The New Winds

His arrival in Otosan Uchi two weeks ago had been quiet; his father's letter had seen to that. He had been able to re-familiarize himself with the Ekohikei slowly, digesting its rhythms and learning its faces. But now the others were arriving, his dojo-mates for the Ruby Champion's exercise, and it seemed necessary to prepare the ground.

The tea set was laid out, the pot itself featuring an oleander threaded around the handle. Jiro's eyes were closed as he waited patiently for his guests to arrive.

The pile of excess cushions in the corner moved, and then sported two small fists and sounded a yawn.

Jiro raised an eyebrow, but left his eyes closed. "Soshi-san has had a pleasant nap, I hope?"

Kaidan on his part entered the room from the dark corner. "Is that Hojicha that I smell?" Koidan took a seat.

"It is." Jiro's eyes opened to take in the new arrival, and he smiled and inclined his head in greeting. "Please, join me and partake, Bayushi-san."

"Yeaueauaaah." The reply came from under the cushions, and eventually the masked face perked up, the feline ears of it somehow befitting of the circumstances. "I'd like tea too."

"If you can dig yourself out of your mountain, neko-san," Jiro smirked, "then I suppose you may have some of this tea."

Kaidan smiled and nodded to his cousin. He poured a cup for the three in the room. "Did you have a nice nap, neko san?"

"A nap a day keeps cooties away. Or something." Shiso started digging themselves out. "You're partying?"

Jiro smirked. "I am creating a forum for a frank exchange of views, neko-san. Any 'party' that may develop is entirely down to fate."

He offered a bob of his head in thanks to Kaidan for pouring the tea as he picked up his cup and took a sip. "How do you find the tea, Bayushi-san?"

"It has been a while since I had this blend. I had forgotten the roasted notes." He took a sip of the tea. "Well neko san would you like this to develop into a party?"