D4EA, Noodles, Anyone? (Open to Aibou Enthusiasts and Prospects)

[Matsu Inori]

The Lion nodded. "This...of course I do not fully understand it, but it aligns with several of the things I have found out during my self-study. Different types of spirits, with affinity to different images or materials..."

Inori frowned a little

"I suppose the actual artistic merit of a painting might not matter as much as I think, rather it would be about certain qualities of the painting, but I find a better technique helps me paint what I envision, which in turn works better with the spirits. Some of the early versions do not work at all, or often not properly. Almost as if the spirits do not wish to - or cannot - assume certain forms or recreate certain things if they're off by even a minor crucial detail."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

"They're not human, so our notions of art and merit don't match theirs, though sometimes they can align. Both sorts of...hmm, beings, appreciate harmonious presentations." She scoops a remaining bit of carrot to munch a moment. "self-study is necessary regardless, but it's a bit of a waste not getting you into a school where you can pull from work others have done too."

[Matsu Inori]

"Not without risk" Inori pointed out "And it will take a while to see if it can be done. Although it is obvious common sense, far easier to learn from and build on knowledge amassed over centuries by the best and brightest"

Inori planted her elbows on the table, then pointed out "That said I was also taught the spear and tactics by excellent teachers."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

The Unicorn grins,."And I imagine that's excellent underpinning to anything you've discovered for yourself of the spear...or tactics, if there's been a chance?" She didn't seem old enough to have had much chance to direct battles." Setting her chopsticks aside, she lifts the bowl to sip at the broth .

[Matsu Inori]

"Hmmm. I am competent, as I mentioned before, at least in Soujutsu. I would make, by my own assessment, a capable basic soldier or spearwoman. Not, however, a Matsu bushi"

Inori paused. That had hurt her a little to say.

"I don't think a good teacher can draw something forth that their student never had in them"

[Shiba Aibou]

Aibou considers.

"It is possible that teaching could be arranged for you," he says.

[Matsu Inori]

Inori considered this for a second "A most generous offer indeed. Whether I can accept it might be beyond my control, at least for the time being. While I do not know what that might entail, there is a chance I might become one of those sapphire ambassadors, and who knows what might be expected of me then."

She paused for second before adding

"I would be remiss to make promises or accept generous offers like that without knowing whether I can follow through."

[Shiba Aibou]

Aibou nods.

"A fair and upright response," he says. "But what else would be expected from a Lion?"

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

The bowl is set back, empty. "I think few ever find out all of what they have in them to draw out. You, and probably I, might not be great fighters, with spear or whatever weapon. But practice can make us good." She shrugs, then watches the negotiations, knowing she should be pleased that this might bring her soon to be adopted clan that small tie, or extra bit of knowledge. Certainly the teachings of the Unicorn would probably be a less comfortable fit for the Matsu.

Honestly, she finds herself pleased that the spirits will have a more apt priestess in some fashion.

[Matsu Inori]

"I have much to consider then, it seems" the Matsu said. "And I honestly wish you luck and success in trying to get this contest continued, and in the most suitable venue"

Inori rose, bowed deeply.

"Shiba-sama. Horiuchi-san"

and withdrew. She had a painting to get ready.

[Shiba Aibou]

Aibou stands to return the bow.

"Fortunes guide you."

[Horiuchi Sriyani]

Sriyani, pushes herself to her feet to settle into the rituals of farewell.

"Luck to you both then, through contests and retaining this contest."

[Shiba Aibou]

Aibou says to Sriyani "May the winds be ever at your back."