Ali
_Kashikoi moved into one of the available rooms in the Embassy and began to set up the usual requirements for tea and its ceremonial performance. He then began walking around and inviting or leaving letters of invitation around the Embassy, promoting a period of bonding between clansmen and women._
Pedro
Kita received the invitation from a Phoenix at the embassy she had yet to encounter. She was pleased both for the opportunity to meet another new face, and to join them for tea. The ceremony involved several requirements, the formality of which she respected as much as she appreciated the tea itself.

The Asako had her long black hair tied up in her beaded hair comb, today intentionally leaving a few stands pulled loose to frame her face, wearing her more formal kimono for the occasion.

She arrived at the designated time and place to join Isawa Kashikoi as requested.

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Ali
"Ahh! Welcome Asako-san, please make yourself comfortable. I am Isawa Kashikoi, as you may know; a Shugenja who was assigned to this city for spiritual advice."

_He bows, though with how gaunt and frail the man looks, it almost looks like he would bend in half if he put forth too much effort. He looks back up with stormy grey eyes that seem to see through Kita._

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Pedro
Kita bows in reply, and makes herself comfortable as offered. 

"Isawa-san, it's good to meet you. I was aware that we had such shugenja assigned here, but had not had the chance to run into you yet. I was glad to see your invitation. Have you been here at the embassy long yourself?"

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Ali
"Since last winter as a matter of fact, pardon my lack of attendance; my condition can cause issues with pursuing regular duties across Ryoko Owari Toshi."

_Kashikoi begins the process of starting the ceremony, smiling gently the entire time as he does so._

"Now, I should go ahead and issue a warning, one I typically share with many other Phoenix. What do you know of the Ishiken?"

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Pedro
"No need for apologies, every one has their duties to attend to, some that require more attention and time away."

At Kashikoi's mention of a warning and Ishiken, Kita raised an eyebrow, giving him a quizzical look. She thought to herself before continuing, *A rather unusual way to start a conversation, but dealing with Ishiken perhaps not unwarranted, and prudent if he has had to warn others in the past* 

She sat silently for a short while, considering how best to answer before continuing,
"I am familiar with the idea of it. A few books I have read mentioned the training process briefly. And my aunt's god-children, twins, are said to have the karmic-bond. But I have not encountered it myself. Why do you ask?"

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Ali
"I know it's rather unusual, but I have found that many do not like my particular talents, thus, having to warn them became ... Necessary."

_He smiles apologetically, continuing to go about the ceremony, though he did lag here and there as he looked Kita in her eyes occasionally while he spoke._

"And no, you said nothing aloud. My ability to hear into the thoughts of others is one I have dubious hold over unfortunately, as the Void is unlike a kami who generally answers prayers unless angered or in a mischievous mood."

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Pedro
Kita tilted her head to the side, unsure if she had heard correctly. But then again, he was correct, the words had not left her mouth. She wondered,
*Will this place ever stop presenting surprises? It's a good thing he's one of our own, and something like this didn't happen with the Otomo Secretary.*
Before she could help it, her thoughts flashed back to some of the more ungracious things that had crossed her mind that day before she left the harsh woman's office. 
Her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink, but otherwise she outwardly maintained her composure. 

"It is.. An unusual talent you have. It must get very loud in there. But I understand why you would want to be up front with such an ability."

She was momentarily hesitant to voice the thought, but if he was being forthright then there was no point. 
What she did not voice however was mirroring his naming it as an 'ability' versus a 'curse'.

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Ali
"Because though it ebbs and flows, there are worse fates the Void could have bestowed on me, such as unmaking everything I touch."

_He said, slowly, as he began to prep the tea for pouring. He did wince however, as he could not stop himself from hearing the memory._

"Apologies. I have been working to better control when and what I can hear, but unfortunately, the Void is its own master. And yes, it can be ... Very loud. Half the time I reply to sentences that were never uttered because it sounds as if they were spoken."

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Pedro
She grimaced slightly, realizing what had been relayed, but tried not to dwell any longer on it. Her eyes widened slightly at the suggestion of a worse alternative.
"Ah. No, I see. And I suppose that there are times where it may have its use. To try to learn to control such an ability sounds demanding."

She fell silent now for the time being, initially her mind starting to whirl at the implications, but then making a conscious effort to focus on the steps being taken to prepare the tea. 

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Ali
"_Gomen_, and ... Well, it can have its uses. I imagine that's another reason why my original superiors sent me here."

_Kashikoi helps, having a more visible furrow to his brow while still looking serene and smiling._

"It can be, intensely even. But sometimes it helps, granted I feel less ... Able to focus."

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Pedro
She gave him a slight nod, acknowledging his response. 

"If you ever need a quieter place, you are always welcome to come to the library. I have had a few visitors since I've been there, but I find it to be tranquil.

"If you don't mind me asking, what do your assignments entail here?"

Having turned her attention back to the conversation, Kita gave him a polite smile. Out of habit she tucked wayward hairs behind her ear, wondering,
*Is it odd to not feel more unsettled at his being able to see into my thoughts... Something about his manner and matter-of-factness I suppose*

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Ali
"I was sent to advise the Scorpion on matters concerning the kami, after all, the Scorpion's reputation is not exactly a well hidden secret."

_Kashikoi nodded, beginning to pour the tea into separate cups, smiling serenely; seeming to be utterly disconnected from material woes._

"I appreciate the offer, I might find myself taking that, especially when the gardens are occupied."

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Pedro
"The Scorpion. I haven't made the acquaintance of any of them yet here in the city. I understand that we are on somewhat more favorable terms with than some."

Kita mentally reviewed the details that the karo had provided in her initial welcome.

"It was interesting that there were two that placed as finalists among the Cranes' Iaijutsu tournament this spring, beating the Crane themselves."

Her thoughts wandered momentarily to her intention to set a meeting with the Crane about the dueling tournament, and how she should go about such an arrangement. Her mind returned to the present as the steam wafted from the tea and she smiled briefly in appreciation. 

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Ali
"I have spoken with a few, particularly Bayushi Yuto-sama. It has been beneficial, though I wish we carried similar standing with the Unicorn."

_Kashikoi sighed, shaking his head. He seemed to be on autopilot, though there were moments he stopped to make sure he was doing the ceremony right before continuing._

"Interesting indeed! Perhaps the Kakita will find this state of developments to be inspiring and produce even more swordsmen and women of exceptional quality."

_Kashikoi blinked, glancing towards Kita with a raised brow._

"Are you a duelist Asako-san?"

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Pedro
At his reaction, she snapped her fan open to cover her smile, but couldn't help a quick chuckle as well. 

*I'm certainly not built like a swordsman, but I have been lifting quite a few books lately, maybe I could swing a blade*

The thought made her give a second quick laugh before she answered, mirth showing in her eyes above the scene on her fan.

"No, I am no duelist. But I have been trying to learn what I can about it. Ambassador Shiba-sama and Karo Asako-sama tasked me with the administration of a new society for duelists, led by our Phoenix embassy. It was for that assignment that I had an appointment with the Imperial Second Secretary a few days ago."

As she explained the previous unpleasant memories, this time she was more careful to control her train of thought. 

"The basis of the project is approved, but it will require several steps, and I believe some careful navigation of the clan relations here."

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Ali
"I see, apologies again for the intrusion; though I did note you almost worded your thoughts as if using them to speak, clever."

_Kashikoi notes the care over the train of thought and visibly concentrates, the furrow back; his expression somehow serene despite that._

"And I see! That explains the interest. I must confess, even during my Ishiken training I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like, to swing a sword or naginata like a Shiba Guardian or Kakita Duelist. I even enjoyed a few glimpses of said duelists I saw through my visions."

_He takes a moment to sip his tea, sighing contently at the taste._

"Regardless, I wish you luck Asako-san! Such an endeavor could potentially endear us to the Crane Clan, which would benefit our larger mission."

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Pedro
Kita picked up her cup, fan laid aside, and took another breath of the sweet, fresh scent of the tea before savoring a sip as well.

"Thank you for your good wishes. I hope that my efforts will serve us well. You mentioned Bayushi Yuto-sama. He is one of the duelists, I would be interested to meet him, if you think it would be possible to arrange an introduction?"

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Ali
"It should not be too difficult, though I might recommend that Shiba Iemon-dono be the one to arrange that meeting, or Asako Sanumo-sama."

_Kashikoi says, taking another calm sip of tea. He exhales, the push of his breath stirring the steam wafting from the cup before he lowers it._

"I have only met and spoken with the man once, maybe twice? But one was at a meeting to formalize the beginnings of a Phoenix-Scorpion alliance."

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Pedro
Kita gave an understanding nod,
"Ah, certainly. I was not sure of the protocol where those types of visits concerned here. I will take your suggestion, and thank you for it."

She continued to enjoy the contents of her cup in the brief pauses of the conversation. She made mental note of the recommendation and briefly wondered the Scorpion's station, and if that was cause of the redirection or if it applied to meetings outside the clan in general, no matter, she would clarify before making further arrangements. Alliances in the works were not to be trifled with.

"May I ask, your training was at the Isawa Ishiken school? Is that where you are from as well? From what I have knowledge of that training, is that it is rather intensive."

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Ali
"Ahhh, Starry Heavens Sanctuary, indeed. I was born within _Kyuden Isawa_ and my abilities were noted within a vision by one of our diviners. The training was intensive, but with acceptable reason; the Void is like no kami, its ebbs and flows are hardly understood."

_Kashikoi nods, sipping his tea as his gaze seems to glaze._

"Especially to a seven year old, who simply was following what he was told."

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Pedro
She gives a half smile in reply to his answer, seemingly as she expected the answer to be. Then, as he added the final statement, her cup stops halfway to another sip, her mind is lost to a memory;

*A harried widower with a small, wild-eyed girl by his side-lost without her mother. Him
Trying to reason with her, ignore her, then finally setting her on the bench beside him on top of a stool so she could see over the table top. Her father, at wits end, putting a brush in her small hand,
'My Kita-chan, watch how I do and copy me. You must focus, put everything else out of your mind. Calm your breathing, like when we meditate. In and out, brush up and down.'
The memory started melancholy, but ended with a sense of peace and purpose.*

She returned to the present, her smile widening slightly, finished her sip of tea.
"It is not such a bad thing to start to learn young what we are meant to do. Even if we don't understand at the time."

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Ali
"I would agree, Asako-san, but matters of the Void are ... Tenuous to the mind. You see me as I am?"

_He gestures to his gaunt frame, and sickly like appearance._

"I accidentally ... Fell, as we say, into the Void. Saw things I was not ready to see, learned abilities I would need years to master. Yet, I survived, but changed."

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Pedro
At this she looks over the man opposite her, closer than she had allowed herself earlier, taking in his drawn appearance. She inclined her head towards him. 

"I do, Isawa-san. I do not claim to have any understanding of the mystery of the elements, although I know they can be powerful. Forgive me-I did not mean to be dismissive of the seriousness of your circumstances. You are certainly unlike anyone I have met."

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Ali
"I take that as a compliment, given the already negative views of my family,"

_Kashikoi chuckles, covering his mouth as it becomes a light cough._

"You are forgiven, you could not have known of my youth and its follies."

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Pedro
The cough caused Kita's expression to show concern for a moment, which subsided as the cough calms again.

"It seems people find it hard to see the individual when it's easier to blame the whole. It is truly unfortunate that recent incident reinforced it. And so we work to improve our public perception here as a whole."

She sat silently for a time, enjoying her tea, her thoughts drawn back to their effort in this regard. 

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Ali
"Indeed, I regret the actions of my former kinsman; but it has given our work here perspective. A bit of deeper meaning, as it were."

_Kashikoi smiles, he seems to naturally be doing that, as he also sips his tea in contemplative silence._

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Pedro
*...Can see if Naoki-san would have time to help design the medallion...
...Where, no, who is more important than where for now...*

Kita's reverie was broken as the last sip of her tea emptied the cup. She looked up at Kashikoi, realizing they must have been sitting in silence for some time. Looking at her companion, he seemed to have been content to enjoy his tea is silence for a time as well, but she hated to monopolize his time any longer than was polite. She set her cup down in front of her and broke the silence.

"Thank you again for your invitation and hospitality. It's been very pleasant to make the acquaintance of another Phoenix here in the city."

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Ali
_Kashikoi finished sipping and sighed contently, nodding to Kita as he set his teacup down._

"You are quite welcome, Asako-san! I plan on trying to reach out to more of our recently arrived clansmen, to form strong bonds that allow us to do our duty efficiently. That and enjoy a bit of tea in the process."

_Kashikoi chuckled at that, glancing at Kita with eyes that seemed to bore into her, head tilted as he bowed to her slightly from his position._

"Be well, Asako Kita-san and may the Fortunes and all the kami guide your path."

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Pedro
Kita absently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she stood. She gave Kashikoi a polite smile and bow.

"I look forward to seeing you around. Good luck to you as well in your endeavors, Isawa-san. May the Fortunes guide you."

As she moved to leave her final thought surfaced,
*Certainly not what I expected when I arrived for tea, but a nice enough fellow. I hope his unusual abilities don't get him into trouble.*

>>END SCENE

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