Sapphire Ambassadors

Although Yoshino hadn't been in the town long it was customary to visit a shrine wherever you went to honour your ancestors, the kami, Shinsei and so on. This was only magnified when the town in question was in your family's homelands.

Technically your family's homelands. She wasn't exactly welcome in them usually.

Nonetheless, Yoshino entered the shrine respectfully where she moved to pray. She took her time doing so. There was no rush in her movements and she remained still for some time at the height of her prayers with her eyes closed. Then she swiftly clapped her hands twice and stepped back. Her duty was done. She peeked around as she gripped the right inner sleeve of her kimono. When she was sure nobody was looking she brought it up to her face to dab at her eyes. Swallowing, she took a moment to centre herself and steady her breathing.

She rubbed her face with her other hand. Get a grip. You're past this.

Once calmer she moved to explore the shrine a little and soak in the ambience. It was peaceful, as shrines should be.

(ooc note for gms - was agreeing to join last night but time didn't realise it was day change this morn!)

Yua was not the most religious person. However, she was always told by her father to offer prayers when she was at home, and when she visited another town. Sh'e been told it was a welcoming sight to see the little Otomo brighten up an often darker room with her presence and that was enough for her to keep doing it.

So when the little Crane woman began her exploration she would find a serene sight of a little Imperial woman by the alter, eyes closed offering a prayer.

Since the important Imperial was in the middle of praying Yoshino had enough sense to stay clear. It would be rude (not to mention disrespectful to the spirits) enough to interrupt someone praying, but an Imperial? She did not want to get in any trouble. Particularly not on her first day in town!

The Crane moved past quietly to look at more of the shrine's interior architecture and features.

A short time later, Yua rose to her feet. Opening her eyes and letting her gaze carry over the rest of the little shrine. Falling on what wasn't there before, noticing the other woman moving further in. There was a small tilt of the head, and she stepped away from the altar, a polite smile on her face. Making sure not to hold anyone else up.

Yoshino was moving slowly, often pausing to observe and take in the atmosphere. It was easy for Yua to step over to her.

Upon noticing, the Crane turned to Yua and offered a deep bow. It was only appropriate. She took a slightly deeper breath before offering a quick greeting. "Good afternoon Otomo-sama. I'm sorry if I disturbed you." She regarded Yua cautiously, unsure if the Imperial was honestly saying hello or trying to cause trouble. Of course she thought trouble more likely, but she would never say so openly.

A bow was returned as the Crane spoke, keeping her polite smile as she looked at the Crane for a few moments before taking a couple steps over to her.

"Good afternoon Doji-san, I hope you are well? You didn't disturb me I assure you, I was admiring this quaint little shrine. It's lovely ne? I am Otomo Yua."

"It's certainly functional." Yoshino managed a small smile. "I am Doji Yoshino. I'm sure my kin would be pleased to know you have visited." She offered another bow. "Is Otomo-sama here for the competition?"

"Lovely to meet you Doji-san. Should I take it that you are not a local to this area then?"

Yua turned to look over the shrine once more, offering a nod as she did so.

"I am indeed. Quite a momentous occasion, hosting the inaugural Sapphire Championships. Although I can think of no clan more suited to the honour of hosting a championship based on artistic endeavours than the Crane. Is Doji-san here to participate as well?"

"This is my first time to this particular town."

She listened quietly as Yua cheerfully gushed about the Championships. It was very flattering. Yoshino sort of wondered why, since she hardly mattered enough for a well to do Imperial to be so nice to. She kept her guard up, just in case.

"Otomo-sama is too kind. None of us are so skilled and gifted as Lady Doji herself. I am fortunate to have somehow been invited." She wished for a moment she'd brought a fan. Perhaps something to shop for? "It's all very auspicious. I'm looking forward to it all."

"Only somehow invited? I'm sure your clan has a reason that you would be here Doji-san" Yua said with a small wave of her fan, as if waving away the concerns "I'm quite excited to see the displays. I've already met a few that are presenting something unique."

She returned her gaze to the Doji woman.

"What does Doji-san intend to offer? Has she prepared something unique for the competition?"

Yoshino motioned one things with her hands and then another as she spoke, clearly separating the two. "My Clan? Certainly. Myself? I'm hardly important."

She listened with some interested as Yua hinted at other artists. At the question she lets out a soft sound of consideration. "I have a variety of displays prepared. Some poetry, some calligraphy, some music. I hoped to adapt to the theme on each day."

"Importance is subjective Doji-san. In art, everyone is important ne?" Yua shook her head "be confident Doji-san."

There was a pause, and then a curious look.

"Music? I look forward to that, I like to sing so music is something dear to me. I was intending to sing on one of the days as well, I just haven't decided which yet. I was going to let the day inspire the art, which might not be ideal but art should inspire the artist as well as the audience don't you think?"

For a moment it looked like Yoshino was about to offer a rebuttal to Yua's optimistic world view, but her mouth closed almost as soon as it opened. Best not to irritate the Imperial upon first meeting them. No ma'am.

"If an artist isn't inspired then usually the audience can tell, yes. It might just be what sets your piece above another's to take first place, ne?" Yoshino went with the polite and flattering approach straight from the Doji playbook.

"And yet Doji-san doesn't seem inspired" Yua commented, a slight tilt of the head "forgive me for my assumptions if I am wrong, but on the eve of the inaugural Sapphire Championships but inspiration should be at its highest ne? If there are any issues perhaps I can be of assistance?"

She shook her head slightly. "You're being much too kind. Some artists have blocks to overcome, ne? Mine seem to be many. It's a personal failing of a low ranking samurai, nothing more Otomo-sama."

Yua tapped her closed fan on her own lip, studying the Doji girl.

"Hmm...My offer remains open Doji-san. However, if I may make a suggestion. Earlier today I saw in the flower garden, doing some painting. It wasn't for this event, nor was it really for any reason. However the atmosphere was relaxing. While it may not be the same for everyone, finding something to relax may help with overcoming the block."

There was a pause, before she added "or failing that, there is sake ne?" with a small laugh behind her fan.

I'll relax when I'm... or sake, yes, that works. Her cheeks turned faintly pink as she cleared her throat. "Yes, I should seek some way to relax and unwind. My journey here was a little... depressing. Sake isn't a terrible idea, but only in moderation, ne?" Yoshino thought the Otomo would consider her a fool for saying this, but that wasn't terrible either. Perhaps she'd overlook Yoshino if she did make a small mistake one day. "I learned about some nice blends from the Yasuki while working in Crab lands. They're very... keen on recommending a good bottle. The shochu one tried to sell me was a step too far however. You, Otomo-sama?"

"Oh is that so? I've tried very few sakes, I was gifted a couple of bottles at the last Winter Court by a young Daidoji woman who was likely trying to court favour with my aunt and thought the young Otomo making her court debut was an easy target" Yua brought her fan up to cover a small laugh "I haven't tried any Yasuki blends though. Are they light like a traditional Crane drink or more earthy? I'm not sure I'm ready to start shochu, however I would welcome trying some Yasuki sake."

"They make all types Otomo-sama. The most prized are likely the blends of Friendly Traveller sake, and Cherry Blossom Snow. Friendly Traveller is earthy as you suspected, yet Cherry Blossom Snow is..." She paused, trying to describe it. "I have only been privileged to try it once. It's superbly clear. Served cold it is very refreshing and crisp, with a hint of cherry blossom. It's an occasion where gentle and delicate fit together with Crab." She risked a peek at Yua to see if the joke was to her taste.