Nedra
Obscured by trees and ringed by walls, the Bayushi estate presented a perfectly proper, yet perfectly archetypical Scorpion manor. The trees cast the grounds into permanent shade and the gardens were modest for lack of proper light. 

The house proper consisted of several comfortable sets of apartments meant for the use of any Bayushi. Up to a dozen samurai could be comfortably, if closely, housed together. Like Kyuden Bayushi itself walls could be repositioned as necessary to give the residents the privacy they needed or open up the floor plan for easier meetings. 

The Scorpion known as Kaori was out in the rock garden, the gravel softly shifting against her bare feet as she drilled a draw cut with her left hand only, not even using her right to brace the saya. It was slow, frustrating work, the movement very basic. It was hard to add subtle misdirection to an attack when she was handicapped. Tori stood nearby with a pitcher of water, patently waiting for her mistress to demand refreshment. 

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Al
The rustling against the gravel drew the immediate attention of a certain visiting magistrate. Kana started making her way around the estate proper to the source of the sound. "OI! BAYUSHI-SAN!" She greeted cheerfully.

Kana approached dressed in more of a Mantis green kimono today, a the orange limited to the tie for her Obi and the tiger lilies embroidered on the sleeve. As was rather common for her, the kimono had a small slit in the leg up to around her knee.

She smiled warmly to Kaori as she spproached, delighted to see her hope had worked out.

*A much better meeting place than that damned cell.*

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Nedra
The sword spun through the Scorpion's fingers and slid back into the saya. She turned and bowed to her guest. "Moshi-sama, a very great pleasure to see you again," She said. Her black eyes studied the kimono, reading the meanings there before she looked up. As was her custom now she wore no mask. "Tori! Fetch tea and refreshments for our guest!" 

She waved a hand to the side where several cushions were set up in the grass. The cool shade of the trees and the early season precluded much of a lawn, but where sun could reliably be coaxed through the trees the grass was carefully cultivated. "Be at ease, rest your feet. How does the day find you? Are you well?" 

Her sword rested beside her on her left, normally an insulting position but Kaori was obviously confined to her left hand for the time being. Tori had been anticipating Kana's arrival because she reappeared almost as soon as she had vanished, a tea tray in hand. 

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Al
"Likewise, Bayushi-san," She replied, taking a moment to study her own kimono. "I see you've wasted no time getting back to sharpening your skills. How are things feeling with that? Have you noticed any improvement in your range of motion?" She didn't necessarily want to overwhelm the newly released Scorpion with a bunch of questions, but friends or no, she was still here in the role of physical therapist, and still intended to do her job well.

"As for myself, well enough! There was a very... Interesting, let's say, encounter with a very poorly behaved Samurai the other day," She noted, chuckling awkwardly. "Well, I am not sure if I should say Samurai, or rather the worst shinobi I have ever seen in action. Not that I have seen many... But you get my meaning," She said, smoothing out her kimono and taking a seat on the grass. "Aside from that, I am still managing to claw my way out from my paperwork long enough to do my rounds, so I have naught to complain of.

"Ah, thank you, Tori-san!" Kana chirped to Kaori's assistant, accepting a cup and holding it in both hands.

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Nedra
"I've been very careful with my range of motion. The last thing I want now is a setback." Kaori's arm was always strapped to her chest when she was not bathing. "The pain is more manageable now that I can see to my own medication. I intend to go straight to the baths after this session." 

She flicked back her hair and took a cup as well. "You had a Shinobi run across your path? Well and how did that go for them? I did not hear any blasts of lightning this morning. Will we be viewing a hanging later?" 

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Al
"Oh, I think for a moment the man fancied himself a shinobi," She began, taking a sip of the tea. She closed her eyes a brief moment, sitting with the flavor before she continued to speak. "The fool grabbed a parasol, hid behind it in front of me, and then rolled behind a building. And I do not jest when I say this - the man *Literally* Rolled!" Kana could scarcely make it through the explanation without giggling, holding on to her cup a bit tighter to avoid spilling.

"Of course, then he challenged me to hostilities, insulted my clan, and loudly announced his intention to falsely accuse me of obstruction of justice. Fortunately for him, I did not see fit to tie his arms into a knot right then and there. In terms of what happened next, I'm afraid I cannot promise much in the way of excitement," She sighed. "Moshi Mai-sama and I visited the Phoenix ambassador, and he was dealt with."

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Nedra
"He sounds completely moon-struck," Kaori shook her head in wonder. "But you say... He was of the Phoenix? They are always strange, the Kami sometimes see fit to change their minds. I often think that it is dangerous to reach for powers that are not given to us." 

She shrugged. "But Saori-chan is a shugenja, so I may just speak out of concern for her. Why did you not club this fool though? Surely a woman of your talents could have made a swift example of such foolishness."

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Al
"Oh, the Kami had nothing to do with this one's particular breed of madness, I assure you," She replied. "As for why I did not? Well... For one, let us say a common acquaintance has taught me the dangers of what even simple, justified actions and words can bring when one is intending to twist them. Secondly, as much as he may have deserved it, while he beckoned me to fight, I would have been the first to lay my hands on him."

She took another sip of her tea. "It's something I've seen before. Someone attempting to provoke you into taking the first action so that they can claim that they're the aggrieved party. It would have been playing right into his trap, and I would have been a fool to jump right in when he made it so obvious."

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Nedra
The Scorpion had the good grace to wince slightly at the gentle rebuke. "You acted wiser and more gracefully than I would in such a case," She said, flicking her hair back from her face. "I am a sword, and the sword is my first solution. To withhold and allow wiser heads to prevail is something I still lack. I did deliver a murderess up to the law once, but they only hanged her a few days later anyway and I did not see the mercy in it." Kaori had her own thoughts on capital punishment that were not relevant to the conversation. 

"Well, I am glad that the situation is resolved anyway. Do you think he was acting alone or was the trap laid by his betters?" 

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Al
"You raise a good point..." Kana took a sip of her tea. "It's an odd sort of protocol that asks us to be merciful and patient, having others conduct the work of justice for us, when the punishment meted out is equal or worse to what we would have done. Nevertheless, it is the system we must work within. Not to say I don't understand where you come from," She chuckled. "There was indeed a part of me that would have felt he deserved my wrath. As for his superior, no. Unless Shiba-sama is the most talented actor in all of Rokugan, I think he may have been angrier than myself or Moshi Mai-sama combined!" Her chuckles became laughter.

"What of yourself? Since returning to your proper station, how have things been?"

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Nedra
"When I have returned to my proper station I will be much happier," Kaori was still serving as Yuto's minion and resenting every moment of it. "But things are better than I anticipated. Being able to move and grow once more is a delight. And the baths are a luxury i shall never again take for granted." 

She sipped her tea. "I entered the Iaido competition, the one the Crane are hosting. I don't expect to win but I shall see what I can do. Without my right arm I can only get so far... But I have cultivated my left for years already." She grinned. It was an old dueling trick to switch to a left-handed draw in order to throw off an enemy who had spent most of their time training against the right. "Do not worry, I will strap down my arm for the competition. I would not set back my recovery even one day for the adoration of the Crane."

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Al
"Ahhh, yes, there really is nothing quite like a good bath," She replied. "If I may ask, do you have any recommendations for bathhouses? I know it's not exactly becoming to seek out such indulgences, but I must admit I've felt like treating myself a bit more lately..."

Kana then leaned forward as Kaori began discussing the tournament. "Oh? The same one Rokugo-san is participating in? Well, all the more reason to make sure I come to watch, then! From what I've seen, you would be more formidable with one arm than many would be with two, but it is good you're putting your well being first. If it helps, if a certain Daidoji is anything to go by, the Crane give adoration rather easily."

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Nedra
The Scorpion gave a most unladylike snort and covered her face with a fan. "I am still not sure of that boy, every time we cross paths I feel as if some mischievous spirit is making a game of me. But for the bath house, there is a lovely one as part of the Scorpion Gardens. Mixed soaking and private booths, depending on your fancy. I usually take a private booth so I may attend to my needs without undue comment." She glanced at her arm, implying the use of opium. "They also have hot stones and music, scents, and very pretty attendants. It is a delightful experience. I go as often as I can." 

She stretched her back lazily and set the teacup aside. "You would be very welcome to accompany me after this session if you wish."

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Al
Kana broke out into giggles, almost losing grip on her teacup. "Perhaps the boy really is a mischievous spirit of some sort? Sent by the heavens to test our virtue!" She continued to laugh more. "As far as your offer goes, I would be honored, if as a Mantis I would be allowed to attend. Heat can help soothe muscles and aid in the healing process, and well, it would be nice to continue such conversation further." She smiled, and went back to sipping on her tea. By now her cup was empty, and she carefully set it on the grass next to her.

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Nedra
"The baths are open to all samurai of proper station, you would be welcome anytime." Technically even a ronin or a Unicorn could enter the establishment, Kaori had not been consulted when the rules were written and she tried not to think about it. That was one reason she didn't enter the larger mixed pools. Who knew what sort of degenerate ronin had been peeing in there? A priestess blessed the water daily but Kaori would rather be safe than sorry. 

She loosened her top and slid the garment down her shoulder, carefully untying the sling so her arm could move freely. "Do your worst, Moshi-sama, the sooner we begin the sooner we may retire to the blessed heat."

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Al
"Well, in that case, I think I will join you when we finish!" She replied cheerfully, sidling over to get close enough to continue her work with Kaori. "Before we begin though, I'd like to propose something. So that it doesn't come as a complete surprise to you. As we're outdoors now, it occurs to me to invoke the water Kami with a prayer. It will cause some rain, but it aids with healing as well. If you don't mind getting a bit wet, we may be able to do more exercises than usual without risking overexertion! What say you?"
Nedra
"I do not fear the rain at all," Kaori loved the rain, it was the cleanest expression of water. She didn't even mind the mud while it was raining, and had frequently danced under a summer downpour in the gardens. "Let the Kami do as they please. I would suffer far worse than the damp if my arm returned to me that much sooner."

She peered up at the sky and considered removing her outer kimono... No, propriety demanded some things must be done in a certain order.

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Al
Kana offered a smile, and reached into her pouch for a small bottle of Sake, opening it, and pouring it out onto the ground. Afterwards, she closed her eyes, and took a few moments to meditate before stretching her arms out to the heavens, "Oh, Kami of Water, hear my prayer," She began, her voice ringing loud and clear across the gardens. "May you shed your tears about the honorable and your servants, bringing rejuvenation to all who bask in your presence. I beg you accept this humble offering and sincere prayer!"

She held her arms up for a few seconds, as the skies above them slowly began to darken somewhat. Over the next few minutes, the clouds seemed to grow darker and heavier, and eventually, the first drops of rain began to fall. Before long, a consistent gentle rain fell over the garden at the estate. As it contacted Kaori, she would feel a sense of lightness and rejuvenation in her body.

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Nedra
The little Scorpion sat, letting the rain soak into her clothes, weighing down her hair. She closed her eyes and let droplets fall from her lashes. A smile curled her lips. This felt amazing. It was the most refreshing thing she had ever experienced. If she could have this every time she crawled out of bed, she would be clan champion in another ten years. Right then she felt like she could fight an oni. 

"Amazing," She murmured as she flexed her wounded arm slowly. Pain was still there, but not nearly so severe. And her mobility seemed improved... "Now Moshi-sama let us not waste time!" She said, with something close to excitement. "Do your worst now, I shall not complain."

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Al
Kaori's joy was becoming infectious, Kana breaking out into a big, toothy grin as the rain came down as well. The energy in the rain left her feeling as though she had just gotten up from a full night's sleep in the most comfortable bed in all of Rokugan, ready to face whatever the day offered. As it cascaded over her head, she felt herself feeling cooled off from the growing heat of the days as well. While the spell had been cast for Kaori, Kana certainly seemed to be enjoying the gift of the Kami herself.

Meeting Kaori's determined look with kind eyes, she took her arm. "Right! No time wasted. What we'll do today is that I want you to extend as far as you feel you can, and then I'll help you the rest of the way. We will do ten, take a break, and then repeat. Okay?"

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Nedra
"Understood." Kaori thrust her arm forward with a grim determination. Her body was soon rigid with pain, and despite the cooling rain she was sweating, but she had no intention of wasting this opportunity. She persevered, each rep faced with the same dedication as her thousand cuts, her strength training, her studies of poisons. Her jaw was clenching until her teeth creaked, but she still asked for more. 

When Kana finally indicated they were finished she slumped backwards and spread her good arm, opening herself to the gentle cascade. "Moshi-sama, I may live a hundred years and never drop my guard again."

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Al
Kana continued, the rain at this point as refreshing as it was when it had first came, though it had caused some rather noticeable running in the shugenja's eye makeup. She seemed oblivious to it, however, continuing to aid Kaori with extending her arm fully, speaking words of encouragement for her friend throughout.

After an extensive session, Kana was beaming at Kaori. "That may be wise. But if I may lighten the topic somewhat, you've made some excellent progress! I'm having to do far less of the work myself when we've begun. You'll be wielding your weapon with ease again within a season at this rate."

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Nedra
"A welcome accomplishment to be sure," Kaori said. She pulled her top back up over her shoulder, her arm howling at her now for some rest. "And the offer is still good, to come with me to the bath house. The rain is lovely but the mud not so much, and I simply *Must* Take some medication in a safe place." 

Tori appeared in the shelter of the estate's porch, a bundle slung around her neck and a pair of umbrellas in hand. 

||
Al
Kana suppressed a chuckle. Given Kaori's overall demeanor, and how she had reacted to the poor turtle before, it wasn't surprising that she would be so adverse tot he idea of mud. "Of course, Bayushi-san. I would be happy to still join you. Please, lead the way."

Glancing towards the estate's shelter, she smiled warmly to Tori, making note of the umbrellas she had brought for them. "Thank you, Tori-san!"

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Nedra
The rain pattered on the umbrellas as they stepped out into the street, Tori holding one out for each of the samurai, rain cascading down on her own head. It was nearly absurd for the two drenched women to now be under shelter, but appearances should be maintained. Gentlewomen did not prance about getting rained on when there was a perfectly good peasant girl to shelter them. 

Fortunately it wasn't very far from the Bayushi estate to the bath house. 

"We will be reserving one of the private chambers," Kaori told the manager, who bowed and handed over the tag to the usual room. Kaori liked good ventilation when she smoked, and the staff knew it was far easier to get the smell out of the room when most of it was carried away naturally. 

"Well, Moshi-sama," She added, flicking back wet hair and gesturing to the women's side of the house, "Shall we?"
Al
Kana offered a slight smile to Tori on the walk over, shuffling over to give her a bit of space under the umbrella if she so desired. She knew she couldn't to too much without engaging in impropriety, but she did want to show at least some courtesy to the serving girl. She found herself equally grateful for the short walk, following Kaori inside and letting her handle all of the speaking to the manager. 

"Of course, Bayushi-san! As refreshing as the rain has been, I'm certainly looking forward for a chance to warm up a little bit." She made her way over to the womens' side and the changing area, slipping off her sandals.

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Nedra
Her nostrils flared as she inhaled deeply. "Oh sweet Kami, that is a good incense... I love this place so much. I always feel cleansed in mind as well as body when I leave here." 

She entered the women's side alongside Tori. The servant began to unpack her satchel, producing fresh clothing for Kaori which she placed in one cubby, and equally fresh clothing for Kana from Kaori's private wardrobe. She took their wet garments with a bow, carefully pressing the excess water from them before bundling them up. 

Kaori's arm now hung limp at her side as she headed for the wash stations with Kana in tow. The small warrior had several scars, some old and deep some fresh and fading, belying her indolent reputation. She sauntered to the stools and took a seat, eyeing her friend sideways. "At some point Moshi-sama I may implore you to help with my back. One can only do so much with one arm."
Al
"Oh... Oh that does smell nice!"

Kana slips out of her outfit, handing it to Tori. While Kana has a few scars, the most notable being one just below the left side of her collarbone, as one would expect from a shugenja, though, she lacks the scarring that comes from a life of battle. The Moshi's physical training was apparent, however; her muscles were clearly defined. Most apparent, though, was her brightly colored full-back koi tattoo. While it was uncommon to see on a Mantis, it did seem somewhat a clash with the cheerful priestess' demeanor.

Sitting across from Kaori, she nods, and smiles. "Of course! Just let me know what you need," She replied, cheerfully. It did not escape her that there would have been a time not so long in the past that she would have been a stammering mess at such a request. Yet... Circumstances had changed.

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Nedra
Her eyes lingered on the tattoo, it was a dramatic thing that had certainly taken a great deal of commitment. Kaori had always fancied herself with tattoos, something that ran up her arms and cupped her breasts perhaps, but her chosen path precluded it. 

She sat down and began to wash, taking her time, enjoying the experience. Her eyes closed lazily and she really got into it, scouring her body clean with the washcloth. 

When she finished with everything she could reach with her good arm she turned plaintively to Kana, raising her eyebrows. 

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Al
Kana seemed rather casual as she was washing herself, humming a cheerful took to herself as she did. Her eyes did go to Kaori as she moved to her injured arm, just in case she might accidentally agitate her injury, but she was pleased when nothing so unfortunate happened. Kana moved fairly quickly despite her larger frame; she was evidently excited to get right into the baths - so much so she had to just sit there for a few moments while Kaori finished up.

Nodding in acknowledgement to her gesture, Kana made her way over, taking the washcloth in her hand and making to wash Kaori's back. "Let me know if it's too much pressure or anything, okay?" While she certainly didn't think of Kaori was weak, she was also quite aware of her own strength and how slight the Scorpion was in comparison.

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Nedra
Kaori was only slight by comparison to the Mantis || athletics 3 || her shoulders and wrists carried most of her strength. One could guess now why she wore open outfits—drawing the eye to her chest, while covering the swordswoman's forearms. People might dismiss her as a random strumpet, but she did nothing without a good reason. 

Closing her eyes now she leaned back into the scrubbing. "Oh my gratitude, Moshi-sama. You could not believe how frustrating it is to have Tori do this for me. She never works as deep as I would prefer." 

She only stood five feet tall, but her 125 lbs was well distributed. She was not lean, she maintained a nicely curved figure that would please the eye of all but the most traditional samurai, and she took pains to minimize her body's scars by shielding them from the sun whenever possible. However, from this angle, Kana might observe that her wet hair concealed a deep scar on her head, indicative of a fierce blow in her youth. 

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Al
"Oh! Well very good then!" She replied cheerfully, continuing the scrubbing. She even worked just a little bit harder at Kaori's request. "Forgive me if this is odd to say, but I'm seeing perhaps more of Kaori the warrior here," She replied. "Not that I didn't think you capable after what you have said, of course! It's just now I'm *Seeing* The extent of your training," She noted. "Might I ask what your usual regimen is?"

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Nedra
"A thousand cuts a day is the absolute minimum," Kaori said. "I also train isometrics with river-stones. My training is private, I do not care for company while I work, so my usual routine is done in my quarters." 

She mimed holding out a stone. "It does not take much to strengthen the body, only time and a certain satisfaction in self-torment. Tori reads to me while I work to strengthen the body. I do not desire the muscles of a Hida, as I never intend to lift a weapon heavier than an odachi." 

The muscles of her back flexed as she shifted, evidence of time spent at the archery range as well. As Kana finished scouring her she inclined her head. "My gratitude, Moshi-sama. You cannot imagine how dreadful it is to feel your body is only partially cleaned." 

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Al
"Oh, fortunes, your really do have quite the routine, don't you?" If Kaori happened to be looking behind her, she would see that Kana was visibly impressed. "I'm afraid you'd find my skills with the blade lacking compared to your own. I do much work with heavy stones, buckets of water, and long hikes, however. I personally try to build up endurance and power. I suppose I actually do find myself envying the muscles of the Hida! Or at least to exercise enough to work off my diet..."

After chuckling a bit, Kana sat up once more. "And you're all done! I'm just happy that I could help, Bayushi-san. Also, please, Kana-san will suffice."

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Nedra
Pouring water over herself, Kaori closed her eyes in pleasure at the thought of sweat and grime sluicing away. This was what made her a real person, a real samurai... This attention to cleanliness, this careful exacting self perfection. She bit back a happy groan. Some corner of her mind replayed Kana's words. "My gratitude nonetheless, Kana-san. You must then call me Kaori-san no?" 

With her sister and Yuto in the city, that made three she was now on given name familiarity with. 

"Shall I return the favor then, Kana-san? I have the strength in one hand to make up the difference. "

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Al
"As you wish, Kaori-san." Kana replied with a grin. Kana herself could not think of a great many people she was on a first name basis with herself, but was glad to add another to the count.

Rolling her shoulders, Kana turned around on the stool, offering her back to Kaori at her request. "That is most kind of you to offer, and I'd be honored!"

Kana's koi tattoo would be more clearly visibly now. The blackwork on the waves and scales making up the majority of the piece. It was evident the precise linework must have taken the artist hours to complete effectively. On the fish itself, the black transitioned to brilliant reds and oranges, the colors standing out all the more against the blackwork. Flowers surrounded the fish in a vibrant pink.

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Nedra
The Scorpion took full advantage of the offer to examine Kana's tattoo, her nails lightly running over the woman's skin. She'd never had a chance to look at a tattoo so close before, and she marveled at the tiny details, the slight blurring, the way the ink spread out under the skin. It was a magnificent piece of art. 

She scrubbed generously away, humming in soft musical cadances as she worked. She kept her wounded arm tucked close in her lap, her squatted position on the stool allowing her to keep it close, but it still burned and prickled, throbbing with every beat of her heart. She could not wait to relieve the pain. 

"When I was a girl I wanted tattoos," She said. "One of my father's ronin was tattooed, and I always marveled at it. I could never look closely though. He was not a very pleasant man." 

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Al
Kana closed her eyes and relaxed her muscles, letting Kaori get to work. She could feel the tension melting off of her as time passed; at this rate there would be a decent chance she would just fall asleep as soon as she actually got to the bath. She was already slipping when she heard Kaori's question, which managed to perk her up slightly.

"Oh? I think that would suit you very well indeed, Kaori-san! Have you ever considered what you would like to get?" She asked. "I felt a Koi and flowers would help me fit in with some of the sailors, while also keeping those feminine details myself."

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Nedra
"Oh I never could go through with it." Her father had sneered at the ronin's tattoos as self-defaceing and a bad way to self identify yourself. Who was easier to pick out of a crowd, he would say, a man with blue eyes or a man with an octopus crawling up his neck? She had enough mischief to manage without becoming involved in criminal enterprises or having people think she was connected too closely to pirates. 

"When I did think of such things I imagined sleeves that came up to my shoulders and around my chest," She touched herself to outline the areas. "Something I could reveal easily if I wore my kimono loose. But my ideas changed every time I thought on it." 

She rinsed Kana off and rose. "There! Now your skin glows with new vigor. Let us for the hot pool now. Do you..." She made a gesture as if smoking from a pipe. 

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Al
"I... Can understand that." As much as Kana had grown to develop an appreciation for the art form, she knew that fair or not, it had certain implications. There were those of the Mantis who had embraced those implications happily, and certainly trying to fit in with them was a factor in her decision. That said, she couldn't deny that keeping it on the back, at least for now, was at least somewhat pragmatic. Then again, she had a bad habit of standing out in a crowd to begin with...

"Oh, that does sound gorgeous!" Kana chirped at her description. "One of my pillow books had a character with something similar. Just hinting at them in respectable company..." She sighed dreamily.

"And thank you very much, Kaori-san! Fortunes, that's so much better than if I tried to do it myself..." She got to her feet, stretching a little bit before turning to face her.

At the gesture of smoking, Kana wasn't quite so naive as to not take all of her meaning. Many people smoked, but given her condition, it wasn't out of the question that she had been given medical opium. "Ah... I've tried tobacco before!" She answered, avoiding any potential ambiguity.

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Nedra
"I have never tried tobacco, but I have smelled it before and it is not unpleasant." Kaori had learned her lesson about getting into mischief around a Mantis, and had no intention of opening herself to such denunciation again. She shook her head when Tori appeared with a wooden box and lamp, the servant disappearing just as quickly. Tossing her towel over her shoulder and cradling her throbbing arm she set her teeth and led the way down to the soaking pools. The private women's pools came before the mixed bathing areas and her usual spot was waiting. She tossed her towel to the bench and entered at once, breathing out a sigh as the hot water engulfed her body. "Oh... Oh I needed this," She moaned aloud. "I do not think my fingers could bear much more." 

The wounded muscle relaxed by slow degrees under the blessed heat, and her tired body drank the relief greedily. 

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Al
Kana thought for a moment of encouraging Kaori to partake; she was confident that the use was legitimate medical opium. However, not wanting to put her in an awkward spot, and perhaps not wanting to put herself in a position where she might have to explain the smell, she left it where it was and slid into the tub. She let out a little surprised noise at the warmth initially, but adjusted fairly quickly, getting comfortable across from Kaori. She closed her eyes, and exhaled.

"I didn't even realize I needed this myself..."
Nedra
"It is a ritual of mine to bathe as often as I may," The little Scorpion sighed. Her arm was prickling. "Cleanliness is the best expression of gratitude for our lives and the world around us." 

She closed her eyes and let her body slowly unknot itself. There were deeper spots she would have to have massaged out, but this was very sublime. "I will face the muck when I must but it is always a temporary state to be abhorred. Is this your first time in a Scorpion bath house?"

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Al
"I suppose I understand that, Kaori-san. Cleanliness and honing of both spirit *And* Body are something that my family emphasizes. I try to visit at least every other day myself. To answer your question, though, never a Scorpion bathouse. This is... A very nice change of pace." She smiled softly. Like many things involving the clan, Mantis bathouses tended to be a bit louder than the average. A bit of peace and quiet when she bathed was a rare treat, and one to be very much appreciated.

It also didn't hurt that the place was quite well appointed as well. While Kana would never say so openly, given how unbecoming it was, she did enjoy the touches of luxury that the Scorpion, or at least her Scorpion friend, seemed to indulge in. While often mistaken for a monk, Kana certainly didn't favor the ascetic lifestyle.

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Nedra
"Perhaps one day I will treat you to a more *Full* Experience," Kaori's lips shaped the word as a promise of very improper delights. There was a cradle in the rim of the tub to support her head and she leaned back onto it with a faint moan, using a nub to massage the stiff muscles of her neck. Under the water her left hand rubbed tenderly at her right arm. "After all, the Mantis have been very good hosts to me in the past, it seems only right that I return the favor." 

Music began to trickle through, the high ceilings allowing sound to trickle in from other areas. It was tricky to keep the instruments tuned in the heat and the humidity, so there were frequent breaks in the entertainment. 

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Al
"Full experience? Oh, that does sound interesting!" Kana replied cheerfully. || Disadvantage: Romantically Awkward || She closed her eyes and remained in the moment for a while, only opening them when Kaori spoke again. "It gladdens me to hear that there's no hard feelings in regards to all that's happened. Alliance or no, I do hope that we can continue to ensure we keep things on a positive note."

Making note of the melodies that filled the air, she sat up a bit straighter. "Ah... Was the music travelling here like this by design?"

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Nedra
"No hard feelings at all," Kaori lied like a rug. "I am just happy to put it all behind me and move on with my life. What good does a grudge do in the end? The wounds heal just as slow." 

*Revenge is the opium that gives comfort while the healing continues.*

She stirred the water lazily with one toe just under the surface. "I'm given to understand that your ambassador's pet ronin is entering the dueling tournament. Will there be any other notables representing the Mantis, or is she your chosen representative? That is a lot of duty to place on one ronin's shoulders." 

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Al
Kana nodded to Kaori's response. While she wasn't certain she'd be going to say hello to Mai anytime soon, even given their... Past encounter, for now, she seemed satisfied.

She did wrinkle her nose at the mention of Chiyoko as a "Pet", however. "Ah, yes! The Iajutsu tournament. Chiyoko is our representative. I've known her to be quite capable and honorable; she's certainly shown so to me when we've worked together. I've every confidence she will do our clan proud!

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Nedra
"Well, if I meet her I shall do my best not to harm her. Though a woman of her skill cannot be defeated easily." 

Killing Chiyoko would be a beautiful way to smack back at the Mantis ambassador, but Kaori was trying a different public face now, and it would not do to go about smiting random ronin. Besides, when she was honest, there was little chance of her left arm alone defeating the deadly *Niten*. 

"You'll be present, I hope? You and your ambassador?" 

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Al
"I hope so too. Though... There's a danger in any sort of competition. I know I have been cautioned about that in my own tournament as well. I would be lying if I said it was terribly worrying, but it is still something that hangs in my mind. In any case, I am confident you'll both put on an excellend performance." She flashed a toothy grin to Kaori. "Of course I plan on being present! Barring some sort of emergency, I've every intent of taking in the contest in full."

Kana stretched her legs out beneath the water's surface, rolling her shoulders. "In that case though, I hope you'll be taking in some of the hand to hand battles as well!"

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