The New Winds

Sakura, after a productive morning, Sakura set off going from classroom to classroom, looking for a sensei again. She had a new supplies request!

Sakura runs across Ikoma Ikehata practicing an exaggerated kabuki dance

Sakura had wanted to ask about supplies. However she couldn't, she was frozen in place, wide-eyed, watching this dance and trying to work out what on Rokugan he was doing!

It was quite wild and looked very strange. Odd, jerky movements, suddenly quick shouts or other exclamations and his face all scrunched up into weird contortions.

He seems to not notice the presence of the girl

The shouted caused Sakura to flinch, but otherwise she said nothing. Transfixed on this performance. She couldn't work up the courage to interrupt, nor had a single clue how to interrupt such a performance!

After a few moments, Ikehata does a dramatic pose, standing on the tips of one foots toes and spins. When he catches sight of Sakura mid spin; he stumbles for a moment before standing normally and he bows, lower than appropriate.

“D..Doji-San. I didn’t expect any students around here. What can I help you with”

Sakura quickly bowed deeply, before giving a small round of applause.

"It's ok Ikoma-sensei. That was a very...dramatic performance. I didn't expect it!"

She took a moment before continuing "ano...I was hoping to make a request for some supplies for the forge. I wanted to make something for Agasha-dono for inviting us to this."

The young mans cheeks go a little red.

“I am glad you enjoyed, Doji-San. As for your request, what can we get for you?”

"Ano...I was hoping for some silver and...Rubies. I was planning to make Dragon-shaped earrings, as Agasha-dono is the Ruby champion" Sakura said, keeping her head lowered respectfully.

"Expensive tastes. Are you sure you wouldn't rather use sterling and garnets?"

Sakura shook her head.

"One doesn't go into art with half measures. Agasha-dono is the Ruby Champion, so Rubies are required."

"I see. Well, you are indeed a Crane. Very well, I will have the request made and materials made available to you at the forge. Is there anything else?"

Sakura considered just leaving, but she couldn't. She had to ask.

"Hai...What were you doing?"

He turns a little red and quickly looks away.

"A routine for the Courts this upcoming winter."

"Court in winter... Ikoma-sensei is going to the Winter court? The big one with the Empress?"

Sakuras eyes widened.

"Wow!"

He nods.

"Thank you, Doji-san. It is indeed quite the honor."

"Have you been before? What's it like? My mother said its like super beautiful with the finest decorations ever, although she never got to go" Sakura sighed "I want to see it. I think it would be amazing."

He shakes his head no.

"I have not, this will be my first! I have jut as many questions as you! What food will be served? What stories will be told? What pretty girls will be there..."

"I bet everyone will be pretty. The finest robes, the most trendy jewelry...I want to see the gems they use! Please write to me and let me know sensei" Sakura gave him a 'please' look - it was very cute - "I want to know everything."

"I can certainly try, Doji-san. I can make no promises though. After all, I may be too busy to even sleep with so much to do and see!"