Hadananzi made a soft 'mmm' sound as he nodded, smiling as if recalling a pleasant memory. "Yes, desires as well. Such is a sin even I am not immune to, nor have I any interest in such immunity. Few things compare to indulging one's impulses whenever they may occur."

He laughed at that. "Ah good catch there. Perhaps I'm just relaxed enough to speak more candidly in your presence. Keeping up the facade can be quite dreary at times. It is true, though, there's so much to sample in Rokugan. Pleasures around every corner."

"Such fine choices, it can be difficult to select from them all. I am, shall we say, coming to a better understanding of the pleasures of Ningen-do with each new experience. There's just so much to sample, but only so much time to spend."

"It's less to do with that and more to do with the fact that such teachings could potentially be modified with enough study, experimentation, and trial and error to cause harm rather than help," he explains. "Plus, you do not need a villain to have a hero. Just a struggle that requires heroic effor...

"Ah, excellent!" This time he took a much slower sip of his tea, savoring the flavor of it. "I should like to become a regular customer of the Camellia House. After all, I haven't even availed myself of the entertainment yet."

"Anyone, yes. Though that particular ability is only taught to members of the order," he says. "Many of the other abilities with more direct physical effects we may teach to someone with the aptitude, depending on the nature of their desire to learn. Typically friends and allies that have shown the...

"This one hopes he makes equally fine company. I'd like to believe that my presence is worth the time spent within it." He made a gesture to request some more tea, having not quite had his fill of it yet.

"I speak only the truth, though perhaps I do speak it well enough to find my home among the Crane. And one cannot simply sit and admire beauty such as yours, it must be spoken of and celebrated. Is that not a core principle of the Crane, to celebrate beauty?"

"I couldn't tell you, as I was not there. It is part of the story of our foundation, part of the idea that blossomed into the order. But where Shinsei may have identified or selected, we encourage and aid those with the potential to perform great deeds. In fact, we are trained in actually passing a...

"So I can see. The inspiration and experience of the tea's creator has allowed some of her own beauty to inhabit it. Truly a remarkable feat in itself." Hadananzi offered a cool smile to complement his compliment.

"Oh I very much do. Perhaps it's vanity speaking, given that I'm part of the reason for its existence, but it is quite lovely. You've created a truly inspired blend, Doji-san." Hadananzi actually finished his tea with the next sip, genuinely enjoying the flavor of it. "Such a simple thing to be so p...

"I am a scribe of my order, so I travel a lot of places with others to record various happenings for our libraries. But we also are an order focused on encouraging the spirit of heroism in the empire. Sharing tales of past and present heroes while seeking out present and future heroes. As I underst...

"Mmm, I shall provide you with the details later. For now I think I'd simply like to enjoy the tea, and the company, while the night is young." He reflected her smile and sipped his own tea in turn.

"It sounds like we have an arrangement, then. If you could quash any rumors that get too close to the truth I would be in your debt, moreso if you can remove the thorn of which I spoke as a credible threat."

"While it may not be mundane to those outside the order, these techniques are things that anyone might learn. Some who have an existing understanding of the elements and their chi, shugenja and monks not of the order, can adapt them by studying with us. But there is nothing barring even the clumsie...

At that Hadananzi laughed, a genuine mirthful laugh. "Oh, I was right to come to you. I'm certain you can see why this secret needs to be guarded, but it wouldn't do to have you protecting a secret you didn't know yourself. Especially from a certain thorny little Bat. But I'm certain such services d...

"Good. That is good. What you learn here is critical to keep secret at all costs." Hadananzi took another sip of tea, then placed the cup delicately down on the table, once again with that inhuman grace. Then there was a moment, just a single moment of power, dark and inviting, and for the barest se...

"It's simply a byproduct of a technique intended for use in combat. Those that know the technique are usually practiced in grappling as well," he says. "It is only one of a few such techniques that I know. There are even more known across the order. Some can leap great distances, others can walk on...

"I am pleased to hear so." Hadananzi also took a sip of his tea. "Quite the excellent blend you've made here, but I digress. What I ask needs the touch of a skilled gardener. The thorn I speak of seeks information that would be damaging to the greater garden, and should be impeded in finding out the...

"Not particularly, my fortitude is no greater than an average laborer or warrior. But I do have the ability to realign the energies of my body so that my skin becomes as hot as fire. So the snow melts out of my way if I take my time. And biting cold winds don't mean much when they are warmed before...