The barracks, as the structure was being called, for the security force could only bear this title in the loosest of terms.  Indeed there were few among the Empire that would have the boldness to give such a title to the structure.  Crude and unadorned the name barracks fell far short of the beautiful home given over to the samurai of the Minor Clans.  Lush gardens of blue, white and gold lay out before the eyes of the invited guests.  A small pond formed from the artificial creation of flowing streams stretched out before the abode with a small bridge set across.  Trees hung over the endearing image with a protective embrace to keep the guest cool and shaded on their entry.  Small koi danced beneath the water while the children of servants feed them and laughed at the splashes of water.<br/><br/>Once the samurai passed the children would fall to their knees.  Heads were pressed to the ground with their knees in the soft ground by the pond.  At the backs of the samurai were heard once more the laughs of ones too innocence to know the troubles of the world.  Inside they would find each room adorned with the same flowers from outside as if someone had brought the beauty of nature into every room.  Finely woven mats awaited each, rolled up away from the center of the room so that other activities could be done.  A small, coal brazier could be found in each room to keep the occupants room in case the past winter chill returned at night.  Children and those on the cusp of adulthood made their way through the rooms to ensure that the final arrangements were made.  Women were given a portion of the home away from the larger, male population.  Accessed by a single hallway, a maid knelt at the entry way in order to preserve the honor of the occupants.<br/><br/>The scent of food made its way through the household along with the boisterous noise of warriors dining.  At the commons room were a large number of warriors, mainly from the Mantis clan, enjoying the food prepared.  Steamed rice and nori made the stable fare with a side of broiled fish to compliment the choices.  Various condiments were used to season the food to the tastes of those seated.  Great pains were taken to ensure that everyone could find something to their liking.  Against one of the tables was a list of names with times for their duties to begin.  Each of those that had just entered would find their names posted on the list first and were now late to arrive to the merchant way.  Judging from the times, the Mantis had setup the schedule first.<br/><br/>The Merchant Way was a far less grand affair than the barracks.  Ponies and horses had tramped the ground to despair with pockets of manure set about to trip up unwary travelers, often alongside dents in the earth to force them to fall into such pockets.  The smell of sweat and horse flesh mixed with exotic spices and fabric to create a dizzying array of smells.  People rushed about in a myriad of ways, rushing into each other and giving only a cursory node to decorum.  Even the peasants gave only small bows and passing effort to kneel when they passed samurai.  Although warriors were still given a wide birth as was due their rank.<br/><br/>The Merchant Way was never an official part of the tournament until a good time after its creation.  Merchants had quickly understood the money that could be made at such an event and flocked here to sell their goods.  While the Crane had been quick to realize how much money could be made, the addition of other clans had forced them to provide land for the stalls along with security for the merchants.  Ashigaru had originally held the duty but as Major Clans took more interest in mercantile affairs, true samurai were needed to address their honor and position.  The Merchant Way was even separated with such a thing in mind.<br/><br/>Along the high ground, formed by a natural hill in the landscape, were the more established families.  Despite the feud between the Yasuki and the Crane, theirs was one of the more luxurious spots.  Around them were the Unicorn and Crane families that dedicated their lives to the art of trade.  Various other clans found their way along the pecking order till a break was given.  A good distance was provided until the peasant merchants could be found.  Those with the most money in their houses commanded the most space through bribes and intimidation with their guards.   That was of course the other problem with the Merchant Way, each family had their own guards to compete with the efforts of the Crane Clan.<br/><br/>The fighting was starting early this morning.  Ashigaru already restraining one man dressed in simple gray with a kama in his hand from attacking an older man who held a rake between his worn knuckles.  Both men cursed the other as they claimed dispute over the line of their stalls.  Judging from the banner that hung from their stalls, they were both family.<br/>