[D5, EA] Bustle and blow (Expecting/Open)

[Shiba Haru]

"Oh I didn't realize you spent every winter in Asako lands, so you're practically a Phoenix already; fitting for an Asahina I suppose, kind of like coming home. This winter you should come down to Shiba lands for a bit and visit Jiro and I. Our village services a watchtower that looks lout over Otomo lands, it isn't exactly on a cliff but more of a rise in the terrain but the view is quite nice. There is a flower that blooms there that, fittingly for the Phoenix, produces orange and red flowers and at sunset it looks like the whole world is covered in a soft fire. I think you would really appreciate it."

[Asahina Sakura]

"Almost every winter," she gave a small smile, nodding... "Wait, am I marrying a Phoenix? A Phoenix already?" her brown eyes widen and her gaze ticks anxiously to a space between them and the pond, where her ephemeral chaperone gives the most reassuring shrug ever... before she looks back to Haru, "-um. That... sounds amazing? You're not um, assuming because my name is a flower, that flowers are the key to winning me over, are you?"

[Shiba Haru]

"Oh forgive me, I didn't mean to imply that were destined to become a Phoenix it's just that you are a shugenja with family ties to the Phoenix and Isawa ancestry though Asahina-no-shiryo so I imagine that some Phoenix nakodos somewhere have talked about it. I have no special insight on that though. As for the flowers, I would never be that cliché as to assume that you must love flowers, I'm just a fan of the seasonal bloom and think it's something people should see when they visit. Does that mean you aren't a fan of flowers then?"

[Asahina Sakura]

She shook her head quickly, "I didn't say I dislike flowers! Um! I rather enjoy them? and arranging them? A lot, actually. Your fields sound beautiful, I'll add seeing them to my wish list?"

[Shiba Haru]

"I hope you do and like I said stop by and visit Jiro and me if I am still there. We live in the Mihari province, a small town near Zumiki-Mihari. Jiro is inheriting the home so he and Natsuko-san should be there for a long time."

[Asahina Sakura]

She nodded quickly, "That would be very nice..." And then her eyes widened a little, "-Oh! Is your brother betrothed?"

[Shiba Haru]

JIRO!

Yes, he is, too one of our fellow competitors here in fact Ottawa Isawa Natsuko-san. How about yourself?"

[Asahina Sakura]

She shook her head quickly, "No, no, I most certainly am not. That's exciting, though? Isn't it?" she asked genuinely!

[Shiba Haru]

"It can be if one is ready for it." He said a bit colder than he intended. "There are good and bad things about the way he found out, just getting a letter telling him he was betrothed and would meet her here. I think I would prefer a miai personally, a chance to meet people and show the nakodo who you work well with rather than them just guessing. But i think they made a good match with Jiro and Natsuko-san, it could have been a lot worse."

[Asahina Sakura]

"Well, I wish nothing but the best for them!" Sakura said obliviously but nonetheless genuine.

[Shiba Haru]

Haru saw his mood was souring thinking about his brother and decided he needed to lighten the mood.

"So what ARE your hopes for the future in that regard? Do you want to stay a Crane or see somewhere new; perhaps there is already someone special to you?"

[Asahina Sakura]

She can really be so oblivious....

"Oh! Um! I don't know? I guess I'll go wherever I'm sent? And do what my lord asks of me? Likely the same sort of thing I'm already doing, cataloguing spirit activity... But maybe something in the medicinal field, alternatively? And uh, no, no, I'm not betrothed!" she shakes her head quickly and hugs her sketch book closer.

[Shiba Haru]

"Well it is the next big step in our lives after this I imagine, I certainly hope your heart is filled and your life is full whoever you get matched with."

He began to retie his windblown hair.

"So what does cataloguing spirit activity entail?"

[Asahina Sakura]

"Thank you, and you too!" she chirped!
"Well! Usually it's being sent to where there's been a change in spiritual activity, and making a report about said activity, usually with corresponding, um, art as a visual representation? If I can assist with any rituals or communing, I can do that as well? It's... never boring? I enjoy what I do very much."

[Shiba Haru]

"So what is your take on the situation at the shrine of the fortunes here in Tsuma, have you done any investigating there?"

[Asahina Sakura]

"I was there, to assist with the clean up? It was... it brought spiritual life back to the shrine, the spirits were pleased with the effort, um, invigorated. I intend to keep up what I can, just, time seems to slip away here? Even with all the downtime..."

[Shiba Haru]

"Yes, it is easy to get lost in conversation with people here. I think that is a blessing though, after this our lives will be much busier I think so getting a last chance to savor a moment with someone is welcome."

[Asahina Sakura]

"Did you have anyone? you look to um, spend moments with before you leave Tsuma?"

[Shiba Haru]

Haru didn't miss the meaning but decided to answer vaguely.

"Oh many, I would like to get to know my future sister better for one as we have only really spoken once. I enjoy the company of Kakita Yuji-san greatly and I have shared many strong moments with Kuni Mitsuko-san and Suzume Rin-san and hope for more. I am greatly enjoying this time with you and we have already talked about meeting again which gives me hope for the future."

[Asahina Sakura]

Strong moments?
Oh poor naive, oblivious Sakura....

"Kakita Yuji-san is great! He's a friend of mine! I'm so glad to hear you're making good friends, as well!"