[D1, LA] The T in GTL (Open)

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He didn't know what to say, a rarity for him. "I am sorry you lost someone you were so close to, it is good that you carry on her passion." For both their sakes he tried to change the subject. "Have you been a scout long? You look quite young, of what little I can see of your face that is." There was a smile in his voice.

[Shosuro Yingzi]

As he always was Yingzi seemed unphased or bothered by the topic but he did not object to it being changed. "I have been a scout since my gempukku but there have been times where I was called upon to use what social skills I have. Not as skilled as a proper courtier but when you do not have one on hand." He paused. "Any port in a storm is how I believe the phrase to be said."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Indeed, fortunately the Crane have never needed to call upon me in that regard or we would all be doomed. You have mentioned the Shinomen Mori, is that where your duties usually find you, along the southwestern border of Scorpion lands ranging into the woods?"

[Shosuro Yingzi]

"On occasion but not often. I had mostly brought it up to show similarities between the two and the fact that trying to tame this forest when we cannot do the same to the other will not lead to the best of things." He answered not appearing to be bothered with all the questions.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Are you much of a hunter? I spent a few hours out on the brush and I think I found signs of a wild boar, or something similar to it. The tracks were very old so someone here may have already caught it or scared it off but it must have been young or very small."

[Shosuro Yingzi]

"A hunter? No I cannot say that I am. It was one of the skills I never picked up. Never much cared to but there is bound to be a ronin in town or someone else with the ability to do such things if you are looking for help?" He paused again. "I apologize for not being able to be more help in this regard."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Oh no worries, just curious if it was something you enjoyed as it is a hobby of mine."

[Shosuro Yingzi]

"You wish to find something we both find mutual satisfaction in?" He asked with the thinnest thread of muted curiosity. "Or have I misinterpreted something along this newest topic of ours?"

[Daidoji Kenzo]

He sat up and turned to face the Shosuro, chuckling slightly. "I suppose so, mostly I am just trying to get to know you better as my life depend on you some time soon, as yours may depend on mine. if there is anything you wish ask me feel free."

[Kitsune Asashi]

Asashi hadn't taken time to check out the beach until now. It hadn't seemed as important as learning the layout of the town and scouting the surrounding woods.

But the Fox finally made his way down to the water. He made no attempt to disguise his approach and saw the other two samurai he inclined his head to them in greeting but made no move to interrupt their conversation.

[Shosuro Yingzi]

"At this time there are no questions that I have for you but I appreciate the offer." He stated before looking towards the minor clanner. "It does appear that another has arrived. Perhaps they will be more of the hunter that you are looking for." The Scorpion didn't invite the Kitsune over as this wasn't his gathering to do so with.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Kenzo wasted no time in inviting the Fox over. "Kitsune-san, please join us. I am Daidoji Kenzo and this is Shosuro Yingzi, it is an honor to meet you properly. How are you finding the island?"

[Kitsune Asashi]

Asashi paused a moment before nodded and walking closer to the pair "Good afternoon Shosuro-sama, Daidoji-sama. Yes I observed both of you on the boat." One much less than the other but the Scorpion avoided notice like it was second nature, asashi actually had to try and find him.

He regarded the Crane and gave a small shrug "It is an alright island. I do miss the forests of my home but I like the wildness of the place. Not too much civilization around, feels more at home than the boat." He said with a even and slightly pleasant tone.

[Shosuro Yingzi]

Yingzi bowed to the Kitsune and remained silent. For the time being he had nothing to add and was more than comfortable listening in.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Indeed, it took me a solid hour to get my legs back under me when we made shore. Please call me Kenzo, Kitsune-san we are all in this together; no need for formalities with me. So how has fortune brought you here? I see you carry a bow and daisho, are you perhaps a fellow scout?"

[Kitsune Asashi]

Asashi nodded "Oh yes Kenzo-san, I am a Ranger trained by the Wasp in Archery and the Fox in survival and woodcraft. I have spent the majority of my life in the forest." He said with a small smile.

"As for why I'm here, well, word reached the Fox Clan that the Empire was trying to explore an island with a possibly supernatural forest. We had no spare shugenja at the time and they are very prized to our small clan so they sent me instead. I cannot speak to the spirits so I am less important but I grew up talking to foxes so I know a couple things about supernatural forests." He didn't laugh but the smile he gave indicated an amount of amusement or humor.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"I tell you both now I think this expedition is divinely blessed. Three scouts with an entire island to explore all found themselves to the same spot at the same time on the first day. It will fall to us to make sure that no one falls into any pits, to divert the column around poisonous plants and coordinate attacks against dangerous creatures. It is a true honor to serve with the both of you." he stood up facing the two of them and bowed. "My life is in your hands, I hope you will trust me with yours."

[Kitsune Asashi]

Asashi chuckled a little "Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, I've never been one to assume the will of the Heavens. I mean they saw fit to give me no skill in talking to the kami, I figure they have little interest in me." He said with a light and joking tone.

He nodded and gave a fuller smile to the Crane "but yes, we will share many responsibilities and I hope to perform my duties to the best of my abilities and trust you both to do the same."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"They took interest enough to send you to a explore and mysterious island" he countered. "I think we will do marvelous things here. So we were discussing hobbies before you got here Asashi-san. do you have any particular interests you'd like to share?"

[Kitsune Asashi]

The Fox shrugged his shoulders a little "I spend most of my time scouting and hunting, ranging far from home to explore the Kitsune Mori and learn everything I can about my home. I play the flute a little, read a little." He responded with a slightly indifferent but not unfriendly tone.

"What of you? Do you have interests the extend beyond your duties?" He asked with a slight raise of a brow.