Wedding at Fire Shrimp Village an L5R PbP

Ahh the training yard, he had a lot of fond memories here. Well fond now, some were pretty rough at the time. Gunso Basho was a tough old bastard but he was fair and he cared more than he let on. Daichi had been put through the ringer here during his pre gempukku training but it had made him the samurai he was today, so he didn't mind it too much.

Today he was there to keep his skills sharp, just cause he was on vacation didn't mean he didn't need to constantly improve himself. Daichi lacked many qualities some look for in a samurai, dedication was not one of them. Refreshed and energized he took to the field a bit away from other training groups and ran through some kata using his own tetsubo. He wielded the large weapon with an ease and fluidity born of practice. It was strangely graceful in its Savage power as the solid chunk of studded iron whistled through the air.

Having asked around about a bit of space to practice her meager skills, and having been directed thither, the slim, slight figure of Kakita Yuuwaku makes for a quiet-ish corner of the training yard. Eyes follow her, of course; the brighter colors of her kimono attract attention, as does the sinewy grace with which she walks. And the stature among such titans of men and women...but Yuuwaku is accustomed to having the gazes of people on her. She is a performer, after all; she could scarcely do well were she not, and she does well, indeed.

When she finds a spot--one not too far removed from a large Crab wielding a tetsubo, as it happens--she draws her wakizashi. It is clear she has not got much skill, of course; even a casual glance at her hands will show that she does not have the heavy calluses of a bushi. But it is also clear that she takes her practice, amateurish as it is, seriously. Any samurai might have to wield the wakizashi, after all, and it would not do to do so poorly.

As Daichi finished a flourish at the end of his kata he picked up on the Crane easy enough. She stood out among all the burly Crab warriors, hell she was more thin than even the Hiruma that dotted the training ground and brightly colored.

Daichi had discarded his top covering sometime around his third go through the kata to help cool off. He used it to wipe sweat from his brow as he watched the Crane go through her movements. She was clearly no warrior but he gave her credit for trying.

He approached the woman his massive and thoroughly muscled body, dotted and streaked with scars in various states of healing, was likely more than a little intimidating especially paired with his unnatural mismatched eyes. But the smile on his lips was inviting enough "Ill give you this, you know how to control your body. Don't think you'll make a great swordsman one day but you at least understand proper balance and control."

Yuuwaku looks up--and up, and up--at the craggy mountain of a man and, after a heartbeat's hesitation at the eyes, smiles.

"I'm a student on the other side of the Academy than the sword, but a few lessons came over."

And then she bows, the motion fluid and sure. "Kakita Yuuwaku, from Tsuma. And I am grateful to be here" she says as she straightens.

Daichi regarded her for a few moments "A dancer then. No other performance nor courtier training would require that much grace and body mastery." he nodded and then bowed a little his smile bright "Hida Daichi, brother of the groom and currently feeling thankful I chose this time to come to the training grounds." he finished with a wink to the beautiful Crane.

He set his tetsubo into the ground and leaned on it a bit "So Kakita-sama, here to perform for the wedding or just solidarity with a clanmate?"

"Congratulations, then, to you and your family," Yuuwaku replies, "not least because they have so discerning a son as you. Yes, I am a dancer by training, and here as a member of the Academy to witness the blessed event. Your soon-to-be sister-in-law is also a graduate of the Academy, and the sensei thought it fitting that there be a presence here to see her enter wedded bliss.

"And, if you and your brother favor, it seems Daidoji-senpai will have much happiness coming her way."

"I may not be a scholar or genius but I have sharp eyes and notice a lot of details." He said grinning a little "But a Kakita trained dancer is something I haven't had the pleasure of seeing, much less one that's so easy on the eyes. I should be honored to see you perform sometime." He said as his grin turned a shade mischievous.

"My brother and I are two entirely different beasts, he's more the strong silent type but he's got a good heart under all that muscle."

You're not so bad, either, aside from the eye, Yuuwaku thinks.

The mischief in her grin matches his as she replies. "Are you possessed of a bad heart, then?" She gives a puff of laughter to mark the comment as a joke, and continues.

"I expect I'll have opportunity to perform here, even if only as an impromptu thing. I could hope to see you in the audience when I do."

She puts a hand on her hip. "And I couldn't help but notice your own practice. Makes me feel safer, knowing you are here to help protect us all."

"I've had people tell me I do, in fact, have a bad heart. But its really just a free spirit, I struggle with rules. Which, in our society, can be a bit problematic. I've been called a menace and a hero depending on the situation." His mismatched eyes gleamed playfully as he looked down to yuuwaku.

"And rest your worried heart Kakita-san the worst we get out here in Fire Shrimp are tales of haunted beaches and the occasional bandit. But should you ever feel scared and in need of protection you're welcome to come find me. The night can be so frightening sometimes."

Yuuwaku chuckles lightly at the ribbing.

"Given how Hida-san handles his tetsubo, I have no doubt that he would be a comfort in the night. But what of the beaches? Tales of hauntings and the like are always so thrilling--and I do so love a thrill."

"Oh have you not heard Kakita-san? It is rumor spirits stalk the beach at night along with other dark things that drag themselves from the shadows. Perhaps one evening we can go to the beach around sunset, sometimes you'll get an early ghost battle or something. Though best not to be there after sundown!" He exclaimed his rich baritone voice full of amusement.

"I'm new in town and haven't had the chance to hear all of the best stories, Hida-san." She smiles broadly up at him. "Makes me all the happier to have run into you. And I might well take you up on that invitation in a couple of days; would you be available [early evening of Day 3]? I understand that it's a busy time, and I imagine you have duties as brother to the groom."

"Hai I'd be available though I recommend a little later in the evening (late evening) if Kakita-san is looking for a more thrilling atmosphere. Sunset is the earliest I've heard stories of people seeing or hearing anything. Though if you're just looking to have fun on the beach I'm open to that as well."

"I've heard it said that sandy beaches are a crab's favorite home. I'm sure it will be a lovely time--as duty permits, of course," Yuuwaku is sure to add. "Although if I cannot attend, I shall certainly send a runner with my regrets. And they would be many, to miss out on your company of an evening."

"I dont know about my favorite home but its a pretty good one as far as beaches are concerned! Should you find yourself busy Kakita-san let me know and I'll move things around. I feel I could be rather flexible for you should the need present itself. You seem an interesting one Kakita-san, I look forward to delving into you a bit more thoroughly."

Yuuwaku cannot help but chuckle at that.

"I think you'd find surprising depths. Or perhaps I'd find myself emulating the Dragon and climbing a tall mountain."

She winks at him.

"Until then, then?"

(/scene?)

"Until then Kakita-san, enjoy the rest of your training feel free to stick around and watch how real warriors practice." He said returning her wink as he moved back to his area and went on moving through kata, a keen observer might note he had a bit more gusto than before....

(/Scene)

(Thank you! And I have the time blocked out on my calendar.)

(Likewise!)