The New Winds

'A Lion samurai is never lost.'

This is what Eichiro told himself as he wandered the streets of Tsume, seeking The House of the Laughing Carp. He had arrived very early after having crossed the border into Crane lands the day before with his small band of handlers and other competitors.

Unfortunately, Eichiro had gotten turned around looking at the strange architecture of this new city and had managed to get separated from the group.

It would be unseemly for a Samurai to be to ask for directions directly, so for now he feigns being important business and searches desperately for his lodgings.

Coming down the street is a Scorpion--clearly so from the ornate golden mask and the crimson accents on his clothing. Having arrived the night before, Jiro's quiet exploration of Tsuma was interrupted with the sight of the Lion boy. Frowning slightly in concern, he moved in.

"Lion-san...I wonder if you have a moment? This one is Bayushi Jiro of Kyuden Bayushi." He bowed formally.

'A Scorpion, can be good allies but must be treated with care.' Eichiro's thoughts returned to his sensei's maxims. This would be his first time that he spoke with someone outside his clan without it being a supervised affair. No matter, he had this.

"I am called Ikoma Eichiro, son of Ikoma Bengo," he began, returning the formal bow with one of his own. "I always have time for the children of Bayushi. How may I be of service this fine morning."

The Scorpion let a hint of a reassuring smile begin to light up his features. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Ikoma-san. I take it that you are here for the tournament?"

"I am indeed," Eichiro scratches his eyebrow as he speaks. "My school performed their tests, but now the stage is larger. My.. our?" He inquiries before continuing, "performance is now judged by a larger audience of sensei with different standards."

"I suppose that is why our clans send their best."

"Indeed." Jiro's smile widened. "I was just about to make my way back to the Laughing Carp. I wonder if we could perhaps share the road together? I would like to hear more of the Lion clan's best, if you have a mind to share."

"Of course, and you might share more about the Scorpion contestants." Eichiro responds. "I suppose I am a contestant of course. Trained in the classical Ikoma style, as our family founder would have wanted."

Eichiro walks, but allows the Bayushi to take the lead for now.

"I see. It seems we are to be direct competitors, then, as I have been trained for a role in Lord Bayushi's court." He moved in the direction of the Laughing Carp. "So I imagine you have had quite the grounding in history?"

"I am the very model of a modern great clan samurai," begins Eichiro. "I've information animal, vegetable and mineral. I know the regents Hantei and can quote the fights historical."

"From White Stag to the Great Maw, in order categorical." He finishes, before getting too silly. "We are trained to remember so that we may learn the lessons our ancestors have learned at great cost.

Including revealing too much to a competitor." Eichiro smiles as well.

Jiro's smile vanished. "I am not entirely certain how to take that last remark, Ikoma-san. If I were not used to the implication of malfeasance that are a Scorpion's lot in life, I might have taken offense. But it does seem a little early in our acquaintance to have formed an opinion on one another's character, does it not?"

"What negative opinion?" Eichiro replied, unphased by the sudden change in tone. "Come now Bayushi-san. We aren't Doji or Akodo here. We are charged with getting things done in the courts, and knowing our opposition is part of that duty."

"I would be quite disappointed if you weren't trying to learn more. Such an insult implies that you don't see us as a threat in the competition." He smiles again, "And surely you haven't counted us out yet."

"My apologies, Ikoma-san. I am afraid that I have grown brittle under the scrutiny of my peers, and my sense of humor has suffered under the insinuations of stiff-necked bushi. It is a relief to spar with one who has a quick wit and an eye for nuance."

"So here we are then," Eichiro spreads his arms wide, "in a strange city finding understanding with strangers."

"Have you traveled much? This is my first time in Crane Lands, so much is different. Thin fortifications, bright colors and the smell of the sea."

"I passed this way last year on the way to Otosan Uchi and Hirosaka, but that was my first trip abroad. My father is Lord Bayushi's karo, so his duties keep our family home more often than not."

"An honored position, I suppose it gives you something to strive for." Eichiro considers that for a moment, "I had only ever been to the Unicorn border with my father to observe the tax collection and inspection procedures."

"So to go this far, to represent my clan no less, is something else."

"A signal honor, to be sure. Your own father must be highly placed to observe tax collection," Jiro observed. "What is his station?"

"He governs a trade village a few days from the Unicorn border. Our family has held that position for many generations, through war and peace." Eichiro produces a container and opens it, revealing a deep green paste, "Shiranai wasabi is our regional speciality." The smell is quite pungent, but Eichiro takes a dab of it and eats it.

Jiro observed the wasabi with an air of concern. "Is it really meant to be eaten by itself?"

"Not usually, but it keeps the sea air out of my head." Eichiro breaths deeply, in through the nose and out through the mouth. "Whew, a bit of home."

"I rather appreciate the sea, myself. Certainly it's far better than Ryoko Owari on a bad day."" Jiro shrugged. "But I understand wanting to be rid of the smell if it is cloying."