Sapphire Ambassadors

Utemaro bowed to the departing Phoenix before making his way to the shrine for some prayers of forgiveness.

/scene

Utemaro bowed at let the Scorpion take her leave. The decision was made, now all he could do was hope the Heavens were merciful. He could feel the fatigue weighing on him though. "Of course, Shosuro-san, carry the fortunes." he offered. He turned to his other guest. "Was there anything else you need...

Utmaro bowed. "Of course, the Crane are always happy to host. I had asked Yoritomo-san to join us as well, but unfortunately his duties require him to be elsewhere. A pity, but I suppose he shall hear the results of his efforts in good time." he admitted. Utemaro shook his head, disappointed at the ...

Uutemaro bowed deeply.

"I hope you do not mind, Shiba-san. You all have been petitioning for the same honor. I thought it would be more expedient to inform you at the same time. Even with the competition officially completely, I do have many draws on my time." he said apologetically.

Freed of his duties of running the tournament, Utemaro had spent most of the day reflecting in his daughter's quarters. Some of it was spent staring at the sketches from her portfolio. He remembered watching her take in every bit of the scenery, every last leaf of a tree as if it were the most impor...

With the competitors assembled, Utemaro addresses them for the last time. (GM Note: If I do not name someone an ambassador that should have had the points, PM me. It's a GM typo, not an intentional slight by the Crane. Stop it Choudai) "Before we get to the business at hand, I would like to extend m...

Unlike previous days, the gallery was not entirely emptied between the days. Instead the works that had been named as previous days were brought on display once more (or at least scrolls detailing the works for those who dealt in the impermanent). Doji Utemaro, Kakita Akuba and Kakita Hyoukasha were...

The judges conferred over the pieces displayed and came to their penultimate decision. Akuba looked satisfied and Hyoukasha looked relieved. They passed their decision to to Doji Utemaro. Utemaro nodded, and had the servants alert the attendees that it was time to announce the results of the final d...

After the previous day's competition, the servants spent the evening carefully relocating the more permanent works to the Gallery of Dusk and storing records of the one's that could not be such as cooking and dance. Then the gallery was thoroughly cleaned and blessed. The next day it slowly fills th...

Time-warps be damned, Utemaro listens to the judges. He sighs ever so slightly, then nods, and turns to the competitors. "Dear friends," he says, "today's victors are Kitsune Shizenko and Doji Yoshino." He pauses, draws a breath. "Thank you for your works, all, and we look forward to tomorrow's--the...

After the previous day's competition, the servants spent the evening carefully relocating the more permanent works to the Gallery of Dusk and storing records of the one's that could not be such as cooking and dance. Then the gallery was thoroughly cleaned and blessed. The next day it slowly fills th...

With the notable absence of her husband, Akuba had no one to discuss her decision with. Instead, she simply informed Utemaro. One could detect a certain amount of surprise on Utemaro's face, if they were watching carefully, it was fleeting. Nor did Akuba stand around waiting to justify herself, inst...

His words draw her eyes to Mikan's work. Not knowing the true arrangement, still the spite is obvious. And even if she thinks he deserves it, she finds herself saddened to contemplate making art out of spite day after day. Making a marriage may be more commerce than art, but the analogies work well...

She nods with a small smile. "Thank you, Doji-sama. I've been reasonably well acquainted with luck in the past, so we shall see how it holds up." There is a moment when it seems she is about to bow a polite farewell, but another moment's pause and she asks, "I assume you are married, Doji-sama? Any...

Utemaro frowned a bit, considering the Doji's words.

"Hmm. It bears discussion with the artist and the parties involved at least." he agreed tentatively.

Less the Crane, more the Doji. Still, he was right that allies were part of the Crane's strength. Even so, that meant he fully believed they would be necessary and the Doji locally were absolutely insufficient. Just how big a threat did he think this was? There was more here than she knew about. It...

She takes a moment to think about it, winding the threads together of what she'd been told, and what she'd guessed. "My work'd already found a small audience beyond our clan, but is grounded in an art that is solidly of the Unicorn alone. I think that seemed a good way to showcase that we have our ...

"I can see a committee having some difficulties reaching a decision, yes. I don't really envy them the difficulty of it," she says, glancing around at the dizzying variety of art in the gallery. "I imagine their fame offers them some political power too. And maybe a bit of insulation if any of the ...

After the previous day's competition, the servants spent the evening carefully relocating the more permanent works to the Gallery of Dusk and storing records of the one's that could not be such as cooking and dance. Then the gallery was thoroughly cleaned and blessed. The next day it slowly fills th...

The judges discussion lasts a bit longer than previous days, but eventually they submit their decision to Utemaro, who has the room called to attention to announce the results." "You have all performed your Duty well here today in these displays dedicated to the tenent. Regardless of the outcome of ...