Wedding at Fire Shrimp Village an L5R PbP

Soon enough, there'd be a great party thrown by the Crab and Shitoru wished to not reek as if he'd spent hours at the beach pushing his technique toward new limits. Settling down for a proper scrubbing the Bayushi took off his mask and washed his face first, so he could put it back on and continue afterward.

Saisei prepares to bathe in now, knowing all too well he might have to come here in the following day as soon as Lady Sun rises up. The party tonight has been something repeated over and over as odd and even dangerous affair for those not entirely accustomed to the way of the Crab. He folds his clothes neatly, takes a bucket and a stool, and begins pouring some water over before dipping into the bath proper.

After some scrubbing in silence, he says to the other man, already knowing the answer but trying to put face/mask to name, "Good evening. I am Otomo Saisei. Are you a resident or a guest?"

Another in the bath house was no matter, but Shitoru had to admit that the man who joined him was noticeable. He guessed a girl would be quite pleased to meet a young man with skin like that. Well, a boy in this one's case, they were quite young, yet carried themselves with decorum.

Shitoru figured they might be new to their wakizashi.

The Scorpion returned the greeting with a bow. "As one might tell it from looking, this one is a guest. Bayushi Shitoru, at your service, samurai-sama." He stood up after risnsing off. "And yourself? I wager you traveled far indeed to arrive here."

"If you don't live here, this is kind of very far away from almost everyone else in the Empire." He mentions while scrubbing, and adds the requested reply, "I've sailed from Otosan Uchi here with a crew of the Mantis. Quite the interesting personalities."

Then, he rises and before entering the pool provides a courteous bow to the Scorpion.

"To be true, distances are great in all directions from Crab lands", he agreed as he sank into the bathing pool. He was about to speak on it more, but was overcome with a sigh of relief instead. With a slight chuckle he leaned back and continued on. "Yet Otosan Uichi is a great more underfoot or by sail than where I've hailed from, Otomo-sama, ne?"

"So, where exactly is Bayushi-san from –– Ryoko Owari Toshi?" Saisei mentions, smiling at the other man's reaction to the warm water.

"Fine the City of Stories may be, but this one does not reside there. My family are banner vassals to the Lord of Blackened Sight, and there this one makes their home", Shitoru informed. "It sits on rather high hill, overlooking the road through unaligned lands that lead to Kyuden Hida. From the high tower one can catch a glimpse of the Shinomen Mori on a clear day."

The Otomo tries to create the a mental image of the description the Scorpion provides. With a few nods, he says, "It should be a rather amazing view. The Shinomen Forest, and to be the northern 'observatory'' to this entrance into the south of the Empire."

"Well in truth, the road is less used in present days, since Zakyo Toshi has shifted more trade to the river", Shitoru admitted. "Though caravans and the like still visit, and the occasional bandit party hidden away in the forest. Though one admits that during autumn the fog that rolls off the woods is both beautiful and ominous."

"I'll try to make arrangements to meet that place in autumn, if duty permits me so. Which might be years ahead of me, wanting the Fortunes. Ominous and beautiful are words that when together, shouldn't be missed." The Otomo says, and stretches his arms for a moment, asking, "Bayushi-san has met others around town of interest –– perhaps those of the Scorpion delegation that are of note?"

He shifted his mask a little, by it's chin. "I have met some of my kin here, and some along the way. Was Otomo-sama looking for an acquaintance?"

He shakes his head, "Iie. Just rather curious. As assistant to the nakodo, I have a list of many of the invitees, and would be a good thing to know that everyone has arrived safe and sound."

"So far as this one knows, the Scorpion who traveled to this village did so safely. Three of us there are. Shosuro Himeko, a beautiful woman and artist of dance, as well as Bayushi Ushi a minor warrior and courtier from my understanding. Then myself."

"Assistant to the nakodo, you say?" an appreciative nod. "Is Otomo-sama training to take up such a mantle?"

"I look forward to meet all of you. I confess the Scorpion has this air of mystery that one just gets challenged to uncover." He says, providing a slight shrug a moment after, "I am not sure. It would be an honor, of course, if Yusuke-sama recommends me for the role. Yet, I should serve where it is thought I do better."

Is that some sort of compliment?

"Otomo-sama is most kind, and this one looks forward to unraveling your mysteries as well should the need arise", he nodded. "Though as one serves where ever is needed without question as a given, aside the honor of such recommendation is the duty of nakodo one Otomo-sama finds he is suited for?"

He shakes his head negatively and says, "It's no mystery to find more about me. All Bayushi-san needs to do is ask. Either me or my master. Now, I am not so sure I am the best fit to become a nakodo. It is something I am trying to figure out. Speaking of which: what is Bayushi-san's specialty?"

"I serve my lord as a swordsman, when he summons me it is for that purpose...well, save for this duty", he chuckled. "I ask myself what I am doing here, but there are other Scorpion who might need my services, and despite a lack of practice I am not unable to hold conversation."

His eyes glint a bit to that, "So, Bayushi-san is a duelist. Wow! Forgive my admiration. I have always watched the duels happening nearby the Imperial Palace. They're fascinating."

"They are rare in my case, the lord of the castle keeps friends and few aggressive visitors", he admitted. "Though i train for the days i am needed." A thankful nod. "Are there often contests in the capital?"

"There were far too many, actually. Today, gladly not as much." He says, reminding himself that many Imperials went rogue with the last war and definitions often ended in dueling and seppuku. The young man looks to his wrinkled fingers and says, "Bayushi-san. It has indeed been an honor. I hope to meet you in the following days so we can talk more, perhaps during tea. If so he wishes."