~Waterfalls~

[Kitana]

"Water is the symbol of unconscious energy,
the formless powers of the soul of hidden and unrecognized motivation.
Water, symbol of what is unconscious of itself, holds the contents of the soul
which the fisherman tries to bring to the surface and which should be his food.
The fish is a creature of the psyche."
---- Aeppli, Ernest, Les Reves et Leur Interpretation, Paris, 1951

[OOC: Attire ..... For markings and worn important items .. Back Tattoo which could potentially been seen at some points. ]

.::Waterfalls were an interesting notion if one ever decided to take the time and think about its contrast. The dynamism of the waterfall with the static properties of the rocks. The way the water cascaded downwards to the alternating upward flow of the formation. The concept of Yin and Yang appeared in almost everything in life if one ever decided to pay close attention and study it. Yet the concept of water itself attracted her thoughts often. It was the one thing that brought her a little bit of peace of mind and ease when she truly needed it. The waterfall was an entity in its own right but it was never the same one. Though to the eye it remains the same in appearance, in shape, the water that flows through is ever changing. A concept of continuous motion giving off an illusory appearance of never changing when in truth the change is within. It's the same as looking at someone of mortal flesh on the outside they may not appear to have altered in some cases while you'll never know the real contents inside that have been switched. Many could say these things about Kitana, though for anyone that truly knew her there was a slightly outward change to her. But that was a very limited number of people that could tell off the back::.

.::Today Kitana was simply attempting to relax against this secret waterfall hidden within the forest. Her home laid within that forest. An rather old house she fixed up within the last year. It was where she grew up for a period of time before the bandits had raided. The village was a few minutes walk from the forest itself and if anyone was to walk through it now they would see the devastation that was laid to it so many years ago. It was a ghost town. Oddly ashes still littered the inside of the homes and establishments that still barely stood. The woods charred. Roofs, walls, everything broken. Lately she had been considering rebuilding that once bustling village but she had something else to focus on. The forest however was not the kindest of places to strangers. During the night it wasn't best to roam about without knowing one's way. Good thing it was in the middle of the day with the sun at the point in the sky, but even then it occasional held its dangers. Silently on a rather large yet flat smooth rock that protruded out of the stream that the waterfall flowed into was Kitana practicing simple sai kata's. She wasn't doing anything fancy or being overly fast with them. She let her body simply flow with each motion like the water. Each being fluid into the next. Some motions were sharper than others, like the rigidness the water could take at times. Then back to a more even flow again. Cloth was wrapped around her chest, head, biceps and forearms. Though the left arm the wrapping reached to her wrist. There was a unique necklace upon her neck and a beaded bracelet around her right. Precious items to this foreign looking beauty. On the grass not too far from her rested her a solitary arrow in a small quiver with the tip wrapped::.

.::Kage was back at the house but Horus; her; falcon was always flying about somewhere. With only the roar of the waterfall and the sound of nature to keep her company, she counted to concentrate on her exercise. The waterfall was supposed to be a secret. Not even the town over knew cause they didn't want to venture so far into the forest. And her hometown was no longer known so who did she have to worry about showing up? Then again back at her home there were alarms set up linking through the forest in a certain diameter just in case obviously. OH and traps but it wasn't impossible to not walk into one considering the direction one might be traveling in. The traps however were set up half a mile in each direction from her house in the forest, which would be in the form of a circumference. Obviously there was some gapping as her supplies were limited. But if someone was to walk through the desolate village and take the straighter path they'd run a higher risk than one of the two other. A risk was a risk. But her traps and such were not the thing to worry the most about. At least around the waterfall was fine::.

[Miyamoto Kenji]

The last time Kenji had wandered through a forest, it began with the search for a lost item, and ended in a woodland brawl. It was funny how things could snowball so easily. That said, he looked forward to taking a forest detour today, for he could use a proper taste of nature again as he manuevered through the trees. Dewa was nice, but in the way of nature, his options chiefly consisted of mountains and rivers, and though nothing was wrong with either of those things, too much of something was often a bad - or in this case, dull - thing.

Not so was the thought of seeing another waterfall, for as Kenji began to walk deeper into the wood, his ears picked up the sound of pounding, rushing water to one side. He paused, listening carefully to verify what he was hearing... A soak in the water could be nice, and perhaps he could even try sitting underneath it again. Could be fun and productive, two things he quite enjoyed. So he turned, and began heading in the direction of the sound, slipping past more trees and bushes.

After a while, the merc emerged to find a great clearing, the waterfall he heard from a ways away hammering away into a contrastingly-gentle stream. His hearing had not failed him. Shortly after the pleasant revelation, Kenji noticed a flat, sizable rock near the falls, and atop it, a bronze-skinned, jewelry-donning lady of potentially foreign blood rehearsing a lethal dance with her twin sai. Performing training and/or katas, no doubt. Kenji wondered what would bring someone out this far just to train.

"Then again," he reconsidered in his mind as he observed the woman, "I've probably done similarly-outlandish things just to improve myself..."

[Kitana]

.::During her light training Kitana's blue hues were closed throughout it's entirety. She should've actually been wearing a blindfold but the usually not so lazy woman found a hint of laziness to not tie a piece of cloth over her eyes. Even still she had the discipline to never once open her eyes despite the ability to potentially do so. Her mentor Hayato Okita, well known assassin, instilled that much within the woman. The cool breeze that blew off the water did nothing to hinder her as she constantly tried to train herself in most conditions and environments. It certainly helped considering she had traveled a bit. Even got her sea legs. Fluidity was key to her. She needed her moves to work together almost seamlessly. Sais were not the only weapons she was proficient in but the only ones she had when she left the Sagara Clan's former village. Former for majority if not the whole clan had been slaughtered by one of their own. She vowed to find him but not for that reason for another. A certain life he stole. She might've cared for the Sagara Clan after being apart of it but a death came above it all. One death was far more personal::.

.::From the air a loud screech would sound just over the newcomer before the falcon above known as, Horus, would make a circle and scoop down into a nearby tree staring at the male figure. This sound was to actually alert the woman who twirled the sais inwards so the the hilts were facing out, her back now to the stranger. A quick gust of wind blew causing her loose her to open like a curtain revealing what could be seen of her Phoenix tattoo from the wrappings before draping on her back again. Her head would turn just slightly to look over her shoulder before turning her body a bit more towards him revealing her blue hues and obvious athletic build::.

"I don't do free or paid shows."

.::She quipped as a smooth silky tone escaped her lips. The comment was certainly jokingly yet the undertone held a seriousness. Sarcasm was a tool most often used by the woman::.

[Miyamoto Kenji]

The sudden sharp caw of a falcon sounded above Kenji, the merc looking to and tracking it with his eyes as it landed nearby, observing him. It did not seem very wild or territorial; how curious. Judging it to not be a threat unless he made himself out to be one, Kenji turned back toward the dancing warrioress atop the stone, whom by this point had noticed his presence. He noted the phoenix tattoo emblazoned on part of her back, a brow cocking in interest, for he had no tattoos of his own. The woman certainly seemed fit, her cerulean-colored eyes not quite meeting his, but appearing to scan him.

Kenji suppressed a chuckle in regards to the stranger's sarcasm, instead folding his hands behind his back and shaking his head. "I would think not... I apologize if I've intruded upon you."

[Roman]

This was about the time, when he had gotten lost in the woods. What could he say, there wasn't much to do around the country. He was traveling of course, but his reasons were to find some sort of village. He was lost, never did have a good sense of direction and was not of the country.

When he finally stumbled upon a waterfall, but there were a few traps in his way. It was something that really pissed him off. What could he do? Lucky for him, he had the sense to duck and cover. The bear trap was abit much, lucky for his cane had taken the hit instead of his leg. The sound of running water had been apparent, so he decided to follow it to where he saw some people.

Despite his need, he simply waited in the background with his crow Milos hovering over. He was always a cunning creature that preferred to watch his master in trouble, rather than helping. Animal's were such evil beings, afterall...but human's were just as bad.

[Kitana]

[OOC: Clearly Roman had taken the path closer to her home XD. The traps weren't near the waterfall but good evading XD. Though usually better hidden XD]

.::Little did he know how territorial Horus indeed truly was but Horus did not attack without reason to do so still. He watched from his perch eyeing the stranger for any reason for him to defend. Meanwhile Kitana continued to take well controlled breaths as she casually walked across the rock she stood upon and dropped the little ways to the grassy ground. Hidden behind her calm demeanor was she slightly annoyed that someone had found a spot she felt it was private to her. Though if she was completely honest with herself if someone had ventured far enough in they would've found it. Maybe a few have but just were never there when she was, or maybe they dared not to venture back. Stepping a little away from the large flat stone speaking with her eyes on him briefly::.

"You were lucky I see."

.::She knelt down on her knees before embedding the the butt of the hilts she was holding into the ground about shoulder width apart then spreading her legs out the same and proceeded to do push ups with her sais. She started to no longer care whether he was there or not::.

"It was a mere matter for someone else to find this. Though not many, if any, would venture this far in."

.::Kitana spoke through her reps. She wasn't trying to show off just merely finishing her daily routine. No one was going to stop her from finishing unless they were in trouble. She was a bit strict about finishing things she started. Horus had a very good eye and sharp senses, he was a falcon after all. He would notice the new addition and let out another screech while starring in the new direction at first before flying off hovering just above the new pair::.

"Seems another has found there way."

[Miyamoto Kenji]

Lucky, huh? It did seem that way for Kenji sometimes. The bronze lady's next statement made him wonder, though, why no one would venture this far in. Perhaps rumors dissuaded interested parties, or perhaps even something had occured here? He did not know, but he considered asking.

Unfortunately, the mercenary's intent was disrupted by the bumbling arrival of a third person. This new man was of distinct foreign descent, for both his skin and his clothing showed him off as a European, though of what nationality, he knew not for sure. Yet more curiosities continued to surface as Kenji lingered by these falls. How very intriguing. He had to stay and see what else happened. Before that, he glanced over at the sharp-dressed man and offered a smile, saying nothing else for the moment.

[Roman]

Roman only saw in the sky a bird, his crow had started to circle around it as if it was about to attack. It wasn't long before he noticed that the people were starring at him. So it would only take a matter of time to decide if he could deal with them. Thinking of how to start off the negotiations, he walked up with his cane in hand.

Acting like he had some sort of pain in his leg,it was after all a way to lower one's guard. Roman would reach the two, admiring the clothing of the women. It was different from that of the women of his country, the guy was just plain old clothing from someone in town.

"Another?, how typical to use such words with me. Can I help the both you?" He said turning the question, as if she was the one that stumbled upon him.

[Kitana]

[OOC:Just to clarify Horus was actually hovering above Roman and his crow. Maybe that was misunderstood ^^]

.::Horus decided to swoop down and take his perch within one of the nearby trees though more out of sight as the branches and leaves provided a cover. If the crow had decided to try something it would not be wise against this bird of prey that was trained by her mentor. She'd have to set up traps around the waterfall if she wanted to keep it absolutely private but in truth who was she to deny its wonder and beauty. Now if it was starting to get overrun well that was a different story. She would not allow anyone to trample over or destroy such tranquility. Finishing her push ups with her sais she stood up just in time to see the foreigner stroll over with seemingly a limp. Her eyes were always scanning. Ever watching. She's had the pleasure of traveling about where his clothes weren't so odd to her. She had a few different attires from various places herself but her eyes discreetly looked at the cane and noticed the obvious markings from the bear trap he must've encountered. Her traps were usually much better hidden he was lucky on that::.

.::For her to let her guard down so easily at an injured individual would make her quite the foolish woman. Would mean she had learned nothing within her years with Hayato. A wounded animal is very fierce in its desperation to maintain what little life it may have left. But that wasn't the only reason, deception was a force within the world she lived in. It was all around and she had to keep a sharp eye upon such things. She made her mistake once and it costed her dearly. The blades of the sais still rested on the inner of forearms glancing between the two strangers. She always seemed to run into men a lot more in odd or secluded places than she did females. While facing them they may be able to take notice of the scar across her stomach, the birthmark in the indention of her right shoulder of a crescent moon and in the same area but on the left shoulder the circular scar of where an arrow had pierced her::.

~He's a sassy one.~

.::Everyone was different in the way they approached others. This one gave off an aura of entitlement and that alone already placed him for low on her totem pole. Not that anyone new at this point in her life would be placed high as she did not trust, but people like him rubbed her the wrong way. But she refused to be the hostile of the situation. In her own little way she ignored his question adjusting the foreign necklace, making it noticeable about the trap by pointing with the hilt of the sai toward the markings on the cane::.

"Quick reflexes for it not to catch your leg. I believe that question should be redirected considering."

.::She tried to be civil though still sometimes things rolled off her tongue in a manner that sounded a little cold or annoyed::.

[Miyamoto Kenji]

When the foreigner turned his attention to the lady of the wood, Kenji decided to remain silent for the time, observing their exchange with keen interest. The man seemed to hold himself with an air of confidence and superiority, as if he were a nobleman, though it could be misinterpretation; they were strangers, after all, and had only been in eachother's company for maybe two minutes. Of course, the same could be said of the woman, who turned around the foreigner's reversed question.

Kenji tucked his hands into his hakama pockets, continuing to watch and listen, and occasionally glancing over at the falcon out of interest.

[Roman]

Roman only kept his cane under his hand, doing what was sensible. To keep his play going on without a hitch. It wasn't long before he had noticed her scars, and the marks on her. They were in rather appealing locations, it was usually how women drew men in to strike at them while there guard were down. Of course, he had dealt with such women before in his past in Europe.

She came off as someone that judged based on a few words and appearance. The way she was looking at him was simply not in his best interest, of course he had more things to do. That was when her next few words had came into his mind and he only smirked at her. He had an idea of how to deal with her, but if it was good or bad...was soon to be seen.

"Such a sharp Girl"

He didn't expect her to notice, so those traps must be hers. So it was either him getting closer to her home or guarding the village was such an important task. Maybe he could use the village as a stable ground for his weapon trade...but she might like that at all. Might have to ware her down, before he would ask such a thing.

"Your right, that guy over there. We should question him, you be bad guy and me good guy. Is that fine with you?" He said being more than civil, almost sarcastic.

[Miyamoto Kenji]

(( OOC: Kit's still not quite feeling well and asked if I wanted to post before her. Let's resume post order when she posts. ))

Now Kenji was apparently being dragged into the limelight. Seemed like the foreigner was trying to look good before their mutual new acquaintance. He'd seen this kind of play before, and it was distasteful to him. That said, the merc kept his usual, pleasant cool head, chuckling in response to the man's words.

"I believe the lady wasn't referring to me. We're both intruders here, yet she seems more interested in you," he explaned his viewpoint, wondering how accurate it was. If nothing else, it might give the girl some talking space. "On that note, I'm curious. Which land do you come from?"

[Kitana]

.::It was never a good thing to try and read a woman like Kitana. One out of many assumptions may have the potential to be right but many would be wrong. Though yes she was an attractive woman. Exotic in her appearance. Her sex appeal wasn't something she actually used to draw men in or to get anywhere in life. If a man dropped their guard before her that was merely his own fault. Sure she knew how to play the role of a geisha from Seika long ago, but it was a very rare tool she used in jobs as she hardly took jobs that required that much closeness nowadays. On an everyday basis she would never play that card. His first remark garnished no outer facial expression from her. Internally however her eyes narrowed at his snarky mannerism. He was indeed proving to be a sore to her beautiful waterfall::./font]

~Pompous prick.~

.::Continuing to remain in her outer calm she merely listened to his sarcasm about the other whom was undoubtedly more polite. Not that that made her trust him more than foreigner, but the atmosphere was much more breathable if not tolerable with the other. Lady? She hadn't been called lady since she was married to Saburo Sagara. Lady Sagara they called her in the clan's village. She left that name behind a little over a year ago after the incident. After the polite ones question she followed up with one for them both::.

"Question is what are either of you doing in these parts?"

.::It had been clear no one had been near her old village in years. No attempts at rebuilding it. There was no liveliness about. The forest was tainted in its own right. It grew more fierce as a means to protect itself one could say. Yes it was daytime and the dangers were smaller but still they dared to venture in and venture this far. Were they lost? Had they just stumbled upon that long forgotten village that they were not to roam in? Only she was welcomed here now. All of this was her home. Everything breathed in its own way. She knew each sound and feel. She embraced what others feared about it::.

[Roman]

Roman looked at the guy now, he wasn't much. He was one of those goody two-shoes type of guy, why were so many in japan. The lady, that was what he refered her to and he thought that was rather charming. Of course he had his own problems to deal with and than he tried to save the day.

"Wonderful suggestion, where is she from. That is the number one question on my mind...maybe third really." He said up front with a smirk on his face.

Than he reverted back to her, he watched her with his green eyes. He only twisted his cane in place as he prepared himself. If she got in the way, which he hoped was not likely at all. Maybe he should tell her the truth about this area...but he didn't want to right now.

"What are you doing out here? You might be a stranger as well." He said with a serious expression on his face.

[Miyamoto Kenji]

By this point, Kenji wasn't particularly fond of the foreigner's attitude. He understood that people acted the way they did for one reason or another, but he couldn't help but pin this man for being uncomfortably pompous, and without any reason to be. His constant failing to deflect questions, disregarding the idea of answering them, and taking the entire exchange like it were some insignificant every day occurrence.

They randomly walked in on a woman in the forest. That was hardly routine.

Resigning himself to ignoring the man for now, he turned fully toward the tattooed lady and nodded, beginning, "I'm passing through the wood on my way elsewhere. I happened to hear the roar of a waterfall while walking, and decided to have a look and a break. After that, well, here I am."

[Kitana]

.::The foreigner was sorely weighing on her patience. If it wasn't for the tranquility of the waterfall and her own self control she certainly would've already allowed her disdain to show in full bloom. It wasn't that she cared if she made friends or not. She just didn't wish to give him the satisfaction of completely altering her mood. His pompous nature was undoubtedly irritating to linger around for too long. Calling him an acquired taste was an understatement. She wasn't going to get used to it ever. There would always be a bitterness lingering in his wake. His constant evasions were mentally draining. She was getting a strong sense of him being the type of person that would try to twist things around. Deflect everything off themselves to place onto others. A way of manipulation. A poor excuse of one though. He was creating a situation out of nothing truthfully. But still she watched him ever so carefully. The twirl of the cane caught in her line of sight without her showing she was looking at it. She was still wary of it and him and it was doubtful that would ever come to change. Horus on the other hand had grown extremely irritated by the man. It was rare to see Horus like that. The man must've severely gotten even under his feathers. He seemed a bit unsettled, scooting on the branch as if preparing to jump off ::.

.::The other however maintained a calm aura. He kept his composure as Kitana did. Between the two if she had to pick company she'd probably pick him. IF, big IF, she had to choose. Though if her hand wasn't forced to choose she'd rather opt to be on her own. A list of reasons not needing naming. Giving a glance to Horus who was still perched in the tree ever so watching, she glanced back at the sensible one as her smooth regal like tone escaped her lips once more::.

"Hmm, you didn't come through the desolate ruins of the village did you? Neither of you are from around these parts I assume."

.::Immediately after Horus swooped down with a cry and began pecking at the foreigners head. Then fly off and scoop down again repeating his action until he swooped around and let his talons sink into the mans butt. Kitana merely shook her head as the spectacle as the man was chased away by Horus. Horus feeling satisfied found his way back to his perch with a huff and just stared at the other. Yup that bird was not to be toyed with::.