps I might acquire one of your works in the future." 

It was true, the gardens *Were* Stunning. The numerous winding paths were all meticulously maintained, all the flora carefully planted and pruned for maximum aesthetic appeal. In the summer, when more of the flowers were in bloom, it would be an even more incredible sight.

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Jason
"You are most welcome. And I tend to paint people or animals. Mostly people. Particularly women. I once painted the Crane Daimyō for his child." 

He liked talking about his art. While at heart he was a politician, he was also an artist. His eyes sparkle when he talks about his art.

"I'd love to make a painting for you sometime. I'd be happy to get you a piece. Sadly though I cannot do so for free. You know how it works right?"
Alexander
As Kage spoke, Kotori produced a fan from her open, snapping it open and giving a few lazy flaps towards her face. She held it in front of her face then, so only her eyes were exposed. 

"I would not *Dream* Of not providing compensation for your endeavors, Kakita-sama. An artist should be given just recompense. After all, it is not merely effort we expend when creating, is it? We impart a piece of our very soul."

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Jason
"A Scorpion who appreciates Fine Art! That is quite wonderful. No offense intended to your Clan but it's not often that I find someone of the Scorpion who properly understand what does into making true art."

He did not intend to insult but did want to be honest. He wondered what piece he would get for her.

"How would you like an original painting of the Emperor himself? I made one a while back but haven't sold it yet"

He didn't make that specific piece but wasn't going to admit it's actual origins. He had a feeling this woman would not appreciate a fence. One problem: there had been a lot of very loud chatter about a stolen painting of the emperor -that had been painted by a Unicorn not a Crane- he hoped that wouldn't blow up in his face/
Alexander
Kotori nodded vaguely at his comment regarding her clan and their apparent philistine ways. Granted, it was a Crane speaking such words, but did he really think her kinsmen so... Coarse? Did he secretly think the same way of her, and his words had been nothing but flattery? Uncomfortable uncertainty began to encroach at the corners of her thoughts. 

That caught her quite by surprise, and she turned to face Kage fully. "You've actually met His Imperial Majesty?" She stared at him openly, though whether her look was one of awe, surprise, or doubt was impossible to tell. "I had no idea you were so well connected, Kakita-sama."

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Jason
"Once a while ago. I was commissioned as a foreign diplomat. I had the chance to make a painting with His Imperial Majesty's permission. And do forgive my disrespectful word earlier. Your clan has many beautiful thing and are a beautiful people. It's just I've never seen scorpion art or heard of Scorpion appreciation of art. It took me bt surprise is all. Not at your clans fault but due to my prejudice"

He did not mean to offend but was happy to brag. He had actually met the Emperor but this piece was not the one he painted. That one had already been sold. To the Emperor.
Alexander
"I perhaps am unworthy to be in His illustrious presence, even if merely in the form of a portrait." Kotori glanced away at nothing in particular, giving another slow flap of her fan. "I am certainly still interested in acquiring one of your works, however. Do you have a studio where I may come to view your paintings?"

She began to walk again, taking small, slow steps. "We are not the black-hearted villains that others are so eager to paint us." Was that a hint of melancholy in her voice? Quite possibly. It was too somber to be reproach. If he was attentive, Kage might notice that her eyes had taken on the faintest of sorrows, the playful light dimming ever so slightly.

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Jason
Kage noticed the light dimming and thought he should introduce her to the pieces he had actually made.
"I do happen to have a studio. It's a bit secluded but it's close to the Crane Embassy. I like that it's close to work as you can imagine. I'd be honoured if you were to stop by my studio some time"
He was trying to recover after his little bump in etiquette there. He glanced around and all of a sudden his paranoia set in. Fuck not now. This was going so well.
Alexander
"I shall have to visit in the near future then." Kotori flashed him a smile, that, while small, was sincere. "I am told the Crane embassy is every bit as beautiful as one would expect, though I have yet to make a visit there myself."

But then Kage's eyes seemed to dart here and there, like an animal hemmed in on all sides. Conered, she stopped where they were, and turned to face him. "Kakita-sama, are you alright?"



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