[x] Cannongerbil
Evening is quite some time away, and while you should keep the dinner in mind it is not an especially pressing concern right now. So long as you give yourself enough opportunity to clean up and get ready you'll be fine. Half the reason for traveling is to see the sights, after all. It would be a shame if you did not indulge a little while you have the chance.
You turn to your comrades. Shasa is busy collecting what luggage she requires from her saddlebags, and Shirou is helping the servants carry things inside. You approach both of them, a smile on your face.
"It seems we have some time to explore this grand city," you say. "I plan to take advantage of this. Would either of you care to join me?"
"I would be happy to!" Shirou says, grinning. "As I said on the way here, I'm looking forward to what we might discover."
"I'm afraid I will have to pass for now," Shasa says. "I wish to properly rest up for the dinner tonight, and since we are not staying in the castle I wish to be on hand in case Yasuki-sama requires aid beyond what the Ashigaru can provide."
You nod. It is a good reason, and in your excitement it slipped your mind that this time around you are not housed within a fortified castle for protection. Yasuki Goro will need at least one of his guardians close by. It is, after all, the reason you and Shasa are Yojimbo.
However, your lord also has two Yojimbo for precisely this occurrence. When one is away, the other can stand guard. In this manner it helps prevent ennui and monotony from dulling the senses and perhaps slowing your reactions should you require swiftness.
"You are correct, of course," you say, bowing to her. "I should have considered such before asking my question. I apologize."
"There is nothing to apologize for, Sosuke-san," Shasa replies. She smiles at you, making her look even more beautiful than she normally does. "You are merely excited to see what this city has to offer. I understand."
"I would not deny you the wonders of Kyuden Ikoma, Shasa-san," you respond as you straighten, taking great care to keep from blushing. "We can switch later, and I will stand guard to give you an opportunity."
"My thanks, Sosuke-san," she says, smiling wider. This time you cannot stop a hint of redness from showing on your cheeks. "I appreciate your graciousness, and will be sure to take you up on that offer."
She bows to you, and then heads inside of the inn. You stare after her for a second, and then shake your head to clear it. You look toward the wagon, where Shirou has been standing with his back turned, apparently for the entire conversation you had with Shasa.
You smile in relief, glad that he did not observe your lapse of composure. It was slight, but even still it grates on you when it happens. Shasa… She makes you feel strange at times, uncomfortable even. But it is almost like a good discomfort, though that makes no sense at all.
I'm going to need to ask someone about this, one of these days, you think to yourself as you grab your bag off of your horse. You head inside 'The Stalking Lion', where a helpful servant leads you to your room on the third floor. It is directly adjacent Yasuki Goro's, which is perfect for you.
The room is well furnished, with a large bed and a wide rug upon the floor, but pales in comparison to the opulence of Kyuden Bayushi. In truth, you find that to be a good thing. The glitter of the Scorpion castle was distracting, meant to disorientate visitors. But here, there are no illusions. This is a place meant for comfort and rest, nothing else.
You stow away your luggage and head back outside. Shirou is waiting for you, arms crossed and his eyes closed. He opens them as you approach, smiling wide. He's apparently as ready as you are to get going.
"Shall we see what there is to see?" he asks, motioning a hand toward the street. "The city awaits."
[] Detail your plan for the afternoon. (Write in)
