[Day 0, Mid-Afternoon] Scorpions in the Sand

[Bayushi Choudai]

"He had to have been pleased to hear you were invited to complete your training in a dojo with wider prestige. But does that mean..."

Choudai frowned, feeling for the younger Scorpion. His own gempukku had been among his fellow Scorpion, all traditional and straightforward.

"Forgive me, I assume there were enough other Scorpion at the dojo to afford you a proper gempukku?"

[Bayushi Ameiko]

"Oh, yes, there was a Shosuro student, from Butei if i recall, and one of the sensei was a kouhai of my uncle during their training years, he fulfilled the necessary role for tradition's sake", Ameiko said. "Though despite the prestige involved, in name, it was not such in practice. Our gempukku was one of shame, if I were to be asked. The matters of drama and vile evil that transpired in that place were unworthy of those who attended."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Sounds like an interesting story... if Bayushi-san wishes to share, of course."

I see debacles have been the rule of the day.

[Bayushi Ameiko]

She shook her head. "A traitor wielding dark arts came to the dojo demanding blood. It was given amongst some drama between estranged siblings, I admit I do not understand it all, the instructors hid us but in the end we witnessed a duel between two ronin for the sake of our lives. I will never allow myself to be so helpless again.". Her teeth were grinding.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Choudai sighed.

"You were a child then, Bayushi-san. You are a samurai now."

Reassuring horseshit, as far as it went- Choudai had been helpless plenty of times in his adult life. Being sent to do a butei's job while other, better bushi died in heaps for a war they hadn't even been meant to win. Seeing Hatsuku wed to another. Watching those things carry Shosuro Chizuru off while he fled with a badly injured Hatsuki. And on. And on.

But the illusion of control was plainly important to Ameiko, and he wasn't about to try to take it away from her.

[Bayushi Ameiko]

"well", she breathed. "Enough of that." The girl straightened up. "I have to eventually attend some matter or another, as I'm certain you do as well. Though in your wanderings of this village you find a kite maker, let me know. I have use for them.,"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Oh?"

He looked down at the sand.

"I'm no expert, but... I know a bit about making a kite..."

[Bayushi Ameiko]

"Well, if you'd ever like to impress an Otomo of high standing within the capital, make your finest and come see me later", she said with a bow.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Fucking Imperials.

The thought combined exasperation and admiration.

"Any styling requests, or should I indulge myself?"

[Bayushi Ameiko]

"Feel free to indulge yourself, but something quaint would be a nice touch for this town", she said and gave a final nod before taking her leave.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Be seeing you, Bayushi-san."

Choudai had a last look around the sand garden, then shrugged and likewise made his exit.

[/scene, barring shenanigans]