A cat and candy (D9, EM, Expecting)

[Doji Ameka]

"Oh yes! I met Usagi Tomoe-san just the other day... She's very sweet, and very intelligent. It's unfortunate I haven't been able to make it to her history lessons," she says with a shake of her head. "But we did get to meet. I haven't had a chance to talk to others as much as I would like, but I'm glad the opportunity arose to meet those I have, including yourself, Matsu-san."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods, appreciating the compliment. "Her history lessons are quite wonderful and educational. I would recommend attending if you have time tomorrow or today. Usually, there is something good to learn." She smiles at the Crane, feeling as though this miai will end with all her preconceptions merrily on their heels. "I am glad to have met you Doji-san. It is a rare thing for a Lion and a Crane to stand and have a conversation that is not over swords." She looks at the candy again, trying to be delicate. "Where did you learn to make such things?"

[Doji Ameka]

She bows at that. "I'll do my best to make it when I can."

She smiles in return, refastening the bag onto her sash. "And I you, Matsu-san... And it is most fortunate our meeting is so amiable. I might die just by staring at the blade of a katana too intently," she said with a laugh. "It was some training and some of my own exploration. I was trained in the Kakita Artisan School, but I was... encouraged to do pursue a unique art. I'm better with creating things than with words, so... that's the basics."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo looks at her, seeing the whiteness of her hands and realizing it is more than just a Crane's lack of use or careful maintenence. "I see. I have a friend who may be looking to join the school as a flute player. What is it like?"

[Doji Ameka]

"The artisans go through training not too dissimilar from our duelists, just with the effort focused on other arts. So the sensei run you hard. I pursued my art so I could work on it all the time, even when ill or injured," she shrugs. "We pursue perfection, so we do what that demands. There's study in the courtly arts and what not, too, but for the most part it's your art all day, every day until you can do it in your sleep. And once you get there, the real training starts."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo blinks. Perhaps...I have underestimated these artisans. That sounds...grueling. "That sounds...oddly similar to bushi training. I did not realize the training was so grueling."

[Doji Ameka]

She smiles and nods. "You have it just right, Matsu-san. They're very similar. It makes sense if you consider things from our Clan's perspective. To us, the art of the blade and an artisan's work are both arts."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo thinks it over. That....is a very different way of viewing things. Swordwork as art? "Ahh, I see. That is interesting. So an artisan's life amongst the Crane is not an easy one then?"

[Doji Ameka]

"I'm not sure if any samurai in the Empire can claim to have an easy training," she agrees with a smile. "Artisans included. I suspect that's why some of us get so serious about things that others from the outside might view as frivolous. I'm sure some would see my art that way."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo barely stills a nod. "I am sure it could be misunderstood. But plainly, there is more to it than meets the eye." She looks at the candy critically. "I suspect it is like this candy. Outwardly simple, inwardly difficult."

[Doji Ameka]

A nod from the Crane. "Indeed." She holds up the palm of her hand, showing old burns and calluses. "We all work hard for our lords and Clans." A smile. "I'm curious, after all this talk of specialties, what yours is, Matsu-san."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo sees the burns and notes them. They look serious, as hot as her gempukku scar. "I am a Matsu beastmaster, Doji-san." Kogo clicks her tongue and Noburu comes from behind the tent. "This is my warcat, Noburu. Do not be concerned, she is quite gentle." Noburu stops at a safe distance, eyeing the candy lion. "No you cannot have this. It is for me, not a greedy guts cat."

[Doji Ameka]

She doesn't squeel at the sight of the Lion. That would break face. But she does let out a little gasp and her eyes go wide. "Your friend would be terrifying to see coming at me on a battlefield, but in this context, she's so pretty!" She laughs. "Maybe someday I'll figure out something to make that's safe for a cat."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo nods, appreciating the Crane's lack of apparent fear. "She has her moments. You should see her fresh from the bath. You have never seen a lion so cranky."

[Doji Ameka]

She chuckled. "I heard cats were really clean. I'm surprised she needs a bath... Though maybe lions are different."