This was Rina's first adventure out of her village. She was confident that she was prepared to meet whatever was put in her path but she was not so overconfident that a small thread of trepidation remained. Her mother had given her a pet monkey: Maiko-chi- to go with her and keep her company. Maiko meant 'dancing child' and it was most appropriate for the little monkey for he never remained still!<br/><br/>(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT1cScUU1KvOATVhmpY3lIwuV1mBugNs-KtOm5i5wjFsegA6EAa5Q)<br/><br/>Rina's mother had also secured her a travelling companion- although he was not from their clan, still, it was better than her travelling alone. Her mother had accompanied her out of their village until they had met Usagi-san and Rina had said good bye to her mother.<br/><br/>Usagi was not a difficult travelling companion- she thought he was perhaps much better than most. It gave her pause to reflect that those who might be thought of as incompatible- could be the opposite at times.<br/><br/>Rina wore the green kimono that her mother had made for her. The fabric was soft from wear and she loved to feel it wrapped around her body as if it was her mother's arms hugging her lovingly. She had a more formal kimono in her travelling sack: it was the colors of her clan: silver and a reddish brown. It was newly made by her mother and she would wear it with much pride and honor.<br/><br/>She had walked in silence as they had caught sight of Tsuma. She had been writing to one of her childhood friends: Suzume-san who would also be at the Tournament. Rina could not wait to see her and reconnect with her friend. She looked to Jiro and nodded as he asked to go on ahead.<br/><br/>"Not at all, Usagi-san..Maiko-chi will protect me!" She laughed at that and stroked the monkey's furry head, which he loved.<br/><br/><br/><br/>