(2LA) Tea at Blue Bird House (expecting, or ask)

[Doji Soon-ja]

The old Crane lady fussily arranged the tea utensils on the low table in preparation for her guests. The tatami mats had been changed for fresh ones, and the tiny ikebana arrangement from the previous day had been joined by a calligraphy scroll with the character for "Friendship" written upon it in bold ink.

[Bayushi Ushi]

Ushi enters the room shortly before Himeko, their mask reflexively scanning for any threats, the reflected room rippling across it as it does before they bow to their host. Despite the dual swords at their hip the bow is smooth and hits the exact depth for politeness given the slight difference in station despite differing clans between the two.

"Good afternoon, Doji-sama. Thank you for this invitation."

[Kakita Masao]

When Masao returns from the festival, entering behind the Scorpion, he immediately bristles but keeps his manner civil.

"Scorpion-san," he says with an edge. "How disappointing that no one has taken your katana to be polished. My apologies. We will ensure no future oversight like this occurs." the Crane bushi bows, introducing himself briefly -- "Kakita Masao, Iron Warrior nikutai. Honored" -- and extends a hand to accept the other bushi's katana. In a show of good faith, he removes his own katana from his obi with his right hand.

[Bayushi Ushi]

"A tradition the Crab seem to have not fully adopted. I am sure our hosts will be most pleased to learn the faith the Crane have in their defenses. You are most gracious."

The figure's left hand deftly releases their katana's saya and presents it to the Kakita. A sign of the infamous dueling style of the Bayushi or simply misdirection? That would be for others to decide.

"This one is Bayushi Ushi."

[Kakita Masao]

Masao accepts the blade with care, giving a respectful nod and smiling in the bloodless way of a wary soldier.

He turns and disappears for a few moments, returning silently with his obi straightened and a more polite smile on his face. "Let us sit, ah, Bayushi-san was it? My apologies. As you note, we have great respect for our hosts and the fine accommodation made for us here," he says, gesturing with a sweep to the house and then sitting at the table. "And a team from our clan was honored to serve Hida Kitusuchi-dono in the pepper festival -- just before I arrived back here." The Kakita smiles with pride, the task now done.

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Welcome, friends!" the older Crane woman said in a thin, reedy-voice. "I am Doji Soon-ja, lately of Kyuden Doji." She bowed, somewhat creakily.

"It's kind of you both to accept my invitation. Ahh - I trust the proper arrangements have been made for your swords now." She glanced between the two warriors to make sure the matter had been settled. "We're still expecting Shosuro Himeko, but we can spend some time getting to know each other in the meantime."

"How was your journey to Fire Shrimp Village, Bayushi-san?" she inquired.

[Bayushi Ushi]

"And a team from our clan was honored to serve Hida Kitusuchi-dono in the pepper festival -- just before I arrived back here." The Kakita smiles with pride, the task now done.

The mask nods, "I witnessed - and participated though not in as prestigious a position. An interesting local custom."

"Welcome, friends!" the older Crane woman said in a thin, reedy-voice. "I am Doji Soon-ja, lately of Kyuden Doji." She bowed, somewhat creakily.

"It's kind of you both to accept my invitation. Ahh - I trust the proper arrangements have been made for your swords now." She glanced between the two warriors to make sure the matter had been settled. "We're still expecting Shosuro Himeko, but we can spend some time getting to know each other in the meantime."

"How was your journey to Fire Shrimp Village, Bayushi-san?" she inquired.

"I believe Shosuro-san should be joining us soon. As for my own travels they were uneventful. Which, after all the Empire has been through these past decades, is all one can really ask for."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"An uneventful journey is perhaps a good one," Soon-ja agreed judiciously. "If I may ask, Bayushi-san, what part of the Scorpion lands do you hail from?"

[Doji Soon-ja]

As time passed, it seemed Soon-ja's third guest must've been delayed or otherwise occupied, so she set a small dish of wagashi sweets on the table for her guests to share, and turned to rinse the tea utensils as part of the formal ritual.

The old Crane began to prepare the tea, whisking green matcha powder into boiling water. A delicious fragrance soon began to arise from the tea. The tea bowl was first served to Masao, befitting his status, before being passed around to Ushi, then finally Soon-ja herself.

-
OOC: heard Himeko cannot make it, so going ahead with rolling so you both can benefit for later.
2LA Tea at Blue Bird House, tea ceremony for 3, Void/Tea Ceremony +Void Point +Status TN20: 9d10o10k4+2 33
Everyone regains 2 Void!

[Kakita Masao]

Masao is content to contribute little to conversation and simply absorb the entire experience of the tea ceremony, benefiting from Soon-ja's great expertise. The contented silence even reigns in Masao's head, a most welcome surprise after other parts of his day.

[Bayushi Ushi]

"An uneventful journey is perhaps a good one," Soon-ja agreed judiciously. "If I may ask, Bayushi-san, what part of the Scorpion lands do you hail from?"

The mask nods again, "I have served throughout the lands of my clan but I was born near Shimomura."

Ushi politely participates in the ceremony. The mask is even slid slightly up to savor the tea though the fine lips revealed, pale and untouched by sun, do little to answer any questions about gender.

"Thank you, Doji-sama, a wonderful blend and a wonderful showing."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"I have heard of Shimomura, but confess I know little about it," Soon-ja said conversationally. "It is in the Chuuou province, isn't it? What is it like there?"

[Bayushi Ushi]

"It is indeed. It is a rich area of forests and farmlands while also catering to travelers between our lands and yours. Not so rich as Ryoko Owari, of course, but also with fewer... unpleasantries to its reputation."

[Kakita Masao]

Masao continues to attend but not carry any part of the conversation. He is pleased that the Scorpion is behaving, but even more so that here's actually enjoying hearing what the Scorpion has to say.

[Doji Soon-ja]

"It is indeed. It is a rich area of forests and farmlands while also catering to travelers between our lands and yours. Not so rich as Ryoko Owari, of course, but also with fewer... unpleasantries to its reputation."

"It sounds like a lovely area," Soon-ja commented. "Do you have much family in Shimomura, Bayushi-san? Children, perhaps?"

[Bayushi Ushi]

The mask shakes its head, "No children. Extended family still live there but that is all."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Ahh, only extended family?" Soon-ja asked, one eyebrow raised. "Is it possible that Bayushi-san is still unmarried? That might be something we could help with, if so."

[Bayushi Ushi]

The mask shakes a negative, "My lords have not yet seen fit to assign me a spouse. I'm sure they would at least take any offers from the Crane into consideration."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"What are your thoughts on the matter, Bayushi-san?" Soon-ja inquired, probing a little. "Do you have any preferences on finding a spouse? That is, if it's something you hope to see in your future at all?"

[Bayushi Ushi]

A slight motion from the cloak that might suggest a shrug, "I have always been most devoted to duty. If my lords decide my duty includes marriage then it shall be so, if not then not. I never gave it much thought beyond that."

[Doji Soon-ja]

"Duty is important," Soon-ja said, nodding agreeably. "May I ask, what sorts of duties are Bayushi-san responsible for? I must admit, I do not have a very clear idea of Bayushi-san's role among the Scorpion."