It had been too long since Misaki had been to the hotsprings, so she'd made a point of going now, first thing in the moment as was her way. Sure, the indoor baths were nice enough in there own way, but there was something almost magical and healing about an outdoor bath and it's more natural waters, even in the middle of winter like this. Maybe even especially so, in fact.

Hair pinned up to keep it out of the water and all rinsed off, the Doji woman walked out of the changing house and looked around to see where she wanted to go in the springs. It was certainly cold out, but just running in would not do in any way, even if she had nothing but a linen towel to keep the chill off her skin for that brief moment.

Having rinsed her body Tsubaki moved to join her clanmate in the bath her hair similarly tied up. While she could no longer pass as a maiden of Misaki's age she still seemed to bear fewer years than she had been in this realm. If anything she seemed more youthful and invigorated than she had at the start of winter. Apparently the events so far had done her well.

"How does Lady Sun find you today, Doji-san?"

"Oh, good morning Doji-sama. Another beautiful morning, like the last few. You certainly won't find me complaining about this string of good weather. How about you?"

Misaki slipped into the steaming water as she talked, "I know the environment inside has been rougher than it's been outside here."

"Mmm, it does seem that some are not adapting well to the circumstances... or perhaps they are simply showing their true nature. Hard to tell."

"Hai. I suppose it is a... inconsequential distinction, in the end. Either way, I was kind of hoping those sorts of people would become a thing of the past in this new Empire of the Heavens."

She sighs and settles in deeper, "Indeed. Though I suppose it takes time for barbarism to die out. I guess it will depend on how the rest of the Empire reacts to such outbursts and claims. Are we truly becoming civilized or is it still children wearing their parents clothes and pretending to be adults."

"Adults are perfectly capable of being unreasonable as well... and I won't even blame it on pride either. You seem to have great pride in your accomplishments and Duty, Lady Tsubaki, after all. I blame rigidity and lack of empathy. Something others have accused the Crane of in my time here."

She laughs briefly, "I think some people think the Crane are a monolith as I definitely would not use those terms to describe most present."

"I suppose some things are more clear from a view within. Still, I suppose there's something to say about an image of unity within the Clan. I just it did not come with the baggage of appearing too strict or formal."

Said the young woman who often acted formally.

Tsubaki lets herself float for a moment, "Well I do try to maintain proper etiquette but I'd like to think I've been relatively approachable outside of that... maybe even a little informal." She turns to wink at the younger Doji.

The younger Doji blushed, easily visible despite the steam, "D-Do you think so? You've been impeccable in your manners and presentabiluty every time I've seen you! Really!"

Another laugh, "Well the trick is to make sure no one sees. But never fear I would do nothing to bring public shame to our clan or family."

"That is fair. I feel the same way."

Still, did that mean the woman was acting with less propriety behind closed doors? What did THAT entail? Blushing harder, Misaki sunk lower in the water

"So... so long as Doji-sama is enjoying herself with that in mind... I suppose I would almost encourage that mindset. Not that a lowly engineer like myself could say anything one way or the other on the matter with any authority."

Tsubaki smiles and waves a hand, "Don't sell yourself short, Doji-san. You are not lowly in any way."

"I am not unhappy in my place, nor my age. I will gain experience in time and, Fortunes willing, find bigger projects and authority as my work proves itself over time. There is nothing with lacking in either I mean; Everyone starts out young, inexperienced, and a bit naive really. That's why I admire those who have learned and experienced much; It creates something more valuable than simple authority, a kind of beautiful surity and way of carrying oneself that I find in those who truly live their lives to the fullest. It is something one can find in the young, but it is much more common in those with a bit of maturity and worldliness."

She smiles, "Well you are certainly demonstrating much wisdom already so it will be very interesting to see how that changes as you grow and experience life."

"Really?"

The young woman practically chirps, sitting up a little, "That means a lot, coming from you, you know."

Tsubaki simply nods, "Wisdom and a keen intellect with your knack for invention. You could change the face of this empire almost as much as the kami if applied properly."

The smile stayed as Misaki sat up, inclining her head in the water, "Hopefully for the better, and hopefully as much as you have done for the art of tea. I'd never have imagined such a concept as a chain of such relaxing tea houses."

"Different perspectives lead to different approaches that is all. A way to embrace something I love while, at the same time, extending the influence of the Clan."