[D1, LE] What a day, what a place (Open)

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"I have never regretted lacking the Kami's gift before today. I hope some day you will give us all a proper show though I may need one on my own, when other people see what you can do I will likely be pushed to the back of the crowd." He chuckled "I'm going to need to get some better puppets from the mainland if we decide to hold a talent show."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Or we could make some."

She drummed her fingertips on the tabletop.

"Local materials are easier to source, and while I'm no expert, I could give it a try. Maybe create the illusion of a suitable stage, so you can focus on the puppets themselves..."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Well I haven't the first clue how to make a proper puppet, just these silly hand puppets, so I'm not sure what to make them out of but you said you like plants so maybe with your help we could figure something out with whatever grows here." His smile turned just a touch playful but no less sincere. "I would love to do a performance with you, I may not have your skills but I like to make people happy and I think that matters."

[Shiba Yukari]

"The important thing about art, Kenzo-san, is that wanting to do it is every bit as important as knowing how."

She had plainly warmed to her subject.

"If your early efforts are lackluster, just remember, we all start somewhere."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He pulled his knees up to his chest and rested his head on his knees, she had his full attention. "So what does a Tejina performance usually look like, is it a solo affair or do you work as a troupe?" He pulled a small bag out of his sleeve and took a pinch of something green out and placed it in his water before setting it down between them. "Some mint for your water? It's still mostly fresh somehow."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Oh, too kind, Kenzo-san... so, ah... well. Most of my sensei's students are indeed sort of a troupe- that way everyone can work together, we can layer effects, and most importantly. simply have more illusions going. Generally, we either go for artistic spectacle- it's ephemeral, but that's part of the charm- or we use our talents to supplement a story being told. One of the prayers I know is actually custom-made for that- the air kami draw images and sounds from a storyteller's mind to help sort of... illustrate the tale."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"That must be terribly complicated, coaxing the kami into action on the fly. Do you have to know the story beforehand or do the kami listen to the tale and act on their own? You Phoenix really are something, no one but the masters of magic would have the command to use the kami's gifts for something so sublime." There was a look of honest and innocent admiration in his eyes.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Oh, I think anyone could."

She smiled.

"But we do. And yes, the air kami act on their own- in fact, the storyteller's mind is the guiding impulse- the shugenja has no say at all unless they're also the storyteller."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"But you have have to focus on the spell don't you, so you can't really enjoy the show and story yourself?" This thought actually made him a touch sad but his smile remained.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Oh, no, once the kami are invoked, the shugenja's work is done."

She sighed happily.

"It's actually one of my favorite prayers. Can add a lot of luster to even the humblest occasion if the storyteller's imagination is vivid enough."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"It's a shame I'm not a storyteller I would try to impress you right now but what I do would more generously be called acting I suppose. Plus you must get tired of people trying to impress you all the time."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Oh, don't sell yourself short. The beauty of it is that the kami take the images from your mind, so even if your storytelling is a bit unpolished, they take what you're thinking."

She paused.

"And as for people trying to impress me... I try not to think about it too much. Making an impression is my job, not theirs."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"So why have I never heard of the Tejina before?"

[Shiba Yukari]

"Well. We're new."

She smiled wider.

"I'm a member of Shiab Tsuna-sensei's first group of students."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Oh I see, wow and they sent you to us? I feel honored, I imagine that pretty soon you will be wanted in every court big and small."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Well, I suppose we'll see. Some people think it's... a frivolous, and therefore disrespectful use of the air kami's power."

She paused.

"And again, not entirely sure why I've been sent here. Hardly seems the sort of place, you know?"

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He was taking a drink as she spoke and almost choked on the sake.

"Frivolous? If it were disrespectful wouldn't the kami refuse or punish you? How silly, those sound like words of jealousy to me. As for why you are here well I imagine it's the sum of your abilities. You say you are knowledgeable about plants, something useful when exploring so we don't eat something poisonous and being able to know which flowers will be most sought after on the mainland. You are a priest of the kami which is always a benefit. You are skilled at talking to the air kami which is very useful when sailing. And on top of all that should you decide to grace us all with your talents you will do wonders for moral, keeping bushi entertained is nearly as important as keeping them fed because bored bushi start trouble. Your presence here is more necessary than mine."

[Shiba Yukari]

She blushed, quickly at that.

"I suppose we'll see. Although my gifts with the air kami are less to do with winds than might be hoped..."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"But not outside you abilities. I am terrible on a horse but if galloping along a cliff edge would save a life you can bet I would try, just as I think you would try to aid a captain stuck in a rough storm. As you say, wanting to do it is every bit as important as knowing how"

[Shiba Yukari]

"Yes, well... it's a bit more complicated with the kami, but... point."