Sapphire Ambassadors

Hamada is there in her best clothes. She is confident in her work, but the anticipation was still burning a hole in her belly.

As people walk along the pathways, they perhaps don't notice the small signs that have been placed. Subtle partitions lead people along the queues to the different exhibits. It's the sort of thing that doesn't really stand out, something that likely would be taken for granted, if not for the arrival...

Once again, the concept of these virtues were rather different from what most other family here would have picked. There was really only one story the the Tsi's honor, and so Hamada goes out to replicate it. Gone is the elegant kimono that she has tried to present herself in during the presentations...

Ahhh Honesty. If there was one thing that the Tsi were known for it was their blunt honesty. Hamada sees no reason to avoid the reputation there. In fact, she makes a point of it. Set on the table in a naked tanto-style blade, unadorned, even without the standard ray skin and cord handle that would ...

This had been another one of those events that Hamada had not been certain about, and struggled to think of an answer. What was she devoted to? For all the pride in being a new Family, and as much of an honor that truly was, it was a new development. It was a shockwave that had not truly settled in ...

"There is way too much overlap between Compassion and Courtesy." Hamada mumbles under her breath. As before, the Tsi Smith had settled upon an unconventional choice: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CpwuTZ0AL._AC_SX425_.jpg The fan is an elegant work, but spiked tips and ridges disguise spikes ...

"Well, today went better I think." Hamada muses. "We make quite an interesting coalition, don't we?"

The sword was the soul of a samurai. In Hamada's mind, nothing else could speak of the courage that was most treasured in Rokugan. Hamada sets out a whetsone and cord, finishing off a forged wakizashi, finishing an elegant product. Weapons...Hamada knew how to make, elegantly setting the new Tsi fam...

"I know." Hamada takes the cup and downs the sake, motioning to pour another cup. "But it's a shame, had I pulled it off, I think it could have been beautiful." She turns to look at the newcomer. "I don't think I had the pleasure. Tsi Hamada."

"Well, that could have gone better" Hamada grouses. "I don't think they appreciated my vision"

"I can riff you if like" Hamada clears her throat: "I'd a pluck a fair rose for my love I'd a pluck a red rose blowin' Love's in my heart, I'm tryin' so to prove What your heart's knowin' I'd a pluck a finger on a thorn I'd a pluck a finger bleedin' Red is my heart, wounded and forlorn And your hear...

Hamada's area is quiet, a contrast to her usual hustle and bustle that usually exemplifies her. It had taken a little while to come up with an answer to this exhibition. Perhaps more fittingly, she had to answer a question that no one had really asked yet. It had been one that plagued her: What does...

Hamada bows. "Tsi Hamada, at your service. I can try to whip up some lyrics if you like, but I'm afraid they are likely going to be a drinking song. They tend to be affordably catchy."

Hamada winds her way over until she finds the source of the music. A expertly made up Scorpion woman is sitting the garden playing.

"That's a pretty melody. Does it have lyrics yet?"

"How humble are the Tsi, honored by Emperors?" Tomodachi says. "But your meaning is taken, certainly." "Humble enough to remember the times when we are not so honored, if only to appreciate it all the more." Hamada is set to continue before they are joined by, of all things, an Imperial. -snip- "Gr...

Hamada steps through the carefully manicured hedge maze. The anticpation had been driving her wild, so at this point, any distraction was welcome. "High in the halls of the kings who are gone Jin would dance with her ghosts The ones she had lost and the ones she had found And the ones who had loved ...

"Well, I am sure that something can be arranged about my visit." Hamada replies, placing a hand gently to her lips. "But Yoritomo-san is correct in the goal. I am not oblivious to some of the looks I have received from other competitors and our hosts, as clever as they might feel they are being. I b...

"I would allow the gentleman to choose. After all, the Mantis are known for appreciating a good value." Hamada looks around. "I would have suspected more of us."

Hamada wipes away some drool from her lips as she looks at the spread.

Ho boy, they really went all out.

The woman tucks in, doing her best to remain elegant while swallowing as much food as possible.

"Perhaps carving something?" Hamada speaks up. "I have heard that Yoritomo-san is quite a deft hand at them, and it's a medium I quite appreciate."

The woman bows. "Tsi Hamda, at your service."