2024.1.13 Shen Introductions

Shen Introductions
Shinju helps guide a new arrival to town to the court of the shen, taking them and a friendly face back to share a meal at the shrine and learn about each other
IC Date	2024.1.13
IC Time	Night
Players	Shinju, Xiu, Kuznitsa, Taro, Kaori
Location	Rooftop Court, Shangye Shinsha
Spheres	Mage, Sorcerer, Shifter

It's early night, and the rooftop court is finding good use today. Somebody tended to the herb garden a bit, with new plants in, and others cleaned up. Xiu is sitting cross-legged near the garden - the little chinese amazon being...well, naked, her clothes neatly folded and sitting on one of the chairs. A thing Kuznitsa probably notices quickly on arrival. And the girl's overall build is...predatory. Dense musculature, elegant sculpted physique. Peak fitness on that one. She is eating a sandwich of sorts, while a cloth wrap sits unrolled on the concrete roof floor next to her - dried jerky of sorts sitting on that one, seasoned. Somewhere around the entrance leading to the roof, Geu-Roo's voice can be heard. Sounds like a phone call, the tone murmured and private.

Kuznitsa slowly makes their way onto the rooftop walking in and seeing Xiu and stopping, taking a look back to the door they came from before flatly saying "Well I guess I had found the wrong roof then, sorry miss." Although they don't immediately make to leave the Xiu sitting nude on a roof in a city, even though it's night gets a brow raise from them "....what are you even doing if I may ask?"

`No. This one has the right roof.` a voice comes out of nowhere... though an immediate scan of the surroundings shows the source to be sitting on top of one of the inactive steel chimneys. A perfectly generic long-ahired Asian woman in a purple kimono, smoking a pipe. `Found 'em asking some things... glad to see you made it.`

Upon hearing the entrance to the roof open, Xiu turns in her cross-legged sit - and eyes that person she sees. New face. The reaction to her own presence and state, however, has her lightly grin. She chews a bit, then swallows the piece of sandwich she hand in her mouth, and sets the rest of the sandwich down on the cloth wrap. "Greetings." she says and places a hand on the concrete tiling before she pushes herself up into a stance easily. That mass of braids as it now falls straight almost reaches to the ground. She stretches - another thing that shows off that physique, before her stance relaxes and she begins to quietly cross the roof towards Kuznitsa. That gait, the posture...the girl seems completely relaxed despite her...state. "Greetings, Shinju." she says hello to the same without skipping a beat. And then she finally stops at arm's length, and holds out a hand to Kuznitsa. "Tong Xiu ('sheoo'). And as Shinju said..you are very probably on the right roof.."

Kuznitsa glances at Shinju and back at Xiu, taking Xiu's hand somewhat warily they look slightly confused, "Right.... I'm Kuznitsa, but I have a feeling you two must know that already somehow?" Kunznitsa cuts a somewhat androgyne figure, in a simple cream colored kimono. "what are you two doing up here? I was told to meet someone up here, but not exactly sure who."

Shinju grows an almost imperceptible grin. `Did that one who told you have a purple kimono too? I swear, people are copying my style these days...` She says softly, eyes trailing between Xiu and the new blood. `Don't mind her, we all get a bit quirky a night~`

Xiu's eyes flick their glance towards Shinju, and she just softly chuckles, subtly shakes her head before she looks at Kuznitsa and shakes it more firmly. "And no." the girl says with a soft smile. "I have no idea who you are, and just heard your name for the first time. Shinju might have watched you, though, it rfeels like." After the handshake, she lets go of the hand and just stands there, all nudey and ripped. "This here is.." she turns a bit, and gestures. "A safe space for the Shen. Just a casual place, nothing special. But a private place that nobody else knows about." Her eyes find Kuznitsa again. "Which means you are one of us. In some form or another. The question is...what?"

Kuznitsa smiles "ah... well I'm a craftsperson by trade, metalwork and herbalism of a sort, if you know my meaning." They wink and as Xiu takes her hand away she might notice a slight trace of soot on the hands of Kuznitsa, and their hands are rather on the roughedn side, as if they had been baked in the flames of a forge or a cooking of a sort, taking a slight look again their frame is thin and although not muscular, very toned and almost stringy from their long hours of work.

`Hmmmmmm....` Shinju mumbles, sliding herself off the chimney and slowly walking up to the new one on the side opposite Xiu. `I think she's askin'... what makes you special? Ya have a pulse? Ya turn into one of the ABC book of animals? That kinda thing. Are ya a -really- special craftsperson?` She asks, bluntly, looking up at them.

Xiu nods at Shinju's words, the girl's hands clasping behind her back. "Yes." she says, looking at Kuznitsa. "That is what I am asking." A light grin moves her lips. "I am not asking what you do as a hobby or job. I am asking, essentially..." she leans forward a bit. "...what. Are you."

Kuznitsa nods "ah, I'm a human if thats what you mean, and I practice sorcery of a sort..." They bursh their kimono back and offer a sheathed katana that hides under it out with one hand to Shinju, the sheath it's self looking rather plain in a simple black lacquer "And I'd rather not call it a hobby, I put a lot of effort into them... although my skills in the occult are not that advanced.."

`Human... right. Sorcery? Some kind of magic practitioner?` Shinju says firmly, eyes drifting to the katana. She indeed takes it, flipping a thumb under the hilt to pull it out halfway and examine the blade. `And you use that in your work, eh?`

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Shinju rolls Perception(3) + Melee(5) (8 dice) vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 2 3 4 5 +6 +7 7
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Xiu aaahhhs. "I see, I see...yes. I just wanted to make sure." she murmurs - and smiles, before she lightly bows. "Tong Xiu. Verbena, Lifeweaver and Dark Flower Of Lilith." she properly introduces herself, befores she straightens again. "'Witch' will be fine. Or 'Witchypoo'. Or just 'Xiu'." She grins. "Welcome, Kuznitsa. You are new to proespect, I take it?"

Kuznitsa nods in agreement "very, came here for a change in veiw, and maybe to help with my swordwork..." As Shinju draws the blade it seamlessly falls into her hand, the weight of the blade alomst perfectly matching her desired fitting of it as it becomes a ideally suited for her, to someone of a more mundane persuasion this could be passed off as merely skilled craftsmanship, but Shinju knows her way around a blade, and the likelyhood of a sword being made this well without custom fittings for the user is not only unlikely, but impossable. "I am not nearly as skilled at useing them as making them, and puls Proespect seemes to be a happening place with ample opportunity for someone of my skills, I just got into town a few nights ago."

Shinju's attention, now, seems to be entirely drawn to the sword. Unsheathing it fully, she steps a comfortable distance away before practicing a series of movements and swings. Her technique is impeccable, perfectly smooth. `Huh... this blade is goddamn -perfect- in weight and size. But if you made it for yourself, then why is it perfect for -me-?` She sheathed the thing in one fast motion, looking up and down Kuz with more interest now. `If you're lookin' for help with your swordwork, you came to the right place....`

Xiu glances over at Shinju for a moment, watching the shinto priestess observe and judge the sword for a moment - and then the witch just grins as Shinju seems to praise it. She lifts a hand, wiggling her fingers. "MAgic?" she wonders, and lets out a soft laugh as she lowers her hand again, looking at Kuznitsa. "Swords are the way to Shinju's heart, it seems." she says, before she turns and walks over towards the herb garden again. She leans downward (oh boy) and picks up the cloth wrap, the little leather pouch and a hybrid between a kisuri-style and chinese-style pipe, before she turns and walks towards them again - and nods towards the seating area. "Let us settle down, yes? Standing around is not very casual." She then ventures towards one of the tables and sets the things down, before she pulls three chairs back..and settles down on one of them.

Kuznitsa smiles and waves a hand to Shinju "you want to know all the secrets of my craft? at least buy me a drink first..." they follow Xiu back over and before reaching the chairs stops and looks to the herb garden "Would it be improper to pick a leaf or two, I assure you it's for a good cause.." they look to Xiu as they speak and trys not to stare at her too much, oddly dressed as she is.

Shinju follows suit, pulling out a chair and sitting. She sets the sword down in front of her, deep in thought. `Yeah... I suppose that's fair.` Then, she proceeds to reach down and pull one of the bottles from her belt, taking two of the glasses from the drinkware of the court, and pours the clear liquid into it. `Luckily for me, I already bought good Sake!` She grabs her glass, sipping back on it. `Mmmm. The taste of craft secrets....`

'Oddly dressed' is a polite way to describe Xiu's state of undress. The girl reaches behind her, just sliding and pulling that mass of braids properly behind the chair, just leaving a few to rest in front. She nods to Kuznitsa, gesturing with a hand. "Pick ahead, sure. A couple of leaves won't hurt." she remarks, smiling. "It is what the herb garden is for." In the meanwhile she unrolls the cloth wrap on the table , exposing the spiced deer jerky again, before she reaches into the leather pouch and retrieves..matches and some green. Certainly not tobacco. She begins to stuff the 'herb' into the small head of her pipe, before she lights it and takes a toke...grinning as she sees the pouring of sake. "Only two glasses?"

Kuznitsa gathers up a 4 or 5 small sprigs of herb from some of the garden and sits down, pulling out a small box and setting out a small cup, with another flask of water, they mash the herbs into their fingers and add it to the cup in a in a fashion vaguely reminiscent of the tea ceremony, and the water suddenly turns smokey and black, a faint medicinal note comes into the air as they sit back and grin to Shinju slightly, sipping "is that so? the taste of craft secrets?"

Shinju grins at Xiu. `Hey, Kuz over here said they wanted a drink, and I knew I wanted one...` she says, pouring another glass. `And now I know you do too!` Then, she watches the new one take the herbs and turn them into... instant tea, with no ramifications at all? `Huh... how often can you do that? Is that just normal tea?`

The witch grins at Shinju, and picks up her glass. "Thank you. I do not drink often at all, but I guess right now will not hurt." Her eyes then watch the preparation of...whatever Kuznitsa is making there with interest, and as soon as the smell and color change, she sniffs a couple of times..and tilts her head a bit. "..huh." she murmurs at the sudden change, but when Kuznitsa just sips it she lightly grins. "What was that? Instant Sambuca?" she wonders, before she takes a sip of her sake and licks her lips.

Kuznitsa shakes their head "Have you ever flown in economy class all the way from asia? My back is probably in 3 parts by now!" They chuckle and wave a hand "and no, it is tea of a sort, no alcohol, but I'll gladly take some if offered.." they look to the two a bit confused at the wonder on their faces, but does not draw any attention to it.

`Tea of sort... well, that's certainly easier than putting the kettle on to boil first!` Shinju says with a laugh. `And I already poured you a drink, if that's not an offer I don't know what is. But if you're suffering with your back... I'm sure Xiu can bend you right back into shape!`

"...I have not flown a plane in my life." Xiu murmurs and chuckles. "One day, maybe, for some absurd reason." She takes another sip of her sake, before she lightly nods. "And sure, I can help with your back." She lightly grins and lifts a free hand, wiggling fingers. "I am damn good at massages and pushing stuff back into the right spots."

Kuznitsa looks to Xiu confused "Is this one of those jokes about clothes with the people still inside them or are you offering to massage me?" Kuznitsa holds up one hand in a gesture of confusion as they take another sip of tea and then a sip of sake, nodding in thanks.

`Look at those hands. Those are magic healer masseuse hands if I've ever seen any.` Shinju says, taking a drag of her pipe. `And after you're right as rain, I'll take you to the dojo and show you what I can -really- do with a sword~` She grins.

The witch softly laughs. "Yes, it was an offer of a massage and checking your vertebraes." she tells Kuznitsa, lightly shrugging, before she actually leans forward and slides the open cloth wrap with the dried jerky on it a bit over the table. "Also, feel free to eat, you two. It is deer. Hunted it myself, dreid it, and added a bit of herbs and a biiit of spice." She then leans back, and begins to refill her pipe, casually preparing to enjoy a bit more of the mary Juhaynays, eyeing Shinju for a moment. "'Magic healer masseuse', heh. I do not like using my craft when it is not necessary to get something done. And a post-flight back? Nothing some skill and fingers can't help with."

Kuznitsa shugs "...I guess you can take a look? I've never really had one done but I'm always willing to try..." They take a small slip of jerky and takes a bite before turing to Shinju "And yeah, we can spar but really, I'm a not too good with them.."

Shinju smirks at Xiu. `Heyyy, Ryu doesn't like when I do that either... but I'm just sayin', you don't need your craft for those hands to be magic.` She then sets down her pipe, looking at the meat and gladly taking some. She takes a small bite at first, chewing slowly, then takes a bigger, much more aggressive one! `Oh yeah. That's good....` a glint of something -shiny- and -golden- shows upon her flesh shows at the edge of her long sleeves as she eats.

Xiu takes a slow inhale after lighting her own pipe, closing her eyes for a moment before she tilts her head back and exhales the sweet smoke upward. "Oh yeah, my fingers can be absolute magic..." she murmurs and then lets out a soft laugh, opening an eye and peering over at Shinju. "How did you know?" comes her teasing, before she takes another toke and then sits up more straight. She taptaps the little amount of ash onto the ground, and just sets the empty pipe down on the table, before she pushes herself up - standing, her chair psuhing back. She makes her way around the table and behind Kuznitsa, cracking her knuckles. "Alright. Just releax. When I push you forward, just stay leaned forward." she murmurs. "Ready?"

Kuznitsa looks wary at Xiu for a moment before sitting their cup and jerky down and nodding "ready."

Shinju keeps greedily devouring the meat while she watches her suggestion become a reality. `C'mon Xiu, I have -eyes-.`

The witch smiles, and brushes some of her braids behind her back for a moment, before she leans towards Kuznitsa's back, hands on the shoulders...and begins her massage. ..And damn, she has either tons of practice, or is simply really good with feeling tension. She begins to work the muscle there. Naturally, it is painful at first, especially when she hits tense spots, pushing with her thumbs, kneading those spots into submissino. But afterwards, each time? Bliss. "Oh yeah, there we go.." Xiu murmurs, softly smiling as she begins to work her way slowly down and up again. "Gonna get you realy nice and relaxed..."

Kuznitsa seethes at first to the pain at first but then slowly gets quiet as they relax, it's clear whatever they had been doing had made their shoulder feel like blocks of concrete, murmuring to slightly to themself as the close their eyes "..oh she was..wasn't kidding.."

Shinju just starts -laughing- inbetween her feasting. `Oh, I ain't no liar! Though... it was just a guess that she'd be good at this. Suppose I know her too well at this point.`

"Of course I was not." Xiu murmurs softly, smiling as she continues the massage tretament. The firm pushes against the tense spots get followed by rapid, lightl pushes of the knuckles, lilte tiny tine gentle punches she lets wander down the back, and then slowly up again. Once that is done she leans forward, against Kuznitsa, and slowly wraps an arm gently around their shoulders and collar area. Strong arm. Keeping them in place, she moves her other hand to their head and begins to roll it slowly and gently, keeping a light pull for a couple of seconds whenever they reach a straight left or right tilt. "There we go, just relax..." she murmurs. Her eyes flick their gaze forward at Shinju, and she softly chuckles. "What, me knowing about physical health and all kinds of anatomy? Big surprise." She smirks. "One day you will get a massage too, do not worry."

Kuznitsa lets Xiu guide them, and relaxes fully as they chuckle slightly with them "this... must be an odd way to greet strangers then...

Shinju nods at Kuz's words. `Like I said, quirky! But hey, what better way to welcome someone than to ease their burdens, eh?` Then, she glares at Xiu. `I get enough squeezing around my body, dontcha think?`

"Exactly.." Xiu murmurs. "Easing someone's pain is a nice way of welcome, isn't it?" She chuckles. "And I am anything but the shy type, as you might have guessed by now." She continues to slowly tilts and turn Kuznitsa's head a bit more, until she feels those neck muscles all relaxed. For Kuznitsa it might be hard to tell just how long this goes on, because daaamn is it relaxing. But the dreaded moment comes when Xiu moves her arm away, lets go of the head, and then gives the shoulders a gentle squeeze. "And that is that." Smiling, she makes her way around the table again with silent barefoot steps, and settles down on the chair once more.

Kuznitsa gently lays back and sighs, it almost looks like they are asleep, but a small, pleased smile stays on their face "I geuess that is as good an introduction as any..."

Shinju hums happily to herself as she enjoys the meat and sake to its fullest from her spot at the central table, giving the now limp Kuznitsa a sideways smirk. Are those golden -scales- peeking over her kimono collar? `I think you fixed them so hard you broke them....`

It is early nighttime, and the rooftop court in the heart of Chinatown is..quite busy! At the seating area, around one of the tables, are three rather different figures. Shinju - a girl very much dresssed in a pretty Kimono, and giving off vibes of a shinto priestess of sorts. Kuznitzsa, rather casually dressed and looking...normal. And Xiu. This chinese girl has hair that is all made up in a mass of excessively long, thin braids. She is also quite naked. She is also quite ripped as fuck. And they are all relaxing on chairs around the table. On it? Sake glasses. A sake bottle. A cloth wrap, unrolled, holding some sort of jerky. And at least one asian style pipe. Xiu softly laughs as Kuznitsa, for some reason, just limpy hangs in their chair with a quite happy expression, and the chinese girl just grins, lifting her chin a bit. "Oh yeah, that is the good stuff, isnÃ't it? Nothing like a well done massage. Except at some point one has to move afterwards. Sooner or later.."

Taro ascends the stairs and is greeted by the scene, at first he seems startled at the company. Perhaps this is not what he expected to find, but after a moment an easy smile settles on his face and he approaches those gathered. "Hello." he says with a small bow to each. "Taro Nonaka. I am uranai-shi, I had thought this a good place to observe the sky, but there is more to be found I see."

Kuznitsa grumbles and sits up, sighs "yeah.. you are right... well... what was it we where doing? oh, uh..." They look to Shinju, although seemingly blanking on their name "you wanted a sword fight I think? Maybe I'm mistaken.." They take another sip of sake as they look to Taro "....oh uh, hello to you too."

The purple-kimono wearing woman, a perfectly generic asian gal save for her extra long ponytail and choice of garb color, looks up to the new arrival with a raised brow. `Another? Man, word must be getting out about how amazing we are here!` She snickers. `If you got up here too, then... well, you must be one of us, right? 'Urani-shi' you say... you're a fortune teller? A human or somethin' else?`

When the entrance to the rooftop opens up, Xiu's eyes are quick to flick their glance towards it. And at Taro, as the man comes into view. She takes another slow sip of her sake glass and licks her lips. But Kuznitsa might notice..she is watching him like a hawk. Subtly. In retrospect, not quite unlike she initially watched Kuznitsa. Her eyes simply stack locked on right there. Those lips of hers draw into a smile, and she puts her sake glass down, before she rises, pushing her chair back. "Greetings." she says and quietly steps around the table on bare feet, approaching Taro. That mass of long braids of hers is almost touching the floor. "And welcome to this particular rooftop..." The quite naked li'l asian amazon stops just at arm's length away from the man, her whole approach and attitude seeminly relaxed. Was more relaxed than a nekkid person should be. She looks him over for a moment, before her eyes find his again. "Tong Xiu ('Sheoo')." She introduces herself, and performs a polite, light bow. "As Shinju here just said, I presume you having found this rooftop is not a coincidence, yes?"

"I followed the whispers of the kami, yes." Taro says evenly, his demeanor is calm now and unfazed by the gathering, or the nudity. His eyes do crinkle a bit at the edges in amusement. He turns towards Shinju. "Something else, yes. Have I interrupted?" he asks as he turns back to address everyone generally.

Kuznitsa brushes themself off and stands to geet them, although drawing closer to the other two then Taro still "are you a fresh face in the city as well then?"

Shinju stands, too, gaze growing a bit more serious at the new new one's words, posture pristine. `Hoshimaya Shinju, Gūji of the local shrine and its grounds, Shangye Shinsha. If you say you followed the whispers of the kami... not surprised they led you here.`

Xiu turns her head a bit, peeking over as Shinju stands - and then looks forward, at Taro again. She smiles, lightly nodding. "I am afraid 'Something else' will not be enough." she tells the man politely. "More detail is needed to ensure that you do, indeed, belong on this rooftop." She looks him over again, and then subtly cants her head. "It is, after all..only for a certain group of people." Though Xiu already has a good guess there. Still, she simply smiles at the man, waiting for an answer while her eyes peer at out him from between a couple braids having by now managed to make their way down her face. She does not brush them back just yet.

Taro nods at Kuznitsa, "I am, I take it you are as well then?" and bows again towards Shinju. "Fortuitous that I meet you here now then." And he chuckles lightly at Xiu. "Something else is not enough? It what we all seek, yes? Even when we find it, we still look for something else. I suppose you are right. It is never enough. I am kitsune and a traveler of the shinkai."

Kuznitsa nods slowly, although they look at Taro with a bit of thought they say nothing, just picking up something they had lended Shinju as they see the other converse for a moment before returning to the side of Shinju and Xiu.

Shinju's eyes widen a tad. `You're the second Kitsune to arrive here in the psat week. You follow the shinkai?` A smile visibly grows on her face. `Then you'll be right at home here. My shrine houses many foxes who prefer the more natural grounds to the garbage-ridden streets. Perhaps you can help me with the fortunes? I set up a place for the O-mikuji not too long ago so we could sell them again.`

"Ooooh Shiiinjuuuu..." Xiu suddenly softly sings. Pretty much as soon as Taro mentions that he is 'Kitsune', and the girl grins over at the other. In quite a brattish fashion for some reason. Probably the same reason she softly laughs afterwards, and why Shinju suddenly seems so enthusiastic. Xiu then looks at Taro again, unclasping her hands from behind her back before she lightly bows again, straightens, and lifts a hand, placing it down above her chest. "Tong Xiu. Verbena, Lifeweaver, and Dark Flower Of Lilith." There is but a moment of silence after that. "'Witch', in simple terms. Welcome to the rooftop court. You will be pleased to hear that other Kitsune are part of our little community as well." She then turns and moves towards the table, before she pulls another chair back. "Please, sit down and join us. Kuznitsa here.." she says, gesturing at the same.. "..is new as well. Another newcomer who joined us for the first time today. But their introduction is their own to make."

"O-mikuji? That would be splendid." Taro nods at Shinju and continues smiling.He turns to Xiu. "Thank you, and I will look forward to meeting this other." he says with a bow, and then tilts his head to look at Kuznitsa.

Kuznitsa gives a small bow, "I supose I should make more formal introductions to all, I'm Kuznitsa, alchemist and enchanter of Sakhalin, then again there was like two others so getting nameded 'the' was not hard." They chuckle and smile, looking around to the lot of them.

Shinju's grin widens ever more. `Yes, yes, Xiu hunted and prepared some lovely deer meat. I'll be walking back to the shrine in -not- too long, if you... and Kuznitsa too... want to see it.` She takes a seat at the table, finishing up the last of the meat she took before. `Got some Sake left too if you want any.`

Xiu nods, and gestures at the empty chair again. "Yes, please sit." She offers. "Enjoy a bit of food, and then we can venture to Shinju's shrine." She herself reaches for her sake glass, and downs what little is left, before she sets it down and softly exhales. "Our community is quite growing. A good sign." Her eyes look over at Shinju as she says this, though their gaze also wanders over the others. "Perhaps Hannah's idea of a large court might come true after all."

"An honor to meet you all." Taro says, bobbing his head, and does move to take a seat and pick up a small piece of venison. "Growth is usually good. I would very much like to see your shrine, Guji Shinju." He pops the meat into his mouth and chews thoughtfully. "Serendipitous, indeed." he remarks after a moment.

Kuznitsa takes a seat as well and looks to Taro as they take another bite of jerky for themself, they lean back onto the chair and turn to Xiu and Shinju before saying "Has there been many newcomers? I mean two coming to a court in the same day..."

`A real court... heh. Kami willing, we might.` Shinju comments towards Xiu, sitting quietly now. `Glad to hear it! Luck tends to follow me... blessing of the dragon, you could say.` She winks. `But yeah, there's been many newcomers. Three in the past week or so. Our physical and spiritual presence is growing~`

The meat is good quality. Treated with a bit of salt, fresh, fitting herbs and just a bit of spice. Xiu plucks up a piece and slips it into her mouth as well, before she slowly chews and then lightly shakes her head at Kuznitsa. "No." she murmurs, in contrast to Shinju's words maybe. "Newcomers are rare in Chinatown. Although a new Kitsune arrived just recently, as Shinju said. But she was the first after a long time. So she, and you two, have indeed ended quite a streak." She swallows the meat and exhales, picking up her long pipe and begins to fill the small head with green again. "We are few in total altogether. Few, but everybody knows everybody. Perhaps with one, two exceptions? We are a very mixed community as well. 'lightning peple'" she says, the tone revealing that the term is just strange to the witch. "..Kuei-Jin. Hengeyokai. Sorcerors. A mixed bunch. Aside of some subtle disagreement between a couple of the Kuei-Jin, there is no trouble between us."

Taro hmmms, "Well." he picks up another piece of the meat. "Delicious by the way." he says waving the jerky briefly, "As long as things remain peaceful, I would think growth should be welcome. I am grateful to have been welcomed."

Kuznitsa nods "Indeed, it is good to be in good hands as far as living here goes..." They give a joking wink to Xiu before continuing "It will be nice to see more of the court in time."

`I mean... there's not technically a court yet. There was at one point, but by the time I got my head up when I got my position at the Shrine, this place was pretty devoid of our kind.` Shinju says, standing up from the table. `Yeah, what Taro said. Delicious... thanks Xiu. But I gotta be going back to the shrine now to check on some things. Anyone can come with if they'd like... or later, the grounds are almost always open.`

Xiu nods at that, and exhales softly, before she empties her pipe of ash and begins to separate it - the thing coming apart into three pieces. She stashes them in the leather pouch and closes it up. "I think they should see the shrine, yes." she says, lightly smiling. "The night is young, after all." With that said she nods at Taro and Kuznitsa both, performing a subtle bow. "And thank you, both of you." She then pushes herself onto her feet, sliding the chair back, before she moves to the table next to theirs, where her folded up clothes rest. As she unfolds them, it becomes apparent just how..normal and even worn-out they are. A faded, black hoodie. Faded green cargo pants. Running shoes, a faded red.

Taro rises with the others, and gives another bow to Xiu, "Thank you, I appreciate your hospitality. It was a pleasure to meet you." And then he turns to Kuznitsa and Shinju. "Well then, shall we?"

Kuznitsa stands and smiles, bowing to Xiu "thank you again, will you join us there then?" they draw close to the others on their way out, following Shinju's lead.

Xiu dresses the clothes. It takes a moment - not because of the clothes themselves, but for the fact that she has to get all those excessively long braids through the hoodie. In the end, she stands there - baggy thick hoodie. Baggy cargopants. Simple clothes..but they are very effective at hiding her physique. Hood drawn up, all those braids spilling past her cheeks down her front - and her hands stuffed into the hoodie pouch, that small leather pouch of hers and the cloth wrap with the remaining jerky in there. The picture of a random street rat. "I will be joining, yes." she tells Kuznitsa. And off they go.

The great shrine grounds are only one district away... from near the market, to the Shangye district. As the name implies, basically the whole thing is taken up by the grounds. It's a true wonder, really, to see a place like this in the middle of such a city. Through those torii gates, one leaves the profane behind, and even those not all too spiritually attuned can immediately feel the difference. The sounds, the sights, the smells of the city... none matter here. A mountain of the Kami, almost seeming bigger on the inside than looking at it from the out. And the purple-kimono-wearing priestess seems all too happy to lead Xiu and the two newcomers inside. She watches their faces as they cross over the bridges under the gates, bringing them to the wash basin near the start of the path that eventually leads to the central shrine to Amaterasu-no-kami. `Irasshaimase. Welcome.` She turns on the water of the basin, doing a quick cleansing of her hands, arms, and face, then steps away for the others to do the same.

Taro laughs contentedly as he feels the spirit world growing closer, as the fox darts away, he laughs even more heartily. "I feel you Prince Inari." and fishes a rice ball from a pocket and tosses it towards the tree where the fox disappears. "This is amazing, Shinju-san."

Kuznitsa looks around in awe, it's clear they had heard of places like this, but likely not been to one nearly as big or well kept, they look at Taro and the fox as taro throws the rice ball and smiles "it is very nice here, I always wanted to visit a propper shrine like this... it is peaceful here."

Xiu's expression does not change much. Of note is that her whole demeanor seems to have shifted a bit out on the streets. A more lazy step. A shuffling gait. Resting bitch face under that hood - although a little bit of that was present at times on the rooftop. Few words. Different posture, just slightly more hunched. It is not only the clothing on its own that hides her true self. Though even she smiles as they cross the threshold of the torii, her eyes wandering a bit for a moment - but it is clear that she has seen this place before. No, this tour is for Kuznitsa and Taro, after all. The little rite of cleansing, though? She performs it as well.

Shinju watches with a smirk as a fox decides to peek around the trees right as they come in. She's not surprised. `Normally I would get onto you for feeding the foxes, but... you get a pass.` She winks. `Now... this is the cleansing basin for when you enter, the main public one. The large building you see at the end is the main shrine, to Amaterasu-no-kami. But we have shrines to all the highest in the Shinkai: Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, Izanagi, Izanami, and, of course, Inari Okami. They are on paths out into the trees along the main one... I am sure you can guess which one the foxes tend to stick around the most.`

Taro chuckles, nods and performs the cleansing ritual and ...just wanders off? Yep. He starts out towards Amaterasu's shrine, but seems intent to fully explore the area.

Kuznitsa waves to Taro as he walks off but turns around, cleansing themself before looking to the remaining two "well, did you have something in mind to show me?"

Xiu herself does not wander much. She *does* venture a bit further into the grounds, naturally, enjoying the green - but she is content with not interrupt Taro's exploration. She remains near Shinju, glancing at the priestess for a moment. "Still handlin' most of it on your own?" she asks. The speech terse, the words a bit shortened here and there. As usual for her in the guise. When Kuznitsa speaks, she glances over at them. "'s Shinju's place." she remarks and cants her head, peeking at the Shinto priestess. "I'm just along for the ride a bit."

`You're free to explore on your own, if you like, but you most likely don't know your way around a shrine like Taro seems to.` Shinju says to Kuz. `So... unless there's a specific shrine you wish to see, we can go to the Honden if you wish to see the largest one. There is also the shrine office, where the charms, fortunes, and other services are sold. It is quite cozy.`

Kuznitsa thinks for a long moment and says "if you had a shrine of Takemikazuchi it would be neat to see, but I don't mind if you wish to give me a tour of the grounds, like I said I've never been to one so it is a little odd to see it now after all, I'll let it be a suprize." They then look to Xiu, confsued a bit but on questioning.

The confused glance by Kuznitsa has the witch just subtly grin. "I worship quite different gods." she replies, perhaps a bit ominously. "But I still enjoy the place a lot. I like the plants and animals here." She then glances at Shinju, and lightly lifts her chin. "Well. It seems you are free to choose."

`Not sure if I'd call 'em gods considering...` Shinju starts, looking around, then stops. `But no, Kuz, I told you all the ones we had dedicated shrines to earlier. But if you'd like a shrine for Takemikazuchi, then I can provide some things for helping you set one up in your home? No better way to show your appreciation, eh?`

Kuznitsa nods "I would like that, and if you ever needed help making something for the shrine just ask, I'd like to help.. there is one thing I was wondering... if I remember right you said you know a thing or two about swords? maybe after a tour of the shrine it's self you could show me a dojo? I was not exactly welcomed in the last one." They chuckle softly "but anyway, how about we start at the main shrine of Amaterasu-no-kami?"

Shinju pulls her phone out of her kimono, the thing buzzing. She frowns. `I gotta help with something in the back?feel free to look around the shrines, the shop, or just enjoy the nature. I'll be back.`

Kuznitsa smiles "no worries, I'm sure me and Xiu can stay out of too much trouble."

Xiu turns a bit, watching Shinju take care of that phone call...and then turns back towards Kuznitsa, looking them over for a moment. "'round here? Never had any trouble." she remarks, and then gestures along one of the paths before she turns and begins to shuffle along it. Her steps are slow, casual. Just a stroll. "So, new to Prospect or new to the US overall?"

Kuznitsa nods and follows Xiu "am I that fresh off the boat looking? yes, I am new to the US, like I said I was the best alchemist and enchanter of Sakhalin, at least in my little courner of it, not many people to fight you for that claim, it's a fairly rural island nourth of Japan, not much to do but kick rocks."

"No. It 's just, most newcomers to us 'n Chinatown seem to be comin' from outside the US." Xiu murmurs and chuckles. "Me? Never been outside the county. Though 'm originally from Seattle." She points upward, of all things. "Allllll the way north. Pretty much made my way here to Prospect on foot, over the course o' a year. Several years ago though." She stops for a moment, thinking. "Bit over four years now that I've been here."

Kuznitsa shakes their head and chuckles "You must like something about this place then!" they walk for a moment, looking at her, thinking and looking around to make sure others are not too near "so uh... what is your deal? I mean you have seen my work but the best I have to go off of is your outfit I met you in and your hands.." They wink but keep going "and even if thats all a lot thats not too much to go off of."

Xiu softly laughs. "Aaah. Gonna tell you the story 'bout that someday..." she muses. "'s not for public places." When they ask what Xiu's deal is, she softly exhales. "'nother story not meant for public spaces." she murmurs. "Right now, 'm only a random street rat. 's all I am. The type that lurks in alleys, snatches food off tables, an' hangs in places."

Kuznitsa shrugs "Thats more then enough there, because that gives me an idea, that lady said there is shops around here, maybe we could grab a bite and return on our walk? You must know at least some good spots in here..."

"Actually...admit, I only have been *here*.." she spreads her arms, gesturing at their surroundings.. "..couple o' times. The most private spot you can get 'round here is the rooftop. Or, y'know, places like Shinju's office if she locks 'em. There's another place in Chinatown we're goin' to show you sometime that's also good for private talks between our folks." She then turns towards him, grinning. "But I'm always up for a bit. Gotta say though..." she softly inhales. "Only got two dollars to my name or so."

Kuznitsa shakes their head and smiles "no worries, I might not have what one would call a 'normal" source of income, nor would I say i'm rich, but a fried rice ball or ten will not break the bank, I just need pointers."

The priestess walks back up to the duo, letting out a sigh to make herself known again. `Sorry bout that, but hey... Shrine office staff are off shift for the night now if y'all want to come in~`

"Oh! Well then!" Xiu says, and then smacks her heels together as she turns on the spot - not that it makes much of a sound with the sneakers. "That-a way." she says and points in the other direction, as she begins to walk again - back towards the torii. "Best spots for snacks on the go you gon' find right on Chinatown main street. Some vendors 're also on the market, bu-" she stops as she spots Shinju returning, and smirks, lifting a hand, waving. "Oi. We're plannin on grabbin' a bite and havin' private words." she says, and stuffs the hand back into her hoodie pouch. "Might be time to visit your office, I think."

Kuznitsa turns and waves "hello again! and yeah, want to grab a bite before? I'm paying after all." the smile warmly, but look to the two again for their response.

Shinju waves her hand. `Nah, no need to go out on the town again. I can provide the grub if you're hungry... got a kitchen for the staff and feasts n' stuff.` She says, motioning towards the office. `Plus it's a nice place go unwind freely, y'know...`

"Exactly." Xiu murmurs, grinning and glancing at Kuznitsa for a moment. "And you get to see more o' the place. C'mon!" she says with renewed enthusiasm, before she glances at Shinju, gesturing for the mistress of the shrine to lead the way!

Kuznitsa shrugs and follows them, happy to see more of the shrine, although how their stomich rumbles it might be better to say they will be happy to see some food, the jerky must of wet their appetite. "Sure, just lead the way, I'm sure there is lots to see!"

Shinju nods, leading them inside the shrine office. Kicking off her sandals at the place for shoes, she locks the door once they're both inside. `Welcome! Make yourselves at home... I'll see what I have in the fridge. I'm no chef, but I have some pre prepared things.`

Xiu slips out of her sneakers as soon as she is inside - and the moment that door gets locked, her hands reaches for her waist, before she begins to pull her hoodie up and over her head, before she guides it down her long hair. Kuznitsa might notice that her skin, as it gets revealed again, is red. Irritated. But the irritation seems to fade slowly as soon as the hoodie got pulled off. She folds it, places it onto the sneakers, and after a belt-buckle moment, she slides down those cargopants as well - as naked as she was when they first saw her. The witch then crouches, folds the pants and quietly rises, stretches her predatory physique and softly smiles. "Much better."

Kuznitsa takes off their shoes and smiles to Xiu, a little less phased this time but all the more curious, taking a moment to look her over, although not wanting to pry the red marks on Xiu's skin seems to make them think for a moment before shaking it off, they follow the two deeper in as Shinju leads "so this is the office? and judging by what you said a pretty safe place for us I take it?"

Shinju walks behind the counter, nodding. `During operating hours it's staffed, and visitors come in for our goods and services... but during off hours, it's completely free reign for us.` She points to the gift shop. `That's the shop I spoke of... now, would you like sushi, ramen, or frozen pizza?`

"Oh, where is Kaori when you need her.." Xiu murmurs softly as she hears 'frozen pizza', before she considers the question for a moment. "Sushi. Sushi is delicious." she remarks and smiles. "Need any help with it? We can all talk while we do the preparations." She smiles. "Only a few things are older than communal food preparation for such things."

Kuznitsa grins "Sushi sounds great, and I wouldn't mind a little work while we talk a bit, what kind did you have in mind to make?"

Shinju grins. `Hey, I survived off cheap food stands and corner store sales for years! Had barely anything to cook with so didn't really learn. There are some fresh ingredients there the staff work with for their meals and offerings and such, so... if you wanna make somethin' yourselves, feel free.`

"So let's make Sushi." Xiu announces and claps her hands together, before she turns and walks towards the kitchen. "And I can answer some of Kuznitsa's questions they had earlier.." She glances over her shoulder as she pushes the kitchen door open. "So, go ahead. Ask freely this time. I can see your gears turning ever since we met."

Kuznitsa chuckles and follows Xiu into the kitchen, washing their hands before taking up one side of the work station, following her lead. "So a bit of conjecture, you both seem to be human, but obviously a bit quirky somehow, so whats your deal? I didn't really say anything about it but you both seemed to think me using magic was a bit odd, at least like I did, and well... I would be remiss to ask about the whole..." they are pulling out some cooking supplies as they speak "wild, naked lady bit, I hope you don't mind me asking." they look back over with a smile, it's clear they seem keen to learn, as it's almost as if Kunitsa had not met many others like them.

With the sliding paper wall to the kitchen pulled back, Shinju walks in as well. Taking out the sushi rice, she pours it into the rice cooker and goes to get the fish and seaweed out of the fridges. Just some salmon and eel. The priestess grins at the question she knew was coming. `The shen name for us is "lightning people," Chi'n ta. The chinese word is better, you could say. We interact with the natural energies around us in ways normal people can't... that's what unites us. But it all comes from different places, we do different things.` She pauses, glancing away. `I... think Xiu could describe it better, she's met more types of magic users than me.`

"I did not think it odd. I really was just wondering what you had turned the water into..." Xiu says, as she also quietly wanders to the workplace, and..actually looks at Shinju for a moment for guidance of where the sushi ingredients can be found. Because finding the kitchen tools is usually the easy part. Especially nice, large cutting knives, that the witch checks a moment later for proper sharpness. "Oh, my wild naked lady bit? Simple.." She smirks and eyes Kuz. "I am a wild, naked lady. I live in the woods, I shit in the woods, I wipe my ass with water and leaves, and I like the taste of raw meat." She inhales softly, as she sorts a couple of the knives, and then goes to prepare a couple of the thin mats for rolling sushi. "I am a ghost in the machine. No ID. No documents about me exist. No history, no birth certificate, no accounts and no registration..." Having stuff sorted on the counter she glances over at Kuz. "My street rat guise might only be a guise, but it is also correct in the way that I am technically 'homeless' in the eye of society." She chuckles. "Of course I have a home. Just not in the city. And not in the traditional brick-and-mortar sense.."

Kuznitsa nods thoughtfully although it's clear their still drawing some blanks "so what exactly do you two practice? I mean feel as though there is more to it then just the forces that be, otherwise would you not use your powers a bit more... openly? and as far as the wild woman bit, you wear it well, you seem very..." they give Xiu a sly look interesting, and not at all like anyone I met back home, did you learn magic mostly by yourselves or some such?"

The knives, Xiu will find, are extrodinarily sharp and well kept. That one should come as no surprise. Shinju takes the cooked rice and spreads it out flat over the mats to cool it and prepare for rolling, still nice and sticky. She nods with a grin at Xiu's words. `True, all of it. Can confirm. I wasn't quite homeless, but I was basically a vagrant living in a closet until... well, fortune found me, and this place needed me. Still getting used to all the crap I have to do, but hey, I ain't complaining -too- much. This place is important for those here.` Though, at Kuz's further inquiry, she stops to glare at them. `Powers? Openly? Why would I do that when nothing calls for it? It ain't something to be abused. But as for who "taught me"... I guess you could say I learned myself, but Ryu's who guided me through it.`

"My general answer to that 'not use it more openly' part?" Xiu remarks, and glances at Kaz for a moment. "In general my craft is a gift to me. Given by the old gods I worship. And primarily by the Goddess herself. It is to be treated with respect." The primal witch wiggles one of the knives. "And life is not meant to be made easy with them. Life is not easy. If I can get something done without the craft, I do it without the craft." She smiles. "Like simply giving your back a nice massage instead of brewing a special medicine based on witchcraft, or performing a ritual. No need to do all that when a massage works." She gestures and winks. "Extrapolate from that. The other reason is that this world, our world..." she inhales softly, her smile fading a bit. "Is corrupted. Twisted. By them." She pauses. "By the people who have shaped it into the soulless, polluted, concrete-and-glass monotony that the humans now find themselves in. And their power and influence have made the world reject the Goddess' gifts." She smacks her lips together. "They are harder to perform in civiliation. Add the danger of those that control this world seeing us performing such things, and it is simply best to be subtle when possible."

Kuznitsa nods deeply although looks confsued "I meant no disrespect by it, and I agree, I wouldn't preform openly in public, but I just find it... odd if you will..." They focus on their work for a moment, before speaking again "I supose we must be from slightly different forms of magic? Not to say that I would without due cause, but I've never had any troubles in using my magic, at least not seemingly near to yours as you say it, and again yours sounds much more... magical?" They chuckle dryly, nodding "yes I know how calling magic magical sounds but... the order I was born into almost begged me to study the arts, much like one would do mundane schooling, but that is not the case for you two at all, is it..?" They seem at once troubled, perplexed, and intrigued, the wheels turning in their mind "most odd indeed..."

Shinju slices up the fish and eel into perfectly sized pieces, melee skill showing even here. Just the rolling left! Her face stares off to the side at Xiu's words. `Yes... I'm in the same boat as a lot she says, just from a different angle. Ryu pushes me to get stronger, and doing so requires more than just using my power to make the world work like I want it to. My abilities were a gift given to me by him, the power of the dragons, of the world, the energy and the spirits that make it up. I ain't gonna disrespect em, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, eh?` She says, grinning some. `And she's right, the world's gone to shit. It's why I work on the streets protectin' people and here to give them a taste of what they once had. Ryu's gift of secrecy is probably the only reason I haven't got more people trying to tear me and what I've done down.`

"Hah. Me and Shinju are from different forms of magic." Xiu remarks and glances over at Kuznitsa. "She is not a witch. You are not a witch. Of course it is different." She quietly begins to prepare a nice sushi roll, just humming to herself for a moment - lots of FISH and RICE and jeez it's going to be a thick one. And then she begins to caaarefully roll it. Any supreme sushi chef would go super sayan in 3...2.. She listens to Shinju in the meanwhile, and softly chuckles. "Shinju and me, as I said, do very different magics. I have no idea how she does what she does. And vice versa. Same between me and you. So the point you were trying to make, Kuznitsa, might be less of a point than you think. And there are others I know that study rigorously, do very meticulous rituals, all very practiced and by the book. But they are not...alchemists? So yes. There are others that also need to study such things."

Kuznitsa nods "of course but you two sound more like.." they look up and their grin slightly falls, the color in their face drains as the idea of something falls over them like a wave, they close their slacked jaw and clear their throat as they look back down, they still seem cheery but a lot more tight lipped suddenly, as if not to offend a superior "...some people I am not really meant to talk to admitdly..."

Shinju assists in getting the final sushi rolling mats tight, pinching the plastic wrap lining them before taking out the knife and slicing the EXTRA THICC sushi into equal discs. She pulls out the plates from the cabinets and places them carefully upon them. Quite pretty for amateur sushi! And she grabs some soy sauce, wasabi, and spicy mayo from the fridge too... though she ends up just looking at Kuz with a confused expression. `Not supposed to talk to? And why's that?`

"...huh?" Xiu lets out, surprised as well about Kuz's sudden attitude change. "What is the matter? Relax." she says, waving a hand. "If we were easily offenced about talking about such things, me and Shinju would have been at each other's throats ages ago. You learn to face the different stuff with an 'okay then' attitude. As long as it is done with respect." She chuckles softly, before she leans sideways against the counter, watching Shinju slice the FAT SUSHI without comments. Great success!

Kuznitsa chuckles "y-yeah, uh.. yes. That it true.." they cautiously look back up and then back down again, then repeat after a long moment and laugh, setting down their knife as they take a step back and a breath, although they didn't stop smiling Kuz was sweating bullets, they wipe their head and nod "you people *very* different to the people I know, but the same type...." they keep nodding "ok wow... thats.."

Shinju, after plating the sushi, brings hers along with the condiments into the sitting room near the front entrance. She gives Kuz a strange look when she comes back to make the tea. `You alright dude? We're not gonna eat you, you know.` Her eyes trail up to Xiu, giving her the Look^tm. `Seems you needed that relxation more than my joking self thought....`

They are all in the kitchen! Preparing sushi. Xiu is, of course, nekkid, her clothes just resting on the inside of the office, next to the entrance. A new face, Kuznitsa is with Shinju and Xiu...and for some reason, they *really* look nervous right now. Much to the confusion of both, Shinju and Xiu. The witch softly chuckle at Shinju's comment. "Yeah, we are not here to make Kuznitsa sushi. Jeez, relax." she simply dryly remarks, as she carries out some more stuff (Plates! Fancy chopsticks!).

Knock knock. Someone familiar to at least two inside is standing just outside, holding a bottle. Kaori waits patiently.

Kuznitsa busts up laughing for a moment before collecting themself "ok ok... w-where is the alcohol? I need a drink after that and this" they gesture between the lot of them "is something to drink to because I thought for sure you two where gonna lay me out at least." they look to the door "..want me to let them in?"

Shinju glances over to the door, grinning. `Don't worry, this is one you'll be happy to see Xiu.` She assures, walking up to it, opening it, and ushering the new one in. Once she's in, she'll quickly lock the door once more. `Kaori! Lovely to see you finally come... I know our last meeting may be fuzzy, but it's me, Shinju. We just got finished making some homemade sushi together, you're lucky~`

"Kaori! Greetings!" Xiu says as she realizes who it is, and then the witch softly chuckles. "Aaah, we should have prepared the frozen pizzas after all I guess." The witch grins. "We are having food with a new face." She nods towards the kitchen. "Meet them! Introduce yourself. You'll also be glad to hear that your general family has a new member around, too."

Kaori blinks. "... OK, how in the Mother's realm are you able to do that? My memory is... wait, are you fae?" She raises a brow as she steps inside. "Sushi? Delicious." She grins to Xiu, then blinks. "Wait. Er. This is a private area, are we free to speak plainly?" She makes sure the door is closed behind her- then she offers the bottle of sake to whoever wants to take it.

Kuznitsa comes over to greet Kaori "hello! it is good to meet you, I'm Kuznitsa" The tesion from a moment ago has seemed to pass, as they hold a hand out to Kaori.

Shinju half smirks, half tilts her head at Kaori. `Let me guess... you remember going to the rooftop, eating with Xiu and the others... and there being -someone else- who wore a purple kimono. But... what they did, or anything about what they were like... nothing. Only a name... and a number with one line of dialogue stuck in your mind. How to contact her to get into the shrine!` She chuckles, walking away to get the tea from the kitchen. `Dunno what you mean by 'Fae', but it's a gift of a certain someone. And yes... this palce is safe in the off hours. No staff, no visitors, all entrances locked. Just us. I even got covers for the couch for those who prefer to wear their fur...` Her smirk grows at that one.

Xiu grabs two chopsticks, grinning and eager - about to settle down. And then...hesitation. She softly inhales, looking over that giant pile of delicious fat susho roll slices...before she grunts and places the chopsticks down again. "I actually should visit the bathroom first." she murmurs, before her eyes find Kaori again. She grins. "And hey, as long as you see this bod.." She gestures down at her naked ripped self.. "..you can presume it is private. Or it's a nude beach. And there is no sand here..." The witch wirks, before she lightly waves. "Anyways, gonna hit that bathroom, you all go ahead and start without me."

Kuznitsa looks to Shinju "Are you saying I will forget you too after I leave?" and they shake their head "and what was that about fur?"

Kaori smiles. "It's a pleasure." She waves to Xiu. "Fair enough." And then to Shinju, she smiles. "Well. Then here." she places the bottle on the counter, before turning to Kuznitsa. "A full introduction, then. I am Satou Kaori, rited Blade-Biter, Shinju Eji Kitsune, Wood Fist of the Beast Courts of the Emerald Mother." She gives a bow, as her form shift and ripples, becoming a humanoid fox-woman, her clothes merging into her fur and her bushy tail waving behind her.

Kuznitsa looks a bit shocked at this, but does not back away "o-k then, well hello..." they look up at Kaori and smile somewhat sheepishly "well now i've seen everything..." they slowly reach out to offer a hand to shake a paw still.

Shinju watches the two introduce themselves with a slight smile, bringing in some more glasses to accomdate for the tea and sake both. Quite the delicious late dinner here. Then, she looks down, hands moving to her kimono to loosen the tightly wound ties. The central part hangs open, showing off part of her torso, and the pulling up of her sleeves reveals the top parts of her arms. There, over them, golden scales gleam in the light, wrapped around her in winding coils. It's easy to see what it's depicting, even only in parts... a great eastern dragon, mane a fiery red, streams of colorful energy like festival decorations mixed with the flow of a river curled around it. It's over her like a tattoo, yet the way the gold looks real, the way the scales look textured upon her flesh... something is strange with it. `No... you will not forget this. I only let people in once I've gotten to know 'em a bit, sussed em out. Dragon magic, you could say.` She smiles softly, taking a seat and gesturing for the two others to join her. `I'm used to having Shinju 'round here, learned quite a few tricks in accomodating!` She can't help but chuckle at that one. `And Xiu was right, we may have another fox joining us soon. Inari's surely at work today~`

Kaori gives a foxy grin, then takes the offered hand and shakes it carefully. "I assume you've never met a hengeyokai before? Or at least knowingly met one..." She smiles to Shinju. "It's quite a trick, though it's similar to something I've seen with a western supernatural... I wonder if there's a connection. And I will be VERY happy to meet another Kitsune! I haven't seen one since I left home... the only one I've even heard about was Eclipsing-Tempest."

`You'll have to tell me about 'em sometime, I always love seeing new forms of magic.` Shinju says, not showing the least bit of discomfort with having Kaori around in this form. Quite the opposite, actually. `Eclipsing-Tempest! Then you've heard of my boyfriend, heheh.` She reaches down, taking one of the giant pieces of hommeade sushi in her mouth with some soy sauce. `He loves it here, but he's too damn busy to enjoy it... it's sad.`

Kuznitsa shakes their head "no, I hadn't..." taking a opportunity to look at Kaori Kuz finds themself stroking the fur on the beast woman's hand, almost marveling at her before stopping themself and looking to Shinju, now partly covered in scales "oh... so a lot of animal things going on now... well I'm always up to learn new things.."

Kaori grins, letting Kuz pet at the dark fur on her hands. She's careful about her claws, and the palms and fingertips are slightly padded. "Every time I introduce myself to one of the wolves or their kin, I hear more about your boyfriend's exploits. Mostly about the gorgon they pissed off in the steakhouse." Kaori lets Kuz keep examining as much as they want.

`Gorgon? The hell is that? He hasn't told me THAT story...` Shinju mutters inbetween mouthfulls, eying Kuz's interaction with the Kitsune. `Yes. Their fur is very soft, I know. Don't let it go to your head~`

Kuznitsa chukles "is that meant for me or her? I wouldn't want to give them too much of big head..." They smile and continues to pet them, going up one arm, it seems somewhere between admiring art and seeing a new flower for the first time, before suddenly their face turns and the stop, giving Kaori a strange look before giving them a small sniff on the shoulder, cursing under their breath as if they had lost a bet somewhere, although they return to petting the soft fur of this hengeyokai gently.

"I'm not certain, I'm mostly hearing second hand." Kaori chuckles, then raising a brow. "... Uh... what was that about? Do I smell bad?"

`I let it go to my head. Just saying.` Shinju says with a smirk. `Was worth it though.` She winks.

Kuznitsa shakes their head "No no you smell nice it's just.." they sniff Kaori again as if to check "...Yeah, that little..." they grumble before chuckling "we had this guy we all cacked jokes at for being a Kitsune, and you smell just like them..." as if to rub it in they smell Kaori for a third time, chiding themself "that little crap always said they just from out of town, no one in the lodge was sure it was that out of town though.."

Kaori raises a brow. "... That's... huh. If he was a Kitsune in human shape, they shouldn't smell like they're in Koto..."

`Maybe they made kitsune scent cologne?` Shinju says, snickering. `They say the males are the smelly ones, and I have to say I agree, so... he must have had some strong feelings to do that!`

Kuznitsa chuckles "well there was more then one reason we called him that... if you get my meaning..." wink as they pull away to a respectful space between them, although seemingly still wanting to pet them "But maybe you are right Shinju, shouldn't let it get to my head."

Kaori raises a brow. "So why ELSE were you calling him a Kitsune? Hmm? Do tell." She smirks, tail twitching behind her as she moves to pour some sake for those who wish it.

Shinju graciously takes the sake, downing it with abandon. `I mean, if they've never met a shifter before, he was probably just a foxy man. Or a man too obsessed with foxes. I mean, those white and red masks are popular for a reason....`

Kuznitsa nods "I never said I thought he was, just that we called him that... you know.." they take a bite of sushi and a sip of sake "But you know, he got around... more then a little, was always a bit odd...." thinking for a moment they frown "....there was the time we found him drunk, naked, and locked inside a chicken coop, but I think a shifter smarter then that, at lest from the stories, I had guessed someone put him there..."

Kaori's brow raises ALL the way up. "... Any self-respecting fox would ensure they have a way out if they're raiding a coop. Either they were a lost kit, or someone was trying to frame him. Or he was just a dumb human." She chuckles. "Reminds me, I have to remember to be careful if I want fresh chicken... apparently the farmers around here have shotguns and are quick on the trigger."

Shinju can't help but giggle at this. `Oh, priceless, priceless... I'm sure the foxes of the shrine could give you tips on just about anything with how these streets are, if you need it!`

Kuznitsa laughs "Thats what I said! the only thing supernatural about about him was the luck he had to not to be filled with birdshot by poor farmer Dmitri." they shake their head "I swear, a head like a stone on that one, not at all like you." They point to Kaori "I get the feeling you are a sharp one."

"Well, Hannah was trying to advise Steele to shoot any animal that tried to raid his coops. Times like that, I wish we could heal like the wolves do..." Kaori chuckles, then smirks at Kuz's statement. "I'm Eji, among Kitsune I'm the blunt instrument. You want smart, talk to the Doshi and Gukutsushi."

Shinju stays silent, for now, simply enjoying her sake after a long day. But then... there's another voice. One that's more like the wind howling, the crackle of electricity, the grind of rock all melding together to mimic human speech. It comes froms omewhere around Shinju. 'Power is the gift of fearlessness. It is always so.' At this, Shinju just sighs.

Kuznitsa turns back to Shinju, confused "what was that?" they slightly back one shoulder into Kaori, but this is more becuase of the amount of booze they have had today, they are a lightwight compared to the comapny they had seen all day and now with the night wearing on them it was catching up on them.

Kaori raises a brow again, this time at Shinju. "What was that?" She holds Kuz upright, her slim form holding more strength than she might let on.

`Ryu.` Shinju says, simply. Her expression doesn't show any alarm, sitting casual just like she was.

Kuznitsa shrugs "well as long as they want to share drinks it should be fine.." Kuznitsa sits back up, now sitting more properly next to Kaori, smiling a bit "anyway.."

"Huh... alright then..." Kaori still has a raised brow, then smirks at Kuz. "So, did you just get to Prospect?"

`For just getting here, you seem to have met and known a lot of people Kaori. Unless you are only new to Chinatown and our little posse?` Shinju questions.

Kuznitsa pats Kaoris a bit "You are new hare too? lovely... I myself got here just a day or two ago, but most everyone is friendly here..." they nod cozy up to Kaori, although they shift onto the couch more as well, relaxing a bit.

"No, I'm still new to Prospect. Almost two weeks. But I guess I have that sort of friendly personality. I've met quite a few, and quite a few have opened up to me. I've met fae, shifters, mages, and three different dragons." Kaori chuckles, her fur quite warm as Kuz cozies up.

Shinju stands from where she sits, finished with ehr meal, bringing the plates back to the kitchen. `Feel free to stick around as long as you'd like... I gotta do my nightly rituals downstairs. Eventually, I'll bring more of us and you can see the shen meeting room much more private than the rooftop court... but until then, have a good night. Hope to talk again, Kaori....`

Kuznitsa waves "bye Shinjiu! I hope to see you again.." they smile warmly to them, thinking for a moment.

"Be well, Shinju. I hope to remember this encounter." Kaori chuckles a bit.