Sapphire Ambassadors

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 all gathered before the works, with the paperwork bestowing the status of sapphire ambassador along with a small box of sapphire jewelry.

Choudai was once again dressed to the nines.

Even if all he really expected to get from the Crane was a stern injunction to make the next sunrise his last in their lands, he figured he could at least put in a suitable appearance.

And naturally, he wanted to be there to congratulate his friends who, no doubt, would fare better.

Inori, likewise did not know what to expect. She still had no finery to speak of safe for the the Omamori and the lucky coin on a string she wore on her Obi, a fashion statement more likely in a peasant than in a major Clan Samurai. Still, the Kimono was the freshly laundered spare, and she had done her best to make herself presentable.

Like so many things in the past days...it would have to do.

She still felt like a small fish in a very big pond looking around at the dignitaries and even the other contestants - and, she realized, a Matsu on Kakita land. Not...worried, but still nervous.

Heh. I wonder who will take the honours overall. Right now I don't even know where I fit in the grand scheme of things. I'll...wait and see. Maybe I can find some food and some tea to distract myself

Hatsuki was dressed up for the occasion, clothing beautiful and almost aggressively Scorpion in both design and color, while her makeup was impeccable (now that she had replaced the box she had destroyed for art yesterday. She didn't even regret it, despite criticism from the judges.

Now she simply waited for the outcome, ready to congratulate her friends. As for herself... well, she had always butted heads with her Clan over art. She expected this time to be no different.

Looking solemn and distracted but still dressed like he owned two small provinces, the tall Mantis attended the ceremony in a rather unintrusive way, trying to seem a bit of a wallflower. Of course, with a number of the competitors still feeling the sting of past criticism and recognition not received, finding space a respectful distance from the judges wasn't so easy. He ended up closer to the front and center than he had any right to be, but the simply had to force his marketing smile into his face and bear it.

While he kept as low of a profile as a fancy man, taller than almost everyone else in the room and with unmistakably tousled hair, could, his eyes were constantly scanning the room in case there was an opportunity for productive conversation.

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OOC: Happy to chat. Please quote if approaching.

Moshi Tatsuya wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 01, 2022 2:44 pm

While he kept as low of a profile as a fancy man, taller than almost everyone else in the room and with unmistakably tousled hair, could, his eyes were constantly scanning the room in case there was an opportunity for productive conversation.

Fate saw fit to provide the Mantis with conversation - of dubious productivity, but conversation it was - at the very least fate provided him with a Matsu walking up.

"Good evening, Mantis-san. I am not sure we ever made each other's acquaintance, and it would be a shame to leave without having at least spoken. This one is Matsu Inori" she said.

Shizenko and Raakun were dressed for the occasion. Shizenko wore a brown kimono with foxes running on the bottom, her obi red as a contrast to her hair pinned with a golden comb. Raakun had a purple scarf with some red leaves accents. The little guy just looked cute.

Sriyani wears the formal kimono and brightly-colored, botanically-patterned haori that are likely familiar by now. There's plenty of time to look over the assembled art, and artists and reflect.

Regardless of the outcome, and the choices up to now have made it difficult to predict, she's pleased with her showing and all that she comes away from this competition with.

Reminding herself to find time for a letter of thanks to her hosts before the night is done, she looks first for Yoshiaki, and then a space with a good view of the proceedings.

(welcome to chat. Schedule remains a bit erratic. Please quote/PM)

Nadeshiko, dressed as finely as a Crane can, finds a quiet place to sit and wait.

((OOC -- tired and out of it, can try RPing but please be gentle with me.))

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

Otomo Gaitsu sits very near the head of the table, hat firmly atop his head.

Kaiu Kunio is there, wearing appropriate clothes for the ceremony, but carried with him a second set for when he inevitably has to leave for his other duties.

Doji Nadeshiko wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 01, 2022 6:06 pm

Nadeshiko, dressed as finely as a Crane can, finds a quiet place to sit and wait.

((OOC -- tired and out of it, can try RPing but please be gentle with me.))

A throat was cleared politely next to Nadeshiko. If she turned to look she would see a tall, thin, younger girl with white hair bowing next to her, "May... I sit next to you, Doji-sama?"

Asahina Asano wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 01, 2022 8:14 pm

A throat was cleared politely next to Nadeshiko. If she turned to look she would see a tall, thin, younger girl with white hair bowing next to her, "May... I sit next to you, Doji-sama?"

There's a shyness to being referred to in such a way, but Nadeshiko doesn't hesitate with her answer: "Please, of course; the company would be more than appreciated." With that, Asano's bow is returned.

Having been diligent in his duties even if his GM has not, Yakuwari dresses as well as he can and has his notes ready.

Doji Nadeshiko wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:05 pm

There's a shyness to being referred to in such a way, but Nadeshiko doesn't hesitate with her answer: "Please, of course; the company would be more than appreciated." With that, Asano's bow is returned.

The young lanky woman sits down in a somewhat casual way with her legs crossed in front of her, rather than a more ladylike way of her legs to her sides. She wears a blue kimono, very plain and monocolored with only her mons breaking up the simplicity.

"This one is Asahina Asano. I am quite nervous today, I will admit."

Asahina Asano wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 01, 2022 11:18 pm

"This one is Asahina Asano. I am quite nervous today, I will admit."

"And this one is Doji Nadeshiko," She returns. "Do not worry much. You've done well. Your paintings are quite lovely, Asahina-san, and I imagine our fellow Crane are all proud." Her eyes half-open to scan the crowd. They pause over each of her friends and favored artists before landing on Asano. "...do you perhaps have any entries you favor?" She hopes it might ease the girl's nerves.

When Yoshino had entered, looking smart in her best kimono, she had bowed toward the judges and taken a seat without fuss. Naturally, this was near her fellow Crane. As things settled she looked about to see who was around and how they looked to be feeling. She'd not done this much prior as she'd been far too focused on her piece for the day, each day.

There were a few competitors she hadn't had an opportunity to talk to, but she knew a few. She noted the Lion speaking with a Moshi and the Scorpion keeping quiet. She hoped not ominously.

Kitsune Shizenko wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 01, 2022 4:46 pm

Snip

She dipped her head and smiled toward the Fox and her little friend.

Raakun showed the Doji his new scarf. Shizenko smiled. "He is happy with his new attire. Thank you for the color suggestion Doji sama. I hope the fortunes have blessed you today."

"And you Kitsune-san. He is dashing. Have you also been well? I was in awe of your origami set." Which of course meant her best of day showing.