Dressed appropriately for travel through the Crane lands, Seppun Urusal strides boldly up to the main gate of the town, announcing himself openly as he does so. "Urusai, son of Tokaji, of the Most Noble Family of Seppun, to compete in the Topaz Championship," he says, his voice stentorian as he gives a sharp bow and presents his papers with crisp motions.

The guard looks them over, and, unless the GM decides otherwise, returns them with a nod, motioning the aspirant samurai in.

An unusual sight appeared on the road, approaching the gate. A samurai bearing the colors of the Unicorn rode at a fast gallop, while a hound raced beside her. A hawk swooped in behind them, as they slowed and stopped at the gate. A monkey leapt from the woman's shoulder to the saddle, as she dismounted to give the dog a thorough petting. Finally, the hawk landed on her gloved arm as she turned to check her gear, including a small cricket cage.

Finding her travel papers, she left the other animals with her horse and approached the guard, offering the documents with a polite bow.

Quite the menagerie, thinks Urusai. I wonder how the customs checks will go with this one.

He moves out of the flow of traffic to watch, smoldering eyes taking in much detail.

The guard eyed the animals as he looked over the papers. Everything was in order, but the animals still seemed to be a concern.

"They'll behave." The Shinjo offered assurance. "Odoruhonō-kun can be mischievous, but he knows he won't get any treats if he gets into trouble."

The monkey spun around in the saddle and clapped its paws over its mouth.

As the menagerie of the Unicorn arrives, and the two competitors begin speaking. Over a rock near the path, a pair of small creatures look over, watching them. Their bodies appear slightly amorphous, but their faces mad of stone, matching the rock they have climbed over. They are quiet, save the small sound of wooden chimes as their heads shake as they watch, curiously.

Urusai approaches one of the guards, gesturing towards the commotion and asking "Kakita-sama, is that...regular?"

That drew the Shinjo's attention, who looked over at the creatures with curiosity. "Hello there."

The guard looked to the spirits, then to Urusai. He nodded. "From time to time. The highway spirits just tend to be curious of any activity." He said stoicly, before addressing an incoming merchant cart.

The spirits looked to Jingyi, their heads rattling again.

"Thank you, Kakita-sama," Urusai replies, bowing.

He moves to approach the menagerie's keeper, bowing again. "Urusai, son of Seppun Tokaji," he says by way of introduction. "I trust your travels have been well?"

She bowed deeply. "Jingyi, daughter of Shinjo Zhāng Wěi. The journey was fun. Did you enjoy yours, Seppun-sama?"

"It was pleasant," Urusai replies. "The weather cooperated, and the roads are good. Too, the practice in travel was welcome.

"But your...entourage occasions curiosity."

"My friends make the journey more enjoyable." she smiled. "This is Hayakawa."

She patted the neck of the horse, then lifted the hand holding the hawk. "And, Jiyukaze."

"Aiyama. Péngyǒu." The dog looked as she spoke his name, then appeared to relax when she said the second word. She turned to the monkey next. "Odoruhonō."

Finally, she gestured towards the cricket cage. "Unmei."

"I've barely worked with one animal at a time," Urusai replies, "let alone so many as you handle. It seems a singular skill."

"They make it easy." she shrugged. "Except for Odoru-kun. He's my little trouble maker."

"Oh?"

Urusai raises his eyebrows.

"I'm sure there're stories there."

"He doesn't have much appreciation for the idea of personal space." she explained. "Or, personal possessions. Or, personal food."

"Huh."

Urusai eyes the monkey.

"Good to know."

Odoruhonō covered his eyes when the imperial glanced his way.

"I will keep him from causing too much trouble." Jingyi promised.

Urusai grins. "How much is 'too much,' daughter of the Shinjo?"

"He's gotten past his fascination with fire, for the most part." she said. "Honestly, he behaves fairly well as long as I'm within eyesight."