Fresh (D1, ME, Open)

[Otomo Saisei]

The aroma of the sea, fish and market. To some not very pleasant, but to one that was born in a coastal area such as the Golden Sun Bay, it was the scent of freshness. Saisei makes sure to stop at one of the fisherman stalls to taste a bit of the southern style. Perhaps some noodles with tempura, again.

[Doji Soon-ja]

An elderly Crane woman in richly embroidered clothes was haunting the market stalls as well. She leaned heavily on a walking stick as she pondered which food stall to get a meal from. Noticing Saisei with a bowl of noodles, she hobbled a little closer to him.

"Excuse me for intruding, samurai," the old woman said in a thin, reedy voice. "Are the noodles here very spicy? I'm afraid my old stomach is not what it used to be."

"I'm Doji Soon-ja," she added.

[Otomo Saisei]

Noticing an elderly woman, the young man soon lifts himself from where he was seated and offered a deep bow. "Good evening Doji-sama! I am Otomo Saisei." He looks to the cook and back to Soon-ja, adding, "Mine is quite spicy but cook-san here said it can be made mild and without spice, as is tradition around some parts here in the south."

Offering an arm, incase she would need –– the leaning on the walking stick gave hints –– he mentions for her to choose where she wanted to seat.

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Oh, thank you, thank you, Otomo-san," the old woman said. "Mild and without spice sounds perfect." At Saisei's suggestion, Soon-ja placed just such an order with the cook, then accepted the Otomo's help in finding a seat.

"I'm terrible sorry to be such a bother," the Crane said as she sat down. She seemed grateful to get the weight off her feet. "But the noodles do smell delightful. You're very kind to help an old woman such as myself. Otomo Saisei, hmmm, haven't I heard your name before? Is it possible that you are the cousin of Otomo Yusuke?"

[Otomo Saisei]

Saisei zones out for a moment as if a century had passed through his mind. He sees that shining figure sitting just next the Doji, trying some noodles and then looking up to him. The Doji herself looked specially young and beautiful.

He gets back as Yusuke's name is said, and provides a nod to the older woman, confirming, "Hai. I am Yusuke-sama's cousin. I've assigned to serve with him and gain further insights before I can check back with my dojo sensei. Doji-sama would never be a bother. After all, it is the duty of the young to respect the more experienced."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Well, I shall certainly have to let Otomo Yusuke know that his young cousin is delightfully respectful and courteous to his elders," Soon-ja said, her eyes crinkling as she smiled. "May I ask, were you involved in making the marriage arrangements that we are here to commemorate? It seems a most auspicious match."

[Otomo Saisei]

"The paperwork. Hai." He confesses while opening a wincing toothy grin. Then, he explains, "This has been my very first assignment, ever. Passed gempukku. Doji-sama is kind in her words. I also think it is very auspicious for the couple and the Clans."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Splendid, splendid," Soon-ja said. "If the wedding is successfully concluded, I am sure Otomo-san will have a bright future ahead of him. I know there are always... challenges in planning such a grand event. The Crab seem sincere in putting forth a good effort to make it a success. I only hope there are not too many difficulties remaining."

[Otomo Saisei]

He pours some tea for the old lady to accompany the noodles that just got out steaming hot. With a nod, he affirms, "Hai. The Crab are doing their best. I understand we might have higher standards, but we should always analyze from the perspective of those that are trying to serve. I was once told by a priest of the Four Temples."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Well, there are those who might judge every court by the standards of the Imperial Capital, but I find it's better to consider each place on its own," Soon-ja said philosophically. "Not every samurai can be as glorious as a Clan Champion, after all. But everyone can be strive to be better than expected."

"This way of thinking has been better for my digestion, at any rate," the old woman said with a smile, as she took up chopsticks to dig into the steaming noodles.

[Otomo Saisei]

He nods, and begins digging as well –– with a happy smile. He often hear stories of young people honoring their Oba-chan's with some of their time. Unfortunately, his own had passed to another world years ago.

/scene?