Mary
Streaming from the open window, a gentle breeze carrying the sun's rays beamed down into the room.
Splayed across the floor, both materials and painter alike strew about organised in a way Naoki, currently the sole artisan of the Phoenix embassy to the city of Journeys End swears that it is.
The semi-lauded hobbyist painter is currently awaiting for an answer to the letter he had asked the servants to display in a easily seen place, a call for anyone to see the gift the Karo-san has given to Noboru-dono.
Hopefully some would attend this humble viewing that he arranged, possibly the librarian or that bushi he didn't get much time to talk to, yet he hopes that it would leave a favourable impression on the Ambassador of the titular embassy and convey Karo-sama's gratitude to his dear friend.
What it is even there to a viewing again?
Ah, so thinks the sleep deprived painter, that's a problem for the Naoki of later.

||
David
Iemon made it a point to be the first to arrive of the Phoenix. Much focus had been placed on the martial callings of the samurai as of late, to have further reminder of some of the higher callings their class could aspire to would have a positive effect of raising his clanmates' spirits. *Hopefully this will be the first of many such opportunities.* 

The room was... Slightly cramped due to the arrayed display that Naoki had assembled. Iemon reprimanded himself for his initial reaction of surprise, having likely expected something more *Controlled* As the Crane exhibitions in Nikesake had been. Not that he had much of an appraising eye for such things, but he came to appreciate the more organic presentation that Naoki had set up. It was almost an invitation into the heart of the artist, rather than only seeing what the artist intended with a finished piece. 

"Isawa-san, thank you for being so willing to put on this display. I am glad to have such an event conducted here, and it speaks well of you to have taken the initiative to arrange this."

||
Brian
Terumi was of the mind to train vigorously from the moment sun rises till the time it sets on the far horizon, but his curiosity compelled him to answer the invitation given to all the Phoenix. It had the markings of an uncommon occassion and he'd rather sate his wandering thoughts than regret not showing up sometime after.

When he arrived, he was pleased to see Iemon-sama already present, the very first to arrive it seemed.

"Greetings Shiba-sama," He bowed politely to his superior, a gentle smile affixed upon his face that was soon turned to the host of the display. "And I greet you Isawa-san, I am called Shiba Terumi."

Terumi's long straight locks and pleasant smile was soft, akin to a maiden of the court, but his eyes were dark and eerily dead despite the otherwise polite veneer.

||
Mary
Blinking in and out of consciousness, remaining on the floor slumbering for a good while would be the quite the state he would display receiving his own kin, were not for his good senses in hearing the rattling of the sliding frame opening he would have not sprung up checking his state of dress and the state of his room.
The rest of the studio wasn't even as cleaned up, and at least Kita-san was polite enough to knock, but... It is usually assumed that once an invitation for an event was sent it is assumed all would be prepared already... 
Baka mitai.
Well, there could have been steps taken to prevent this situation, but that is too late.
Bowing low in from the waist in turn to the two newly arrivals he replies.

"Welcome Shiba-sama and Shiba Terumi-san, to this humble studio for this painting view, welcome and please forgive me for the state of this studio." 
"It was not my intentions to insult anyone, I have been very tired."
 
Bloodshot eyes and a shaky smile accompanies his greetings and apologies, painting viewings are supposed to be relaxing event right? So he better clean up his mess.
As Naoki begins somewhat fixing up the place since late is better than never he turns to his kinsmen saying-

"Please, please make yourselves comfortable as I am doing now, shall we send for tea?"

The painting which was the purpose of the whole viewing remains covered, no sense observing it when all this mess is still around after all. 

||
Brandy
"Oh please, tea would be quite lovely."

_Spoke a serene yet unfamiliar voice as Isawa Kashikoi reveals himself. He sits simply, smiling as he looks around the room with no small amount of cheer._

"Ahhh, Shiba Iemon-dono! It has been some time, hasn't it? How have you fared in your duties?"

_Kashikoi asks, head tilting as he glances towards Iemon; his tone having slightly shifted to one of reminiscing and fondness._

||
Mary
"Alright, shall I fetch a ready kettle then cousin-san, or does anyone wish to try their hand at a tea ceremony?"

Says Naoki with his hands full placing his materials aside and moving his sketches and catalogue of his experimentation of paints making a display near the main piece.
Quick clean up finished, and thus composing and excusing himself he sets himself down and awaits a reply.
Charles
Having seen the posted invitation, Kita made her way back to the art studio where she had previously found Naoki. Upon her arrival she found several other familiar faces already present. With a polite smile she greeted those present,

"It's very nice to see you, Shiba-sama, and under such pleasant circumstances. Shiba Terumi-san, Isawa Kashikoi-san, hello again, I hope the day is treating you well. Isawa Naoki-san, the piece is finished then? I am very much looking forward to seeing it!"

Looking around she wasn't sure whether to be amused or embarrassed about the little-improved state of the studio since her last visit. But again-she was no artist and didn't have experience with this type of a showing, maybe this was not unusual? She was glad to see a turn out of several of her clansmen here to admire the painter's work, both for the appreciation of higher pursuits and recognition of its ability to bring people together.

||
Mary
Reflecting back another smile he beckons over to her.

"Welcome back Kita-san." 
"I was in the middle of requesting some refreshment, but I am not sure whether I should have some brewed quickly or fetch the necessary tools for someone to host a small ceremony before we start."

Realising he has no one else to handle entertaining his guests, in a ditch effort to do so he reaches for his now bigger portfolio of sketches and presents them to them gathered here right now. 

"Yet, even so once the tea is partaken of, I must digress the main view of this impromptu view in lieu of the absence of the most of our kinsmen."
"I would very much like for them to be among us to view it, so as a compromise for everyone who attended, please peruse these mock-ups of my future work."
"All of which I will be making very soon, but as to which piece shall be made next I leave up to your requests."

||
David
Noboru's arrival was perhaps not as prompt as expected, but his initial duties of writing reports to the Elemental Council took higher priority. From the sound of voices from the room, he could tell he was not the first person to arrive, which suited him well enough. Social events were far from his strong suit, and at least if there were enough other people present he could allow himself to lapse into a pondering silence without having the room as a whole fall silent with him when he had nothing to say.

 He bowed, adequately but quickly around the room, lowest of all to the ambassador in respect of his rank. "Apologies for my tardiness." He gruffly stated, his own lack of rest evident.

"Cousin Isawa Naoki-san, thank you for the efforts you have done on my behalf." He glanced around at the room, having not been able to help but hear the discussion about tea on his way in. "Perhaps... It may be easier to simply request some freshly brewed? The efforts of a ceremony may be difficult to handle within your studio." *And between the two of us one of us may risk falling asleep in the middle of it.* He thought to himself, noting the younger man's exhaustion.

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Mary
Greeting his superior twice over, he figures, Naoki replies-

"Hai Noboru-dono, just a moment then someone should be just passing by, one two... Seven... Excuse me for a moment"

Giving the proper respect his senior is deserving of he wanders out to find one of the servants to request a full kettle of tea and at least 10 cups, no make it 15 there is no telling how many will be coming.
Finally finding someone and finishing up his request, Naoki cant help but wonder on how asides from the actions of everyone, was he supposed to know that Shiba-sama was the titular Ambassador for this embassy, and what would happen if he didnt notice.
As he dawdles back into the room ruminating on the implications of the *Thank you for being so willing to put on this display* And what that would spell for him, and then being hit with all of the expectant eyes on him he then announces-

"W-well now that-t's all done..."

Another scan about the scattered materials in the room reminding him its far from done and it was well within his responsibilities to do something about it, but... As long as everyone's spirits will be raised...
Pacing forth and reaching out for the cloth covering the piece he speaks-

"And with no further delay, Ambassador-sama, by the patronage of everyone present here today with regards to our Karo, Asako Sanumo-sama, is the piece-"

||

The Afternoon Marketplace ||Artisan 4: Painting Fire 4: Innovation|| 

The painting depicts a scene of a marketplace where the lunch crowd is going to and fro.
The first thing that would hit any observer is that it is clearly different from a water colour paint, indeed plainly obvious to anyone even those not of artistic inclinations that those shades and bright colours is one not characteristic of any water colour style.
Such as that familiar orange mixed with actual yellow sparkling sunshine dominating the entirety of the piece, seeping through the shades and reflecting in the ground showing that the heat and light of Lady Sun cannot be escaped.
As one takes in it even more one could mistake it for an open window were it not for the hazy feel of it, like a distant far off memory one remembers as they remember spring or summer.
For even though the faces were made with such details one could see the freckles of a red haired, clearly gaijin maiden, observing it for a while one was certain it was no regular depiction of reality as they know.
As the garments that everyone wore, heimen or samurai alike were bursting forth and radiating their own unique colour, orange sunlight mixing in on Mantis green, blending with the Lion's copperish yellow and making the Unicorn's purple stand out.
A piece depicting a peaceful day at just one the streets Ryoko Owari Toshi, kept by clans working together to make it so.
A multitude of Ryoko Owari Toshi's, that was this pieces aim, to show what was each persons Ryoko Owari Toshi was like, shown through the ones of the painter.

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Brandy
"You as well Asako Kita-san! I am doing well and hope the same for you as well,"

_Kashikoi spends some of his time waiting for the tea and looking around; holding his head in one hand with a slight wince. He does, however, look towards Noboru with his usual smile._

"Greetings cousin, tis a pleasure to meet your acquaintance. I am Isawa Kashikoi."

||
Richard
Asako Yamanosuke was surprised to receive an invitation, given his recent arrival to Ryoko Owari Toshi. In what seemed a whirlwind of duty, this was his first formal invitation of his clansmen, and he knew he must show face, especially given his recent promotion to Taisa. 

He dressed as fully formal as he could, that befitting of his new post. The captain of the guard must be ready at all times, no matter the situation or setting. In his best formal kimono, Daisho at the ready, and his hair kept as tightly as possible atop his shaved pate. 

"Apologies if I am late, my lords. I am Asako Yamanosuke, recent arrival to the city and Captain of the Guard, as so honored by Isawa Iemon-sama. I am at your service, and humbled by your invitation."

Yamanosuke bowed respectfully at the doorway to the assembled samurai. He provided ample time for all to acknowledge his self-announced presence and entered the room.

Taking stock of the assembly, it was apparent to Yamanosuke that artwork and courtiership was on full display. Not his personal wheelhouse of training, but not afraid of a challenge or one to shirk his duty, he attempted to exude as much confidence as possible. 

Not so skilled with a brush, but familiar with origami, Yamanosuke was confident he can fully appreciate the intricacy of the painting on display. Its message is clear to him, and surely the same must be true to the rest of those in attendance: Harmony does exist here in the city, and must be fully appreciated and cultivated.
David
Noboru gave a faint chuckle as he saw the flustered Naoki attempting to take stock and request the correct number of cups to accommodate the guests of this display. He then turned and acknowledged Isawa Kashikoi's greeting with a short bow. "It is good indeed to have so many cousins residing in this city, Isawa-San." 

Iemon, in turn, bowed quickly in reply to Asako Kita. "Indeed, Asako-san, having a pleasant reason for gathering is a welcome one, to be certain." 

He bowed as well to Kashikoi. "It is good to see you as well, Isawa-san. My duties have been... Dare I say, all-consuming. The chance to have a small social gathering amongst fellow members of the Phoenix Clan is much needed."

Tea arrived, carried by servants. Cups were quickly and carefully distributed and poured for any who partook, Iemon and Noboru included.

"Isawa Noboru-sama, Isawa Kashikoi-san had been originally meant to be my charge before I was suddenly elevated beyond Yojimbo when I arrived in the city."

"Ah, I see." Noboru nodded at once, turning his eyes with a more intent appraisal to Kashikoi. "It would be beneficial to get to know one another better. We must have tea together soon" He said bluntly, but not unkindly. Intentionally a statement rather than a request, but at least with the pretense genuinely offered of sharing company over tea more privately.

Then the portrait was revealed.

Iemon looked over the painting, taking in the broad strokes of the intended meaning of a peaceful day built by cooperation approvingly. As his eyes lit upon the freckled face of what was unmistakably a gaijin, he visibly paled, his lips pulling tightly before hastily covering them with his fan at the scandal.

Noboru was far less poised, having just sipped from his tea. It spit from his mouth in his surprise at the sight of a gaijin *Mingling in the streets with Rokugani, in a portrait **Intended as a gift for the ambassador.*** 

He briskly wiped his mouth dry as a servant arrived with a towel for him. The look he gave Naoki was raw, undisguised anger. *"What is the meaning of this?"* He whispered, though the force of the whisper carried easily through the room.

||
Brandy
"_Ara ara_, what an odd turn of events."

_Kashikoi commented, hand held to his head as if in pain briefly before looking to Nobaru again,_

"Oh? I would love to chat, Isawa Nobaru-san. A bit of tea and maybe some fish and rice? Sounds delightful indeed."

_He typically doesn't do this, but he turns his awareness of others' minds to Naoki, as he looks to Yamanosuke,_

"A pleasure, Asako-san; I am Isawa Kashikoi, spiritual adviser and Ishiken."

||
Mary
Oh no, what is the meaning of this?
He had a few share of displeased patrons before, not one of them reacted quite like this and not many of them were of higher rank of him.
As he, for all his gifts he still is just a mortal, and in particular the particulars of the game of words and courtly manner such as gift giving are lost on him.

His face has frozen blank and his mouth slightly hinges wide as he once more took a little bit more time to process this whole situation.
So Shiba Iemon-sama is unhappy about a portion of his painting, if he remembers well that parts whole process in accurately sketching that specific strange and exotic face advertising a tea house somewhere was one of his best yet.
Thinking to those days in his duties to assist the local law enforcement and the occasional Emerald Magistrate he was complimented on the detail of his sketches, many of which are posted for all to see, and not for very long.

He also on occasion while passing boredom and satiating curiosity had perused and viewed various depictions and illustrations of gaijin recorded and wondered if they were as strange looking as put to paper.
And just few days ago, while he was still new and lost, he finally got the chance to view some as he wandered and now he was sure that he was the better artist of any of them who had chosen such for their subject. 
Out of place and yet remaining hidden as benefiting of such strange being was that tea brewer in that rush of a lunch break, clustered amidst the crowd, vibrant and scarlet hair complementing that spot, a rush of other brighter colours of others in this painting.

So if she isn't that visible how come did Shiba Iemon see her? 
Well now looking clearly with mind not filled with the haze of artistic pursuit, clear with the shock of the moment he saw that she did not complement that spot, she with her unusual height and alien features dominated it.
The point of the painting was to remind all of an peaceful Rokugan and prospering Ryoko Owari built by cooperation and trust between everyone in it.
Then colour of life returned to Naoki's face as he finally realised his mistake.

EVERYONE KNOWS GAIJIN ARE NOT TO SUPPOSED TO BE IN THERE NAOKI!
YOU GREAT MESSY FAULTY FIRE BREATHER!

Taking back stock of his expressions, and finding his mouth wide open in a silent scream, he shuts it and now must set to right the biggest gaffe yet so far in this life.

"My... My a-apologies Shiba Iemon-sama i-i have erred greatly."

He quickly moves to the colour palates and his paintbrush to compose himself and to quickly fix what has been wroth and hopefully spare him of the shame he brought upon himself.
Making himself ready to be held accountable for this dishonour he continues-

"I had drawn too much from memory and not much in my own set intent and good sense, just like the multitude of the crowd I simply wished to display my expertise in the illustration in faces."

His ancestors and the fortunes would look down upon lies, most reluctantly accept the Scorpion may have reason to do so, for if not they would not posses the favour of Heaven and be like the scum of the Empire, especially those damned Kolat, so he better not hold his tongue and hide beyond that flimsy excuse. 

"I have also thought I would not be painting Ryoko Owari if I had deviated a little, Ryoko Owari has a reputation after all, and it I profess as much I want it to be ideal it would lose what makes it Ryoko Owari."
"This is not a piece of an ideal Ryoko Owari after all, but a peaceful and prospering one."

Setting himself on the floor, aside from practice this is the likely the third time he performed a dozega. 

"Yet there are proper times one could show their own expertise and expression and this is not one of these."
"My most sincere apologies Shiba Iemon-sama, I have failed and strayed from the good will that had been shared in friendship Asako-sama had hoped to convey to you."

Excuses do not save anyone, yet to be true and admit to your own mistakes is what someone of his blood and status must do. 

||
Brian
Terumi observed the events unfolding before his eyes with a placid smile. It was certainly interesting but the offense the artist has caused elevated a calm and poised event into something filled with tension. He eyed the artist with an appraising gaze, taking in his sincere and frightened apology, and then he turned his gaze to their shared superior, waiting to see what the older Shiba would do in response.

He knew that the man was a worthy leader but he was also aware that the Phoenix of the city could not afford many more blunders after the scandal caused by that one ronin that was formerly an Isawa. 

The effeminate swordsman kept his silence, however. His words would add nothing and the actions he could take are as empty as the void. He just hoped that the little gathering wouldn't be soured further.

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Richard
Yamosuke bowed and sought a seat appropriate his station.

"My apologies for interrupting a truly interesting conversation and exhibition of brush-work." Yamanosuke thought it best to break a bit of the tension between the conversation and apparent embarrassment from Isawa Naoki-san.

"Perhaps not the depiction of Ryoko Owari as we know it, but rather a message to those less-than-savory characters at the potential of what Ryoko Owari Toshi *Could* Become, even if it to be far-fetched. While it does not ring true with the realism esthetic, I can appreciate the sentiment.

"It would make my job easier," He chuckled a bit. While he was completely uncomfortable in this social setting and addressing a masterful painting in the presence of the Ambassador, he felt it his opportunity to make his name known amongst some of the upper eschelon of Phoenix-Clan representation here at Ryoko Owari.

"I do not mean to jest at your expense, Naoki-san. Your technical skill with the brush is truly masterful." A polite bow followed, and awaited the room's response.
Brandy
"Come now,"

_Kashikoi said, speaking up and waving a hand. He stood, albeit with some visible difficulty, and walked over, gesturing to Naoki with his eternal smile on,_

"We all know how the artist can get when they lose themselves to their art. He might have been painting an exact scene at the market, but was taken by inspiration and simply flowed. Is it not a sign of enlightenment to briefly touch the Void and enter the zone, as they say?"

_He briefly tapped Naoki's shoulder before using his hands to gesture to the painting and the empty space before him._

"I say, celebrate his higher attunement. Besides, are there not more pieces to display? Or can we not afford him another chance?"

||
Charles
This was the largest gathering of Phoenix she had seen since arriving here, sharing tea. This was good.

Kita turned her attention from those around her to the painting as it was unveiled; the colors were vibrant and brought the piece to life before her eyes. She was focused on those small details when she heard the Isawa she had not met, Noboro they had called him, protest. This was not good.

Naoki had moved to correct the situation swiftly once he was unfrozen. The gaijin maiden was gone, almost before Kita fully registered what was going on, disappearing under his brush. Best to ignore it. The others had started to redirect the conversation already. She looked instead to the other portfolio of works.

"Naoki-san, these sketches are lovely. Your skill with art is certainly notable."

 ||
David
Iemon nods, folding his fan and returning it to his sleeve, his actions deliberate and measured. "It is not unheard of for an artist to be caught in a fit of inspiration, and a work to take on a life and message beyond what had been intended initially. Clearly that is all that has occurred here." He sipped his tea calmly, now fully composed and projecting calmness now that the situation had been rectified. "You are, of course, forgiven, Isawa Naoki-san. Passion and creativity are powerful tools, but must be wielded with the same deftness of the stroke of a brush." *Or a blade.* "We cannot let our tools wield us." Iemon added these last words lightly, without the weight of reproach.

He gave a small bow in acknowledgment of both Yamanosuke's and Kashikoi's words, but refrained from further open speculation about art, though by his previous words it was clear he saw and responded well to the wisdom in their words.

Noboru, however, glowered for an additional lingering moment at the younger Isawa, finally allowing himself to be mollified by the words of his fellow Phoenix. "As you say. The fire Kami in particular tend towards a certain... Brashness. Tensai in particular feel the pull of those Kami we are attuned to all the more. No harm has been done, as thankfully only our Clan has been in attendance here." 

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Mary
Having faded that red hue into the background, hidden for the most part and rising from his dozega with his 'face' somewhat still intact, Naoki then replies-

"My apologies once more Shiba-sama, it is as Noboru-dono spoke, my failure lies in my lack of proper control as the excitement of my new duties has overridden my good senses, with proper pacing of tasks I can assure you that this will not happen again."

Performing another deep bow, he now turns to the rest of those that have gathered.

"My apologies for spoiling the day for all of you my dear kinsmen, I will be sure never have such another incident."

One more apology finished he wagers he might be ready for the full turmoil of a Court, but hoping to never cross paths with mean courtiers he now turns over to the Captain of the Guard and returning the given bow-

"My apologies for having to waste words in my favour, yet aside from the fact they have came to over look my faults I must admit, I can not deny that your words had conveyed the keenness of your eyes to see, and paired with your idealistic heart understand, the intent of my painting."

And at last to his other kinsmen he replies-

"My apologies honoured cousin, both for the waste of the intercession of the Void's wisdom for my sake and I regret to inform you this the only finished piece I now have, yet..."

Rising from the floor he posits over to see Kita-san perusing his sketches and giving-

"Were it not, I would not be in this situation weren't it..." 
 
As a self depreciating reply he brings out more canvas and more paints and turning to address the rest of the room and in specific he who claimed to be full fledged Ishiken-

"... As a more proper apology and gift to this embassy, would you be honoured Isawa Kashikoi-dono to select any of these pieces?" 
"Or your own requested image as the next work?"
"Now that I have gotten the hang of it, I daresay that I can finish another one of that size within three hours"

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Brian
Feeling rightfully unimportant, Terumi took subtle steps further from the situation that was simmering down. He had never seen such tenson within the embassy and he felt foolish for focusing too much on his beloved art because of it. 

Nevertheless, what's done is done and it seemed the proper apologies were given.

If not, well ...

Blood would not be shed, that much was certain, but duels might still be possible if the ambassador was incensed enough. The thought brightened his smile just a bit before he banished such idiotic thoughts. 

||