(D2, MM, Gathering) A Basket in Hand

[Shiba Yukari]

"Well, when we're working on that garden, it can be a sideline activity..."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

The Shiba was right they were to work together in the garden and making shrines. The Doji started to slightly open up to the idea. "If you wish I could show you my pillow book with some painting of the gardens I have made... If... you don't mind."

[Shiba Yukari]

Yukari's smile, already sunny, grew sunnier.

"You'd share you art with me, Doji-san? I would be honored!"

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Well... it is only fair. If you are to show me how to understand music... I should grant an equal gesture." She nodded. "They are not that great but I think you might enjoy them."

[Shiba Yukari]

"If it's art from the heart, Doji-san, I am certain it's lovely."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"How can one know if the art is from the heart?" She wondered She knew her ikebana could inspire but her paintings are more of a way to catalogue than actual art. "It has been a while since I have done an inspiring painting."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Ah, but were they inspired?"

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"At the time yes. Now I look at them and I want to toss them astray." She seemed a bit frustrated but the Doji took a breath and calmed. "My apologies Shiba san." She bowed.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Well, be careful... if you want to part with them, don't throw them away. Give them as gifts."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"If you wish to have it I can give it to you. Perhaps you will see what I cannot longer see." The Doji bowed to the Shiba.

[Shiba Yukari]

"I would not presume, Doji-san.... perhaps we could discuss it later?"

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Yes... You are a shugenja... correct? Perhaps the kami will whisper to you about my art." She placed a hand on bamboo. You are a different tune... I have never heard this one. So odd.

[Shiba Yukari]

"They whisper about a lot of things, Doji-san. The trick is making sense of it!"

She cocked her head at the bamboo.

"I think Kaiu-sama might appreciate knowing where to find it, bamboo's a good, fast-growing building material..."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Ah... I see... I was tested but I lack the link to the spirits." She pondered. "Kenzo san thinks that I might have been a shugenja in a previous life and that my gift is a remnant of such life." The Doji nodded "Kaiu sama would be very pleased with this find. It seems they have been here for a long time. Their..." The Doji knocked on the bamboo and the hollow sound could be heard. "sound is good." Hana lowered her head in prayer as well as bowing to the bamboo.

[Shiba Yukari]

"But too mature to eat... so let's look into that might-be-daikon over there..."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Ah... right." It was such a familiar song. The Doji sighed. "Right...we are here to gather food..." Something seem to call Hana's attention. The woman gave a chuckle. "I think there is something around here."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Oh? Should we be worried?"

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"No... Follow me..." She walked over to a skinny tree with a vine growing around it and some round fruits hanged from the vine. "These seem interesting. Have you seen something like this?"

[Shiba Yukari]

Yukari cocked her head to the side as she examined the fruit.

"It's a new one on me, Doji-san... I wonder if they're safe to eat?"

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Maybe Miya sama knows. Let's take some to her and perhaps she can tell us what it is." She smiled. "Perhaps on our way to her we can find those daikons."