[D1 EE expecting]New dusk new flowers

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"If you didn't know me, would you believe a non shugenja that the forest is angry?" She sighed.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"I know right now it must feel like a curse but you are an Artisan focused in Ikebana with a gift for sensing plants who was sent to help explore and settle a mysterious new land, yes I would at least listen to what you say. I would be happy to go with you if you desire my testimony. None of us are here by chance and I think we all have a part to play in this place, this is likely yours unless you haven't mentioned your master of the Yumi yet."

He smiled, hoping to cheer her up a little.

"It is not unheard of for non-shugenja to have mystical gifts, perhaps you were a shugenja in your last life and this is an echo of that or maybe you will be in the next one. Tell me though, does the gift bring on the seizures always? You were fairly calm about it so I gather it wasn't your first. It took me a moment to recall my training, I'm sorry I hesitated it will not happen again."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

She nodded. "Very well.. Kenzo san... I'll give my testimony and hope for the best." She looked at the evening sky. "Only happens when strong emotions are felt. Like the anger of a forest or the fear of something."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Thank you, I am glad you will speak on it." he sighed, not wanting to say what came next. "It may be inconvenient but you really should have an attendant with you, at least when you go into the forest. I would provide this service for you if you find no one more suitable or preferred."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

The woman stopped to take a breath and sighed. "I will think about it, Daidoji san. Besides the recommendation to come to the forest alone is ill advice." She looked at the Daidoji quickly turning and leting her hair cover her light blush. "I would be honored to have your company."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"My company is yours whenever you should desire it. If you need come out here late at night or during a storm, my door is always open to you." he smiled warmly at her. "Even if you just need to talk; about you gift, about the forest, hell about your secret passion for kemari my door is always open to you."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"You are one of the few people who have accepted my gift so easily." She shook her head. This must be a dream. I should enjoy it while I can. The Doji genuinely smiled at the Daidoji and giggled. "How did you know?" She took his arm once more.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He gave he arm to her gladly. "I have no reason you doubt you Hana-san just as I would not doubt a priest who told me that a fire had grown out of control because the kami were agitated by something. Nothing you have have said or done makes me think you are a dishonest person, do people within the clan often doubt you? What you have said makes a lot of sense given what has happened here, I only wish that you didn't have to suffer so."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"I been mocked by the Asahina and doubted by my own family, Kenzo san." She sighed as she walked beside the Daidoji. "My gift is a blessing and a curse... and I don't really care any more. I just do my art and study however I can to improve myself. I... I... I don't doubt you." The Doji smiled.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

This stunned the Daidoji and he stopped for a moment, confusion and anger warring across his face. "I...what? People can be cruel and everyone has their own view of things but...the Asahina? You have a rare gift and you seem a gentle soul, the idea that they would mock you baffles me. I would have thought they would try to marry you into the family rather than shun you."

What is happening to my clan?

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"It is fine Kenzo san. What they see it is the curse... not the blessing. That is why I am yet to marry. I probably will ask a nakodo of the Kakita to marry me out." She shook her head. "I don't really care to whom."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He resumed walking but the pace was a bit slower, his focus more on her than the path.

"Please don't give up on the Crane yet Hana-san, I would hate to see someone of your grace leave, it makes me wonder what I am risking my life for every day. This is supposed to be a place for new beginnings, of my many hopes for this place a fresh start for myself is chief among them. Put the strife of the mainland aside here, forget the clan if you must, just focus on the now. Find those here that appreciate you for you and ignore any who don't. There is warmth and companionship to be found here, and when we return to the mainland I know of at least one Crane who would appreciate you."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Yes..." She smiled. "The clan has things to win if I marry out... we are objects and pawns of a game of shogi. Nothing more... I follow what they ask. If I am to be sacrificed for a greater good be it. This place may be for new beginnings but for some it will be an end." Her voice kept that sweet tone that it was somewhat incomprehensible how she can say such words with not even flinching. "I want an end to my misfortune. Don't take me wrong. I am not here to die if it was I would have ventured further in that forest to be lost and never found. I want to turn my luck Kenzo san."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Her word at first had worried him and it was obvious but he relaxed a bit when she finished.

"I think it will, I think you may be the hero of this tale. I sense a deep passion in you and I have no doubt that others will as well. Just keep your mind open and I think you will find everything you seek here."

Damned matchmakers...and Toso-chan.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"I do not seek glory. I nor attention Kenzo san." The girl shrugged."I seek peace of mind. I seek understanding, nothing else. I guess that is why it has been so difficult to find someone who would be beneficial to both, clan and myself."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"I do not like to speak ill of the clan but this is likely more the fault of the match-makers then it is yourself. They...aren't always right."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

She sighed. "It is okay... Do not worry I probably will end up in the Phoenix or maybe the Scorpion." The girl really was detached from what would be emotions towards someone.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Well whoever you find yourself with will be lucky to have you." He wasn't sure how to cheer up the Doji but he hated that she was so down on everything. Despite being from the same clan they were from different worlds it seemed. "Would either of those be your preference, do you have one? I mean there is no harm in having a dream for how your future will play out."

Even if they turn into a nightmare

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"I really don't care." She shrugged. "If you have a friend that you think it is a good match just let me know."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"I will if we get to that point, maybe you will find someone here." The smile returned to his face and the edge of the village was within sight.