Michael
The gardens of the Scoprion Clan were not exactly where Daiki would have chosen to spend his afternoon. However, with the long, silk wrapped parcel tucked under his arm, he had been given explicit instructions. He was to meet the representative the Scorpion sent and present the delivery with all of the compliments the Crane had to offer.

With a shallow breath in and out, the took up a spot at the heart of the gardens, trying to ignore the watchful eyes behind elaborate masks that fixed upon the stormy-blue clad stranger that had happened into their midst. Taking the seiza position near a flowering shrub, Daiki waited patiently.
Sherri
The Scorpion who strutted into the gardens walked as if she owned the place. Her head was high, her hair piled up in an ornate style. A daisho was thrust through the back of her obi, claiming the space to her left and right while scorning any notion of actually drawing the weapons quickly. A lace mask framed her large black eyes and her soft mouth was drawn into a permanent smirk by the ragged scar that marred the soft flesh of her left cheek. 

An attendant kept pace behind her, holding a parasol out to shield her mistress's ivory skin from the sun. Both women were dressed fashionably, though the servant wore a conservative cut and the samurai flaunted cleavage and shoulders. 

All in all it was a striking sight of indolent Samurai arrogance. Only a daughter of Bayushi could be so brazen, and anyone listening to the Doji's account would have no trouble in guessing her full name. 

"Bayushi Kaori," She introduced herself curtly as her servant hastily spread a cloth for her to kneel on. "And you must be the son of Doji who has seen fit to grace this city with his presence. Welcome to the Gardens of the Scorpion. I trust your journey was without incident?"

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Michael
It was with no little difficulty that Daiki kept his features unexpressive. It was rare to see such brazen displays in broad daylight. At the very least, that had been true in the various kyuden of the Crane and the few locations he had visited since his gempuku. Still, anyone trained by Kakita knew the need to master one's self and show control. He withheld his disdain.

"Doji Daiki," He said, confirming the Bayushi's correct assumption. "I have seen nothing but the finest hospitality." He sank into a low bow, holding the position slightly longer than necessary as a nod to the overly-showy presentation. It was a slight trespass of etiquette, but one that could easily be construed either as insult or jest. He was not particular which she chose to see.

"How does the house of Bayishi fare? It is seldom I have had the opportunity to exchange pleasantries outside of Crane lands, so any news would be of utmost interest." He was not a courtier himself - far from it, at least by Crane standards, and particularly that of the Doji. However, he knew the song and dance. To get straight to the point would be rude to the point of insult. So he sang and danced along.
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Sherri
"We are in fine spirits," Her own bow was far less reverent, though whether she was bantering along with him or mocking him in return was up to him to decide. She studied him, his hands, the hilt of his sword, the way he wore his hair, and seemed to approve because she became slightly more formal and a lot less indolent. A house cat who has ceased to knock over ink pots and now merely lounges. "The mares are foaling far better than the stallions, and the rice is growing mostly towards heaven. You have chosen an interesting time to join us as this city is undergoing a temporary restructuring. Will you be participating in the debates councils? Will I get a firsthand experience of the famed Doji tongue at work?"

The way she shifted in her seat at that last drew the eye to her feminine attributes. 

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Michael
The shift in conduct did not go unnoticed. The first few stones had been placed, and the direction of the game had shifted, but the end goal of these tactics were not yet obvious to Daiki. The thought did not escape him that he would much rather be playing Go than bantering. He had received far too little training in both to be in such a situation, but that could not be helped now. The physical shift, however was much more to the point, and though he knew enough of scorpion tactics to expect any sincerity behind the gesture, he would not have liked it any more if it were genuine.

"I am afraid," He said, choosing his words carefully, "That I am far more humble in my debating skills than others who bear the Doji name. Though born a Doji, my life, my sword, and my smithing hammer have been tempered by the Kakita. I am far more formidable on tatami mats than I am on a stage, and moreso in front of an anvil. Hardly fitting of formal political settings."

Tiring of roundabout pleasantries, and having found as polite a means as he could to reach the matter at hand without being too hasty, he produced the parcel from under his arm, loosening the drawstring of the silk bag and allowing a finely detailed tsuba of a katana to protrude from the opening. "The commission made of the Kakita smiths by your house." Wrapping his calloused and weathered hand in the silk of his sleeve, he gently guided the beginnings of the ornate lacquered saya free. He was careful not to allow any oil or dust from his fingers to mar the high gloss finish of the sheath which displayed a series of highly detailed painted red blossoms on a stark black field - the unmistakable colors of the Scorpion. He offered it forward to allow her - or her attendant - the opportunity to draw the blade out enough to examine the steel itself. Bowing his head, he went on. "Your patronage is most flattering, and we only hope the quality of our work is worthy of the prestige of the recipient."
Sherri
"What a shame. And yet, a surprise as well. One cannot imagine a game of diplomacy without the Crane taking the field. Still, perhaps there is a dark horse in the city with a silver tongue as yet hidden."

When he brought out the sword there was another shift in the Scorpion's body language, subtle but present to the keen observer. The sincerity of this would depend greatly on the Doji's respect for her courtier skills. Or to put it in Go terms, was this a mistake? Or a trap?

She took the hilt gingerly, the fresh and harsh rayskin scraping her soft uncallused hands, such a contrast from his own. Drawing it a few inches she peered down at the blade. "No souls?" She murmured, almost to herself. "Well, I am sure it shall be tested before winter by the blessed recipient. The Scorpion are honored indeed by such a marvelous creation. Your master's work I take it?"

She pushed it back home and allowed him to cover it. 

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Michael
Carefully, the sword's silk coverings reclaimed both the saya and tsuba, the drawstring cinching the bag shut before being turned over and presented with both hand to Kaori. "Of course. Despite the mercurial relationship and spirited rivalries that have been sparked between our clans, we would not dare present the descendants of Baushi with anything unbecoming of a ruling family. We send our best craftsmanship with our best wishes. May it guard the life of its owner and their house."

The words were not his own, and he had no illusions that a skilled courtier would see so clearly. A stiff delivery did not mean that his words were insincere, but they hardly made them convincing either. The stone was misplaced, but it was not a fatal blunder. A shift in tactics might be in order. He bowed his head, perhaps a nod acknowledging that he was aware that the skills gap between them was not lost on Daiki. Either way though, he used the moment to find his center. Time to stop treating this like a Go board and more like a proper duel.

"Tell me more of the debates councils," He began, raising his head to face her head on. "It sounds like quite the event and I should be more than happy to be educated on the matter."

*Do not get stuck playing your opponent's game. Keep the pressure on them.*
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Sherri
"I am sure it will do its duty, as we all do," The Scorpion flicked her hair back absently. This Crane was dangerous. He was aware of his own lack of finesse, but his fundamentals were good. A journeyman diplomat, he'd have a fine career as a messenger. She took the sword with both hands and set it to the side. "As far as the debates go, I am quite the wrong person to ask. Such things are of very little interest to me except as a spectator. Tongues more suited to the task are handling it. I watch, I make a few general remarks that anyone might safely voice, and then I retreat to watch the fun." 

*Respect the thrust, deflect and counter.* "Now that you are here will your cousins finally be bold enough to speak out? Or is the famed Doji eloquence being reserved for Winter Court?"

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Michael
Yet another vulnerability. With a prestigious family and a prestigious school, he had twice as many targets to strike. The Bayushi woman had taken the more cautious target.

*If she were to question the Kakita's honor, she would be making light of a gift given with apparent good intentions. The Doji are also the bigger and thus more honorable target.*

He pondered for half a beat, not eager to speak too quickly and make another misplay.

*I could use the excuse that I am removed from the Doji for nearly a decade, but it could be seen as an cowardice and she would be well within her rights to call it out. To take offense could make me and my ilk seem thin-skinned. I can't concede the implied insult.*

These thoughts raced through his mind as if he were feeling where the movement of his blade might leave openings for counterattack.

*Parry with humor.*

"Come now," Daiki said with a slight smirk. "Surely you cannot be so eager to watch us preen and strut around yet another courtly gathering." The reputation of his clan was well noted and not one they were ashamed of. It was not an answer, but it would lighten the mood long enough to obfuscate. "No, I'm afraid that I know of no Crane being sent for the purpose of debate, though it is entirely possible that the Doji have plans I am unaware of. You'll forgive me, but my house's political planning is far removed from the forges."

He was riding a thin line. It was the truth, though it could still smack of an excuse. However, the reason was different. Ignorance of their plans was not the same as distancing to avoid embarrassment.

"Who among the Scorpion are most noteworthy in the city? I am sure I could have much to learn by observing their conduct."

*Keep up pressure. A mild compliment will help placate without seeming too obsequious.*

He did not like his position, but as long as he played safe and didn't get caught on his back foot he might at least avoid embarrassing himself or his clan.
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Sherri
A skillful parry and disengagement. Kaori decided she liked this Crane. Her body language shifted, becoming more open, and her fan came out to absently flick as she invited a more casual tone. "To be entirely truthful, Doji-san, I merely hoped to see your clan in action. There is a great pleasure in watching a master artist at work, and none are so eloquent or so graceful in word or deed. It would be a shame indeed to go an entire winter court without a demonstration from the Left Hand of the Emperor. While we Scorpion have our own ways of doing things one must always be open to new experiences and seeing new things." 

She fanned herself absently. "As far as my noble clan is concerned, we have several worthies. But if you would counseled by me, seek the company of Bayushi no Rokugo Yuto. I believe the two of you have much in common. He is a devoted student of the sword, an excellent conversationalist, and a fine person to have at your side in tea house or sake house." 

Raising her fan to cover her lips she leaned in. "He was to be the one you met today, but I wished the pleasure first." 

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Michael
"That is a name I am unfamiliar with," Daiki confirmed, considering Kaori's answer. "I'm sure he and I would have much to say on the subject of weaponry and its use." The longer they spoke, the Scorpion made it less and less clear whether they were adversaries or not. 

*She's always shifting. But there's a throughline somewhere in here. I'm missing something. What is her motivation?*

He wished in the moment that he had the sharp observations that he would have learned had he been schooled as a Doji. He could analyze words and their potential meanings all day, but when it came to body language, all he could read were lines of attack with a weapon. With the fluttering of her fan, something itched at the back of his mind. Then she spoke from behind it, prompting him to unconsciously lean closer to catch her words now that they would be obstructed. A slight stirring of the breeze, and his close distance to her along with the change in the air currents brought a waft of perfume to his nostrils.

He cursed in the back of his mind. He was letting her steer the match. It was all he could do to keep his features neutral. There was not enough subtlety in his whole self to feign facial expressions as skillfully as a courtier could, but he could at least attempt to hide them like a duelist.

Her word choice then came into sharp relief.

*"Tongue."*


*"Pleasure."*


She had been using both words in generous measure.

*I'm not equal to anyone in a match of flirtation. Best to answer with sincerity, rather than get pulled into her game.*

He turned his head away in a show of polite shame at the subtle implications before him. It was forcing him to give ground, but giving ground may allow him to recover his footing.

*When etiquette is breached due to lascivious displays, a polite change of subject is merited. Retreat to more stable ground and regroup.*

"You had mentioned a restructuring? Is everything well, or is this a planned restructuring?"
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Sherri
When he turned his head she read the rejection. It did not disturb her in the least. She settled back, smirking rather more than usual, toying with her fan. This Crane seemed to be exactly as he presented, an artist and a warrior, one with little patience for games. When the time came she would read him at face value. He could be a very deep player, but somehow she doubted it. It was more expedient to categorize him and dismiss him as a political threat. 

Now, that sword he bore... That was a very real threat. 

She had no interest in testing herself against a scion of Kakita in a fair fight. Truth be told, she had no intention of *Ever* Finding herself in a fair fight. She was not the sort of duelist who sought notches for their saya. When the subject changed she didn't try to fight it. "The restructuring was not planned, the Imperials in their wisdom descended to assume temporary control until leadership could be restored once more. There was a rather interesting affair between a Unicorn and one of my own Clan. Our governor died in the duel, and since a kharmic strike leaves everything balanced *Precariously* We have had a temporary change in leadership. I don't expect it to last long, such things never do."

She flicked her hair back. Still pleased with herself, but willing to be gracious, she added, "Do you intend to pursue your chosen art here in the city? Will we have a chance to view your handiwork in the displays of Winter Court?"

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Michael
A play at sympathy? Or perhaps genuine frustration. Either way, courtesy dictated that the loss be treated with deference. "I am sorry to hear of your clan's loss. Even if it was his karma, the loss will still be felt, and it sounds as if it left quite a large pair of sandals to fill."

He bowed his head in earnest. He felt a little steadier on his feet now that a clear message had been sent and received. For the moment, at least, the game seemed to cool. He would take his respite and lick his wounds.

At the mention of his work, however, he lifted his head. "It is my deepest desire to make a name for myself as a smith. I only hope my work proves worthy of the names that came before me." It was not wise of him to prattle on, but she had struck upon both his strength and his weakness. Had his head been cooler, he would have recognized the dangers in being so frank, but his passion for his craft was potent, and for the moment, that had won out over caution.

"I hope to perfect the art of making dueling blades, not simply swords for clashing against lacquered armor," He went on, "But edged weapons so fine that they may be known for ending a conflict in a single stroke."
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Sherri
"Indeed?" Kaori noted this away. The Doji was proud of his art, very proud. She'd expected nothing less. "That is a very fine goal, to make a sword worthy of naming, no? If you give the sword its own name it becomes mighty indeed but an unworthy blade will betray its master under the burden? Or something like that. I read it in a book." 

The book had been a vapid romance she hadn't finished. Presumably there was a parallel being drawn between two named swords fated to clash and two lovers whose fates were cursed, but the pictures had been dreadful and she'd thrown it out the window at a passing peasant. 

"Anyway, if you do make such a fine sword, you will tell me yes? I have no need for such a thing but I did know a handsome son of Kakita once and he would be envious indeed if I were to write and tell him of something so fine so far from his lands." 

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Michael
Daiki paused. A great sword did deserve a name, this much was true. **"In my mind, there are two ways for a sword to receive a name,"** He said carefully. **"Yes, a smith or a lord can name a blade upon its creation. That is the name that is chiseled into the mei. Still, that sword may be used improperly or not at all, or worse, it may be used and prove ineffective."** The furrows in his brow were delicate, but pronounced, appropriate for one of this house, despite the mismatch with his hands. **"Some swords, I believe, earn their name by proving themselves somehow great or somehow terrible. Maybe it is not on their tangs, and maybe people will never know that name, but whatever name comes to it will be deserved. I feel that giving a name to a sword that is newly made, at least for now, would be... Presumptuous."**

As he trailed off, he came back to himself. Once again, he was seated in an unfamiliar garden speaking to an unfamiliar scorpion while surrounded by even more unfamiliar scorpions. This time, he was uncertain if she had led him to let his guard down, but even if she had not, she had given him plenty of rope by which to hang himself. Still, he was not ashamed of his ambitions. So long as he kept them tempered by duty, it was not a stain on his honor to dream.

**"And what of your goals?"** He said, resuming his pressure on her, though granted with a different kind of force applied to the strike. **"What is it that Bayushi Kaori strives for beyond the simple constraints of her duty?"**

This was a double-edged sword, though one meant to disarm or to test rather than injure. She could avoid the subject altogether, but he had indulged her inquiries. To not do the same would be rude. However, this scorpion did not seem entirely averse to flouting convention.

*Stick and carrot are both effective tools to a courtier. She has used both within a very narrow space of time. Let us see how she chooses to address this line of questioning.*

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Sherri
*Do you wish to make a man your slave? Give him what he yearns for most in all of the world.* 

The Scorpion was looking as pleased as a cat sitting in a mess of feathers. She had rather enjoyed his description of a named sword, and wondered if she could justify a named sword of her own one day. Not today, her sword had not done any very great deeds yet... But maybe one day. If she served her clan well. 

Although her deepest ambition was to merit one sword that had a name already, and six brothers besides. She certainly was not going to share *That* With this Crane. 

"My goals are not so complex," She said airily. "A house in the heart of town with a garden and a dozen fat cats. The buzz of society, the games of court to observe. Maybe I will finally master the biwa. I am not an ambitious creature, I will be content to manage a household. Perhaps I will raise children, or merely spoil other people's children for them." 

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Michael
*And there it is. I thought the scorpion were supposed to be skilled liars.*

Without pomp or warning, Daiki rose to his feet and bowed to his opponent. **"I am afraid that I have tarried more than is wise already. Thank you for the conversation. Perhaps we may resume it some day over tea."**

He patted the dust from his kimono and turned toward the path that had led him into the garden center in the first place. Taking half a step, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder.

**"To be a courtier of the scorpion clan who swaggers about as though she owns the entire garden and then to claim that she has no ambitions is to offer profound insult to anyone listening."** There was a coldness to his tone, but he kept his volume under control as he went on. **"I am unfit for affairs of court, but to insinuate that I cannot spot such a bald-faced lie..."** Heclucked his tongue and let those words hang in the air for a moment. **"At least have the decency to offer a lie I can pretend is the truth."**

With a turn of his white-haired head, he was off down the road. Perhaps it would have been more honorable to endure the insult. Moreover, he knew better than to expect her to be wounded by an accusation of falsehood. Falsehood, after all, was the name of the ancestral blade of the scorpion, just as Lies was the name of their written code of conduct. They wielded dishonesty in all things like he might wield his katana in a duel. Still, to imply that she lacked subtlety and that she had underestimated her opponent might do the trick. It would not return wounds in equal measure to those that he had suffered. However, he knew better than to expect a meeting with a scorpion to allow him to walk away unscathed.

*I suppose that could have gone worse. I yet live, and I have learned volumes. More about myself than about her or her clan. Still, that is valuable knowledge I will not soon forget.*

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