Kaoru usually started the day by doing some desk work. The kami of water decided if she was to do it inside or outside. Today, it was outside.

She had sat at one of the checkered table that could be used for go. The stones weren't set up however. Instead, she simply used the table as a flat surface for her scrolls.

At the moment, she was reading and annotating some legal document, extracting from the jargon and polite convolutions the core of the law about what foreign goods were allowed for sale.

Turns out, quite a lot or very little, as the law was, likely on purpose, very vague and leaving a lot of room for interpretation by local magistrates. An argument could be made in favor or against pretty much anything.

A standard Rokugani law all in all.

Fragrant and resplendent, Arami walks the gardens with a familiar air, a flower among flowers. The elaborate kimono of Asahina design is impeccable, the silver waves embroidered at his sleeves glistening in the morning sun.

He sees the Scorpion perusing her papers further down one of the paths. After a brief calculation, he walks it, stepping as quietly as propriety allows. No sense discarding the advantage of a few extra seconds to prepare for conversation.

A bow at the correct depth, when he approaches close enough. Around his face, his smooth white hair flows like water.

"Shosuro-san, it is pleasure to behold the diligence of the Scorpion this morning."

"Doji-sama," answered Kaoru as she went through the appropriately reverent gesticulations.

"As Akodo-kami once wrote, it is but the mere duty of the samurai to rise before dawn to be ready at the first rays of sunshine.

Maybe not exactly on these terms though. The exact quote escapes me, but I'm sure you know the one I'm referring to."

Arami's face softens at the appropriately reverent gesticulations, as if relaxing even further in familiar surroundings. Sharp Scorpion eyes may see that the comfort is genuine.

However, when said Scorpion maneuvers swiftly to imply that Arami was negligent in his own duties for not working at the first rays of sunlight, and throwing the Lion into the mix, well. The Doji raises his cheekbones in response to approximate a smile.

"Akodo-no-Kami had much to say. It is to your credit that you have taken some of his wisdom to heart."

"My studies covered the fundamental texts of each clan. Leadership, Ninten, Lies, and of course The Sword. My duties require that I exchange with people from other clans, so getting a basic understanding of their philosophy is mandatory.

Though of course this is but a start, and true understanding only comes when interacting with people from all over the Empire directly."