Dark Edge Village

Takeo was out and about, taking in all the sights that the Unicorn had to offer and that included a trip to see what sort of live stock they'd brought back with them. Unusual creatures, to be sure. He tried not to wonder how many of them he'd eaten last night as he began to play a lilting tune on his sakachu.

(Perform: Flute w/ 2 raises - 38)

As a part of Misa's morning out for fresh air, she asked Sanmi to direct her to the animal area. The sounds always cheered her up after all, and most didn't mind touching. Of course, she never thought there'd be a flute among the other sounds. Sanmi whispered to her mistress it was a man of the Fox, but Misa just nodded and smiled, approaching and bowing, but remaining silent as she showed she didn't wish to interrupt.

The song was interrupted, not by Misa or hey companion, or Takeo losing focus, but by a tiny yipping sound that came from the ground. A tiny red fox kit wandered over to the Dragon girl and began to circle the bottom of her kimono and yipping excitedly.

Turning from his own musical reverie, Takeo glanced down at Asahi, breaking his song mid-tune.

"Asahi, behave! You'll frighten our new friends!"

Misa just giggled softly into her hand and squatted down. She didn't want to poke the Fox, so she just held out her hand close by. "A Kitsune with a Kitsune, how lovely. And Asahi -kun is it? You sound so vigorous!"

"Vigor born of youth and frivolity - he hasn't worked a day in his life," he said chidingly, "Kitsune Takeo at your service lady of the Tonbo."

He offered a formal bow as Asahi managed to rub himself on Misa's outstretched hand.

It would become obvious to Takeo that his bow was unseen, just as her actions with Asahi would show as she petted him. Sanmi leaned in to whisper to her mistress before the Dragon nodded. Reluctantly stopping her petting, she stood to give a proper bow. "Tonbo Misa, advisor to my family's daimyo and miai participant. It is good to meet you both."

"We are honored to be in the presence of one so esteemed by Tonbo Mariko-sama," he said, "though you would not know it by the way Asahi behaves."

The fox yipped in protest and grudgingly stilled itself, sitting on its hind legs and taking a regal pose for a moment before bounding back up and going to sniff the servant.

"What brings you out to the animal pens this morning, Tonbo-sama?"

"I haven't been feeling the best after last night's dinner unfortunately, so I thought some fresh air would do me some good." Misa smiled and knelt again to let her hand pet at the fox. "Then I decided to come let animals provide some comfort as well. An animal is usually much more willing to let z blind woman touch them, after all. What of you Kitsune-sama? Taking Asahi-kun out for exercise?"

Takeo scoffed.

"Asahi-kun does as he pleases - ignoring me at every chance he gets." The fox kit angled his head sideways, impossible to tell if he was offended or smirking.

"But for my part, I was simply coming to see what the Unicorn had brought back. I am eager to learn all I can about their way of life, and that includes their livestock. I am sorry you are feeling unwell. I rather enjoyed the meal, but I understand you are not alone in your discomfort. It reminds me of the first time I tried sushi - it was a rather horrid week afterwards, but my body eventually got used to it and now I enjoy it whenever I can."

Misa giggled into her hand, smiling. "I imagine there are some things I will grow used to, some less so. I'm still quite unused to seafood as well for obvious reasons. Still, I believe learning is the best path to enlightenment, and every set forward is precious to me."

"Precious to us all, as it were," Takeo said.

"Did Moshi-sama train with her family's sensei or one of the other family's of the Dragon?" he asked, easing into what could be a touchy topic.

The Tonbo shook her head softly. "I've no talent speaking to the kami. I was instead trained by the Mirumoto from a young age. My brother at least saw to that."

"Then we have something in common," he said brightly, "Each of us from family known for their priests and each of us carrying steel."

"The Mirumoto are known for their unique style. You are a student of niten then?"

Misa shook her head a little once again. "Though that surely would have been an honor, it was deemed that I would learn best from the smaller order of Taoist Swordsmen. I do not excellent with my blade, but I have better mastered centering techniques through meditation and prayer."

Takeo nodded before realizing the effect would be lost on her.

"I am certain your sensei is happy with your progress. Meditation can be a difficult at times. I know my own life would be easier if I was better at the practice."