The New Winds

It's strange to think that in a matter of mere hours, aspiring samurai from every corner of the empire will all converge on one place: all in the hopes to soak in the training of the sensei of all Emerald Magistrates, the Ruby Champion. Just as Amaterasu sheds her light on all the rice patties in Rokugan, so too will Agasha Sumiko share her wisdom with us. However, just as not all crops will prosper, so too will some students fail. Haruki will not be one of those withering plants: that is why he has climbed a tree just before dawn, carrying nothing but a lantern and small piece of pliable metal. With these implements, a pure flame can be created. With that flame, the world will assign your first great test. Take that flame, and keep it alight all the way to the shrine of Tenjin no kami, even though you will run through the River of the Sun. This will let me see just how in line your elements truly are.

The sound of footsteps reveal themselves as one of his fellow students approaches. "Why are you lighting a fire in a tree?" the Kuni asks. "That's kind of dangerous isn't it?"

"It is, but I need a high point to get enough sunlight to start a fire and there is NO way I'm going to be seen climbing roofs in the capital. Besides, if you take the right precautions the risks are reduced. I have a metal lantern which keeps the fire from spreading anywhere but the top where I can control it." He descends the tree, making sure his back is low enough to maintain balance without needing both hands for balance, and legs comically bent to keep him stable. Once his feet are firmly on the ground, he double checks his flame before looking at the newcomer.

Proper bow, then a quick glance at the mon before speaking: "Nice to meet you Kuni-sama, I am Isawa Haruki of House Kaito."

The predawn was comforting.

The dusk was comforting.

All the same, she had her umbrella out.

Dawn would be soon.

The tall girl stopped and stared between the two boys, giving a painfully slow bow.

She said nothing.

"I guess that makes it less dangerous," he says with a shrug, not really knowing. "But why were you lighting the fire anyway? It's going to be light soon."

The arrival of the Yogo drew a gentle wave, inviting her to come over.

Returning the bow, he introduces himself as well. "I'm Kuni Yotsuo. Nice to meet you too."

Another small form exits the gates of the city, beginning out early and heading toward those under the tree in the predawn light. They wear a large wicker hat and straw cloak hiding both their identity and the pack on their back. The most notable thing about the traveler is their small size, well under 5 feet in height.

"Fire is used for more than light; in my case I am exposing myself to all the elements and try to keep them all in balance for the rest of my journey to Hirosaka. Perhaps you would like to join me as I jog through the River of the Sun?"

Haruki then notices the 2 figures coming towards them and bows.

The tall masked Scorpion looked between the three with a slow gaze. She'd already bowed to the two in front, and gave a new slow bow to the arriving Imperial. Finally, she turned back and spoke up softly.

"Yogo Otoko." She paused. "...Walking through a river for balance seems strange."

The small form reacts to the bow from the Yogo and others with it's own. "Wouldn't it be more swimming then jogging?"

"Yes, but going through a river with a lit lantern in one hand, a kettle in the other, and keeping a good cadence going is a rough, but effective way to test how balanced you are. What do you say? It would make it a more interesting 10 miles after all."

"...I think I will wait to bathe until I am at the city," Otoko said quietly after a moment. "...Though... I can always keep an eye on you in case you get pulled under."

"Nah, I'm not good at swimming. Or at climbing and stuff," he replies. "My training has been mostly about information and things like that. My senseis back home told me I'm probably not going to have to do much fighting like the rest of my family. They showed me how to use a sword though, so I could be a second if I needed to."

"That'll work. Since everyone seems to be going to Hirosaka, does that mean you are all training with the Ruby Champion?" Haruki stretches to loosen his muscles, then pulls out a simple tea pot.

"Hai, I understood we were to meet outside the front gates this morning, and travel together, if I heard my sensei correctly."

"Yes, that's why I came out here at this time. I woke up much earlier and visited one of the temples to prepare for the journey," he says with a nod.

"Is that... so?" the Scorpion murmured through her mask softly. "Fortuitous.... though I am still not going into the river."

"If we have to wait a while anyway, how about we talk over a cup of tea? I've got the pot and the fire if someone else has the leaves." He keeps the lantern held high while bending his knees to scoop some water into his pot.

The small figure removes it's straw cloak and pack, revealing a student uniform in imperial colors. He removes a small travel tea set from his pack along with a bag of leaves, "I can be of service there, I believe."

"Tea sounds nice. I haven't had any yet this morning." Yotsuo sets his own pack aside and sits next to it.

Otoko's head softly tilted before looking around. "...If we take no more than a five minute walk, tea could be had indoors, with proper seats..."