Thomas
Physical therapy was not something Kaori enjoyed. She'd been wounded several times, and had learned that the recovery was far worse than the actual incident. Even with the blessings of the Kami, which never seemed to go very far on her body, she was progressing slower than expected. 

She was in the rock gardens at the Scorpion gardens, slowly doing yoga exercises. Her arm had been killing her ever since she'd tried to throw a teapot at her servant. This was certainly punishment for the sins of her ancestors, since she couldn't think of any very recent kharmic debt she'd acquired. 

Her work on behalf of the Mantis had been completely legitiment and honorable, actually. It almost felt lazy, to act with the full approval of everyone around her. Why, she hadn't sneaked anywhere for serious mischief in... Months? She was growing complacent. Perhaps with Junichi's ascension to Ambassador she would have some real duties to attend. But Winter Court was fast approaching, and nothing yet seemed to be in the works. 

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John
"Excuse me... Bayushi-sama?"

Kana approached the rock garden slowly, almost with a sense of caution. As evidenced by her choice of -sama, she didn't want to risk offending anyone, especially when the next day they might become the Scorpion ambassador. She had worn one of her better kimonos for the occasion of visiting another clan's property, carrying with her a small satchel.

The tall woman bowed to Kaori, and offered a bright, friendly smile. "Good day. I am Moshi Kana, of the Mantis. We had heard you weren't feeling well, and I was sent to check up on you?" She began, hoping that word had been sent to Kaori about her arrival, if for no other reason than to avoid awkwardness. "Being allies, it seemed only proper to offer our full aid, if it please you."

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Thomas
Tori was wisely keeping her distance from her mistress—Kaori's aim with her left hand was nearly as good as her right and she was not going to make the same mistake twice. So it was no wonder that she had received no word of the Mantis's imminent arrival. Eyeing the Mantis sullenly Kaori carefully folded herself back together, her wounded arm tucking into her sleeve. "Moshi-san," She nodded. Her eyes drifted to the woman's facial scar, and her mouth tightened still further, tugging at the scar that marred nearly the same spot on her own soft cheek. "I make it a practice to never turn down a kind offer," She continued, her voice carefully neutral. "Let us sit down by those stones." 

She walked across the rock garden, heedless of her footprints marring the gravel swirls, and settled down by a large stone. "Would you care for refreshments? Tea, perhaps?" 

Tori had appeared, judging it safe to approach the bitter Scorpion now that there were Samurai witnesses, and she stood ready to serve the two. 

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John
Kana seemed to loosen up at the courteous greeting, smiling a little bit wider. She had considered for a moment commenting on how they were 'scar buddies' but even she was aware of what a breach of etiquette that would be. "Tea sounds lovely, thank you very much." She made her way over to where she had directed, smoothing out her kimono beneath her as she sat across from her.

Making note of the servant's arrival, she greeted her with a smile. "I love what you've done with the garden. It feels... Peaceful. The Mantis embassy is many things, but peaceful isn't often one of them," She added with a small chuckle.

"If I may ask, what happened to cause the injury?"

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Thomas
"The last time I had the pleasure of visiting your embassy I found it to be quite peaceful indeed. And relaxing." Kaori's lips quirked in a wicked smile as she remembered sneaking in through Mai's window. "Although it did not remain peaceful for long. My arm was wounded in service to your clan, actually. A spear-thrust cut the muscle here." 

Tori appeared with a tea service, she must have had it already in waiting. Kaori began to serve the tea, working only with her left hand, the right remaining motionless in her lap. Her fingers were soft and uncallused, but she moved with slow deliberation to make the presentation worthwhile. "Your ambassador summoned the Kami to aid in my healing, but I am afraid that they did not see fit to knit the muscle back together quite properly. There is much to do still." 

She flicked her hair back and poured the tea carefully. "I can only hope that it was worth it, in the end." 

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John
"Oh! I must have missed you the last time," She noted obliviously. "I apologize if there was any disruption... As magistrate I evidently should have done a better job of ensuring a pleasant stay. Some Mantis can be a bit... Let's say boisterous!" She nodded emphatically. "Yes, boisterous."

Kana listened carefully, evidently impressed by the sacrifice that Kaori had made on behalf of the clan. She wished to know more, but perhaps asking to recount something like that would be better saved for when they were better acquainted. "You have my gratitude for that, Bayushi-sama." She bowed her head. "To take a blow like that for us... While I might have not been here long enough to hear the story, it is enough for me to know that you did it."

Her brow wrinkled slightly in thought, as she looked to Kaori's arm. "The kami have much power when invoked, but at times we must look to the more mundane when it comes to repairing deep wounds. Plus if I were to call upon Heaven's tears right this moment, it might mess up your hair. Less of a consideration for me," She joked. "Once we've finished tea, would I have your permission to look at the wound?"

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Thomas
"Oh, Moshi-sama was a very *Boisterous* Hostess," Kaori murmured into her tea. "I certainly have nothing to complain of." 

She swirled the cup absently. "I did repay the blow, but the damage was done. I can only hope that this arm will heal in time for winter court. How can I hide my blushes behind my fan if I cannot lift it to my face? I shall have to find a more complete mask." 

The black lace that daintily swirled over her cheekbones now was little more than an affectation. It did come down over her scarred cheek, but the clever loops and whorls could only camouflage the wound, nothing short of opaque porcelain could hide it. "So you have but lately arrived in the city? How are you liking it so far?"
John
Kana raised an eyebrow. This must have been a rather privileged visit indeed! Regardless, it was good to see the ambassador was getting along so well with their allies.

"Well, with any luck, I will hopefully have you prepared to lift even the most ornate fan at the Winter Court!" She grinned. "I've practice with medicine, and I've done some work at our clinic with Moshi-sama's daughter. I can assure you that you'll be in good hands."

She took a sip of her tea, closing her eyes for a moment to savor the taste. She would quickly return to the conversation, however, meeting Kaori's gaze. "Fairly recently, yes. It's certianly had its share of excitement, for better and for worse, one could say. There's a great deal of work for a magistrate, and things are perhaps not as straightforward as they were back on the islands. At times it feels like I've accomplished about as much as a eunuch on a pleasure barge," She continued. || Disadvantage: Coarse || "Yet I know it's important work, and that making a difference does take time. It's not all bad either. There's some wonderful people, and oh Fortunes the food..." She smiled wistfully just thinking about the Red Lantern and Golden Koi.

"Ah! I'm afraid I'm rambling. My apologies. You must have a much better picture of the city, Bayushi-sama. I'd love to hear you speak of it."

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Thomas
The Scorpion snorted at the woman's words, biting her tongue to hold back that eunuchs could still have a use for those with a little imagination. She composed herself rapidly. This Moshi could be dangerous despite her careless words. Certainly if she was a magistrate the Mantis saw something in her that outweighed her foolish word choices. 

She set her cup down so she could wave her hand absently. "The food is wonderful, certainly, and the shows can be marvelous. Some fine actors reside here. And there is always drama of one sort or another. Ambassadors are always quarreling, and there's usually a duel or two over winter. I do hope to see a proper duel soon. The last one I witnessed ended with a kharmic strike—such an anticlimax."
John
"You know, I've never taken in a show here yet. Perhaps I might ask someone to join me one day, if they're as good as you say they are," She replied, nursing her cup. "If I'm to be here for the next little while, I do want to see the best the city has to offer, after all!" 

She listened intently to the rest of what Kaori spoke, making note of just how much conflict there was in the city. It was at once a topic of conversation, and a reminder to stay sharp lest one end up on the wrong side of one of those quarrels.

"There's something to the heat of competition, isn't there? A proper clash with no holding back?" She asked, listening to Kaori speak about duels. "You've piqued my curiosity about that duel you speak of, though."

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Thomas
"The former Ambassador of the Unicorn made some *Extremely* Unkind accusations, and the former governor of this city had no choice but to accept his challenge," Kaori sighed. "What can you expect of a Unicorn? He didn't even have the courtesy to accept his defeat without flailing his sword about first and scoring a killing blow after the initial pass." 

That was stretching the details a *Bit* Thin. 

"Hopefully there will be duels over more interesting affairs. Like affairs! I do appreciate the sight of two lovers facing down death for the sake of their contested object of affection. It is so very intense."
John
"Oh! You were present for that?" Kana seemed surprised. She had heard of the duel in question and the impact it had, and here she was across from someone who had witnessed it herself. "I can only imagine what that must have been like..."

There was little time to dwell on that however, as the conversation took another turn. Her eyes seemed to light up at the mention of lovers' duels. "Ah! Those make for some of my favorite stories. The competitors willing to lay down their life to prove their dedication to their beloved, the observer so frightened for their safety yet thrilled as such a display of passion..."

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Thomas
"One can only imagine the heightened passions after such a display of devotion and courage," Kaori nodded. This Mantis could be fun company. Perhaps they could work together over winter court to bring blushes to the cheeks of more reserved samurai. "I am told duels are not nearly as common in the islands, at least not our formal sort. Tell me, is it true that your ship captains duel on planks between ships?"
John
"Ah... Likewise." She nodded. "Of course, some authors do write about such things, if you know where to look," She added with a chuckle. She hadn't quite expected to have such enjoyable conversation when she had been directed to come. It was a thoroughly pleasant surprise, however, and she found herself hoping they would have more opportunities to chat.

"Ah, when they're feeling particularly daring, yes! More often than not it comes about when they're deep in their cups, and they feel they've been slighted about the size or quality of their ship. Even then, though, the most skilled fight as though they were still on solid ground. I've yet to witness it myself, but I've known a captain claim to have leapt over his opponent to deliver the decisive blow from behind!" She flashed a toothy grin. "Of course, if you know anything about sailors, they've often a shaky relationship with the truth."

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Thomas
"I have not had the chance to," ~~associate with horribly salty people~~ "Make the acquaintance of many sailors yet. Perhaps if our clans are still close during Winter Court we will have the opportunity to widen our horizons." 

She finished her tea at a gulp. "I trust that our efforts were not in vain however? That the round-eye we found yielded useful information? I am sure that he was very forthcoming once Moshi-sama had him before her."
John
"I should certainly hope it continues," She replied. "It does us good to have allies like you, and if I may, perhaps someone I could seek advice from at the Winter Court," She smiled sheepishly. "I'm sure it's obvious, but I'm afraid I lack your grace and elegance. I could use some lessons."

She finished her own tea, and nodded at Kaori's inquiry. "Moshi-sama was very pleased when the gaijin came into her possession. I believe she's currently seeing to ensuring he speaks. Not to repeat myself to the point of nuisance, but you have my gratitude. Truly."

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Virginia
The vassal was running fairly late to his scheduled yoga session with Lady Kaori, he had much to bring! Walking through the gardens, one's stature casted a rather large shadow. Usually you'd find the man in their usual black attire, but today he actually wore crimson hakama pants with a simple white shitagi. Today was supposed to be a relaxing day so the Rokugo let his hair down. 

"Were we still on for yoga Kaori-Sama?"

He'd have bowed but he was carrying a platter with a pot of tea and some cups, typically tea helped with sessions like these. Sitting atop the Junshins head was the companion he always snuck around, but today he could be seen in plain sight. Kame rested, chewing on a leaf and a bit of the samurai's hair, but Yuto didn't mind. 

"Forgive me for not bowing Moshi-Sama, I am quite preoccupied. But it is good to see you, last time we met was the rally."

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Thomas
The Scorpion eyed her vassal with a rather dour expression. The teacup in her fingers came down on the tray with a rather severe click, emphasizing that she had grown tired of waiting for him. Whether this attitude of treating the junshin like a servant was appropriate in front of guests was for Moshi Kana to decide. "It seems that more than you could benefit from such lessons," She murmured. "Rokugo-san, has Lord Moon's eye lingered too long upon me? Or is there a slimy reptile crawling about on your *Head*?"

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John
"Hm?" She glanced up, and looled over to the new arrival, smiling as she recognized the familiar face. "Ah! Rokugo-san!" She greeted warmly. "I was not expecting to run into you today!" She thought about asking what had brought him here for a moment before remembering that this was, in fact, the Scorpion garden.

She noticed the little turtle up on Yuto's head, and smiled a bit wider. "Well then! Who's the little guest with you?" She asked.

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Virginia
Getting down on one knee he'd set the plate with the pot of tea on the grass, without tilting his head to ensure Kame wouldn't slip. Soon after the samurai would have raised his hand, waiting for the little creature to move to it before setting the turtle down within the grass. 

"I don't know Lady Kaori-Sama, blink a few times, he may disappear. This is Kame-San, my best friend, he's a Turtle." 

Stating he was a turtle wasn't necessary but Yuto did it anyway. Having a slight smile slit across the lips, he poured cups of tea for them all. Offering one to Moshi Kana. 

"What brings you here Moshi-Sama? Have you come for yoga?"

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Thomas
Blink blink blink. No, there was still a horrible thingie on top of Yuto's head, like a cancerous growth that had achieved sentience. She edged away when it was placed on the grass. What was wrong with him? Had he been stricken mad as well? 

She took the second cup of tea and considered throwing something at the thingie. It was a good size for throwing, but if she picked it up it was sure to pee on her hand or look in her eye or otherwise... Ugh. She shuddered and tried to distract herself with less noisome thoughts while Yuto and Kana chatted. 

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John
"Well, a good day to Kame-san as well!" Kana chirped, evidently taken with the cute little critter. Not being a dog, she was already more at easy with Kame compared to most other animals.

She accepted the cup of tea graciously, bowing her head in thanks. "I did not know you had plans with Bayushi-sama, my apologies to the both of you for intruding, in that case." She took a small sip. "I had come to provide some help with Bayushi-sama's recovery. As it turned out though, she's been excellent company. Now there's another pleasant surprise with your arrival! Of course, if you did have plans for yoga together, I could come back on a more convenient day?

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Virginia
Smiling as she greeted Kame, he'd have spoken up on her asking to come back. Anyone nice to his turtle was surely welcome to join them, of course Yuto still planned to do yoga but he appreciated one's fine taste in animals. Oh and she was helpful to Kaori. 

"Nonsense, you're welcome to stay and play with ka-help Kaori-Sama recover. I partially blame myself for the injury, anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated, Moshi-Sama." 

He took a sip of his own cup, he had brought three because one of them was for Kame. Seeing as he treated Kaori and Kana to tea as well, the little one would have to do with simply eating the leaves. One of the things Yuto carried with him was a cushion for the turtle, treating his pet like royalty. After he was finished the samurai spoke once more. 

"Is yoga not something Shugenja do? Forgive me, I've only met one other Shugenja, your ambassador. Moshi Mai-Sama. I don't have much experience with those of your expertise."

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Thomas
"Moshi-sama is quite fit despite her calling as Storm herald," Kaori's smirk seemed to broaden. "If she does not practice both yoga and strength training daily I will be surprised indeed." 

She chuckled softly, having finally been distracted from the monster devouring the garden. "He does speak for me in this as well, your skill would be of great value. I did have some question regarding my recovery that you might be able to answer once we are done with our tea." 

Had Yuto washed his hands after handling that dreadful thing before he served the tea? The sudden realization almost made her fling the cup across the garden. Screaming inwardly she carefully placed the cup down on the tray. Maybe if she scrubbed her mouth out with sand and gravel. Or perhaps enough sake could burn both thought and memory from her mind and tongue. 

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John
"Ah... Umm... I... Thank you!" A visibly flustered Kana replied, holding the cup up to her face as though that would be enough to hide the blush that covered her entire head. "Back at the Shrine we were told the importance of looking after both body and mind, as all are part of the same being. I do try to practice that as much as I can," She managed to get out. "You, um, look very nice as well Bayushi-sama!" She added with an emphatic nod. 

As the conversation returned back to the matter of health, she managed to get a hold of herself, her face now only pink. "Of course, I would be happy to answer any questions I can." She then smiled to Yuto. "I would be honored to stay in that case."

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Virginia
Expecting as much from the Shugenja, it wasn't only a Samurai's responsibility to take care of their body. Listening to them speak, the man himself already began getting started. Rolling forward to enter a handstand, as both palms laid flat within the grass. Being abnormal to see a man his size do this, the Rokugo did so with confidence. 

"What was it like being raised as a Shugenja?" 

He asked, still focused on maintaining his stature. Long dark and silk hair fell to the grass beneath his hands. With both eyes shut the Junshin would simply meditate on their words. Sensing a tension between Kaori and Kame, did they have problems with each other? He had never introduced them before. Typically everyone took well with Kame's presence. 

"Were you not going to introduce yourself?" 

Directed at Kaori, she hadn't even addressed the turtle. 

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Thomas
The black eyes stared in confusion. Surely her vassal had gone utterly mad. "Yuto-san, we have met before. I am Bayushi Kaori." 

Perhaps this was one of those trickster tests. Was this even really Yuto standing on his hands before her? It would make just as much sense if he was a particularly merry kitsune. *Ew fur.* She bowed slightly and repeated herself, just to make sure. "Bayushi Kaori, of the Scorpion. It is a pleasure to know you, Rokugo-san." 

Her eyes cut to the shugenja, half expecting the bald woman to be preparing a spell. Then to the grass, to check her vassal's shadow—his hair concealed any ears but surely a tail would be obvious?
John
Kana's eyes widened in surprise at the Yuto's display. She even applauded a bit. "Most impressive, Rokugo-san! There were those half your size who struggled to half as much with their training back home. You must have quite a bit of acrobatics practice under your belt."

Considering his question, Kana took a moment to reply. "It was a good upbringing. My mother demanded the best of me in all my lessons, and there were so many lessons, but she was never cruel or harsh. That said, I've spent so much of my life with my nose to a scroll I feel out of sorts if I go a day without reading something. On the bright side, reading's brought me much joy. Especially r- er, certain stories."

As she took a sip of her tea, she noticed the odd interactiom between the Scorpions, and the Kaori looked as though Yuto had spouted a second *And* Third head. Of course, it didn't take long to formulate a theory of just what it was Yuto was getting at... But she had a feeling for now it was best to keep quiet and drink her tea.

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Virginia
Visible irritation actually showed on his face now that Kaori was playing silly. Letting himself fall back down, he now laid across the grass on his back. Without moving, Yuto looked up, seeing the three of them from an upside down perspective. Pointing towards Bayushi. 

"Well Bayushi Kaori-Sama, I don't believe Kame has ever met you. Would you mind repeating that?"

Kame sat right in front of Kaori, looking up at her from the grass. Still having a leaf in his mouth that he slowly chewed on. Yuto stared intently, almost missing what Kana said completely. Before he came off rude he turned to the mantis. 

"It seems you were raised into a fine Shugenja Moshi-Sama, I'm sure Kame-san appreciates someone such as yourself for being kind." 

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Thomas
The Bayushi's eyes narrowed dangerously, her wounded hand's fingers twitching. She glanced over at the turtle again. "Rokugo-san, are you feeling entirely well?" 

She glanced at the Mantis. "I apologize for such sordid subjects but I have a responsibility to my vassal. If the kami have any insight here I am glad to be counciled by them." 

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John
By now, Kana was not entirely certain this wasn't some grand play that the Scorpion had concocted as some new, immersive sort of theater. She was not certain whether to laugh at the proceedings, play along, or just apologize profusely in case she were to accidentally offend anyone. It didn't make much sense, but she was currently witnessing an upside-down, now prone man, demanding the woman he reported to greet his turtle. Sense didn't seem to enter into the equation.

Kana gave a nervous smile to Kaori as she spoke to her. "Ah... It seems Rokugo san would like you to introduce yourself to his turtle companion. As for what the Kami suggest... I beg your forgiveness, but I don't think I have ever had this subject come up in any of the times I have communed with them. Or any of my etiquette lessons."

*Or any of my ever dreams, for that matter.*

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Virginia
Rolling over he'd have begun to sit cross legged in the grass, nudging himself closer to Kaori as he grabbed Kame. Holding the little creature closer to her, demanding the turtle receive its respect. They were fascinating adorable creatures, such behavior wasn't deserved. 

"This is Kame-San, as you can see he is very delighted to meet you." 

Letting the turtle stand in his open palm, Yuto held it in place, waiting for Kaori to acknowledge it. It wasn't very often that Rokugo brought his turtle out and about, but when he did everyone liked him. Part of the man couldn't accept her clear distaste. 

"Moshi-Sama, are you not fond of animals? You seem like one, perhaps you can tell me what is wrong with Lady Kaori-Sama. I fear the damage wasn't only to her arm."

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Thomas
Another narrowed glance, and then the Scorpion rose. "Moshi-san, good day." 

She swept from the garden without another backwards glance. The servant bowed hastily and rushed after her mistress. 

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John
Kana was starting to become very anxious about what to do in this situation. She'd been sent for a certain duty. While she was certain she'd be able to explain why it could not be accomplished if word got back to the embassy, she'd rather not be in a situation where she had to explain herself in the first place.

Especially when she was going to have to get Mai to believe this all started over a turtle.

"One moment please..." She smiled politely to Yuto, bowing her head, before springing to her feet. "Bayushi-sama!" She called out after her. "Your physical therapy!"

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Virginia
Yuto gasped! She still refused even coming face to face with the adorable creature, once she got up to run the Rokugo jumped to his feet. It was clear Moshi Kana felt the exact same way he did, Kaori was very obviously rude! Therefore, just like the Bayushis servant and kana, Yuto bolted through the gardens. Still holding Kame as he enjoyed the wind. 

And with that Rokugo Yuto had chased the clearly prejudice scorpion into the sunset. 

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Thomas
The angry Bayushi ignored the poor Mantis and stalked off, turning a corner and disappearing from sight. There was *No* Health to be regained while that disgusting reptile was being shoved into her face. 

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John
|| so what do we think

|| aww ok! Thank you both for the scene! Kana will have to hang out with you both on her own sometime