01: Arrival at Tsuma

Suteko looks noticeably annoyed as she wipes whatever small bunch dirt or mud was on her clothing. As the Unicorn, she initially ignores the peasant, but she doesn't walk away from him, especially when the Dragon starts talking. Once again, she doesn't try to hide how bothered she is about the whole situation.

"Typical of a Dragon, to take a decision for the group. Without consulting them." She speaks, her cold stare showing not much more than disapproval and contempt. She takes another look at the old man, as if she's judging his worthiness. She isn't, in actuality. She wouldn't mind having him join them that much assuming that she had a say. Even then, proudness aside, there is his cart to consider. Won't it slow us down?

But, it's not like there's a huge benefit in us reaching the town early. Plus, the old man does look particularly miserable. Maybe their presence would help him.

With a defeated, loud sigh, she stares at Yoshi in particular, the Dragon. "But very well. Assuming that everyone agrees, there's no reason for the rōjin to not come with us." She purposefully raises her tone to make the other members of the group aware of the situation and shoots a glare to both the Phoenix and the Unicorn — Aki, and Kashita — to gauge their reactions. She doesn't worry too much about Kyo, but both the girls are the ones that may show some resistance to the idea. That's what she thinks, at least.

Kashita recoils internally at the Lion's shooting glare. She feels her eyebrow twitch as if to frown, and she schools her face to serenity.

Her formidable grandmothers words echo in her head. Consider ever the tenets of Bushido, young Kashita. You will be well served by Courtesy, in ways that you can never fully appreciate. She considers her actions, foregoing her own rights of station to assist her companions.

Her thoughts upon her grandmother, Otaku Kamoko, who died... at the hands of a Matsu, if rumours were true.

She bows her head lightly to the Lion, as if in acknowledgement of a thank you.

Aki's gaze turns to the river. Doji Satsume?, she thinks. This old peasant could not have seen the champion here. It is impossible. Or is it really?
She steps forward, right to the edge of the river and takes a respectful bow towards it. Closing her eyes and clearing her mind, she reaches out to the water, not physically but spiritually. The other samurai, the cart and peasant - they all seem to disappear around her until the only thing she still perceives is the river before her. It is thinkable that the man has truly seen something here. Aki doubts that it truly was the deceased master, but it could have been a spirit, maybe playing a trick on him, maybe trying to tell him something.

Yoshi looks at Matsu and bows with courtesy and respect. I shall refrain from my actions my good lady, as you are correct, the earth is still. Should we follow this good man's suggestion? Some tea to clean the mind and rest the body after this long travel would be an excellent idea.

After studying the parchment for a moment, Aki will open her scroll container and place the paper inside. She doesn't do it quite openly but she will not actively hide it from anyone who is watching her.
It was the Kami that wanted me to see this. There must be a reason to their action that I don't understand yet. I will take it to the master myself.
She will bow to the water again to thank the spirits before turning back to the group.

Kashita stares at the Phoenix, attempting to fathom her intent. Tea, here? "Isawa-san. While I share your admiration for this picturesque setting," she waves her hand elegantly at the lake, "Are you certain you might not want to arrive at Tsuma soonest? An omen regarding Kakita-sama may presage some urgency about our encounter with him?"

"Be it as it may—" Interjects Suteko on the matter over drinking tea, as she shoots a quick glance at the Phoenix who seems to be doing something to the river. She also acknowledges the Unicorn's nod with a small, satisfied grin. " I am in the opinion that we have plenty of time to talk this over as we make our way to Tsuma. So!" She says with a quick stomp against the ground as so we won't delay any further.

Doing a good deed is fine, offering the rōjin the honor of our presence is also fine, and while we don't really have any reason to rush, all this meaningless talk is starting to get on Suteko's nerves, her eyes squinching as they, eventually, start to resume their travel, in apathy. Once the feeling of wasting time washes over her heart, she will offer a comment on this business of the Red Lotus. "Tea is fine. I don't mind tea. But a true predator doesn't go for rabbits. It doesn't seek to simply satiate their thirst or hunger, but to bathe in its prey." She lowers her piercing gaze to the floor. "Won't a Sake House offer much more?"

"Water satiates the body, but it is tea quenches the fire of the soul, sake well... does the earth shake and the wind blows as the void is emptied?" Yoshi thinks to himself "That phoenix shugenja... Isawa was it? I can see that she is a woman of earthly taste (as in the ring not *that*) and unshakable tranquility". Deep in his thoughts, Yoshi quickly forgets about Isawa's "suspicious" actions by the river.
Walking next to the old man, Yoshi keeps the conversation going until they arrive at Tsuma's gates (for the great dismay of Suteko and Utako). "I have heard rumors of the passing of your master, Doji-sama. Is there any truth to be listed?"