Dark Edge Village

The room on the ground floor is sparse, almost bare. A pair of tatami make up the floor, there is a traditional low table in the centre. Nothing hangs on the walls to brighten the space. There is, however, a tea set on the table. It is not particularly private, but it is out of the sun, and that alone makes it somewhat pleasant.

Amaya is seated at the table, feet tucked neatly under her. She is examining the tea selection.

Nintoku had never woke up with a hangover as strong as the one he had right now. He had already purged what he felt was the food of the past four days and his throat and lips were so dry that only through submerging his head in a barrel.

He made his way to the date he had scheduled the day before with the petite Ide. Once he spotted her he moved towards her, greeting her politely "Ide-san."

She got lightly to her feet and bowed for him, "Matsu-Sama, I'm so glad you could..." she trailed off to see the Lion's pale countenance and frowned. "Matsu-Sama, are you quite well? Here, allow me to help you sit, and then I will make tea."

He dismissed her concern with a hand waive "Don't worry Ide-san." he reassured her and nod "Merely a migraine that will quickly be cured with tea."

A migraine that felt like a thousand knifes piercing his brains but a migraine never the less.

She was clearly worried, and held one hand out in case the Lion chose to use it to aid his balance, but she took care not to touch him without invitation.

His balance was fine and he managed to take his seated with much effort; he did, however, thank the Ide with a grateful nod for her offer of help. "I hope I didn't make you wait too much."

"Not at all." She favoured him with a soft smile and re-seated herself. Taking the teapot, she drew the tea chest towards her and began to expertly combine the available ingredients: a scoop of this, a pinch of that, some dried flowers. The scent of of ginger and chamomile rises as she pours hot water over the blend.

The scent of the drink is very soothing and for the briefest of moments he feels his migraine leave. "The scent is excellent" he compliments her once she finishes "Is tea ceremony popular among the Ide?"

"No," she answers, "I believe this is a Rokugani blend, provided by Dabo-Sama for the use of guests. But I did add a few things: chamomile for your headache and ginger, which is soothing to the stomach."

The Matsu wasn't surprised that the Ide knew his malaise was the result of a night getting acquainted with kumis. He nodded and took a small sip, his body warming up as the healing draught went down his throat.

"It is very good Ide-san." his tone as warm as the tea "This is sure to soothe my body."

Blushing lightly at his tone, "you honour me, Matsu-San, it is but simple tea." She, in fact, had not heard so much as a whisper about what had transpired the night before. She had risen early to meet an appointment, and gone directly to the Western Fields for the egg hunt afterwards. But she was kind and observant, and had thought the pallor of his face might have meant nausea.

She sips from her own cup and watches the Lion through her eyelashes as he drinks. "Did you partake in any of the bariqu yesterday?"

"Bariku?" his gaze was inquisitive "Was there wrestling yesterday? I must have missed it."

She smiles, "where there is Butaj, there is wrestling. And if you missed it, then I am not sorry to have missed it myself."

"You are not accompanied by an animal companion, like some of your brethren?"

Her words made his cheeks blush slightly "Soon I will fight Moto-san. I hope you have a chance to see it."

He shook his head "No, my two cousins here are beastmasters." he explained "They work their whole life together with the Lion warcats creating an almost familiar bond between each other."

"I myself am a Berserker of the Matsu. We are the lifeblood of the Empire's armies."

"I certainly hope so myself, your effort against the Mantis woman was... striking," she concluded, diplomatically. "But tell me, is there more to Matsu-Sama's day than fighting? or perhaps you train from the moment you awake until you fall into your bedding again at night?" There is nothing teasing in her tone, only genuine curiosity. She sips her tea.