D1EM, Player Event: A Legionnaire's Commentary (Open)

[Bayushi Choudai]

"And does the passion still burn for it, Bayushi-san? More than just your families legacy?"

"Very much so, Otomo-sama. The satisfaction I feel when a dish comes out just right, my excitement at trying to make a menu fit within a theme while still expressing myself through it... it is one of life's greatest satisfactions. There is little about which I am more passionate. "

In fact, only one person makes the cut.

[Otomo Yua]

<snip>

"Is that so? Hmm...I suppose we shall see then. The judges will be very critical. I for one look forward to what you are going to create Bayushi-san."

There was a small pause, before she added "while I'm sure I don't have the experience of Bayushi-san in the culinary arts, if you would like an opinion of one who is used to viewing things at the highest standards please feel free to ask me. The Imperial Families have the highest expectations after all."

[Bayushi Choudai]

tag

"It would be an honor to prepare a meal for such a refined taste, Otomo-sama, and I always enjoy a chance to practice my art. I think I will have to make time to do so before this competition ends. Does Otomo-sama have a favored seasoning or spice I should keep in mind?"

[Otomo Yua]

<snip>

"A favoured spice? Hm...Well, I remember a very interesting meal made with something called cinnamon? However I don't believe that's a common spice? Perhaps a light meal that suits the season? Spring is my favourite season after all, it's not a seasoning but it's a season ne?" Yua laughed "I wouldn't wish to take from your presentation time though."

[Bayushi Choudai]

Cue "Cinnamon Girl"

"Oh, that presents no difficulty, Otomo-sama, and I would be happy to volunteer the time."

He seemed to be pondering.

"Cinnamon, something light... yes, that gives me plenty to work from. Perhaps more of a snack than a meal, but we'll have to see if more involved inspiration strikes..."

[Otomo Yua]

<snip>

"I look forward to seeing what Bayushi-san can create" Yua said with a warm smile "I won't ask what inspiration has stuck, I do love a good surprise! I would assume Bayushi-san intends to prepare his competition pieces as well so I am honoured that you would offer this as well, unless his pieces are ones that are longer lasting? While I understand some foods can last long periods it's still very different to a painting ne?"

There was a thoughtful expression.

"You know, I don't think I have ever watched a culinary artist at work."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Feed me like your Scorpion girls."

"Oh, I intend to prepare almost everything as something of a performance on the day of the event. If I got to prepare too far in advance, it would be grossly unfair... a sculptor who ruins the stone they're working with has severe trouble. If I were to, say, burn some rice, I could just throw it out and make a new batch."

He chuckled.

"Now, that's not to say that I haven't brought a few ingredients with me. But the Crane have such fine quality foodstuff to work with, I've already made a couple of changes. It's an ephemeral art- a well-told poem would outlast it. Once eaten, my artwork is nothing but a memory."

[Otomo Yua]

<snip>

"I can relate to that Bayushi-san. I am a singer and storyteller. Once the song has finished, it is but a memory. Hopefully a good memory though, ne?" Yua said with a small nod "while I could write my stories, it doesn't have the same appeal as telling my stories. And a song read on paper doesn't feel the same as a song performed."

Yua paused as a Crane samurai brought over some 'gifts' as reward for helping. She looked at her coins with a curious expression.

"I suppose I should learn divination now."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"I can relate to that Bayushi-san. I am a singer and storyteller. Once the song has finished, it is but a memory. Hopefully a good memory though, ne?" Yua said with a small nod "while I could write my stories, it doesn't have the same appeal as telling my stories. And a song read on paper doesn't feel the same as a song performed."

Yua paused as a Crane samurai brought over some 'gifts' as reward for helping. She looked at her coins with a curious expression.

"I suppose I should learn divination now."

"Exactly- besides, art without an audience is, at best, half-done. The shared moment between audience and artist is what the situation calls for."

He blinked at his own... prize.

"Perhaps we can teach this cricket divination, then let it takes its show on the road."

He looked at the bug carefully. He wasn't sure how he felt about keeping it caged.

[Otomo Yua]

<snip>

Yua brought her fan up to cover a small giggle.

"Sounds like a challenge prospect, are you up to the task Bayushi-san?" Yua asked with an amused expression "if you could do it I would think one might find themselves very sought after. I don't know how intelligent crickets are."

[Bayushi Choudai]

Yua brought her fan up to cover a small giggle.

"Sounds like a challenge prospect, are you up to the task Bayushi-san?" Yua asked with an amused expression "if you could do it I would think one might find themselves very sought after. I don't know how intelligent crickets are."

"Hm, you know, I've never even trained a dog, so perhaps I should keep my ambitions more realistic..."