[D1 EE expecting]New dusk new flowers

[Doji Hanatsuko]

Hanatsuko decided to stay near the coastal forest. She wasn't going to risk it so early in the expedition even if the deeper trees were enticing and made her want to explore deeper in the forest. Dawn was quick approaching and going into a strange forest at night is not for the faint of heart. Hanatsuko was smart not stupid to go in this late. "I wonder... what will you show me?" She spoke to none in particular.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Kenzo had watched her for a few moments, thinking about spooking her but not wanting to be cruel or make her angry. He decided a light startling wouldn't hurt though and he had been shown up twice already today and needed to prove his skills weren't all gone. Silently he slid out of the brush right in front of her and leaned on a tree.

"Probably not as much as you will show all of us Hanatsuko-san, you've probably identified everything here already." he said with a warm smile.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

The Doji wasn't phased by the Daidoji's sudden appearance. "Not really, I need to learn the new language that they speak." She continued to shift her glare to another tree. "Kenzo san, I have to adapt to my new surroundings to be able to understand what I can use to work into my craft." Hanatsuko had a weird perk as she nodded to the tree. She turned to her clanmate. "Are you acquainted?"

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"I am." He turned and regarded the tree, plotting his route. "I can help you find a new perspective if you wish."

This should be interesting

"I'm glad to see you well, I worried that the adjustment back to land had felled you as it almost did me."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

Hanatsuko looked at the Daidoji inspecting the tree and his words made her tilt her head. "I missed the land... too much silence in the sea." The Doji looked at the tree once again and the to the Daidoji. "Are you planning something, Kenzo san?"

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He looked as confused as she did then smiled and blushed a bit. "My apologies, I thought you wanted me to take you up the tree so you could get a look around at the forest and the island." he rubbed the back of his head a bit embarrassed.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Ah... I don't think we might be able to see much at this time." She gave a light chuckle. "Tomorrow at an earlier time might be better. For the sun is setting and the night flowers are stating to bloom." The Doji looked deeper into the forest. "Not to worry Daidoji san... I know I can be somewhat confusing at times."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"The mistake was mine, worry not." He followed her gaze into the depths. "I want to go too, three separate people have told me it is suicide and i still want to go in there."

Please, give me a reason.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"How are your hunting skills, Kenzo san?" She asked genuinely.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Truthfully? I'm not here for my sword arm, there are others here far better than me at that and I can't really see a reason why they would need me to make a trap out here, not the kind I make. So my hunting is probably the real reason they sent me, they must figure something is in there and they need an experienced tracker." There was no bravado in his words, jut honesty with a fellow Crane.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"un... I am curious on what lies beyond what we see." She closed her eyes taking in the new flower scents. "The scent is so different. "

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Kenzo began to pace as he considered things deeply. "It should be OK to go in a bit deeper....extra precautions...line of sight...."

He pulled a Tasuki from one sleeve and a knife from another and began tying one to the other while looking up at the tree branches above him.

"But not too far, do you have any bu on you?"

[Doji Hanatsuko]

She took out her coin purse and gave him some zeni. "I trust Daidoji san has a plan." She smirked.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He took the coin and gave it a quick polish with the cloth in his hand before tying it to the ribbon.

"Yeah I'm gonna hang this up on that branch, it should serve as a visual marker in case we get a little confused about where we are. We will be able to see it shining in the moonlight and we know that if you walk straight past the tree it is hanged from you will be able to see the coast. I don't get lost easy but this is a little extra security for us. Now we can creep in a little further and not worry."

He looked to the Doji to see if she approved of the plan.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

The Doji nodded. "Yes... Maybe we can make a trail." She looked at the tree and nodded again and then shook her head. "It may be difficult but I think we can make it work."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

With that he flicked his wrist and launched the knife upward, imbedding it into the branch above them. "Great so are you ready? I can't predict what will happen so if I tell you to run please do so, don't stop or turn around just run until you get back to the camp." As he spoke he adjusted his clothes, tying back the sleeve of his sword arm and moving his wakizashi behind him rather then at his side. He put on a pair of black gloves and had a small axe in his left hand.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Yes..." She knew she wouldn't be able to escape even if she willed it. Her conditions wouldn't allow it. She closed her eyes as the she tried to remember something. "Yes..." She followed the Daidoji.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Kenzo hand never been more careful before. He was in wholly unknown territory, where anything and everything could kill him...and he had a non-combatant with him. Most of the plants were familiar or familiar enough but he dared not swing his axe, a scratch from a broken branch could be lethal and he didn't want to offend the Artisan.

"You're going to have to tell me when you want to stop and look at something. Let me know if you get tired too, we can slow down or stop but I'm not going to be moving very fast in this darkness. Just keep an eye on where you step and let me know if you see something I shouldn't touch."

His words were focused and serious but the mirth in his voice was ever-present.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

She followed the Daidoji yet she was in a trance. They got to a certain point and the Doji winced. Hana closed her eyes trying to center herself. She placed a hand on a tree. "I am sorry... we should get back." I have never felt such anger. The Doji held herself.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He whipped around, first looking for an attacker but then to her huddled form. "Are you alright, has something stung you? Yes, we can turn back are you alright to walk?"