The New Winds

This Event is for Dragon Players Only

Dao had no idea why he was awake, or why there was a tea set in his room.

But he was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so he sat and breathed deeply of the warm aroma that filled the room.

As he breathed in, the scent of tea slowly changed to also combine with a strong smell of summer flowers in bloom. In front of him, a man dressed in robes of the Crane sits, smiling and with his eyes closed.

Rubbing his eyes, Dao wondered if this was all an elaborate dream. He did decide however, that even if it was, then there was no reason not to go along with it - some dreams had greater meaning after all.

"Ohayo Crane-sama, are you looking for directions? The Crane rooms are the next floor up I think."

"No, Togshi-san, I am where I need to be. Could you please make tea for us?"

With a shrug, Dao complied. He had no real reason not to comply, although if the mysterious Crane was expecting a flawless ceremony he would be disappointed.

D1LN Tea with Cranes: 5d10 34

The ceremony would have been better if he stopped talking during it.

"I'm Togashi Dao, whom do I have the honour of pouring for this evening? You're not one of the judges are you? Is this a surprise test?"

Satsume nods in thanks for the tea, but comments nothing on it.

"I am the former Emerald Champion, Doji Satsume. And no, this is not a test. I have something I require of you, Togashi-san"

"Agasha-sama's predecessor? Aren't you supposed to be dead? You look well."

If there was any discomfort at speaking with a ghost, it was not immediately apparent.

"I assume it is somewhat of a trip, from Yomi to here, so I should at least extend the courtesy of hearing you out."

Dao reaches for a small bowl near the teapot.

"Sugar?"

He raises his hand and shakes his head.

"No. Just the tea is enough"

When given it, he grasps it with both hands and sips it slowly, smiling and closing his eyes to enjoy it before setting the cup down and nodding in thanks.

"There is someone I need you to watch over during your stay here, Togashi-san. Someone who must pass their gempuku, yet many see set to have him fail."

"There are many here who seek to pass the assembled tests and earn their adulthood. We are fortunate that the success of one does not directly mean the failure of another."

Dao lifts his own cup to his lips softly blowing away the steam. "Whose future has you so concerned?"

"A boy named Hitoshi. It is crucial that he becomes a man here in Tsuma through this Championship."

Dao taps his fingers against the rim of the cup as he thinks back to his run in with the same boy earlier today.

"He is a little rough around the edges and lacking in Courtesy, but then we all are imperfect beings. Why is this one, not even one of your own Clan, so important?"

"I have my reasons, Togashi-san. Knowing I am here now and speaking with you about it should be enough"

*sip*

"We all have our secrets Satsume-shiryo, I will not pry any deeper into yours." Dao apologizes, accompanied with a small bow.

"If as honorable a samurai as yourself says he is important, then it must be so. I will watch out for this one, protect him from himself and those who seek his disgrace and failure."

“You have my thanks, Togashi-San. If there is nothing else, I should go. The life of a Champion is never not busy”

"Of course Doji-shiryo. Give my best to my mother if you see her." Dao responds as he dips his head low.

"But my life is not too busy, if you wish to return. After all, I'm not Champion yet."

He smiles and stands, giving a bow. Then, there is a bright flash of light and Dao finds himself sitting back in his own room alone, the silence of the night permeating the air. In the center of the room however, still sits the teapot, still piping hot.

"Waste not, want not." Dao whispers to the now empty again room as he relaxes with the tea and mentally goes over tomorrow's events in his mind.

/scene

Meanwhile, Asahi sat in meditation within his room.