Pope:
Opening his hand carefully, Tatsuki releases the soul from his grasp. The pale white light flickers slightly as it rises slowly into the darkness. High above the cloak of rebirth glitters brilliantly, each little light another soul waiting to be reborn. Letting out a small sigh Tatsuki walks slowly backwards out the great doors leading to the world beyond. The great rough hewn doors swing slowly shit before him, making not a sound as they vanish from sight. Reaching up he scratches behind an ear, a huge yawn escaping his lips.

'That one was almost a mess. I hope I have some time for some rest before they send me another one like that' Tugging at his bangs a bit Tatsuki says a little prayer for the soul he'd harvested before turning on his heel and starting off down the cobblestone street. As a shinigami, collecting souls is the main part of Tatsuki's job, and he loves his job. Scuffing the ground with his foot he smiles slightly as he recalls the look on the boy's face as he had gathered his soul, taking it away from his sick and failing body. It's smiles like that that make his job the best in the worlds.

A slight shiver passes through him as the cool pre winter wind finds it's way through the thick fabric of his sweater. Curling his arms about him Tatsuki glances about, seeking some place to take shelter from the breeze. The old Japaneses village has an air of age and despite the obvious western influences here and there. His own clothing are from the western world, having just come from a job in England before being rushed off to this small village for a quick job. Rubbing his shoulders he walks on. To his left is a tall wooden wall surrounding the local Lord's home, while to the right is mostly small shops and carts. 

At this time of night, there is no one around, but it's still a bit unsettling for the young shinigami when one of the spirit world's messengers suddenly materializes out of nowhere on the street before him. Instinctively he looking around, just in case anyone happened to be around to see the messenger’s arrival before marching forward and holding out his hand. The black clad messenger, it's eyes barely visible from underneath it's hood glitter unnaturally as it hands over Tatsuki's next assignment. As soon as the small bit of parchment touches his hand it vanishes and the words written upon it sear themselves into his mind. The messenger then bows and vanishes to the sound of cloth caught in a high wind.

With a sigh Tatsuki runs his hand through his hair and starts off towards his destination. 'A hot springs inn huh? And six days until it's time. Good, I can check in and relax a bit before the big day' A smile creeps on to his lips, and with a last look around the street he steps into a small crack in space, appearing an instant later a few yards away from his destination. He peeks around a tree to make sure no one is around. Spotting no one he walks towards the rather large complex setting against a wall of rock. 

He takes in the sight of tactfully colored wooden walls, a beautiful arch over the main doorway. His keen eyes spot the steam issuing from behind the main structure and his smile widens. 'Nothing like a good soak' Reaching into his pocket he pulls out the money purse provided to all shinigami, one which issues forth a never ending stream of whatever currency needed. He checks to make sure the money has converted properly before slipping it back into his pocket and making his way to the front door. Sliding the door open he calls out politely, “Pardon me.” Sliding the door shut, he revels in the warmth now enveloping him.

Blue:
Sanada Shigetoshi watched the sun set from the front porch of the Inn. Shigetoshi ran the Inn up on the mountain all my himself. He used to run it with his father when he was younger, but that was over six years ago. During the summer months the young man would rarely think about his father. He was too busy with the stream of guests. Luckily once most got rooms and settled in, they didn't want much from Shigetoshi other than meals, which he made three times a day. The young man leaned back on his elbows and sighed, extending his long, lanky body. He leaned back his head exposing his throat, and semi prominent Adam's apple, to the sky. He closed his black eyes and focused on the feel of the setting sun on his skin. His long body was covered in a traditional kimono. While some of his patrons came dressed in clothes influenced by the foreigners, he maintained loyalty to the old ways, mainly because it was good for business. He kept his Inn clear of outside influence and decor, and stuck with things from the early Edo period and before. 

When the sun finally descended too far below the trees, the black haired Asian stirred. Dinner would be done soon, and everyone would want to eat. There was the Ito family, mother, father, two children under the age of six. Mr. Yamazaki. Ms. and Ms. and Mrs. Fujiwara, three sisters, one widow. Finally there was the older couple, the Elders Inoue. In total? Ten. With himself, eleven. Eleven people to cook for. He had rice, noodles, and vegetables. Of course there was the sake. 

Shigetoshi, at night, after dinner retreats to the isolated spring on the west side of the Inn. It was blocked off and only accessible from the Innkeeper's room. It was a nice private addition Shigetoshi's father, Naoki had added for his wife. Before Naoki walled the area off, it had been open for the public. Now, it was all Shigetoshi's. The young man usually took a dip late at night before he went to bed. However today he was stopped by the sound of a bell. A bell installed by one of Shigetoshi's ancestors, who name he couldn't recall at the moment. It was attached to a string that ran the length of the Inn and attached to the front doors. When the doors opened, the bell would sound. 

Shigetoshi groaned, quietly to himself. He hurriedly dressed back into his kimono and walked quickly to the entrance. Shigetoshi turned the corner and was honesty surprised to see a young single man standing there in the Inn's entry. The man was probably younger than Shigetoshi if his looks were anything to go by. Maybe he was a relative of one of the patrons. For there was usually no reason for a single young man to come up the mountain alone. 

However, Shigetoshi doesn't let his curiosity get the better of him. He greets his guest properly and introduces himself. "I am Sanada Shigetoshi, owner of this Inn." The young man bowed at the waist and straightened. "Welcome." He smiled brightly, even though he was tired. "One room?"

Pope:
After taking a few deep breaths to let the warmth settle in, Tatsuki takes an opportunity to check out the entryway. Like many traditional Japanese buildings there is a step a few feet in front of the entrance so that one has to actual step up to enter the front room proper. Lined up along the step are sandals for the guests to slip into after taking off their street shoes or sandals. The floor is made of a light colored wood, and the walls are of rice paper and bamboo. Both paper and wood are artfully decorated with beautiful Japanese art work, full of flowers and mythical beasts.

'I think I'm going to really like this place. It feels cozy, and it's a treat for the eyes' To the left of the entry way there is a desk, while to the right is a long hall. Taking another deep breath Tatsuki catches a whiff of the nearby hot springs. Deciding to wait by the desk he slips out off his dark shoes and long socks and slips into a pair of waiting sandals. Carrying the shoes and socks in one hand he just gets his foot on to the step when a young man comes around a corner near the desk.

Looking the boy over a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. 'I get the feeling I interrupted something here' Tatsuki bows back a little less deep. “Thank you for having me.” He stands back up, stepping up the step on to the wooden floor of the Inn. “Yes, one room will be sufficient, Shigetoshi-san.” Scratching behind his head he looks from side to side. “I will be staying for six or seven days.” He looks back at the Innkeeper and smiles ever so slightly as his had drops back to his side.

Blue:
Shigetoshi watched the young man in front of him as he entered the Inn all the way. When the man addressed Shigetoshi a little informally, he blinked, but otherwise did nothing. Different people have different customs he reminded himself. He didn't allow himself to be offended, after all this was a paying customer. Then again, the slight could have been accidental. Many people assumed he wasn't the one running the Inn. That his family was here helping him. That even his father of something ran the Inn. It wouldn't be the first time someone called him by his first name because of this. He usually broke them of that before it caught on. 

Shigetoshi opened the guest book and made a note of the duration and verified he had the correct amount in mind. "Since our Inn is rather isolated we serve three meals a day which is included in the price." Shigetoshi named the price in Tokugawa coinage [I'm no historian so I'm not mentioning an actual price]. "I serve both breakfast and dinner, however the Fujiwara sisters here have been kind enough to make lunch for everyone." Shigetoshi usually made it a point to ask his female patrons if they were willing to pitch in for a slight discount. Most were, sometimes he even had a male patron pitch in. It was a pity that this week only the sisters were willing to help out and only for lunch. "A sleeping kimono is provided in the room, along with shoes and a day kimono." He gave a small, almost sheepish smile. He couldn't help but take the extra time to admire the younger man and for the first time notices the western clothing in full. Especially the pants, which were made of some sort of material Shigetoshi didn't know of. "They're nothing fancy though." Not like your clothes. He mentally added. 

"If there is anything extra you might require, ask." The black haired man smiled brighter once more and pointed. "My room is down this hallway to the very end. You can call on me any time if there's trouble."

Pope:
Tatsuki nods, smile still on his lips as Shigetoshi explains about meals. Pulling out his money bag he pulls out the right amount of coinage runs it through his fingers as the boy talks. 'He's very polite. I guess that's standard in his line of work. He seems rather sincere He can't help but smile a little wider as he notices the young man looking over his foreign clothes. He gives another little nod as Shigetoshi finishes speaking. “You have the guests help you cook? How innovative.” Tatsuki says, striding forward to stand beside the font counter. Reaching out he stacks the payment for the room and services on the guest book.

“I'm sure the kimono will be more than adequate. It's been some time since I've worn one. I remember them being rather comfortable.” He says. His eyes trail down the hall where the young man indicated his room was. “I must say it's kind of you to offer your personal attention to the guests any time. However, I will try not to disturb you. Even Inn owners have their own lives to live, no?” He turns his eyes back on to Shigetoshi. He takes a moment to look the young man directly in the eyes. In that moment he takes in the boy's life, checking for anything that may endanger his mission. Finding nothing he blinks and looks away. 

'A sad life, but he's dealt with it well. I hope the death here does not hurt the Inn's reputation' His mind drifts for a moment before he mumbles. “Cooking. . . .” He turns back to Shigetoshi. "So is it only female patrons allowed in the kitchen? I have cooked for myself from time to time, an many different countries. Perhaps I could prepare some foreign dishes for you and the other guests.” He smiles, showing off his pearly whites. “But only if you don't mind of course.” His voice is a bit teasing, but not patronizing.

Blue:
Shigetoshi took the proffered coinage and checked it deftly. It was best to make sure the correct amount was there right off from the start. Or else it lead to him getting stiffed and some very interesting yelling. He had learned some very new curses from those days. Then he changed his ways to make sure he wasn't getting cheated. When the man mentioned innovation Shigetoshi paused in his count and blushed a little. This patron wouldn't be the first person to call him out on it. But the truth was, Shigetoshi couldn't do everything himself and there was no one else to help out because he couldn't afford it. When someone offered to aid him making food, it took a lot of pressure off.

"Thank you." The young man murmured and finished counting the money and with a practiced flourish started on the receipt. When he looked up he found himself looking the younger man directly in the eyes. When the other man looked away Shigetoshi took a deep breath. The other man was attractive, but that wasn't enough to hold him entranced with a look. However the Innkeeper mentally shoved it away and passed over the receipt. He explained that this was only for what was up front. If there were any additional charges they would be added on when they occurred. 

When the younger man mumbled Shigetoshi almost missed it. He opened his mouth to ask his patron what it was he had said when the other man started over. He blinked, sure his mouth hung open a little. He had assumed this man had only lived in Japan, not in other countries, even if his clothes gave a different impression. That fact made sense to his earlier statement about not wearing a kimono in a while. Shigetoshi blinked, realizing he was staring and stuttered out a reply, one far different than the answer to the younger man's question.

"You've been to other countries?" Shigetoshi himself had never been off the mountain apart from the rare case he needed to visit the town. The idea of leaving was unimaginable to him. Then, as he realized he was being rude, he gathered himself and finally replied correctly. "If you want to help out with the cooking, I wont tell you no." He almost added in that in Japan men could cook just like women, but didn't because he didn't want to be even more rude. Though he did offer a genuine smile that slipped as an idea dawned on him. "Though I'm afraid I don't have a lot of different ingredients."

Pope:
A small polite smile plays on Tatsuki's lips at the look on the young man's face. He can tell the boy is a bit stunned and turns his eyes a way a bit as to not make him uncomfortable. His smile widens a it at the inquiry about his being in other countries. 'I suppose to the average person, in any country, traveling to another country would be a big thing, let alone more than one. I suppose it's dawned on me before how my travels have numbed me to the newness of other places on the planet. It's so natural to me now. . . .'

“Thank you.” He murmurs when Shigetoshi gives him permission to use the kitchen. He looks back at the young owner. “And don't mind about the ingredient. I am good at improvising. Anything I need and I can't substitute I can get from the village.” He looks down, leaning against the front desk on an elbow. “It will give me something to do during the day. I'm not one for sitting too idle.” His free hand comes up and settles on the desk. 'It's strange, but true. I know I said this would be a good chance to relax, but I can't see myself lazing about here all day'

Looking back up, gazing past the young man to a design on the wall behind him, he starts talking half to himself. “Perhaps I can pick up some local literature. Compare it to the stuff from the places I've traveled. . .” His voice trails off as he looks to Shigetoshi. “From what you said before I don't suppose you've traveled much Shigetoshi.” His voice carries no hint of question to it, a simple stating of fact. Smiling again he perks up slightly. “It's not often I have someone to pester. If you would not mind, during your non-busy times, would you care to hear about the places I've been?” His eyes seem to almost glaze over slightly. 

“I've been so many places, they've all become a blur to me. Perhaps telling another about them will renew my spirit a bit. . . .” His focus comes back and he looks down the hall again. “But, this is only if you're interested. Forgive me, sometimes I talk too much. It's a character flaw.” Reaching up to rub the back of his neck with his free hand a slightly sad smile comes to his lips. 'I guess that last one is hitting me harder than I thought. Here I am, in one of the best places in the world to relax, and I'm laying my troubles at the feet of a youth who's spent his entire life on a mountain in Japan. I really am feeling this one worse than I thought' He continues to gaze down the hallway.

Blue:
Shigetoshi was still blushing when the younger man thanked him for the use of his kitchen. The innkeeper fiddled with the writing implement he had just finished using. Being stupid was one thing, but have the other person act like it was nothing, made Shigetoshi feel worse. Compounded upon the fact the patron was younger than himself, but somehow felt older made things worse. Though now that Shigetoshi knew he had traveled a lot, it explained why didn't feel as young. What must it have been like to see so much at such an age.

As the other man continued talking, Shigetoshi had to lean in in order to hear better. When it became apparent the younger man was just talking to himself, Shigetoshi pulled away, only to stop when spoken to once more.

[b]From what you said before I don't suppose you've traveled much Shigetoshi. It's not often I have someone to pester. If you would not mind, during your non-busy times, would you care to hear about the places I've been?[/b]

Shigetoshi almost couldn't believe his ears. Would he care? He'd love to. To hear about places far away from his little Inn from someone who had experienced it first hand? That would be the best. "I wouldn't mind." Shigetoshi said after a second to compose himself. It wouldn't be good for him to trow himself all over the customer with his excitement. He was a professional. As the other began to glance down the hallway, Shigetoshi got the hint.He had a job to do. And he was feeling the time of night a little himself too.

"I can show you to your room if you would like. It's down the other hallway in the back, close to a hot spring. All hot springs are public use. Though if there is a request we do cordon off one for the women folk to use away from the men." Shigetoshi slipped out from behind the counter.