[D1 LA] New Home In Tsuma

[Shiba Jiro]

"That is a lovely philosophy for creation. It's very similar to what the Shiba teach in our art. It's less about the art itself and more about how people relate to it. Almost a more social expression than an artistic one," he says in agreement. "I will look forward to seeing what you create in the future Asahina-san. Pleas feel free to let me know if the creative inspiration hits you, because I enjoy watching folks work as much as I enjoy sharing my own."

[Asahina Sakura]

She sipped her tea quietly for a long moment while he spoke, and then her expression softened and her gaze rose to meet his, "Perhaps the winters of my early childhood in your clan's mountains have left an impression. I spent a bit of time growing up under the guidance of my aunt and uncle when it became clear I, uh, had the spirits attention," she scratches lightly at her temple again and chews on her inner cheek.
"I um, I'd, I'm sure I'm not so interesting? I just, I mean, if you really want to, I'm not going to say no?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"You are a topaz competitor, a priestess, and an artist. Claiming yourself as not so interesting is definitely not accurate," he replies.

"You grew up in Phoenix lands then? Were your parents diplomats?"

[Kakita Yuji]

Yuji also partook of his tea. He'd remained silent while the ritual game of gifts was completed, and for the moment let the Phoenix acquaint himself a bit better with the Asahina. He had a feeling he was going to be seeing quite a bit of Haru over the course of the coming weeks, and was happy to let the Asahina shine for a few moments.....though he did watch for a natural conversational turn to join in at.

[Asahina Sakura]

She flushed. "Hmm? Oh, no. Just sent away for a few winters with extended family in Kyuden Asako?" Was it a question? Unclear. "It was... enlightening," her attempt at humour would surely fall flat, and she ran her thumb around the rim of her cup, dropping her gaze again with a small shrug.
"So I'm, um, happy to meet those the Phoenix have sent here to represent their clan."
A glimpse then to the other Crane to assess his assuredly familiarity of her stumbling around those she might otherwise want to impress.

[Shiba Jiro]

"I'm glad you found it enlightening. I've never been to the library at Kyuden Asako but I assume it is among the tallest in the empire, with all those stories," he fires back in response to her own humor. He looks to Yuji to see if he wants to get in on some humor.

[Kakita Yuji]

Sadly, Improvisational humor was not among Yuji's strengths. He was much better at playing the straightman, though he could occasionally be witty.

"Ah, well the Phoenix are known to have some of the finest libraries of the Empire. Though more dedicated to scholarly texts than poetic, I understand." he said, completely missing the attempts at humor. "It is very impressive to think of some of the very earliest works contained within their walls, not simply a copy of Sword, Leadership, and the Tao."

He sipped his tea.

"Though I am curious, are their any works of fiction particularly popular in Phoenix lands right now, Shiba-san?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"I am not sure about particular series enjoying popularity on the whole, but my teacher was a fan and got me into an revised and updated series on the thunders. There are 8 books, one for each thunder leading up to the day, then a final that tells the story of the day in the context of those other books," he explained.