Kyuden Shika

She smiles at the question, and wider at the Kitsu's response. "Oh! Absolutely fine, Asahina-san! Thank you for your concern. My day's been alright; the duel was not an embarrassment, I've had some conversation since, and now it's time for tea with two fine samurai. Surely, a good day all around so far. And yourselves?"

The Kitsu nodded, pulling himself back into the conversation even if he feels guilty still.

"Good, if quiet - after the duel I went for a run to burn some energy before relaxing and getting changed. How about yourselves?"

He gestures to both Soyokaze and Narumi.

"I have spent most of the day here practicing my origami, I have plenty of paper left if either of you would like." He produced a small box from his kimono and removed the lid to reveal several sheets of paper of many colors.

She eyes the box of paper, and her brow furrows but the smile remains. "I don't- I mean, I'm not- I never really... embraced origami, but thank you for the thought, Asahina-san."

He smiled and pulled out a couple of piecesone brown one pink and began to fold. "Certainly, I'm not very good at it myself but I find that on days when I'm not at a forge I need to keep my hands busy."

The Kitsu nodded, looking at the display of origami sheets.

"What will you make, Asahina-san? Paper is an interesting, very Crane material. It can convey great things, sure, but to prop it up..."

To those outside observers, the intent of his language was obvious.
- - - -
D12 EA - Pushing Agenda (Prevent Deer from giving military assistance to Crane) | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 1

"Keep busy is never without its merits, Asahina-san," she nods lightly.

To the Kitsu, Narumi notes the shift in tone, and shifts in kind, ""Hai, it's beautiful, and it's beauty is only made more striking with the addition of a second, similar piece."


D12EA Agenda at Soyo, Garner Deer clan military support for the Crane clan | TN: 1 | Success: 4 / Opportunity: 0 / Strife: 2

This took the Kitsu off guard. He didn't want to oppose her considering the duel earlier, but that said, there were lives on the line here.

With a sorrowful look, he turned to the Otter.

"I had hoped we didn't end up at opposite ends of this."

"I know," she dipped her head, "It isn't where I want to be either, believe me," she said somewhat ruefully, hinting at the dire truth of her words.

The Kitsu pondered this.

"So your hand is being forced - the Magistrate?"