[Day 0 - Mid Evening] Ebisu's Blessing

[Sutorenja]

"You do me too much honor, Bayushi-san, I accept gladly," she said warmly.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"Thank you, Sutorenja-san." she accepted the gourd. "As I know more, I will inform you. Hopefully, we will have opportunities to speak of better things."

[Bayushi Shitoru]

That having been Shitoru's intent from the beginning, he bowed slightly to the Monkey samurai. "Then please join us for a drink and conversation in Fire Shrimp village. It would be this humble servant's honor to treat two ladies."

[Sutorenja]

Being referred to as a lady brought a smile to her lips despite the dark subject that just passed. She said with a gesture to a gathering of Sparrow and peasants, “The Sparrow have made some grilled yams if you want some, sweet and filling.”

[Bayushi Shitoru]

Ah, hospitality...

Shitoru nodded and accompanied the two. He did not seem cruel in his gaze, but he kept himself to a proper position as expected.

"The fare of farmers is a rustic diversion from the road, and welcome. My thanks." He bowed to whichever toothless grandmothers was serving the yams.

There, that was full of etiquette, now wasn't it?

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"I have been looking forward to this." Hifumi smiled. "One of the better parts of my wanderings is the opportunity to sample different foods from different regions."

The monkey chattered.

"Yes, Dango, you can try some of mine."

[Bayushi Shitoru]

"As a man from Blackened Sight, even living as a soldier, I cannot pretend to know what to expect", Shitoru said in answer to Mifumi's anticipation. He found a rock and offered the seat to the Monkey samurai. "If you've traveled much, you will need to regale this one with a review from your cultured palate."

[Dapper Dog]

The Sparrow are glad to share their grilled yams with the samurai.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"I am sure there are many with a more refined palate." she laughed. "But, I've grown to to enjoy many of the simple foods others might overlook. A good millet porridge can be found in Lion lands."

[Sutorenja]

Sutorenja said, "Living on the road has taught me that anything is better than dry rations."

[Bayushi Shitoru]

"I've never really traveled until now, only field excercises have brought dry food to my lips", he said, not proudly, only making conversation. It probably sounded quite great clan however.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"Rations are fine." The Monkey shrugged. "But, foraging for mushrooms and wild onion can be very satisfying."

[Bayushi Shitoru]

"I do not fair much experience in that", Shitoru admitted as he ate. The food went into the mask, somehow. "I could fish I suppose, I was taught that much. How long have you traveled that you need forage for meals?"

[Sutorenja]

The ronin was curious as well she could see the Sparrow were living rustic, but was this the state of every Minor Clan?

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"Several months." she answered. "At home, I would not need to do such, of course, but on the road, fishing, hunting and foraging can be invaluable, especially when you have a companion like Dango."

[Bayushi Shitoru]

"I don't imagine he helps gather food in the wild", Shitoru guessed, looking at the little rogue.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"Not for me." she laughed. "He will go find himself food, however."

[Bayushi Shitoru]

"Clever creatures", the Scorpion observed. "How did you end up with such a companion?"

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"He stole my dango." she shrugged.

[Bayushi Shitoru]

"..."

Shitoru managed not to chortle. Somehow.

"And now he has become your dango. I see."

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"He started to follow me and it seemed fitting." she nodded. The monkey began chattering and Hifumi calmed him with an offering of yam.

[Bayushi Shitoru]

"A traveling companion that feeds themselves is good", he nodded. "And Dango seemed quite distressed at your condition earlier, a proper accord, then. Do you have any interests beyond the namesake of your clan and divining?"

[Sutorenja]

Sutorenja was amazed but had nothing to add.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"He is distressed when I am." she pet the animal's head. "And, when he's hungry, or tired, or bored. As for myself, I enjoy my travels. Beyond whatever else I am meant to witness, I like exploring and learning about the Empire and its people."

[Bayushi Shitoru]

"Exploration, a noble endeavor", Shitoru seemed pleased. "Learning of folk beyond the prejudice born of age old conflicts is a rare pursuit."