Joo-Woo sat on a mushroom trunk near one of the farms, his hands slowly tracing a picture on his holoslate. A herd of otori (or maybe a murder? He didn't knew the right terms yet) was gently grazing, and he hoped to capture it while they were still around.

Always visit home when you can. Hoshi had promised herself that when she'd left the ranch to begin her training. She hadn't been good at keeping that promise. She was on the ranch today, however, riding around with too many memories to count.

During her ride, she'd noticed an unfamiliar person, however. She assumed it was another of the miai visitors and rode up to introduce herself.

Joo-Woo seemed to be deep in thought a he was busy drawing...[url=[url=https://orokos.com/roll/848187]D7 EE Artisan: Drawing/Awa, untrained, tn 15[/url]: 2d10 8]badly[/url].

When he thought he was finished he glanced around as in a daze, and jumped slightly. "Ah, gomen samurai-sama." He bowed. "I did not notice you there."

"Good evening. I'm sorry for startling you." she said. "I am Shiba Hoshiko."

Joo smiled sheepishly. "Gomen, it is my fault, I startle easily." He gave a bow of respect towards her. "Iuchi Joo-Woo, here for the miai, though belatedly. I was discharged from the hospital today only, and couldn't take part earlier."

He eyed her bird, interest gleaming in his eyes. "First time I see such a magnificent creature up close."

She dismounted and brought the otori closer, petting it and keeping it calm.

"The otori are quite special." she smiled. "I don't know what Asakaze would be like without them."

"Certainly more boring." Joo smiled as he moved closer. "May I?" He indicated towards the large bird. "You are from Asakaze, Shiba-sna?"

"Hai. I grew up on one of the ranches, actually." she pointed to her right. "Just speak calmly and be gentle with her."

"Oh, sugoi! So cool!" He moved closer to the bird, gently petting it. "Hello girl. How are you today?" He cooed to the Otori, hopefully not going to be disemboweled just yet. "Shiba-san, your planet is beautiful." He tilted his head, hesitating on his next question. "Do you think you will leave it at the end of the miai?"

"That is quite likely." she nodded. "I've been training to become a navigator. So, regardless of who I may be matched with, I'll likely be leaving Asakaze soon."

Joo smiled. "Oh? I think Nakouchi-san mentioned you perhaps. Navigation runs in my family, in a way." He slowly petted the bird. "My father's family was responsible for creating Opening the Way, at least on the Unicorn side." He smiled sheepishly. It felt strange showing up with his family. "You were trained with the Osprey?"

"Hai." she nodded. "It is a bit unusual, for a Phoenix shugenja to train outside of the clan, but the Osprey seemed like the best path to the stars."

Joo nodded, smiling sheepishly. "Ah, I see. Hai, Nakouchi-san mentioned." He turned his eyes from the bird towards the shugenja herself. "I think it is admirable if one follows their chosen path with all their heart and determination." He gave a small bow towards her.

"And, what path do you follow, Iuchi-sama?" she asked.

Joo laughed. "I wish I knew, honestly. My main focus is research in the Spirit Realms. I'm a Medium, so my interactions with them is quite more on hands than usual. Besides that...navigation is also something cathces my interest, time from time. Also, theology. My other father is a priest at Kuwagata, and the traditional duties appeal to me, the harmony and balance." He shrugged. "Currently my path is finding a wife, I guess. At least that's straightforward. Hopefully."

"That is a lot to seek, overall." she grinned. "But, at least they aren't entirely divergent of one another. There may be ways to combine some of those paths. The last one should be mapped out before you leave Asakaze, at least."

Joo smiled. "Well, hopefully!" He hesitated for a moment. "Would Sbiba-san be interested in joining me in solving that last one, while I figure out how to be a priest navigator in Meido?"

She considered him for a moment, eyeing the holoslate. "Tell me a little more about yourself, Iuch-sama. Are you also an artist?"

"Eh, that would offend artists. I try. I dabble, in my clan's style, as best as I can. Otherwise..." he spread his hands. "What would Shiba-san like to know?"

"Your connection to the spirit realms intrigues me." she said. "Have you learned anything about Asakaze with it?"