(D14, EE) Thank you, Crab.

[Soshi Eiji]

After the Bowman's Wager, Eiji made his way to the Crab house. He didn't have an appointment. Instead, he announced to the receptionist that he wished to offer both his and his delegation's heartfelt thanks to the Crab and to discuss tomorrow's debate. If any could see him, it would be appreciated, if not, he understood and would simply leave his words of thanks.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Konbanwa, Soshi-san," said Yasuki Ryoichi as he bowed and welcomed Eiji into the common area of Crab House. "Please come in; I'm glad you stopped by. How are you doing tonight?"

[Soshi Eiji]

"Konbanwa, Soshi-san," said Yasuki Ryoichi as he bowed and welcomed Eiji into the common area of Crab House. "Please come in; I'm glad you stopped by. How are you doing tonight?"

Eiji bowed to Ryoichi.

"Good evening, Yasuki-san, I am doing quite well. I hope this evening finds you in good spirits as well." he offered politely.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Good evening, Yasuki-san, I am doing quite well. I hope this evening finds you in good spirits as well." he offered politely.

"I am well enough, Soshi-san," the Yasuki said, bobbing his head politely at the question. "Perhaps you would like to join me for some tea?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji bowed.

"Of coure, Yasuki-san, that would be a nice way to spend some time." he agreed.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Leading Eiji into a sitting area, Ryoichi bustled about fixing tea for the two of them.

"So how have the final days of Court been treating Soshi-san?" Ryoichi inquired politely. "It looks like quite a few Scorpion treaties have passed through the Court."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji grinned at that.

"Well, perhaps not with the speed the you struck the courts, Yasuki-san, but we've met our needs for the year, and have struck accords that should leave the clan peaceful and prosporous in the coming year." he offered.

"Hopefully, you had a chance to enjoy some of the diversions of the Kyuden, having completed all your clan business in record time."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Alas, I'm afraid my duties at court have not allowed much time for sightseeing, save for one ... unexpected trip down to Ryoko Owari," Ryoichi admitted as he poured tea for both of them. "I only have taken a peek into the markets and into the great temple here. Are there 'diversions' that Soshi-san would recommend? I still have a couple days where I might be able to visit them."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji considered that.

"Hmm, well, I would suppose that depends on your interests and tastes, Yasuki-sama. The Copper Hills Teahouse is very refined, but the owner has no love for Crab nor Scorpion so it somewhat both sours the experience and leaves an even bigger hole in your coin purse. The Old Man's Stump is the opposite of refined with a very rough crowd, but some swear that makes the sake taste more 'authentic.' The Golden Noodle is quite a nice little vendor in the marketplace, not to mention the tea house that reads 'Simple Over Tea'...not the intended name, but that's what it is. And of course, being a Kyuden there's far more than just those availble. What sort of things interest you, Yasuki-san?" he offered.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I've enjoyed the Old Man's Stump and the Copper Hills Teahouse so far," Ryoichi said, nodding. "Though part of that was the company, perhaps. The Old Man's Stump is certainly more .... authentic, in its way. I'll have to try this Golden Noodle, it sounds good!"

"As for what interests me...," the Yasuki pondered. "Well, it would be nice to see things that I wouldn't likely see in Crab lands, just to say I've seen them. I've seen the Ikoma Library, but only from the outside. Perhaps other landmarks or famous places, if there are any."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji considered that.

"Well, truthfully Yasuki-san, Kyuden Ikoma is somewhat utilitarian in appearance, but for good reason. We don't have the Doji gardens, or a giant wall, but that's because this is the home of the Ikoma bards. The chief form of diversion is in telling stories about the glory of the Lion. For that, little distraction is wanted so you can better picture the scene they are describing. If you're telling a truly gripping tale of honor and valor, and have a brightly colored bird suddenly fly into, the illusion is somewhat shattered." he offered.

"However, if you've only peeked at the markets, there is at least one craftsperson there that you'll not likely find in the lands of the Crab. One might be tempted to say that their works are made with more enthusiasm than skill, but they are certainly unique, even here." he offered.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Is that so?" Ryoichi asked, his interest piqued. "What sort of craftsperson is this? I should like to bring back something from Kyuden Ikoma that is not something commonly seen in the Yasuki provinces."

[Soshi Eiji]

"Well, while they do tend to dabble in a variety of mediums, I would classify them as primarily a potter/sculptor. Their vision is certainly bold, oftentimes trying to elevate simple things like jars into something more like a sculpture, rather than simply painting designs upon them." he explained.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I'd be curious to see this sculptor's work," Ryoichi commented. "Are their works displayed in Kyuden Ikoma? Or are they more of a crafter for the common folk?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji shakes his head.

"As far as I know, their works are not displayed in Kyuden Ikoma. I'm not sure I'd call them a crafter for the common folk as a whole. I think their work probably appeals more to merchants who are looking for something unusual, or samurai who favor innovation over tradition." he explains.