A few lonely, high pitched chords could be heard in the receiving chamber.  Vibrations sliding along a narrow set of strings on a shamisen.  That instrument seeming to echo the awkward nature of the guests as they entered the unfamiliar territory of Kyuden Bayushi.  That sound would be allowed to linger in the air before a rapid striking of the strings would send a myriad of notes into the air.  Fingers and bachi working with skilled practice to set forth a pleasant and rustic sound of fast paced music.  While the music might be something more accustomed to a sake house, the warmth and friendliness were a welcome departure from the serious tones of moments ago.  There was a promise of enjoyment in the simple structure and joyful sound the musician created.<br/><br/>The origin of the sound was a simple shamisen, unadorned and unaccentuated.  Chords and structure were immaculately kept just as the fingers that manipulated the instrument were.  Slender and delicate though tips flowed over the neck while below the other hand manipulated the coral shaped bachi masterfully.  Tempo increased but the woman gave no indication that this distressed her.  A face set in the perfect features of tranquil bliss stared out at the audience.  A demure smile folded over lips painted a stark white with a single red strip at the center.  A sheer web of material draped over her lips and features, highlighting more than hiding the fullness of her cheeks and the demure chin of her face.  Dark eyes peered out over the gold and silver linings of the mask she wore, simple discs of each material chittering together when her movements sent a vibration through them.<br/><br/>A kimono of deep red and black adorned her body.  The material seemed too large for her slender frame, holding onto her much as a drowning man might grasp for land or air.  Feminine shoulders of unmarred flesh peeked out whenever her body shifted while playing, her kimono slipping with an artful promise of more.  The edges of her chest swelled when her back arched with the passion of her playing so that her breasts dared to be noticed but then again hidden.  Indeed her entire body seemed to be afire beneath the kimono, but nothing more than promises were made and shadows delivered.<br/><br/>Then everything ended with a single, vibrating chord.  She gave a simple exhale and then stirred from her kneeling position.  Black hair shined beneath the sunlight, allowed to flow downward over her form as if she had awoken from sleep minutes before yet each layer was expertly brushed and set.  Nothing this woman did was so haphazard.  The instrument was set aside before she approached the pair of samurai that would be her charge.<br/><br/>“Greetings Agasha-san, Akodo-san.  My name is Shosuro Jun’ai and I will be accompanying you for this first part of your journey here.  Did you enjoy our gardens below?”<br/>