An Intriguing Encounter
 
by Loren Dean

Jinjiro sat in the garden. It was a beautiful winter day. The sky was clear, and the sun on the snow shone brilliant blinding white.

The crunch of a foot in snow caused him to turn slowly. A small woman approached, and seated herself next to him on the stone bench.

"Good morning, Kakita-san," her voice was clear and sweet, likely a joy to hear sing. Singing brought to mind images of birds, and after a moment's contemplation that was exactly how Jinjiro would have described her. Birdlike.

"Good morning, Asahina-san," replied Jinjiro, nodding his head in respect, noting the family mon on her kimono.

"Do you remember me?"

Jinjiro studied her for several moments, when an image of a woman drenched in sweat and locked in combat with an ise zumi flooded into his mind. He grinned.

"Tadako-san. You look well. Has your wrestling improved?"

She smiled. She was beautiful. "You may never know," she quipped, and looking away added, "I understand you have traveled with Takehai-san, the ise zumi."

"That is correct. We fought together at Usagi Castle."

"Tell me of him." she asked quietly, looking Jinjiro in the eye.

Jinjiro was surprised at the question, and took a moment to gather his thoughts.

"I suppose there isn't much to tell. He is an ... enigmatic man. A lover of that which is beautiful. A hater of that which is destructive. A cunning warrior, and a good friend. Why do you ask?"

"Oh," Tadako appeared lost in Jinjiro's words. "I have been curious, almost insatiably so, since the Topaz Championship. He was an enigma to me as well, you see, and I have always been too curious for my own good."

Samurai and shugenja smiled at one another, and then she took her leave. Jinjiro turned to regard the snowy morning once more.