Barbara
The library had changed in the past few months. While it still remained the same grounded space filled with all variety of written word, if someone were to look closer, it was different than before. The books and scrolls, clean and organized, revealed a level of care previously absent. Small personal touches showed, a bit of art at the end of the shelves, a few maps displayed around, and most noticeable, the curators desk in the back. 

There Kita sat, surrounded by stacks of organized chaos. The oversized bookstand nearby stood empty; the Golden Histories laid open in front of her. Strands of escaped hair framed her face as she leaned forward studying the pages, now and against taking notes on a paper close at hand.

She had become aware lately that the library might be garnering more visitors. She kept an ear open while she studied for anyone that might arrive.

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Paul
_It was quiet, as Kita sat in the library; going about her duties before she would notice an anomaly in the air of the room, a disturbance of presence and sure enough; there would be Kashikoi, glancing up at Asako with his common gentle smile and a wave._

"Greetings Asako-san, apologies for the intrusion; I heard about this library and simply had to see it for myself! It might even rival the great libraries of Kyuden Isawa."

_He said, chuckling towards the end as he flipped a page in one of the tomes before him._
Barbara
At the sense that someone was there, Kita had looked up to notice Kashikoi. She returned the smile, standing to hurry towards the fellow Phoenix, *Ah, a familiar face!*

"Isawa-san! I am pleased to see you again. I hope you have been well. No need for apologies, you are always welcome."

She looked down somewhat modestly, trying to keep her pride from being too apparent, though a slight bit of color rising in her cheeks that matched the flowers of her kimono. *It really is coming together I think.*

"It's certainly no contender against the great libraries, but i would like to think it does our embassy proud. What brings you to the library?"
Paul
"Simply perusing the knowledge on hand, reading is such a wonderful pastime. Especially if there is a particularly well written pillow book."

_He says, holding up a tome; not a pillow book, but he gestures to it all the same as he continues to go about reading while speaking._

"It does give my mind something to latch onto in the present, around me, that is not ... Well, _private_."

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Barbara
"Then there are many options to choose from here."

She waved an arm at the surrounding shelves, then turned back to Kashikoi with a gentle laugh looking at the title in his hand.

"That one though, is more likely to put your head on the pillow in slumber than give any of the enjoyment of a pillow book. There's a few of those hidden in among the more serious volumes ."
*And several more in my personal collection*

"Books can be a great escape, can't they? A place to hide away from the chaos."
Paul
"Indeed, whole tales told without threat or censure; depending on the contents now."

_Kashikoi said, chuckling as he puts down the book and holds up one of the pillow books he had found earlier._

"I was actually saving that for a moment later, to enjoy once I had set aside my more serious research. How did you put this collection together Asako-san?"

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Barbara
Kita returned a pleasant smile, "Yes, more like that. Do you have a particular favorite?"

"I believe the library has been a hidden gem in f the embassy. I'm not sure how long it's been here, but it long predates my arrival. Although I did bring some additions to the collection with me that Shiba lemon-sama had requested." 
*Becoming my excuse to disappear to here*
"And since then have added a few more items."
Her glance turned back to the large volume sitting, closed now, on her desk,

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Paul
"I see the personal touch, it does much to give life to the space. The kami are quite pleased with it, I imagine."

_He raises a brow, looking to Kita with a concerned yet smiling gaze._

"Duties proving to be much on the mind and spirit, Asako-san? Come, sit with me. Relieve yourself of your burdens onto a maddened Ishiken who speaks in riddles and prophecies."

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Barbara
A pleased expression crossed her face with the compliment, "I hope so, I am glad that it shows. It's no shrine, but I hope that it is agreeable to the kami all the same."

She waved a hand at his concern, *Have I let on that it's too much?*
"My duties are not burdensome, but I'd be more than happy to sit with you and visit. I always have time for my cryptic Isawa friend. Please,"

She motioned to one of the low tables near the front of the room surrounded by a few cushions.

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Paul
_Kashikoi's brow furrows just slightly as he taps a finger to his temple._

"Remember, we Ishiken are possessed of ... How did my sensei put it? Strange and unusual abilities. I can _hear_."

_He does move to the table, sitting comfortably on one of the cushions, sighing contently as he does so._

"Ahh, fine luxuries."

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Barbara
Kita nodded and followed his lead, taking a seat on one of the nearby cushions. She exhaled slowly, allowing her thoughts now to start to unravel in their usual manner.
*I did try to keep my mind calm; focused on the words I would speak, when I realized who was here. I suppose it only lasts so long without more practice.*

 She gave Kashikoi a lop-sided grin,
"I did not forget. But I did also remember some of the unpleasantness that I inadvertently shared before."

Her expression returned more serious again, contemplating his question. 
"I suppose, self-imposed busyness as much as assigned duties that has spoken for my time. To best understand my place here, I believe I should try to know the city and its people, friend and adversary, even in the guise of relaxation. Besides trying to do justice to the work I've been asked to complete."
*Including dealing with a ronin showing up in our doorstep with a research project*
"It is not too much. But I will admit, with your prodding, that it is a lot."
She gave a small shrug, relaxing her posture at the admission.

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Paul
"Never be afraid to admit when life begins to overwhelm. At least to _me_, I will do what I can do aid. Whether that be direct action or simply lending a listening ear,"

_Kashikoi smiles, now more sheepish as he hears Kita reveal her remembering his ability, chuckling bashfully._

"Apologies, and yes. It is hard, the only people I've known to lock me out completely were other Ishiken or Shugenia utilizing unique talents."

_He nods, brow raising at the thought through Kita's mind of a ronin, but generally thinks on Kita's words._

"I appreciate the care, before I forget to mention. You take great pride in your work and do it well."

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Barbara
"An understanding ear is more than enough and I appreciate the kind words. I'm sure there are many that are more qualified than myself, but I do very much enjoy being here at the embassy, serving our clan however is needed."
*As long as I continue to improve myself and don't screw up too badly along the way. So far so good.*

She had been looking down at the table before them, but now looked back up at Kashikoi. Noticing the sheepish smile she hurried to clarify, 
"Oh no, not that I was trying to shut you out. I didn't know that was an option to be honest. But I had been thinking about it after we had first met. It did seem to be a bit much for you at times. I had decided I might try, if it would help. I know my brain, *And mouth* Tend to run on at times. I suppose it's only fitting then to accept your aid in return."

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Paul
"I would not blame you if you were, but yes. It can be done, but by skilled individuals."

_He nods, listening intently._

"Just be careful not to overextend yourself. Fear of failure can often result in stagnation which can become failure. Besides, I doubt you could beat the incident that turned the Unicorn against us. Unless you can call upon the kami,"

_He says, mimicking the sound of lightning._

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Barbara
*That might be something interesting to research more, later...* Her eyebrows raised slightly in curiosity at the thought, then dismissed it for now. 

"I have been trying to find ways to unwind, although several have led back into work." *The ghost story pillow book that led that led almost directly to researching yokai for one...* Her thoughts filled in.
"That, and I keep running across Scorpion. Not that any have been unkind, in fact quite the opposite. And we are working with them, to whatever extent, but it's wise not to let one's guard down too far, right? Anyhow, it's good to be able to speak with one of our own clan."

A grateful smile crossed her face, then was replaced by a brief look of shock at the mention of the incident, and a stifled laugh as she clamped her hand over her mouth as Kashikoi caught her off guard with the crackling sound.

"Oh dear!" *It's so irreverent, you shouldn't* DO *That* 
Struggling to regain herself, she gave him a reproving look. 
"I'll try to remember that, when my worries threaten to get the better of me. But it does make it that much more vital to manage appearances now."

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Paul
"Apologies, you are correct; I shouldn't make light of something so tragic."

_He does shift to a sheepish look before devolving back into his usual serene smile._

"There is no harm in enjoying the hospitality shown to us by the Scorpion, but yes; be on guard. Many Scorpion plot behind paper doors, and smile at us while doing so."

_He waves a hand, before returning to his relaxed position._

"You should do fine Asako-san, you are smart, wise and level-headed. You should do well, very well indeed. I endeavor to match your potential,"

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Barbara
Kita's reproving look faded, thoughts running on for the moment. *Surely from outside there was a certain amount of amusement that could be found in the situation from those that wouldn't wish us well. From what I've seen from my limited time here, our position here may have been -impotent- before, but that little slip put us Phoenix here in the city in an ever poorer place to leverage any influence we have. We have wise leaders though, moving in the right direction. Steps on the path, one after another, that's all we can do.*

Realizing she had lapsed into not-so-silent thought, she gave her companion a gentle smile. 
"I am curious, if I can ask; Do many outside of the Phoenix know of your 'gift'?"

At his kind words she gave a genuine laugh, reaching up to tame a lock of hair that had fallen free. "Me? Exceeding the potential of an -ishiken-? No, I simply endeavor to serve as I can."

She raised an eyebrow at him now, nodding to the book he had pulled from the shelf. "So your visit here was not simply to see your librarian in need of reassurance. Was there something in particular you were hoping to find?"
Paul
"Indeed, and also pertaining to your question; I cannot count myself as not having caused issue. A few do, mostly due to my own negligence and ... Admitted lack of control over my abilities. Some from the Unicorn, a Dragon I believe, here and there. It was brought to the Karo's attention and he scolded me for my lack of tact and control."

_Kashikoi says casually, nodding as he admits his shame. He then blinks to her and laughs lightly,_

"Do not underestimate yourself, Asako-san. We all have our destinies and potential; just because I am Ishiken does not mean I am better."

_Kashikoi smiles, holding up the book._

"I came to see the library, perhaps speak; perhaps inspire the librarian. The weave of fate works odd, would you not agree?"

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Barbara
His admittance caused Kita to raise an eyebrow with a mixture of curiosity and concern *So far the Dragon don't seem any cause for concern, but the Unicorn? That seems it could possibly be more problematic. I suppose time will tell there, for both.*
Imagining a scolding from Sanumo made her fight back a small smile. The Karo had seemed rather even-tempered in all their interactions so far, but she understood that he also viewed his duties and the actions of those assigned to their embassy with a great deal of seriousness.

"Are there particular methods that help improve your control over it? Outside of outright avoidance I suppose. Meditation or?"

She returned his smile, "I am very glad you did. Fate does weave in peculiar ways, but I am finding even for the odd patterns come out beautiful in the end."
Paul
"So far, simply focusing on the moment helps. The breeze, the sounds; they help cement the present. For the thoughts, I try to think louder. It works. Occasionally."

_Kashikoi nodded, thinking back to his meeting with Sanumo._

"He does mean well, and is simply trying to uphold the Phoenix's noble mission and ideals. I deserved that scolding, but left it with more victory than failure."

_He chuckled, looking at, and almost over, Kita._

"All patterns have a beauty to them; some just need a different perspective to truly enjoy them."

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Barbara
She nodded, recognizing some of the same practices she used to quiet her own mind. Even with their differences there were similarities beneath. 
"I am finding there are more places that afford a haven from the noise and chaos here than I would have originally thought." She chuckled, "Think louder? And drown them out? If that works, then certainly."

"It's good then, that there was a victory in your visit with Asako-sama. That's something to strive for - gaining some positive outcome, to learn and better ourselves."
*Oh, and now I hear my father,* She grimaced slightly. *I do miss him, but I do not miss the lectures.*

Allowing the thought to pass, she added. "Speaking of patterns makes me think of poetry, music... Prayers even?"
Paul
"It can, granted one has to visualize thoughts as something that can be louder. Which is difficult,"

_He nodded, grabbing the book he had been reading and turning the page as he absentmindedly read for a moment, letting the words flow briefly before looking back._

"It can, we as mortal humans like our consistent patterns; they are appealing. It would make sense that the Kami would also see to weave the fabric of fate in such ways."

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Barbara
Kita thought back to the recent conversation she had with a musician about something similar as he flipped through the pages of the book, one of the tunes she had played running through her mind, playing with different words that might fit the melody, *We will have to get back together soon and see about some collaboration, I think I would enjoy that very much*
As he spoke up she was brought back to the present, the tune ending abruptly.

"I think all people find some comfort in familiar rhythms to things, although some certainly more than others. Our other Isawa friend here, the painter? He seems to thrive more in chaos that I could ever tolerate. Have you been by his studio?"
She couldn't help a chuckle at the memory of the disarray she had found Naoki in while he was mid-project.

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