. Enjoy!))__________________
As the warrior stepped off the boat and onto the docks, he recalled his first, shameful trip to the western world from his homeland of Kozakura, and sighed before gracefully making his way into the port. Stepping off the docks, he caught the attention of one of the local guardsman, and bowed.
"Konnichi wa, gaijin. Forgive me for the inconvenience, but might you be able to tell me where I am?"
The slightly confused guardsman simply scratched his head. "Err, ye' be in Immurk's Hold now, easterner...west side o' the docks mind you...don't forget te' read the rules of the Hold 'fore you go any further" Satisfied with his explanation, the gaurdsmen walked off, muttering.
The easterner did not read the sign however, and thought to himself "Gaijin have standards?"
Amused, he walked off into the crowded street, a salty breeze blowing through the air. It was obvious he was of Kozakuran descent, and wore Samurai armor, outfitted with a traditional katana and wakizashi set. His head was for the most part concealed under a large straw hat, similar to those worn by rice farmers of his homeland...and he carried a long bow upon his backside. The warrior walked without any particular destination or purpose, yet, did so confidently. Such is the life of a Ronin, after all.
At about midday, he came upon a large building, labeled "The Sharktooth Tavern". Looking up at the hot sun, he decided against continuing on the stroll, and entered.
The tavern was filled with the heavy stench of alcohol and blanketed in a thick smoke. Stepping inside, the easterner surveyed the various patron's sitting about, most of which were drunk, laughing, and sharing tales of their recent exploits upon the Isles.
He casually made his way to the bar, and placed a few dragoon's upon the counter. The bartender was a colorful dwarven character in what appeared to be a skirt of some kind. Amused with the sight of the dwarf, the Easterner smiled politely.
"Aye? The name's Falingur. What can I get fer ye' lad?" asked the dwarf.
"Konnichi wa, Falingur-kun. I do not suppose you have tea readily available?"
The dwarf nodded and began making the man's tea, shooting him the occasional suspicious glance, a look all too familiar to the Kozakuran. After a few moments, the dwarf handed the man his tea and scooped up the coins.
"Arigatou, gaijin. Jaa mata" stated the Ronin.
He carried his drink over to an unoccupied table and seated himself, after removing his bow and quiver and placing them neatly beside him. Taking a sip of the hot tea, he rubbed a hand over his weathered and beaten face, before surveying the tavern again. This time something caught his eye. Across the way sat another man of eastern descent, his face equally concealed by a straw hat, however, he was dressed in a vibrant Kimono, and carried a large staff which was propped against the table. He appeared to be in discussion with a young female, fitted with leathers and a bow and quiver of her own.
Continuing to sip his tea, he allowed his eyes to move elsewhere, though they occasionally drifted back to the man in the Kimono. After awhile, yet another individual caught his eyes.
A young male who apepared to be of gaijin-blood entered the tavern, dressed in the armor of a Samurai, and made his way to the bar. Outraged by this display, the Ronin's hands began to clench into fists, glaring at the disgraceful gaijin as if to catch his attention.
"How dare this savage show such dishonor to my people?!" the Ronin thought as he looked on from across the room. He noticed some movement and glanced back at the woman speaking with the vibrant Kozakuran, who then stood up and made her way to the bar in turn. Taking one last look with a frown in the direction of the dishonorable gaijin, the warrior stood up as well, and slowly made his way over to the second Kozakuran, leaving his tea and belongings at the table.
Giving a slight bow, he addressed his kin in their tongue. "Konnichi wa, brother. Perhaps I could join you?" he asked, beckoning to the seat. The other man simply nodded with a slight smile, and studied the Ronin for a great deal of time before speaking.
"Hai brother, konnichi wa. I take it you are not from around here?"
