[LM, D1] Shortcut Through the Woods (Open)

[Kaiu Setsu]

What a night yesterday. The hangover seemed eternal. Yet, that wasn't an excuse not to train.

Deciding to go for a good coffee a after the jog Setsu didn't actually complete in his free time as recommended by the personal trainer, the Kaiu takes his usual path between the Crab Embassy and the castle proper nearly dragging his feet from exhaustion.

[Tassu]

Much to Setsu's dismay, he would occasionally hear the misshapen trees moan and weep - the shrill and unearthly voices echoing in the woods.

[Kaiu Setsu]

"Creepy... but nothing compared to winter time at Obaachan's in Hida Prima." Mentions the Crab outloud as he passes the woods in his usual path.

[Bayushi Tenma]

"What's creepy?"

A feminine voice comes from one of the aforementioned trees, as though it was answering hin.

[Kaiu Setsu]

"Aaaacck!" The startled Crab jumps back at the sudden voice in his defensive stance, ready to fight, but with clear indication of having mediocre skills at that.

"This is! Show yourself creepy stalker." He says, trying to find the source of the voice behind the trees.

[Bayushi Tenma]

There's a rustling sound, and suddenly there's a woman hanging upside down in front of him.



"Oh, apologies then. Sometimes I forget not everyone else reflexively looks up. Out for a walk?"

[Kaiu Setsu]

Mad at himself, the man shakes his head and puts hands on his waist while looking up to face the new presence. He says, unwillingly to be offensive as he tries to buy him back more confidence (even if to some, it might sound like), "Toshigoku. It is just a girl."

A sigh and he scratches the back of his head, "Kind of. I had just finished some of the exercises I have committed to. Thought about taking a break and a coffee, then maybe do the rest of the drill tomorrow."

Looking to the tree's eerie presence, he asks, "What about you, trying to find fruits, or something?"

[Bayushi Tenma]

"Oh, me? I was resting actually. There are no benches around here, and sitting on the ground after yesterday's rain seemed like a quick way to a dirty posterior, so I hopped up here into the shade."

The young woman did a somersault off the branch and landed solidly, "The name's Bayushi Tenma, magistrate. Mind if I join you on your way to some caffeine?"

She gave a bow after introducing herself, somewhat of a nontraditional and fancy sort of thing with an arm sweep included.

[Kaiu Setsu]

Setsu's eyeballs nearly go out of orbit as they try to follow the Scorpion's circling athletic display. He applaudes in thanks for the show, and then bows, "The name is caffei... I mean Kaiu Setsu. Chief Engineer. Always a bother to drink alone, no matter what it is. Sure, it would be an honor to have you by."

[Bayushi Tenma]

A light, polite cuckle behind a gloved hand at the slip of the tongue before Tenma nodded, "It will be my treat even, for interrupting your walk."

As they started walking, Tenma glanced at Setsu, "What made you pick such a place for your after exercises break? Not many tend to think of one of the Groves for such a thing."

[Kaiu Setsu]

"Well. That's kind of you. Thanks." He mentions at her acceptance. Looking around, Setsu says, "The probability of a living soul watching me dragging my dignity into the mud and making a fool of myself as I can't even finish a set is much, much smaller around here. Also, whenever I wimp out a whining cry of pain from a rep, a passerby would think the trees did it, and not that handsome Crab there looking like he knows what he's doing."

[Bayushi Tenma]

"Huh. Not something I would have guessed, but it makes sense I suppose. As the saying goes, the trees tell no tales..."

Tenma matched her pace to the Crabs, hands behind her back, "Do you have some sort of injury or such where your reps are proving more difficult than usual?"

[Kaiu Setsu]

"I had an injury in my self-esteem. It should be healing by now. Fortunately reps should get easier... well, that's what is expected." He mentions with a shrug, and adds, "It is a hard path for one to become a Berserk. But I won't shy away from it."

[Bayushi Tenma]

"Ahhh... and I suspect the training for such can be very demanding, very... different. I suppose a normal dojo wouldn't do then?"

She was curious, but tried her best to not seem too prying or overeager.

[Kaiu Setsu]

"Well. It is a Clan secret. If I told you about it, I would either have to kill you, die out of dishonor or well, make you my wife of sorts. I guess a pretty gal like yourself is already hooked up with a strong and handsome men, though." He says, taking a better look at Tenma.

[Bayushi Tenma]

"Only the strongest, most handsome man in the galaxy."

She smiled under her mask.

"We just had our wedding seven days ago now, actually. So I guess I better make sure I don't stick my nose into your 'secret training' then and leave him a bachelor again so soon."

[Kaiu Setsu]

"Congratulations." Setsu says with a smile and a nod of approval. "Yeah. That would be wise. Berserkers are very protective of their techniques. They are very dangerous techniques."

Rubbing his chin, the Crab changes topics, "But enough of that. Tell me about yourself. What do you do as a magistrate around these parts –– plenty of bad guys to put in jail, is that right?"

[Bayushi Tenma]

"Hm? Of course not Kaiu-san; The World of Dreams is a very safe and prosperous planet, home to hard working heimin. Not much to do here than help tourists, handle unruly ronin, and and keep up appearances with patrols and public events. Just look how peaceful and orderly the festivities were yesterday; Not a single major incident on the news, neh?"

[Kaiu Setsu]

He nods, reinforcing his mind. "Fair enough. The handling unruly ronin part sounds like sounds like an exciting thing."

[Bayushi Tenma]

"Mmmm... it can be. Though it's not quite like in the holovids, of course. Life never is. For good and bad. Not nearly as clear cut and dramatic and exciting, but also not as deadly or such. More about the little things, communicating and mediating, than duels in the street or shootouts."