Sapphire Ambassadors

Aibou returns to a noodle stand he has visited before and places his order.

He eats, looking at the passing crowds.

There's a faint jingle and clatter, mostly noticeable in it's absence as it stops just before a low, feminine voice orders a bowl of udon with extra chashu. After another moment, the soft noises of Sriyani's jewelry resume and she pauses beside Aibou. "Pardon me, you're Shiba Aibou-sama, yes?"

Aibou looks up, stands, and bows.

"I am...Horiuchi-san? Sriyani, I believe it was?"

She bows as well, a slightly more skilled endeavor holding her bowl between her hands as she is. "It is, kind of you to remember." Straightening, she pauses, not entirely sure how to proceed, save with the basic truth. "Hmm, I'm not so deeply into the politics of things here, but...you're trying to see this whole thing brought to Phoenix lands next year? I've mostly thought that made sense and...feel some reason to prefer that option over the others I'm hearing of, being not a quite a year from joining an Isawa family."

She frowns slightly, still standing with her bowl. "I suppose I wanted to ask if the opinions of the artists even matter much to the decision when it's made. Who's making the decision in the end?"

"I am given to understand that our host will make the determination," Aibou replies, resuming his seat and gesturing for Sriyani to join him. "And I am given to understand that the artists' opinions will, indeed, influence his decision greatly. For which reason I am glad to have you join me.

"But you said you would be joining the Phoenix?"

(ooc edit. Derp...Isawa, not Asako. That's a typing at the terminal and not checking error. Retcon engine engaged!)

She nods before setting her bowl down and taking the indicated seat with a small clatter of jewelry "Betrothed this past winter to Isawa Hachi, youngest of Isawa Aramoto's sons. A fall wedding."

"I spent the winter in a small Asako court. The mountains and the old forests are an inspiration." She begins poking the egg apart to mix into her broth. "Should I have a chance to talk to our host, what...well, what is he looking for to make that decision?"

(Retconjuration commencing!)

"Congratulations," Aibou says.

"But to your question, the place that would best suit artistic endeavor among next year's prospects should be the focus of attention. And that would be the Phoenix lands, rather than the dissolute Scorpion or the remote and cramped Mantis lands, I think."

"The Mantis have barely been seen at this competition. Can't imagine Doji-sama wants to reward that kind of snub." It's nigh on impossible to eat noodles elegantly, and Sriyani is not in the habit of attempting the impossible. So noodles are slurped with as much decorum as one winter's worth of court polish can provide.

[more edit retcon, as I forgot someone...XD]

"It would not follow, no," Aibou says around his own meal.

"But I cannot think, either, that allowing it to pass to the Scorpion would serve well," he adds. "Especially considering their losses in the past year."

Her lips twist. "hmm..honestly that's going to be a reason used to pass it to them. Show how they're recovering in adversity and so on. Though I can't see that being an easy sell to the Crane." The mercantile phrasing comes more easily than perhaps it should. "Haven't seen much of their lands, but I'd guess they'll play up illusion and the sort of artistic tricks every art has."

Noodles half lifted she pauses to look up and ask, "have the Phoenix already offered a theme for the presentations?"

"I have more than suggested that reverence to the Fortunes would be in order," Aibou says. "Certainly They are worthy of devotion."

Noodles. Noodles once again.

Well, those are good, and it's not like I can afford things much fancier than this Inori thought to herself.

And besides, there was someone else she had heard about, although she had not seen the man yet - a Phoenix diplomat of sorts, in a competition with a Scorpion and a Mantis to promote his clan as the next host of this event.

It's not like Inori had strong feelings about the Sapphire championship, but as to the clans on offer....that was not a complicated choice. Still, she was not intent on interrupting a conversation, and waited until, perhaps, a lull came up.

It's hard to really *look* thoughtful while slurping noodles, but the Horiuchi is definitely thinking. "Given the themes of my work, I obviously approve, and it's very fitting for the Phoenix."

"After this year's display of rather unconventional art, such a traditional theme might bring out more traditional artists, while the Scorpion will definitely move farther into experimental directions." She leaves unsaid which she thinks the Crane would normally prefer.

She offers a nod to the arriving Lion while scooping her next batch of noodles and leaving the decision of adding another to the conversation to the higher status member of it.

Aibou stands and bows to the new arrival.

"Matsu-san," he says. "Welcome. Please, join us. Horiuchi Sriyani and I were talking of the future; it would be a pleasure to hear your thoughts."

Inori bowed and smiled, then approached.

"Most gracious, Shiba-sama" she said "I would be honoured to join, and mostly listen. Until very recently thoughts about the wider future have not crossed my mind" since I have enough issues of my own "but I feel like I can not afford such ignorance much longer. If this will be a recurring thing...I feel it has to be in the right hands"

"I think you have more future to you than I do, Matsu-san," Aibou says, resuming his seat. "But you have the right of it; things must be put into the best possible hands."

"Hands, in other words, that recognize tradition and propriety" she said, nodding. "The other two probably potential hosts of course have their merits, too, but there are...better stewards of imperial prestige and culture, I think"

Aibou nods.

"Your own paintings have attracted some notice, as well, Matsu-san. I find myself appreciative of your techniques, myself."

Sriyani nods to several points in the conversation, using her opportunity of not-talking, to work through a bit more of her lunch. "I was wondering where Matsu-san trained as well, as the style isn't one I'm as familiar with. I've not traveled much, so that's not to say it's obscure or anything.."

"Thank you, Shiba-sama. Most generous. Especially since it was your clan's influence, well, that one of your Isawa-cousins, who played a part in sending me down this road"

Calculated risk? Inori was not sure whether it was wise to say this, but...oh well.