D1EE, Welcome Feast (Very Open)

[Doji Nadeshiko]

((Apologies for making all of you wait for a reply!))

"I haven't seen many of the tea houses yet, so i suppose those will be my next stops in some of the coming days."

She is sitting next to Nadeshiko, takes a bite from time to time and generally is open to socializing.

"Perhaps we three could visit one together? I know one tea house has a lovely cherry tree with a sweet rumor attached to it... and their paintings..." At that Nadeshiko sighs dreamily; the ache for romance is a thorn pierced deep in her heart. It's foolish, but it's there. "It's quite the place for romantics. I've yet to visit the others, and I'm sure all four are inspiring."

There's a brief moment there where something clicks in her head. Oh. She's been QUITE rude. "Hatsuki-san -- I do believe you and Minori-san have not been introduced?" Her cheeks flush a bit in embarrassment.

Seeing her Crane friend in conversation with another, she pauses a bit self-consciously nearby, ready to exchange greetings and take a seat...or look elsewhere.

As Nadeshiko stews the faint jingling of jewelry pricks her ears. Her head rises towards the sound as does her hand, sleeve dropping back enough to show the gorgeous bracelet she'd worn tonight -- "Horiuchi-san! Come sit with us?" It's a convenient time for introductions for her, as well!

[Asahina Asano]

snip-

"Now now... at least we're wall FLOWERS not... I don't know... wall pigs, or something. That means we just have to sit here and look pretty, right?"

Asano sipped her tea slowly, occasionally turning to give an appreciative smile to Yoshino for sitting next to her like this.

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

snip

The young Unicorn nods and offers a bow to each of those she'd seen conversing before moving to find a seat beside Minori, bracketing the pair of Crane between herself and the Scorpion. The small smile was for the sight of her gift, a charm of four sakura in rosy brass and skillful enamel, dangling gently by Nadeshiko's sleeve.

Her voice would carry well on a windy plain, low and solid, though it's likely loud for the court. Here it carries cleanly above the feast-chatter. "Much appreciated Doji-san. I won't fear to pick up the wrong dish first with all of you to emulate." She settles, smoothing her silks with rough, but clean hands, several bracelets settling low on her wrists. She pauses a moment to see if her usual instinct to simply introduce herself was appropriate at something so formal, or if she ought to let Nadeshiko--as something of a hostess in the moment--have the task.

[Doji Minori]

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The Doji smiles pleasantly to the other two women. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances. I am Doji Minori, duelist and poet of the Left Hand. Nadeshiko san and I trained together at the Kakita Dueling Academy." She turns to her clanmate and the Scorpion and nods. "I cannot but join you in this noble quest to find the perfect tea blend, of course! Set the day and the time and I will be there, eager and prepared."

[Matsu Inori]

-snip-

Alright. Yes. Of course...

"Tea, yes, thank you very much. Erm"

Did I just say that?!?

"Oh this one is Matsu Inori"

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Snip

"Yes, they should be." She took a riceball and took a bite. "I guess these competitions open the minds to the different approaches to the different arts and even bring new techniques and art forms to life."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

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The Doji smiles pleasantly to the other two women. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances. I am Doji Minori, duelist and poet of the Left Hand. Nadeshiko san and I trained together at the Kakita Dueling Academy." She turns to her clanmate and the Scorpion and nods. "I cannot but join you in this noble quest to find the perfect tea blend, of course! Set the day and the time and I will be there, eager and prepared."

"Horiuchi Sriyani of Small Creek Village, priestess and, well I'm here for the jewelry I make, but I don't know as I consider myself a jeweler.." She trails off with a tiny shake of her head. "I've been enjoying Doji Nadeshiko's letters and poems for the past...is it a year now? Two? Not two full springs by maybe there were two summers..."

Her interest is definitely piqued by the mention of tea. "If anyplace were going to come up with the perfect tea blend, I guess this event makes sense for them to do it at."

[Akodo Yaukwari]

Snip

"The event will focus on the virtues of Bushido," Yakuwari says. "At which of the presentations does Kitsune-san believe she will fare best?"

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Snip

"I look forward to Jin... My heart is one filled with compassion. The next is Rei... I try to be courteous to all equally. I am thinking how to represent them using my art." She smiled. "I know the spirits will guide my heart to make something appropriate."

[Akodo Yaukwari]

Snip

Yakuwari nods in reply. Really, what can one say to such a thing?

His eyes wander the table again, and he sighs, then shakes his head.

"I trust Kitsune-san's family is well?"

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Snip

"Yes, my family is well...I hope my friends as well. Akaiko chan was expecting. But, I doubt you want to know about foxes." She finished her riceball.

[Akodo Yaukwari]

Snip

"Is Kitsune-san not a Fox?" Yakuwari asks, brow furrowing in some confusion.

He takes another bite.

But then, Matsu-san grew strange around her gift, as well.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Schrodinger's Tsi having gone silent, Choudai had moved on, looking to do a bit of... schmoozing.

Of course, it wouldn't do to try and buttonhole the judge or his wife, so he settled on a more prominent target, zeroing in on their host.

After awaiting proper acknowledgement, he bowed respectfully.

"Good evening, Doji-sama. This one is Bayushi Choudai, and I am humbled by the hospitality of the Crane Clan."

[Doji Utemaro]

Schrodinger's Tsi having gone silent, Choudai had moved on, looking to do a bit of... schmoozing.

Of course, it wouldn't do to try and buttonhole the judge or his wife, so he settled on a more prominent target, zeroing in on their host.

After awaiting proper acknowledgement, he bowed respectfully.

"Good evening, Doji-sama. This one is Bayushi Choudai, and I am humbled by the hospitality of the Crane Clan."

Utemaro bowed, giving the proper acknowledgement to their differing stations.

"I am glad to hear that, Bayushi-san. The Crane's tradition of hospitality is something we take rather a lot of pride in. I hope that your participation in the competition and the surrounding environs both will inspire you to new artistic heights." he said in response.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Utemaro bowed, giving the proper acknowledgement to their differing stations.

"I am glad to hear that, Bayushi-san. The Crane's tradition of hospitality is something we take rather a lot of pride in. I hope that your participation in the competition and the surrounding environs both will inspire you to new artistic heights." he said in response.

"This feast has already offered inspiration I intend to take home... the quality of the ingredients is second to none, and the technique of the chefs..."

Choudai bowed again, since "chef's kiss" was a gesture that wouldn't go down well in Rokugani society.

"I admit myself thoroughly impressed, both as samurai and as chef. I earnestly hope that in future, I can take some small part in repaying Doji-sama's hospitality in kind, should Doji-sama ever have cause to visit the Scorpion lands...."


[OOC goodness: D1/EE Three Amigos Roll, Direct Lobbying for Shosuro Otoko, Courtier/Awareness speaking to Doji Utemaro. Void spent for +1k1. TN 20 | 7k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 20)

1 Amigo Point secured for Shosuro Otoko]

[Doji Utemaro]

"This feast has already offered inspiration I intend to take home... the quality of the ingredients is second to none, and the technique of the chefs..."

Choudai bowed again, since "chef's kiss" was a gesture that wouldn't go down well in Rokugani society.

"I admit myself thoroughly impressed, both as samurai and as chef. I earnestly hope that in future, I can take some small part in repaying Doji-sama's hospitality in kind, should Doji-sama ever have cause to visit the Scorpion lands...."


[OOC goodness: D1/EE Three Amigos Roll, Direct Lobbying for Shosuro Otoko, Courtier/Awareness speaking to Doji Utemaro. Void spent for +1k1. TN 20 | 7k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 20)

1 Amigo Point secured for Shosuro Otoko]

Utemaro's grip on his chopsticks grows a little bit tigher at the Scorpion's words.

"Ah, yes, the Scorpion too are renowned as hosts. Some have said that their hospitality is so great, they would never wish to leave." he offered, willing his On to be as neutral as a Scorpion mask. "Should I find myself in your lands, I would of course remember your invitation, Bayushi-san." he said.

He rose and bowed slightly.

"If Bayushi-san will excuse me, a proper host does need to circulate amongst their guests, so I cannot indulge in a lengthier discussion at this time, but perhaps later in the competition we will have some time." he says, preparing to go mingle more.

[Otomo Yua]

<snip>

I don't think I've ever seen such a declawed Lion before.

"I think having an evening to relax and converse is a great to end the night, ne?" Yua picked up her cup "tell me about yourself Matsu-san. In a roomful of artists what makes Matsu-san stand out?"

[Bayushi Choudai]

Utemaro's grip on his chopsticks grows a little bit tigher at the Scorpion's words.

"Ah, yes, the Scorpion too are renowned as hosts. Some have said that their hospitality is so great, they would never wish to leave." he offered, willing his On to be as neutral as a Scorpion mask. "Should I find myself in your lands, I would of course remember your invitation, Bayushi-san." he said.

He rose and bowed slightly.

"If Bayushi-san will excuse me, a proper host does need to circulate amongst their guests, so I cannot indulge in a lengthier discussion at this time, but perhaps later in the competition we will have some time." he says, preparing to go mingle more.

"Ah, but of course, Doji-sama. I would not dream to impose further upon one who has been so gracious already at a time when there are so many demands upon you."

Choudai bowed respectfully and managed to keep a sort of fiendish grin off of his face mostly by actively thinking about the creepy monk from earlier in the day.

That went rather well. Hopefully a more capable courtier saw that little tic and can use it as leverage...

[Bayushi Ameiko]

"If Bayushi-san will excuse me, a proper host does need to circulate amongst their guests, so I cannot indulge in a lengthier discussion at this time, but perhaps later in the competition we will have some time." he says, preparing to go mingle more.

That's alright, Utemaro can escape. There was another Scorpion who made certain to catch his eye, albeit this one may have an easier time. She shifted slightly as the Crane passed and bowed.

"Doji-sama, good evening!" she said, still near her charge, but not seeking to burden Gaitsu with pleasantries if he was enjoying his meal peacefully. "I am Bayushi Ameiko, and If I may I would like to introduce myself and thank you for the wonderful greeting and care I've received from your clan."

[Kitsune Shizenko]

Snip

The Kitsune chuckled. "Ah... well yes... I mean a fox as an animal. Akaiko chan is one of my animal friends." She smiled. "My brother is taking care of her."