Sullied Snow Pure White [Izumi, Katori]

"Oh?"

Her calm walk across the park as she was winding down after a day of work was interrupted when what looked to be a crumpled piece of paper rolled in her path. It didn't take a second after picking it up to realize it wasn't simply litter, unscrunching it and viewing the contents. Looking upon where the source could be, her eyes would lie upon a woman perhaps not having the best night, toiling away at her work,

"Oh, Izumi? Is that you?" She'd call out as she'd approach, torn canvas held in her hands. While she hadn't much personal interaction with her, she definitely could point her out, in fact it was hard not to notice someone like her, if not by name then certainly through reputation, "Everything alright? Having a bout of art block or something?"

She only gave a soft chuckle, noticing Izumi's control of her brush as her greeting had proved to be distracting. Anyone of less skill likely would have left an ugly smear or an unintended shape, watching her place the paintbrush down. Fully expected from someone with such a history of beautiful works.

Pale eyes would look upon the setting in an attempt to better understand the artist's difficulty, and she supposed she understood to a degree; while the park was lovely and peaceful at night, there was only so many ways you could portray that without one's works becoming repetitive. While she herself didn't practice art, she felt she understood Izumi's difficulty.

Mischief was met with mischief as she had that question tossed her way, narrowed eyes meeting the woman's own as a wider smile crept on her face,

"Hmm... Depends I suppose," She'd put a finger to her lip in a position of thinking, her eyes looking elsewhere for a moment, "Do you find me to be lackluster? Boring? A passerby no different than any other?"

Her gaze would return, a light in her eyes, "Or would you consider me enough of a difference to pull something new out of this tried place?"

Ah, it definitely was the lesser desired reaction from such an exchange, she supposed such a question would have been interpreted as doubt casted upon the woman's creative eye, even if it was intended playfully. To that, she would bring her hands together on her front, giving a small apologetic bow,

"Apologies for my overfamiliarity, it wasn't my intent to doubt your abilities." Her tone was soft yet sincere, not a hint of weakness or nervousness in her voice. She felt no fear of rejection or insult; she simply sought to clear the misunderstanding, "I've seen quite a few of your works throughout my years, especially in the ownership of my father's friends and acquaintances. You have a splendid eye for detail and standard, it would be criminal to deem such admirable skill in the arts lesser than."

Her hands remained rested in the position she had placed them in, smiling kindly at Izumi, "Once again, I apologize if I gave the wrong impression. I am responsible for my portrayal to others, after all."

She'd let out a quiet, drawn out breath as she brought her hands to her side. While she was relieved the woman didn't seem to be upset, she didn't exactly appear to be pleased with her, either. She was hoping for a more positive spin from the apology, but things didn't appear to go as considered. Though, when asked if she wanted to model, she'd relax her form as at least some air of relief flowed into her,

"I would like to, yes," She'd nod, resting her hands once again clutching each other at her front, "How would you like me to pose?"

She felt her heart freeze hardly a word into that provided imagery, her hands squeezing each other almost on command. She immediately stilled any physical response, controlling her breathing and keeping herself in order.

"Hmm..." She'd force herself to utter, as if she was contemplating the ask for a moment, but in reality she needed a moment to collect herself. Her eyes closed as she thought strictly to herself: You are a noble who has never faced hardship. This should not bother you. This should not affect you. This will not affect you.

"...Yes." She'd finally speak after her moments of silence, "I'll do it."