Jocelyn
The City of Stories boasted several truly incredible gardens. Those upon Tear Drop Isle were all meticulously maintained to present the continued ideal of paradise for the wealthy to come and play. Daikoku's Garden boasted the largest and most impressive displays of flowers and trees, as befitting a place dedicated to the Fortune of Wealth. However, if one could put aside bias, it could not be denied that the Scorpion Gardens were almost as stunning. 

Every bed was arranged for optimal appeal, from the colors of the flowers growing there to the size of the blooms; all were coordinated so that one flowering area was beginning to bloom while the season for others was passing. Paths were carefully tended, shrubs and topiaries all trimmed into aesthetically pleasing forms. There was even a covered archway for the wisteria, which, when in its full splendor, looked like something from a dream. 

Of course, Kotori herself had not yet seen that covered archway, but within a few short weeks she expected to see all of the beautiful purple flowers dripping down like living jewels.

Currently, the little Scorpion was sitting in her office, making a few notes about things which required attention in the gardens and baths. The sun had set, though with the days gradually becoming longer the last light of day had not faded. She expected Yamori to arrive any moment; she'd wanted to allow him time to settle in, acquaint himself with his quarters before showing him around the gardens. With his interest in gardening, she thought it might be a pleasant way to cap the day for him, to see the beautiful grounds before taking a relaxing soak in the onsen. 

She'd left a small note for him with instructions detailing the easiest and more straightforward path to the office. They could take a more circuitous stroll after he arrived, and hopefully enjoy the peaceful calm of twilight.

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Thomas
The labyrinth that was the Shosuro palace seemed designed with an intent to personally lead him astray. If it were a living beast, he'd have no doubt it was one far too cunning for him to best.

In the end, he relied on a heimin to be his guide through that maze. One that had not only bested the beast, but had tamed it. His pride may have been hurt had he known this was not a feature of the palace, but a symptom of redesign and expansion over the course of centuries.

He was cautious about a meeting with Kotori. Still his first day, who knew what webs each Scorpion was crafting and where he might fall into one. Still, a deep breath easily relaxed him as he stood outside the office; heimin announcing his presence.
Jocelyn
"Please enter!" She chirped cheerfully as she climbed to her feet, shaking out her sleeves and kimono as she did. 

Kotori then made her way quickly to the shogi and slid it open, smiling up at Yamori. "Good evening, Yogo-san. I am glad you've found your way here. The gardens are expansive." She stepped down and into her sandals, giving a nod to the heimin to dismiss him. 

"As you seemed to have an interest in botany, I thought you might appreciate seeing the gardens." The little Scorpion took off at a slow, easy pace. Around the garden, workers were busy setting light to wick in the many, many lanterns, all which served to produce a warm but soothing illumination. "The grounds are more impressive in the daylight hours, but the evening is my favorite time, personally. It is much more serene."

"Do your quarters meet your satisfaction? If there is anything you require, you need only say the word and it will be remedied."

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Thomas
||I may have misunderstood. Was your office located in the Scorpion Gardens or the Shosuro Palace?

The Yogo ended his bow, entering the office of the Bayushi. He remained polite as ever, maintaining his attention on her, not even allowing a curious peep at her surroundings. "Thank you for your hospitality, Bayushi-san," He said through a soft smile. "You have surmised correctly. Outside the fulfilment gained from serving the clan and empire, this was what I had looked forward to the most."

He nodded in agreement at the comment of the evening. "Life blooms whether bathing under the rays of Lady Sun or the glow of Lord Moon. Flowers are a cheeky thing, most favour one more than the other. I am excited to see those who vye for the attention of Lord Moon."

Yamori kept an even pace with Kotori, always half a foot behind and on her left. While he did not suspect a trap may spring up on him he had known Scorpion who wished to periodically test the adequacy of their yojimbo. It was a tight rope to walk, but a courtier with a keen eye would notice Yamori attempting to walk upon this balance beam.

"More than satisfactory. Bayushi Yuto-sama is as kind as he is committed to his duties." A few greedy glances were made to different plants and flowers. Even in the evening, it seemed a more impressive garden then any he had ever had the opportunity to witness. For the first time in months he felt a genuine smile form, the mildest joy creeping through his body.
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Jocelyn
"Oh good. I am pleased to hear that." Kotori smiled up at Yamori upon learning he found his room to be suitable, at least for the time being. It was nice to be able to take a normal, leisurely walk and not have to hurry to keep pace with people so much taller than herself; the Yogo duelist was taller than she, but not absurdly so. 

"We have an impressive variety of night-blooming flowers, from jasmine to moon-flowers to my personal favorite, Queen-of-the-Night." She pointed out different species as she took him on a stroll along the paths, greatly enjoying her role of guide for the new Scorpion arrival. "Do you have any particular favorites, Yogo-san? I would be happy to have clippings brought to your rooms." 

"Ah yes, we also have a menagerie. There are a number of bird species, some strange crabs that can leap straight up into the air, a camel, and one creature with an enormously long nose that eats only insects. His name is Gurume—I quite like him. The animals will be in their covered enclosures by this hour, but you should come see them during the day sometime." The little Scorpion was not *Quite* Babbling, but she was close. Everything she'd spent the last several weeks learning, she wanted to demonstrate, and all of her explanations were accompanied by a bright, genuine smile. 

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Thomas
"Impressive seems a statement of humility." Yamori had dropped his guard, allowing himself to fully take in the sights around him. "I've never seen so many moon flowers in bloom, let alone in the same place."

Somehow the tales he had heard of the Shosuro gardens had not done the place justice. "The wisteria as well, the purple flowers coat the archways quite pleasantly. Walking here with you, Bayushi-san, it is hard to believe we are still within Ryoko Owari Toshi. And you say there is a Queen-of-the-Night here? I have always wanted to see on in full bloom. I hope I have not missed the chance this season."

He thought for a moment on her question. That was the first time he had been asked to give his favourite flower. "One comes to mind. Though I am afraid a request for clippings would be a most unreasonable ask. The flowering of bamboo can sometimes be a once in a century occurrence."

Yamori had keen ears for every piece of information Katori shared about the flowers and plants. Less so on the animals, creatures that would often expect something from him that he could not even give to other samurai. "That is remarkable. Such an array of animals, and Gurume you say? I will have to make Gurume-san's acquaintance soon," He remarked with a playful seemingly sincere smile.
Jocelyn
"This way!" Kotori smiled again, indicating a side path with a nod of her head. "The Queen is *Spectacular*." She led him through a small tunnel dripping in wisteria, both purple and violet varieties, looking up often at his face. 

"I have never seen bamboo in flower, to be honest. Though, if we had any, I would find a way to get you a cutting. Even if it were only for the last day before the blooms faded on the vine, so to speak, I would bring it to you." Passing by one bush of evening prim rose, she reached out a hand and let her fingertips brush across the soft petals. 

After just a short walk, she came to another carefully tended bed, this one sprinkled throughout with blooms so white, so ethereal, they seemed to glow in the moonlight. The smell was fragrant, almost intoxicating; truly a paradise. "Aren't they just magnificent?" 

"Apparently Gurume enjoys having his belly rubbed, like a dog." Kotori hid a giggle behind her sleeve. "I have not pet him, personally, but I have seen it and it's quite a sight to see such a beast rolling about like a puppy. He's much more placid. The camel *Spits*." Still behind her sleeve, she wrinkled her nose in distaste. "And he's rather smelly."

"But, all that aside, I hope that you'll be happy here, Yogo-san. I am glad you have come to the city."

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Thomas
Her excitement was an infectious thing. It seemed like even the flowers bloomed wider in her presence. There was momentary regret in Yamori that he could not share in that feeling. "Really, they are in bloom now?"

The seeming sincerity in Kotori's words were like honey. "You are too kind Bayushi-san. Truly, you could teach a Doji, how you-" 

His compliment was interrupted by the sight of the Queen of the garden.

Magnificent. Truly. The Night Queen held itself with a beauty and dignity that summoned in his mind a vision of Doji herself. But disappointingly, the vision did not touch his heart. He remained as empty as ever, and caught himself calculating how to feign excitement. A tinge of disappointment was mixed into his usual performance, unable to hide himself away at this internal confrontation.

"It is... Truly splendid. Perhaps this is what it was like, how people described being in the presence of the Kami. Thank you Bayushi Kotori-sama. This sight has been a gift, and I am grateful to receive it in the company of one who truly appreciates the beauty we are surrounded by."

His smile did not reach his eyes, though he did not notice. But when he turned to Kotori to catch her stealing a glance at him (no doubt she was curious to take in Yamori's own experience of the garden) his eyes returned to mimicking the warmth of his smile.

"Goodness, Gurume sounds like quite the character! I must confess though, I do not know what a *Camel* Is. But I think I would much rather become acquainted with Gurume." Yamori let any sense of unease melt away, such feelings never lasted long for the Yogo. Not by design mind you, he just never really knew how to stay bothered with anything. It was especially difficult to on such a beautiful night, in a place of such serenity with someone who was quite lovely company. *A useful ally.*

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Jocelyn
"You flatter me, Yogo-san, but I would be lying to say I was not enjoying it." She giggled again. 

While Yamori did smile upon seeing the beautiful flowers, there was something missing in his expression. Kotori did not know what it was exactly, but assumed it was due to his exhaustion from his journey. That seemed plausible, as his words remained as eloquent as before. Surely, that must be it. He was tired, and so while he could appreciate the flora of the garden, he was simply too drained to fully embrace it. This, Kotori could understand. 

"I had never before seen a camel, either. It's something like a rather... Dopey looking horse with enormous two toed feet and a hump upon it's back. Utterly bizarre. When you feel so inclined, I will show you the menagerie upon another day. You're welcomed to visit on your own, of course. You certainly need not wait for me. But let us take you to the baths now, so may actually *Relax*." Kotori gestured with one long sleeve back towards the direction they'd come, and resumed her leisurely pace.

"Was your journey to arrive her a long one, Yogo-san? I know when I arrived, even though I was in a carriage, I was both sore and stir crazy." As they walked, Kotori made pleasant conversation, nothing too deep or too thrilling, things that were easy to talk about, information disclosed without giving anything too serious away. Within just a few minutes, the bathhouse came into view. 

The bathhouse was a multi-storied structure made of dark wood with the typical peaked roofs and sloping gables, the roof tiles a color caught between blue and grey. Many windows, while closed, glowed softly, beacons in the night. The smell of sulphur-rich waters permeated the air as they came nearer, though perhaps surprisingly, it did not clash with the scents given off by the wide variety of plants. If anything, the whole area had a very natural smell, earthy but clean, somehow refreshing but warm. 

"We have both interior and exterior pools, rooms for relaxing after taking a soak, shiatsu and massage practitioners... Almost anything a guest could desire to make their visit more pleasant. I, myself, am available to provide music, should a guest so wish it. When you arrived, you were brought round to the side entrance, near to my office. But as you can see, the front edifice is impressive."

"Yogo-san, would you care to use the facilities? You seem tired, and I think you would be pleased by how comfortable our baths can be." 

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Thomas
"When time permits, I should like to. The creature sounds... Unique." He left his response to her offer vague, not wanting to commit but neither outright denying the proposal of a visit together to see the animals. "My duties will require me to spend considerable time in the Merchants Quarters, that is when I am not being honoured to act as your yojimbo. It is why I am so grateful to see the gardens with you as my guide. In truth, us bushi are rarely given the time to form a friendship with those we are charged to safeguard. Not that it is *Required*, but it is rewarding nonetheless."

Yamori suspected this response would satisfy Kotori. It was difficult to tell how much of this was her attempting to build rapport or how much of this interaction was sincerely felt by her. Courtiers could often be hard to read like that.

"The journey was long, but pleasant. Fortune Inari has been quite generous to our lands and it was warming to see this for myself. I am curious how your journey was, what was it like for you the first time you experienced the City of Stories?" 

A bath sounded pleasant, although the heat of the water would likely irritate the scar on his chest. He would need to obtain herbs for that in the near future. But for now, he was not going to refuse and cause offense.

"The Kami of Earth and Water are both in good spirits here, it seems." If Yamori was exhausted, it had not registered in his mind. *A sensible assumption, given my travels. I need to hide it better.*

"The stroll through the gardens has refilled my cup," He smiled. "Though I agree, I am looking forward to experiencing the Garden Baths." He paused for a moment, acting as though he had just remembered something forgotten. Truthfully, he wanted an opportunity to demonstrate to Kotori he was competent as a yojimbo. It was not unheard of for a bushi to be too distracted in fashion and the arts, and neglect the duty of their blade. That concern needed to be laid to rest before there was any opportunity for it to grow.

"Actually, I had heard there was a dojo in the gardens. Would I be over extending your hospitality to ask to see it? I had intended to practice my form before retiring for the evening."

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Jocelyn
"Unique is a kind word to describe the moody thing." So eager was Kotori to befriend this new arrival that she paid no attention to the intentional subtlety of his wording. She was already wondering if he might be amenable to a picnic of sorts some day. Hm... Did he prefer green tea, or black? Onigiri with vegetables, or fish?

"I, too, am very glad to be able to share this time with you, Yogo-san. I know our duties will keep us busy, but I hope that you will remember I will always welcome your company. And of course, you are *Always* Welcome here. I'm happy to play for you whenever you so wish, as well." She smiled up at him again, this expression softer and sweeter than any before. Vulpine eyes were bright in the moonlight, bright and beautiful. 

"I will seek to impose upon your other responsibilities as little as possible, Yogo-san. The Merchant's Quarter is indeed vast and complex in more ways than the mere winding streets."

"As to the dojo, yes of course! We shall pass by my favorite place within the gardens along the way. This place is as much your home now as it is mine, Yogo-san. I hope that you feel welcome here." 

She turned away from the bathhouse then, nodding towards yet another among the seemingly infinite paths. "I am wholly ignorant in the ways of *Bushido*. Would it be an imposition if I asked to observe your practice?" 

"As to my arrival in the City of Stories..." She trailed off for a moment, considering. "I was raised in a very sheltered environment. In fact, while my conditions were more than comfortable, my movements were restricted. Proper enough for a ward of a noble family, I suppose, but even so." Kotori lowered her eyes to hide the complicated expression therein. Shame? Sorrow? It was hard to tell. "I have been enjoying every day here."

"I finally feel like I am *Living.*"

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Thomas
The Yogo's eyes reached Kotori's for just a moment, smiling back at her. He took the moment to study her expression. Something he would like to practice in the mirror later. 

*That disarming friendliness would be useful, if I can ever work out how to master it.* His gaze broke from hers before the situation could feel too improper. 

*She rips off layers of stringent formalities, leaving little room to escape her web of affection one would expect from a sibling or a lover. Dangerous.*

"I feel very welcomed here, Bayushi-san. As for observance of my training, I would be delighted in your interest. However, I am hardly an expert in bushido. Though not for lack of trying!" Yamori chuckled, if only to maintain his performance of a friendly yojimbo. "What I can say is that you are abundant in *Rei* And *Makoto*. Some know bushido through scripture. Others know it through action."

Yamori hoped this response would shift the conversation to a more intellectual one. Though his words carried no dishonesty. 

There was not much chance that Yamori would know where he was going without a guide, and so he followed along the path Kotori created. He found Kotori's dropped eyes a welcomed temporary escape from her warmth. But could not help share his musings of how he viewed her.

Yamori did not understand what Kotori meant. How does one feel alive? Typically when people talk about feelings, they expect some kind of understanding. Analogies are often a safe bet. He just needed to sound like he understood, and give enough room for interpretation of his words as cover.

"It is like bamboo. A single bamboo can grow healthy. But the environment can be unforgiving and restrictive. Without a forest, it can still survive even without the necessary shade or foliage. But once it is in a forest, bamboo trees cast bountiful shade to the ground; leaves trapping moisture in the dirt and maintaining healthy soil. Now the bamboo can live."
Jocelyn
"I am so pleased you feel welcome, Yogo-san. It is important to me, not merely as part of my duties but on a personal level, that every one of us feels valued and honored."

She hid a laugh behind her sleeve when the bushi poked a bit of fun at himself, taking his humor to mean he was becoming more comfortable in her presence. "You should not sell yourself short, Yogo-san. I believe we should never think we have mastered all there is, but I also believe acknowledging one's accomplishments is important." She flashed a quick smile at him, enjoying a moment of companionable silence as they walked. 

As Yamori spoke while they walked, Kotori listened attentively. An analogy about bamboo. How... Insightful? In her heart of hearts, the little Scorpion was not entirely sure she grasped his meaning. She thought she did, but waxing philosophical had never been her strong suit. 

Bamboo *Can* Grow on its own, true, but was that common? Did bamboo often grow in single, lone stalks? Did too much bamboo sap the soil of nutrients, thus creating weaker plants overall? She found herself wishing she knew more about botany then. 

"I will ruminate on your words, Yogo-san, for they contain both poetry and wisdom." 

To their right, a small pavilion stood like a gateway to some other realm. The white stone from which it was constructed nearly glowed in the moonlight while the red tiles of the peaked roof shone like wet blood. 

"That is perhaps my most favorite place in the entirety of the castle grounds." She nodded towards the structure. "If ever you cannot find me at the baths or palace, it is likely I am here." 

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Thomas
Each compliment and kind word given was returned with a sweet smile. The politeness was predictable. Yamori enjoyed the shared silence, though he exchanged no looks with Kotori in those moments. Truthfully, even if he did not like flora, he would be using feigned interest to escape the meeting of their eyes.

*If kindness could kill, this Bayushi would turn the whole city into a graveyard within the year.*

"You truly are the perfect guide, revealing every wonderous surprise the garden offers. What a peaceful spot. Ideal in rainy weather no doubt. I could see this as the perfect place for a tea ceremony, if one were to dance on the edge of *Untraditional*." 

*This is likely where the courtier would commit seppuku if the need arose. That would be a beautiful end. I wonder what she would choose as her final meal.*

"It is incredible how a lively stroll in such a beautiful place can revive the appetite. The tea treats you prepared were delicious. Do you have a favourite food?" Yamori's face conveyed the innocence of a child.

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Jocelyn
"You flatter me, Yogo-san. Though I cannot say I mind." She suppressed another soft laugh behind her sleeve. 
"Indeed, that pavilion is quiet peaceful. I enjoy composing there in the evenings, when I have the time." 

Kotori paused for a moment to again regard the small structure, tilting her head slightly in consideration. "I suppose the *Ryurei* Form would be most appropriate, were one to conduct a tea ceremony there. What a lovely sight that would be."

When it seemed Yamori had viewed his fill, she resumed their walk; the peaks of the dojo were coming into view, a few lanterns lighting the way. 

His next question took her entirely by surprise, and she again looked up at his face. "My favorite food? From whence came that question?" She laughed openly, even as she considered her response. Did she even *Have* A favorite food? Very little care had ever been shown to her preferences. She knew which foods she preferred less than others, but which did she prefer more? 

"I suppose, if I had to pick, it would be curry rice. But, to be perfectly honest, Yogo-san, no one has ever asked me that before." 

Giving it a bit more thought, food had only recently become something in which she could find pleasure. Eating alone seldom fostered intense feelings.

"What about yourself? Do you have a particular favorite dish?"

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Thomas
The soft laugh was returned at barely a whisper, though without a fan to hide behind. When someone laughs it is good practice to laugh with them, unless the laughter is at ones expense.

"A wise choice, it seems you know your *Cha no yu*. To be expected of one so refined." Hardly a compliment, it was likely downplaying the truth. She was a polished courtier in Yamori's eyes.

"Curry rice? An interesting choice. As for mine..." He paused, his footsteps seeming more pronounced in the silence. *Of course she would return the question. It would be too obvious if I stole her answer. Matcha would be too predictable, besides I care little for the tea; it's the ceremony that protects me. Fish? She might make me eat it next time. Lying is bothersome, but the truth will make me appear indecisive... Unless I can create intrigue.*

"This I will leave you to discover. If you are not afraid of a challenge." A playful chuckle escaped his lips, though Yamori was quite unimpressed with himself at this moment.

"Oh, I think I see the dojo."

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Jocelyn
"While I have been taught the proper form, I confess that I only know the basics, Yogo-san. Though you have encouraged me to practice!" She responded cheerfully at his compliment—not about being refined, but about ryurei. He'd probably met no end of courtiers masterful at the art of tea ceremony, and she resolved that she would someday make that list. But it would require practice, and dedication, not a mere singular showing of an elegant pouring and offering. 

Yamori had something about him that made it feel like he could look into one's very thoughts, seeing through the masks both literal and metaphorical. She didn't know what it was that made her feel that way nor could she have explained it if pressed, but that was how she *Felt*. His approval of her mattered to Kotori. Again, she knew not why, but it did.

"It depends on the challenge, but I think this is one I shall be glad to accept." Her smile returned when he laughed. It was a pleasant sound.

"Ah, yes! We've arrived." She led him around one final curve in the pathway, the dojo coming into view. Lights from within gave the shoji screens a warm glow in the night. "And it appears there are others here. Let us see who it is!" 

And up the few stairs she went.

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