[Waiting but feel free to say hello]

Taura made her way in, following proper formalities. The place seemed, well, very nice really. Much calmer than most establishments in the Crab Lands. She tried to find a place to wait that was not in a busy area yet not hard to see from the entrance. She ordered a pot of strong tea and waited.

In a little while she was joined by a silent Phoenix who offers a slight conciliatory look and then a polite bow before they sit to join her.

Taura stood and bowed. "Welcome, Shiba-san, thank you for taking time to see me." She gestured for the Pheonix to sit and then did so herself.

"There is fresh tea, please have some," she poured cups for both of them.

"This one does not know how much you know of my family, the Kaiu, Shiba-san, but we build things to help and protect the Empire. The Kaiy spend a lot of time sketching ideas, and we do not have resources to spare for paper for such tasks. So, we use slate and chalk, which can be wiped clean and reused. But slate breaks easily if dropped, so we often have several pieces, just in case."

She slid over to the Pheonix a rectangle of woven bamboo. She reached over and flipped it open, showing an irregular slab of slate held in a woven bamboo frame. "This one is sorry it is not very pretty but it is functional, this one does not have a full workshop so she had to improvise. The Phoenix artisans could transform it into a thing of beauty if you find it helpful." A smaller box with chalk was added. "So, if you need to write to someone. You now have a way to do so that will not consume your fine mulberry paper."

She waited for the Shiba's judgment,

Ichiro took a seat and took a moment to savor the tea, nodding as the Crab spoke. They were not intimately familiar with the ways of the Crab but knew the basics well enough to understand the Kaiu were the builders.

As the item was proffered the Phoenix carefully turned it over in their hands and examined it intently. Taking a piece of chalk they made a few quick strokes on the slate. The sound left something to be desired but they couldn't dispute it's potential usefulness.

They turned the slate to face the Crab. The message was a little rough the author's hand not yet used to the flow of chalk on slate compared to charcoal or brush on paper.

Thank you for this most generous thought, Kaiu-san. But I could not ask you to part of your belongings on my behalf.

The Kaiu hid a smile. "This one was happy to be able to use her craft in a way that would help another, Shiba-san. She would like you to have this humble example of her skill."

They wipe the slate and write for a few more moments, the characters becoming neater and tighter as they grow more experienced with the medium.

"For want of a nail the fortress was lost." I would not seek to deprive the Crab of even such a seemingly minor and mundane resource if it might serve them in their duty.

Taura nods. "This one appreciates your concerns, Shiba-san, the story of the lost nail has much relevance to the Crab and their duty. But slate is common and bamboo grows quickly. It is not a vital nail. And your ability to communicate might also be important to the Empire. This one would be pleased if you would accept it."

Another sitting bow towards the Crab followed by some, shorter writing.

Thank you, Kaiu-san. It is most appreciated.

Taura gives a short return bow. "This one hopes that you find it helpful, Shiba-san. It was so nice to be able to make something useful here. It gets this one's mind off the actual competition which, honestly, terrifies her."

She pauses and takes a sip of tea. "Sorry, this one is quite nervous."

The Phoenix raises an eyebrow in a quizzical expression the 'why' not really needing to be spoken or written they assumed.

"This competition, this one feel very underprepared," she explains. "Obviously, this one must be or she would not have been sent by her family, but that does not stop errant thoughts and questions. Such as, why do the Crane assume everyone know how to write poetry?"

A smile and silent laugh at the last part but their face returns to a softer, comforting expression after as they make use of the slate.

As you said - you would not be here if you were not meant to be here. You will find your purpose.

"Domo, Shiba-san," she says. "This one admires your calm and balance. THis one, this one builds things and fixes things, she is out of her element here but will seek t follow your example."

Another smile and some more writing,

The world is built of broken things and people. You will have much to do. Never fear.

Taura nods. "Things this one can help with. People, she does not know."

Another smile, a gesture at the slate then themself, then a raised eyebrow.

"Oh," she says and pauses, thinking about that. "Well, this one is glad if she has helped you, Shiba-san. But, yes, maybe fixing things can sometimes help people as well. Thank you for that insight. Truly, the Pheonix are wise." She smiles shyly, to let you know the compliment is well-meant

The smile continues with an added nod of acknowledgement before a quick note on the slate.

You're welcome.

"Are you looking forward to the competition, Shiba-san?" she asked. "This one has very little idea what to expect."

A nod and more writing.

Very much. I suspect it will test skills I don't have but how else does one learn what they lack? Better here than in the field - whatever form the field may take.