Dark Edge Village

The storm was just showing no sign of letting up for the night. And as exciting as the idea of sleeping on a former lion dojo floor was for the evening, tiny Fukawa braved the storm to get back to her yurt. The storm seemed almost determined to ruin her umbrella and cloak, and she certainly was soaked to the bone by the time she got back. Opening the yurt for a fire was, of course, out of the question, but she could at least light her metal lantern, and get under some blankets. If her rokugani blanket was between her and the furs, maybe it wouldn't be so bad?

The yurt's flap flies open again and Tsume bursts in, drenched.

"I..."

Tsume recovers her manners before shouting at what might be a high-ranking stranger.

"I am so sorry to have forgotten we had agreed to meet in my yurt samurai-sama."

Tusme closes the flap before even noting the unfamiliar surroundings.

Well, that was one way to surprise a Crane. Fukawa turned the lantern on the intruder.

"I'm sorry.....Ryuuta-san?" she replies, remembering the new minor clan. "I am Doji Fukawa. Have you gotten turned around in the storm?"

Her eyes slowly adjust as her face fills with horror.

"I...oh..."

She flings herself into another bow.

"My deep apologies, Doji-sama. I did not mean to intrude."

"It's ok, Ryuuta-san. For awhile I thought I might have to swim the rest of the way to get back to my yurt." she says. "I can't really offer you tea in this weather, but I could at least give you a chance to be out of that rain for a bit? Sometimes these strong storms break suddenly, and I wouldn't mind a friendly conversation."

"Ah, thank you for your invitation."

She rises and visibly relaxes.

"It is a river out there. I'm really astounded that these structures can handle such a downpour."

Fukawa nods, taking a seiza position near the center of the tent. There wasn't an actual table there, but one had to be somewhere.

"Hai, what they lack in beauty, both in eye and nose, they make up for in durability. Beauty was never meant to last, but it's easier to discuss the ephemeral nature of beauty while not being rained on in the middle of a piled of ruined silk." she offers.

Tsume copies Fukawa's movement, and in the midst of a tempest a serene but imaginary space forms.

"I suppose, as I have learned from the Crab, that beauty can be alloyed to function. Though I think perhaps these structures could use a little more added to the mix."

Fukawa tilts her head a bit at that.

"Oh, Ryuuta-san? Do tell." she said, interested in hearing about the Pirahna's Crab experience.

"Oh, yes. It is always understated in my mind but that is probably clearer heads prevailing. A simple but elegant kanji etched into the stones at the end of what seems a brutal stretch of barracks hallway, a small driftwood shine on a Yasuki beach. There are accents to be added to durable goods which can soften and even take advantage of the natural unrefined look."

Tsume looks around.

"Although most of what I have seen does take advantage of being in the same place often."

Fukawa nods.

"Ah, beauty being highlighted not just by it's own worth, but by comparison to it's surroundings." Fukawa says. "The contrasts in Crane lands tend to be less...stark, requiring the work to stand on it's own merits, rather than it's relative merits."

"It is true. In the lands of the children of Doji, using the surroundings would create a spectacle of beauty which would entrap the viewer entirely. One would do nothing but pass from one captivating thing to another. It would be impossible to disengage from such a panoply."

Tsume offers the complement with a sincere smile, having no tea to sip or fan to cover her face.

Crane host senses tingling.....

"Are you thirsty, Ryuuta-san?" Fukawa asks. "While tea is not possible, I do have sake available if you wanted some."

"Oh. You are so kind, Doji-sama."

Tsume mentally debates the extrodinary presumption of barging into a lady's tent and then drinking her booze, but the damage is already done.

"I would gladly accept."

Fukawa nods, examining the bottles.

"Is there a particular kind you prefer Ryuuta-san?" she asks politely.