A wandering Matsu, I (D9, EE, Expecting)

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo wanders the fields, Noburu for once not in tow. She had left her sleeping in the tent, chasing some invisible prey in her sleep. No, sometimes, even a cat was a bit much company when you wanted to think. She wandered slowly through the fields, thinking of the past and her future.

[Shinjo Akil]

Unfortunately, sometimes the universe endeavors to make it so 'time to think' mean 'time to look upon the pains of your past.' As so, too, walked Shinjo Akil, staring up at the sky with flute in hand, casually tapping notes as if coming up with a new song.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo heard the sound of the flute and paused for a moment, listening intently. Regret is a sin and so is fear. Plus...it is over now. Let it be done. She walks closer, listening, but not interrupting.

[Shinjo Akil]

Admittedly, there wasn't that much at the moment to hear. It did, however, mean that Akil took several moments to actually notice Kogo, though he could stop himself before running into her. He paused a long moment before bowing, his face setting into a polite smile. "Kogo-san. I hope the day finds you well."

[Matsu Kogo]

Her smile is polite though a tinch rueful. "Akil-san. The day does find me well. Please, do not cease your playing on my account. I do not mean to intrude."

[Shinjo Akil]

"Oh, no," he shook his head, "I was just considering a new song. It barely qualifies as playing, admittedly."

[Matsu Kogo]

She looks at him, sincere. "I do not mind if it is incomplete. Would you play a bit? I am sure it is quite lovely." Finding joy in the present, ehh Kogo? Monkh-san the philosopher will change your ways yet.

[Shinjo Akil]

He considered her a moment, then smiled and nodded. "For you, of course. I owe you after the poor previous performance, anyway." He brought the flute to his lips and began to play. The music was a happy, pretty tune with a soft light tune to it. He didn't close his eyes like he usually did... keeping them on her instead so he could watch her.

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo listens intently, her eyes shutting eventually to savor the music. She swayed lightly in the breeze, allowing the music to flow into her. Noburu comes closer, standing close to her partner, looking at Akil with an oddly intent look. Kogo's hand absentmindedly strokes the cat's head.

[Shinjo Akil]

Akil's song was only a few minutes long, enough that one might even wish for a bit more from the music. Once the flute left his lips, he smiled to her. "I hope that was an improvement over the other day."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo's eyes opened as the song ended, though slowly. Noburu moved to butt against her leg and Kogo looked down at her a brief moment, to pet her in earnest. When she looked back up, her smile was intact and radiant. "It was beautiful. You are truly skilled at your art." She looks down, not trusting her eyes to hide her thoughts for this moment. "You will be a credit to the Crane clan. Beauty such as yours will be valued there, from what Doji-san tells me. "

[Shinjo Akil]

He nodded, looking at his flute briefly. "I hope so. I have been trying to ensure that I would be worthy of the name of Doji since it became clear that was where my destiny pushed." He took a breath. "Then... you met with Fukawa?"

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods, swallowing. "Yes. We had tea. It was....interesting." Your skills at conversation amaze me Kogo...

[Shinjo Akil]

"Interesting?" His head tilted, "I... hope interesting meant pleasant. Though I realize it is likely too much to expect a Lion and Crane to get along."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo thinks for a moment. "I feel as though I learned something of her, which was my hope." She smiles, though it is not like her usual ones. "That one...has steel in her spine. She is not afraid of much. I can respect that."