[Day 6, MM] A Lion breakfast (open)

[Matsu Inori]

Inori had not expected returning from the Dojo to an explanation that breakfast was a non-starter until the kitchen was ritually purified - combined with the generous offer of dried field rations.

Amazing she thought to herself with an entirely un-Samurai amount of sarcasm.

Her travels across the empire probably had made her soft - previously she had eaten for fuel and never much cared or even questioned things. Being in Crane lands, as wealthy as they were and with the hosts making a point of feeding their visitors well this dynamic had changed. Switching back to travel rations...
I mean she could, but she really, really did not feel like it. She had imagined the nice breakfast, really looked forward to it. Even now she could hold the image of it in her mind's eye. Which raised an interesting idea...

She withdrew the scroll from her satchel, stared at it, then at the table in front of her - clear, as few people had much enthusiasm for eating following that announcement or might be trying their luck elsewhere. Closer her eyes and superimposed the image mentally. Made a few changes.

It can be done. I have not tried this one more than a few times, but...it can be done, I bet.

Inori rolled up her sleeves, held the scroll, envisioned, began to mutter.

A mist rose over the table, shifted around, and she spoke

"Bring forth!"

For a second there it looked like something would coalesce out of the mist, but then it just dissipate again.

Inori hung her head. Well that was hardly ideal.

[Matsu Inori]

She had felt close though. Almost there. Which did not necessarily mean a lot - she'd felt that way before and never got it to work. Just billowing clouds of dust, random mist, splashes of water or upended and broken furniture in some cases.

That and frustration.

Was this one another of those failed attempts at finding something that worked? Previous limited successes a fluke?

Her confidence wavered.

Ancestors...what am I doing here?

And almost as if in response to that question she felt...warmth. Renewed certainty.

Trust yourself, Inori. Just....do it.

So. Scroll out. Visualize. The spirits forming up, including her small blue buddy, the table - and the meal she was intent on producing, of asking the kami and the fortune of rice itself to provide.

Bring forth! she spoke once more.

And suddenly the mist rose again, shrouded the table, drew in dust motes from all over the serving room and even seemingly out of thin air, all of it coalescing into thin bowls made from a smooth but chalky substance filled with....barley gruel. Lightly seasoned, but warm and steaming barley gruel, lightly salted Edamame and other early-season wild vegetables.

That and steaming mugs of.....barley tea. Lions sure loved their barley.

It was hot though. Inori smiled

[Kaiu Kunio]

Hearing the collection of rumors going around in the morning and seeing the bowl full of rations, Kaiu Kunio understands that a lot of things have been happening while his nose was to the grindstone. He ponders what his next action should be while chewing on a field ration, one that is far more artistically made than a Crab ration. Amazing, a ration that acts more like a sushi roll, chicken wrapped in rice with soy sauce of all things. This wouldn't last more than a week, so different from crab rations that are made to last for months if necessary. However, rations alone don't satisfy in the morning, so he takes a second to see what is happening in the lobby. He notices the casting and out of respect for her work, stands by and sees if anyone else partakes in her meal.

[Matsu Inori]

Such an enthusiastic reaction Inori thought to herself, then shrugged.

Don't mind if I do...

She was, after all, curious whether this invocation of the spirits had actually worked. Other distant worries, whether this was a frivolous use of their powers, were also at the back of her mind. First, however, she would find out if it had actually worked.

As far as the Matsu could tell it had. The barley gruel tasted just like she'd remembered from all those years past in various Lion Dojo, and the Edamame...were lightly salted beans. Nothing wrong with the food, really, at least as far as she could tell. Time to dig in then...

Lion Dojo not only gave their students a tolerance for plain fare, after all, but also a healthy appetite.

[Ikoma Yuiko]

Strutting on down to breakfast, such as it was, Yuiko slid on up to the table where her cousin had been making with the ritual foodmaking. She announced her arrival by placing her sake gourd, loyal friend and staunch companion in these trying, kitchen-less times, upon the table next to her.

"Good morning, cousin." Yuiko greeted the shugenja-artist, lifting up a sleeve to conceal a yawn. She scanned over the spread, then leaned over conspiratorially. "You know, I have some dried fish in my rations if you wanted something other than grains and vegetables."

The question of where such wondrously hot, fresh food came from didn't even come up.

[Matsu Inori]

"That would be welcome" Inori said "You know this reminds me of the old Dojo days. Not in a bad way"

The Matsu spooned gruel into her mouth, worked it over her tongue. It was okay, not all that tasty, but in a way it tasted like home. And the barley tea - very welcome. Excellent even.

Which is when she noticed what her cousin had brought to the able "That's hardly mugicha" she commented with a smile.

[Ikoma Yuiko]

"You're right, it is not." Yuiko beamed, swirling the contents of the sake gourd before uncorking it and taking a whiff. Upending the cucurbit-turned-container, Yuiko poured out...nothing.

"Mugicha would have been something at least. There's naught worthwhile drink to be found!" Yuiko's smile faded theatrically as she lamented the lack of spirits. "Not even for ready money." She added in confidence.

Replacing the stopper, the Ikoma leaned sullenly upon the table, resting her chin on one hand as she glanced towards the dining Inori. With the other hand, Yuiko rummaged about in her sleeve and produced a paper-wrapped parcel which she slid over to the Matsu.

"Here." Yuiko spoke awkwardly, resting the weight of her head fully upon her chin and so restricting herself from speaking properly. "Fish."

Why she was carrying the preserved fish on her person, in her clothing, was likely not soon to be adequately explained.

[Matsu Inori]

Fish? Up her sleeve? I'm not sure I want to know Inori thought to herself. Still - It was a welcome addition.

"You've got a long day ahead of you, huh?" she said "Unfortunately I am entirely able to tell you where to find sake, much less proper sake. Best I can do, apparently, is warm food."

Another spoonful of the gruel. There was a reason she liked eating other food for a change, but...still. It beat dry rice cakes. And the vegetables weren't half bad for something that didn't exist until minutes ago.

"Still, the entire thing with the kitchen. Bit of a scandal. You know anything I don't, Yui-nee?"

[Ikoma Yuiko]

"Inori!" Yuiko exclaimed, feigning shock and a scandalized expression. "Are you implying I, your forthright and upstanding cousin, would traffic in rumors and hearsay?"

Yuiko could have been an actress as she placed the back of one hand against her forehead, overcome with emotion, the other arm holding onto the sake gourd for support in these most trying of times.

Eyes turning to the Matsu, Yuiko broke into a wan smile and exhaled sullenly. "Sadly, I know nothing that you would not have already known. It is not easy to search out information when one is confined to their bed."

"But, I will have you know - the swelling has improved as of late, which is why I am here, once again, to support you in your artistic endeavors for the benefit of our clan."

Much like the fish concealed in her sleeve, Yuiko was not quite forthcoming to date about how or why it was she ended up in bed with "undue swelling".

[Kaiu Kunio]

(Any chance I could roll to see if I hear any more details on the rumors here?)

[Fukurokujin]

(Any chance I could roll to see if I hear any more details on the rumors here?)

Courtier (Gossip) / Awareness
TN's hidden, unfortunately.

[Kaiu Kunio]

D6, MM, Trying to find out more about rumors, Courtier/Awareness, Open TN | 5k3 ⇒ 24

[Kaiu Kunio]

"Inori!" Yuiko exclaimed, feigning shock and a scandalized expression. "Are you implying I, your forthright and upstanding cousin, would traffic in rumors and hearsay?"

Yuiko could have been an actress as she placed the back of one hand against her forehead, overcome with emotion, the other arm holding onto the sake gourd for support in these most trying of times.

Eyes turning to the Matsu, Yuiko broke into a wan smile and exhaled sullenly. "Sadly, I know nothing that you would not have already known. It is not easy to search out information when one is confined to their bed."

"But, I will have you know - the swelling has improved as of late, which is why I am here, once again, to support you in your artistic endeavors for the benefit of our clan."

Much like the fish concealed in her sleeve, Yuiko was not quite forthcoming to date about how or why it was she ended up in bed with "undue swelling".

Noticing none of the commoners are approaching the shugenja's efforts, Kunio finally approaches, having ensured Courtesy is upheld. However, he used this time to hear from the others in the room things he wanted to know. He then finds a right moment to politely join the table.

[Matsu Inori]

Inori shook her head as if to clear it. Confused. Again. Seemed like her cousin had that effect on her.

Mysterious swelling? Looks like there is a whole lot I do not know about Yuiko.

"I know some of the people involved, including the Bayushi in question, it's just...you know. A lot of things going on behind the scenes here that I don't know about. I'm halfway expecting people to draw steel on each other one of these days."

"Please, Crab-san, feel free to join us!"

[Ikoma Yuiko]

Yuiko sighed and fanned herself with her hand, "It's out of season yet to be drawing steel, I think. Besides, imagine catching the edge of a blade over art, of all things."

She shook her head, "Not many stories to spin from that. Not inspiring stories, anyway."

Nodding in acknowledgement to Kunio, Yuiko was content to let Inori lead the conversation with the Crab - it was her table, after all.

[Kaiu Kunio]

He bows to the ladies, "This one is Kaiu-Kunio, I am glad to hear your are feeling better Ikomo-San." He sits at the table with the two ladies, takes a sip of the tea, takes a second to notice the texture, giving no immediate reaction (because player has no idea what this tea is like), then gives his input to the topic of choice. "It's in even worse form to draw steel on one of a much lower station than yourself. No, Doji-sama would rather make sure law and order is consistent and fair. "

[Matsu Inori]

"I am called Matsu Inori. Pleased to meet you" she replied, then considered before she continued

"I don't think there is much of a difference in station between the...shall we say primary parties in this building conflict. That would not be a hindrance - I agree that Doji-san does not want such events though, and would probably be rather cross with those who show such lack of restraint"

Not that this would stop them if they believe their honour has been insulted and tempers are flaring

"Let us hope calmer heads prevail - I agree, Yui-nee - killing each other over paintings would be hard to explain the lords back home"

[Kaiu Kunio]

"Cooler heads and budding talent are a fine combination for spring. I am curious on your thoughts about this year's Topaz Championship, it isn't too far a travel from here, no?"

[Matsu Inori]

"I will be entirely honest, Kaiu-san" Inori said.

"Since I've already gone through Gempukku and have various other things going on I have not spent a whole lot of thought on the Topaz championship. I suppose as usual, may the best one win"

The best one, mind you, not just some Crane again.

"I think it's near certain I will not attend, mind you. What about you, Kaiu-san? A representative of your clan to watch the proceedings?"

[Kaiu Kunio]

"Actually, my sister will be competing this year. I wish I could go support her, but duty calls me to be a part of the Emperor's Blessing instead." (I surely hope they will be more receptive to crab ways)