Liang had never had a tea ceremony outside before, but Liang knew that would likely not be among the more odd aspects of the ceremony.  He could tell that Maseko seemed reluctant to accept.  Perhaps she, too, was concerned about the logistics of the ceremony, or Keitaro's ability to properly perform one?<br/><br/>As Shiori came over, Liang stood up a bit straighter, eyebrows raised expectantly.  His attention turned away from Keitaro and Maseko, missing the rest of the conversation between them.  He did not know what it was she was going to say, but given some of the awkwardness earlier that day as well as the lack of friendliness in her expression, he suspected that she was coming over to address that.  He waited and watched as she crossed over to him and began adjusting his tent.<strong>"Thank you,"</strong>he said, otherwise remaining silent about both his lack of ability traveling as well as any suggestions for further conversation.  He returned her nod as she left, and then looked back to the tent.<br/><br/>Seeing Keitaro head back to the tent, Liang nodded tiredly, attempting to empathize with one who had also, Liang thought, experienced confusion regarding the unorthodox shugenja.  However, like the last former Lion to visit him, Keitaro said nothing as he gathered his tea set, just nodding, then moved over to the fireplace...with Shiori.  It was then that Liang noticed that Shiori had removed her cloak, reminding him of how much of her body her kimono left revealed, seemingly more than he'd noticed earlier in the day.<br/><br/>Following Keitaro's example, Liang grabbed his mat as well and walked over to the campfire, sitting next to Shiori opposite Keitaro.  He nodded acknowledgement of the announcement and the compliment, once again glad to have volunteered for a familiar task.