Placation and Pleas (D2, Early Aft., OPEN)

[Doji Fukawa]

Considering the Shinjo hadn't tried inhaling her head like the Moto had, he was already strides ahead in terms of manners.

Then he sees the Phoenix stick out his hand to the Unicorn expectantly.

What is he doing? she wondered.

[Shinjo Akil]

Akil hesitated momentarily at the offer of the hand, though by the fact that his eyes went to Fukawa, it likely could be surmised that it wasn't out of personal hesitation but wishing to ensure that he did not cause offense to someone he might be courting. "Thank you for the offer," he said calmly, "But I would not ask you to break Rokugani mores for my sake. That you offered your hand in such manner is proof enough of your sincerity to learn more about my Clan and our ways."

[Asako Hirase]

Something...satisfaction, perhaps?..flitted over the Phoenix's face even as he lowered his hand, nodding agreeably. "I am learning to ride, too, though that's going to be a long process I am afraid. My athletic endeavors prior to this tend to revolve around hiking up and down mountain paths. It's not the same sort of muscles in use at all."

Glancing politely at the Doji, he asked, "Do you ride yet, Doji-san?"

[Doji Fukawa]

The Crane shook her head.

"No, I've never been to a court so vast that it required a horse to cross." she offered, with a touch of levity. "But I suppose one could not ask for better instructors than the Unicorn. From what I understand, it's not a subject of study one should attempt on their own, anymore than one should try to teach themselves how to swing a sword."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Well, if you would like some lessons, I would be willing to provide them. Perhaps I even could persuade some of my clanmates to help as well and provide horses. Setem may not be the easiest horse to learn on necessarily." With luck, maybe some of the other clans had brought some ponies. They seemed docile enough.

[Asako Hirase]

"I think that would be an excellent idea, Shinjo-san." Looking from him to Fukawa, he offered, "One of Shinjo-sans Cousins gave me my first lesson yesterday. It was little more than how to mount properly and maintain balance, but all paths start with a single step."

Looking at Akil again, he added, blithely, "I'm confident that your own mount would tolerate that first lesson at least."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa considers the Unicorn from behind her fan.

"Hmmm, the offer is appreciated....but I wonder if the loan of a horse would be sufficient." she muses. "I don't believe I've seen any of the Unicorn in kimono. Can you ride in one?"

[Shinjo Akil]

"I ride in mine," he nodded, "it was one of the things I taught myself to do when the Ide started teaching me."

[Asako Hirase]

"I do not advise trying to learn alone. It is...very high." The Asako allowed a bit of self-directed humor to show. "It doesn't look it form the ground, but once up? I was very grateful for the presence of an expert, I assure you."

[Doji Fukawa]

Fukawa nods slowly.

"I would be willing to take lessons from you then, Shinjo-san." she agrees. "Perhaps there is something I could teach you in return?"

[Shinjo Akil]

"I would gladly teach you simply for the honor of doing so," he offered, "but if you prefer not to feel as if something is owed, I would enjoy the opportunity to learn an art. I am told that the Crane have better talent with the arts than anyone else."

[Doji Fukawa]

"I would gladly teach you simply for the honor of doing so," he offered, "but if you prefer not to feel as if something is owed, I would enjoy the opportunity to learn an art. I am told that the Crane have better talent with the arts than anyone else."

Fukawa smiles at that.

"I have some small skill in a few arts." she admits humbly. "I was trying to explain to Moto Baatar-san that there are more arts in the Empire than one person can master, Crnae or no. Was there a particular form you were interested in?"

[Shinjo Akil]

"I... Don't know," he admitted, "I have skill with a flute, but I never really thought about other arts." He gave the matter some more thought before he finally offered, "maybe painting? Or flower arranging?"

[Asako Hirase]

"They are well regarded throughout the Empire for their talents in that regard." Hirase was happy to give credit where it was due, inclining his head politely. "It would take more time than we have here to touch on all of the notable works recorded in the archives from this century alone. It is a worthy project for research, however."

[Seppun Aramoro]

The Imperial was praying at the shrine, but to who was not clear. He noticed the striking samurai and their conversation. He decided to coerce the kami in preparing him for this talk session.

He rose to his feet and neared the group.

"A truly ancient shrine, one would expect quite a few Crane doing pilgrimage here." He looks to the group of samurai "I know I would had I possessed the honour of being Crane"

He takes a slight bow: "Seppun Aramoro, of the Imperials." he rose "I heard you speaking of art forms before I interrupted, please continue." he motions to the Doji.

"We are in a fortunate position to be taught by some of the Empire's best as our Phoenix-friend has pointed out." He nods in recognition to Hirase

Heraldry on AkilFail 24 to recall his name
History of Shrine 15