As the sun would begin to set over the beautiful mountain range of the Land of Iron, illuminating the snowy peaks with its orange and yellow hues, Kensai Tanahashi would allow a soft smile to cross his lips. The newly named Shogun of the Land of Iron would simply appreciate the beautiful scenery around him, something that had truly been a unique experience for him. He had lived his entire life in the desert, never having a chance to wander far out of the Land of Wind. To be surrounded by such beauty and to be in the homeland of his people, the land of his ancestors, was a truly humbling experience indeed. He would hear the moan and chuff of his new friend, the large tiger rubbing at his side as Kensai would scratch him between the ears and under the chin, scanning the area to see if he could find a place to rest for the night.
”Don’t worry Tora, we’re almost done our adventure for today...”
It wouldn’t take him long to find a small outpost with a few houses and what appeared to be an inn set into the face of one of the mountains, which wasn’t something that Kensai had expected to see. He would chuckle and reach into his sarashi, wrapped expertly around the armour that was stamped with his crest, the crest of the Shogun, and pull out a tin of hand rolled cigarettes, pulling one out and lighting it as he inhaled deeply into his lungs, allowing the smoke to let his head swim before exhaling and watching it dissipate into the evening air. The two of them would make their way towards the outpost, Kensai wondering if they would say anything about the large tiger at his side, though Tora seemed to pay this no heed as he simply sauntered alongside the armour-clad samurai.
There were a few people walking around the small encampment, an older woman closing down a small stall outside of her house with the assistance of a man who appeared to be her son, a father chasing his children to try to get them back into the house for supper, and of course the Innkeeper outside sweeping the step of his inn. From the sounds and smells of things, dinner was being prepared to be served at the inn and a group of people seemed to be playing music, sounds of the Koto and Shakuhachi filling the air in a beautiful melody. The Iron Shogun’s eyes would light up as he heard this, and he would make his way towards the inn, the Innkeeper seeing him coming and giving a confused look before surprise had set in when he identified the insignia on Kensai’s armour.
”To what do I owe the pleasure, Master Tanahashi?” The Innkeeper would bow, though his eyes wouldn’t leave the large feline at Kensai’s side, something that the Samurai believed to be fair.
”We need a place to rest, and ideally some food Master Innkeeper...our Journey from the south has been long.” Kensai’s voice was strong but kind, and when he spoke the Innkeeper paused for a minute to think, likely about the logistics of potentially housing a tiger. ”My friend here likely wouldn’t mind staying outside if that is going to be an issue...he is far more used to this climate than I am.” This would draw a smile from the old Innkeeper as Tora chuffed while Kensai scratched him beneath the chin once more.
”A friend of the Shogun is a friend of mine, Lord Tanahashi. I wouldn’t dream of turning away any distinguished guests such as yourselves. I will...tell...the other patrons so that you don’t startle them. Feel free to make your way into the tavern if you wish, we will have fish served shortly, or if you’d prefer I can have your room made up quickly so you can retire.” Kensai would shake his head as he spoke the second option.
”No need to rush it, I could certainly use a bite to eat. Tora has eaten recently, so you needn’t worry about him.” The innkeeper almost looked relieved at not having to feed the Tiger, which Kensai supposed was quite fair. He would need to look into ways of getting the supplies he would need to feed his companion later, though at the moment as they roamed the mountains and valleys of the Land of Iron it was easy enough to find prey. They would certainly draw confused looks when they walked into the tavern, but as Kensai claimed a seat at an empty table, Tora would simply curl up near his feet and begin to huff before closing his eyes. It had been a long journey for both of them, and the relaxation would be well welcomed...