D1EE, Welcome Feast (Very Open)

[Matsu Inori]

<snip>

"There, that's what I wanted to hear" Yua said with a nod and a warm smile "what is the saying...forgive me if I misquote, but it's something like When one commits fully to a course of action, with no doubt or remorse in one’s heart, defeat cannot be the outcome. I believe?"

There was a nod, sipping her tea before replying.

"And hai I do indeed intend to participate. I cannot say I'm as skilled as some I have seen here, but the first Sapphire championships should have an Imperial representative ne?"

"I think the Imperials can provide guidance. This is, after all, an imperial event - of sorts - and if nothing else I assume there is also some curiosity towards those attempting for this new imperial appointment, however temporary"

She smiled ruefully "To be entirely honest I am not sure about my prospects either, but there is indeed no way but forward and an honest, sincere effort"

[Asahina Asano]

Yoshino only responded when she had finished her piece of sushi. She gave Asano a sideways look. There was some disbelief that it hadn't ever happened to Asano. "It has come up."

"It had not for me. Well... not that I've noticed. Yet. Maybe I just... never thought about it too much?"

She tilted her head a little, curiously at Yoshino.

"...now I cannot stop thinking about it."

[Doji Yoshino]

Snip...

"Then let's change topic. Do you know anyone else here...?" It would be useful if Asano did. "I'm among strangers except for you."

[Asahina Asano]

"Then let's change topic. Do you know anyone else here...?" It would be useful if Asano did. "I'm among strangers except for you."

"A few people."

She pointed behind a sleeve to Nadeshiko, "I met her before, a woman with a lot of knowledge of art named Doji Nadeshiko. Kakita trained, and a writer, actually!"

Asano turned to Chodai, "That one in the beak mask is Bayushi Chodai; Also a bushi, but somewhat of a scholar as well. And a chef? At least from what I understand. I didn't ask him much about it, but he seems knowledgeable about food."

Finally, she turns to Hatsuki, "And that is Shosuro Hatsuki. Actually trained at the Kakita Artisan school and quite serious about her art, really... though I don't know her specialties. She seems to know a little bit about everything though. I was rather impressed..."

[Doji Yoshino]

Snip...

"She sounds impressive... but, she'll probably ignore me."

Yoshino followed as Asano pivoted to indicate Chodai. "He likes food. I'll file that knowledge away."

She switched to trying to discreetly look at Hatsuki. "They're here in force. She sounds like someone who could beat us at our own game, ne? At least the Sensei could call it a win." Yoshino comments dryly albeit quietly toward her cousin.

[Asahina Asano]

"She sounds impressive... but, she'll probably ignore me."

Yoshino followed as Asano pivoted to indicate Chodai. "He likes food. I'll file that knowledge away."

She switched to trying to discreetly look at Hatsuki. "They're here in force. She sounds like someone who could beat us at our own game, ne? At least the Sensei could call it a win." Yoshino comments dryly albeit quietly toward her cousin.

Asano sipped some more tea, the comment about the bathrooms being forgotten already.

"Do you want to be noticed? Or... would you rather generally be ignored?"

[Doji Yoshino]

Snip...

"Surely a trick question. That depends by who..." She tapped a finger on the table pointedly. "And under what circumstances. No maiden wants to meet a handsome bachelor, no matter how reputable, while she's sick, ne?" She chuckled darkly. "That would be my luck. You, cousin, would likely bump into two at once."

Yoshino held up that finger and shook her head.

"No, scrub that. It would probably be three. Then your misfortune would be having to pick whose interest you like more. I'd then be able to tell one of those silly old jokes. A Lion, a Crab and a Phoenix walk into a miai..."

A smile played at her lips as she imagined it. She made a motion of fanning herself playfully with her hand. "And now I need some oolong tea."

[Otomo Yua]

<snip>

"I have met a few so far and there seems to be a wide variety of arts, and even some I didn't expect. A makeup artist, a culinary artist, a jewellery artist, even a tattoo artist. The judges will have plenty to see."

Yua put her cup down.

"The Imperial Families are quite interested in how this event goes as well, and I'm honoured to be the one here for it on behalf of them. I'm sure Matsu-san will do her clan proud too. She should be confident, as you wouldn't be here if the Lion were not confident in you."

[Asahina Asano]

-snip-

Asano blushed a little, whipping out her fan and hiding behind it, "Yoshino-san...! Do... you consider me that misfortunate? Or are you just teasing me? I mean... I don't even get sick that easily~~"

She frowned slightly, "Besides, there's a lot about my heart you do not yet know. I'm a delicate maiden, I'll have you know."

[Doji Yoshino]

"Misfortunate? Hardly. I said I'd get sick. You'd only get sick of reading love letters." She summarises the jest and chuckles. Shaking her head with amusement she goes back to her sushi. "It was only a tease, like saying a someone that never gets sick can scarcely be called delicate..."

Her eyes twinkled at Asano as she hid her lips, and the sushi, behind a hand.

[Asahina Asano]

-snip-

"Well, I meant sick physically. It's my heart that's the delicate part, I'll have you know. Besides; Even if I'm healthy, I've never lifted a weapon in my life. Not even my wakizashi, since I rely on others to clean that. So I'd have to rely on you to take care of me!"

[Doji Yoshino]

Yoshino finished her mouthful, taking her time and not rushing. She poured herself a cup of water to wash it down with.

"Cousin, if we end up in a situation like that then the best I can do is make some suggestions for a death haiku."

[Asahina Asano]

"But, but... bandits! Kidnappers! Pirates? Surely a flower of beauty like me is just ASKING to be accosted, no? You couldn't do anything to help?"

Asano pouted deeper.

[Doji Yoshino]

"I can see you being accosted, yes, but what would you have me do?" She gave Asano a withering look. "Return to the dojo and take up kenjutsu for a few years?" Yoshino tapped her chopsticks, which she'd placed atop their holder. "I could throw these or maybe my sandals? I know enough kyujutsu to hit a tree at the end of a small garden." She lifted her eyebrows at Asano. "Would you like a display one day?"

[Asahina Asano]

Asano calmed herself and gave a nod, not wanting to get too out of line at the feast here, "I would greatly enjoy seeing that. I know you'd talked about it before, practicing with your yumi, that is. But it's certainly not one of those things I've had a chance to see. I know I've seen archery back home from some of the monks, and I've always thought it a very impressive skill to watch."

[Doji Yoshino]

"Some of your kin are apparently very good at it... but, it can wait. Let's enjoy this."

She lifts her cup of tea.

"Good luck Asano-san. Kampai."

(Scene for us?)

[Asahina Asano]

(/scene and thank you!)