Wedding at Fire Shrimp Village an L5R PbP

It was the barking that brought out Jun to the rear of the Inn. She had finished her duties for the day and the kitchen was clean and the meals were prepped for the following day’s guests. She wiped her brow and then frowned at the dog as it waited for her.

She spoke, “You think I have a treat for you, don’t you?” she said and then relented dropping some scraps in a bowl for the mutt. “You live at the castle and yet you still beg for food. Your master should feed you better.”

“Well he is a rowing boy,” a gruff deep voice replied as Yoji entered through the gate. Latching it behind him. “Besides the gate was open, he wouldn’t get back here otherwise.”

He removed the wide brim hat as if it would disguise his large frame and said, “Bandits or worse can sneak in here.”

“Hai, apologies samurai-sama,” Jun replied giving the man a deep bow.

“We are thankful for your protection from the roving bandits and monsters,” she said cheekily. She turned on her heels and fetched a small box for him with food and added, “The Patrol special, extra spicy just how you like it, samurai-sama.”

She offered it to Yoji.

Yoji took the box with an awkward smile and then regained his normal stoic composure and said, “You have yet to come to the castle, Jun-san, the invitation is open. I am sure my sister would be glad to see an old friend.”

“Even Daichi is here for… well, he is here,” he said with a gulp.

She replied, “I apologize samurai-sama, my aunt keeps me so busy she wants everything just so for the arrival of the guests for… your wedding.”

“Congratulations again, I have never met a Crane samurai, but I am told they are so beautiful and graceful. You and your family must be quite pleased. You already know that forgive me for prattling on,” she added lowering her eyes respectfully.

"Yes my mother is very pleased with the match," Yoji said with mild optimism.

“But you are not happy,” she said jabbing him with an elbow as she walked by to pulls some sheets off a line. “Or you have a funny way of showing your happiness, samurai-sama.”

“You get to live in a pretty Crane palace and get waited on hand and food by pretty servants and wear the finest clothes. Give it a month and you will have forgotten about the village and all us little folk. I bet they even get your mangy mutt a fancy hat.”

The dog panted and licked at her hands as she pat him on the head.

"Never," he said forcefully.

Jun was quiet considering his response and then opened the fence and said, “Well I would be honored if you remembered this low born girl. She would think fondly of you, samurai-sama. You and your family.”

“I’ll come to the castle in a few days, if that is your wish.”

"Yes, thank you... I should get back to my patrol. Thank you for the food," he said with a broad smile and then whistled for the dog to follow.