The New Winds

in the common room, Ikoma Eichiro taken an entire table and laid out some paper and charcoal. He seems to be writing on some, sketching mons on another and the third set is still blank.

"Let's see, minor fortune of Rice, Isora. Fortune of the seashore is Inari. Or is it the other way around..." he mutters to himself.

Doji Hiroyuki did his best not to collapse into his chair. Already, his first foray into Tsuma had been eventful, and he was just about at his limit. The time lost in eating a small dinner would make up for itself when he didn't pass out in the street somewhere, pushed to exhaustion.

He picked at rice stuffed into an ornate bowl, careful not to eat too fast, or too slow. Yet someone caught his eye - sitting at a table nearby, monopolizing the entire space, armed with deadly charcoal. Hiroyuki's gaze went to the man's sketches, studying them. Content just to watch, he plucked a serving of rice from the bowl and settled in to observe the battle between man and paper.

As Eichiro studies, a small Lion approaches and bows politely.

"You wished to see me, Ikoma-san?"

"Ah yes, Kitsu-san." Eichiro indicates a seat at the table. "I thought as colleagues of a sort that we could assist each other in preparing for the tests to come."

He presents the notes on theology to the young priest to be, "I have read many things, but I could use assistance in determining if my recall is accurate."

"And as you help me, perhaps I can help you with any subjects you feel need some shoring up. We are Lion and all Lion are brothers, Kitsu-san."

The smaller boy nods and looks curiously at the notes.

“I would be pleased to do so Ikoma-San! What are you trying to learn now? Perhaps I can quiz you?”

"Heraldry I think. Personal mons and vassel families specifically." Eichiro scratches at his eyebrow. "Thats the test I'm weakest at tomorrow."

"I can quiz you. I can describe a mon and you can tell me what it is."

"That would be just fine, Kitsu-san." Eichiro replies. "And after, perhaps there is something that I can help you with in return."

The small Kitsu gives a nod and sits, immediately drilling Euchiro with question after question of mon descriptions.

After a time, he says “There, that is as many as I could think of for now, though if you think you require more training, I can meditate and try to recall more..”

"No need, your recall of mons and my naming of them helped us both for that test." Eichiro stands, gathering the papers together in a neat pile. That complete, he begins stretching out his shoulders a bit. "Now then, there is another test tomorrow, how prepared do you feel you are for that one?"

“I am not sure. I have every bit of faith my sensei has prepared me well to handle the tasks, though not knowing what they are, and knowing my own weaknesses has me uneasy. You?”

"If I gotta paint something, it may not go too well." A fan whips out of a sleeve, and words are whispered behind them. "They like frilly things like that, so I wouldn't put it past them."

The fan snaps closed again and is placed on the table. "Aside from that, I suppose I'll just gotta take things one day at a time. Maybe we should all be looking to find out what the schedule looks like after opening ceremonies tomorrow so we can better prepare."

"For now though, know that I completely believe that the Lion will do well and that we should help each other as best we can. For the Glory of the Lion."

"Certainly, Ikoma-san. To not do well would only bring shame to our families..."

The mood of the Kitsu suddenly drops and they seem quite reserved suddenly, their eyes gaining a distant look.

"Hey," Eichiro nudges the smaller boy. "Hey, we're not in this alone, Kitsu-san. I know we've only just met, but I meant what I said. All Lion are brothers, which makes you and I family."

The courtier's tone remains solemn and serious, his honesty shining through. "So whatever burden you carry this week, even if you don't feel like telling me what it is, I am willing to help you carry it. Because that's what brothers do."

"Now, what do you say we get something to eat, eh?"

"Food does sound nice!"

The Kitsu's spirit seems to lighten and a small smile spreads on his face.

Eichiro calls over a server. "Noodles please, spicy if at all possible, but if not just no soy. Pot of tea for the table, your house blend please and my companion will have..." He leaves off, letting Tsubasa order.

"Rice and fresh fish please" the small Kitsu says, looking to the server before back to Eichiro

"Do you have blood siblings, Ikoma-san?"

"I do, my brother Nijiro is around here somewhere." Eichiro makes an exaggerated look around the room, but Nijiro doesn't make a surprise appearance. "Born within minutes of each other, but I won my name."

"I have a younger sister too, she is training with the Akodo school but has a few years to go."

"How lucky, to both have been granted the honor to compete here! I am my families only. My father is a Kitsu, my mother a Matsu. I take after my father, to my mothers great disdain"

"Mm, I do not discount the traditions of the Matsu in the slightest, but what a gift to be able to speak to the kami and the ancestors." The tea arrives, and Eichiro pours a cup for Tsubasa and himself. "but the fortunes decide our fate. They have blessed me greatly, just as they have blessed you with your abilites."