[Day 6, Late Morning] Perfection is the Enemy of the Perfectly Adequate (Open)

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Not to judge by the reception it seems to be getting, no."

He sighed.

"Not that I expect praise from a specialist in sadane, but it can hardly be said to have been appreciated or understood."

Back to examining a cheap set of knives.

"And there may be other forms art takes, Doji-san, but none in which I am proficient enough to bother with presenting here."

[Doji Yoshino]

"I wouldn't mind the two judges. They just dislike the idea of anyone ending up in a position where they'd have more authority on art than either of them." Was Yoshino's honest assessment of the pair. "Art is ultimately subjective, ne? It's all too easy to dismiss or elevate a piece based on factors that have nothing to do with the art in question." By which she of course meant favours first and foremost, yet also social considerations, societal impact, morale and mood, and so on.

The Doji hanged back while Choudai inspected knives. It wasn't alarm at him handling a sharp object. It was because she was alone and unmarried, and he was a man.

"I see. Well, I'm sure your efforts will be recognised. I was able to enjoy them first hand after all, so I should know. Thank you again for yesterday. It was delicious."

[Bayushi Choudai]

He chuckled.

"Hopefully today's is up to par- I intended to make food for everyone present. It'll have to be simple, but..."

He frowned.

"I have to do something."

Had he known how the evening was going to go, he probably would have been far more cheerful.

[Doji Yoshino]

Yoshino actually chuckled too. "I'm sure it'll be very good. I'll be sure to visit for a small bowl or plate."

Had she known how the evening was going to go in terms of unexpected guests, she probably would have been far less cheerful!

[Bayushi Choudai]

"I'm thinking rolled sushi, actually..."

He smiled at the Crane sidelong.

"... in case you wanted to act like a mind-reader when the time came for me to present."

[Doji Yoshino]

"That might be fun. We'll see."

She wasn't usually the type for such things, but it was a fun idea nonetheless.

"Have you been enjoying others' art during this competition Bayushi-san?"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"For the most part, yes- there are some very talented and hard-working artists here. I'm naturally biased in favor of my fellow Scorpion, Shosuro Hatsuki- I think her work is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. Doji Nadeshiko's poetry is generally a delight. Matsu Inori's paintings are bit less... structured than many, but that's part of why I find them such a breath of fresh air. I like Asahina Asano's paintings a great deal- even her, uhm, missteps are at least interesting. Togashi Yoshiaki's tattoos are magnificent..."

He paused. Winked at Yoshino.

"And then you have the truly multitalented sorts."

[Doji Yoshino]

The Crane seemed less confident in Choudai's assertion. "I was only picked for my poetry, while Doji Nadeshiko-san has been picked twice for hers. I sense a multi-disciplinary approach was not what the judges are looking for." She deflected the praise. "Another reason they'll notice your efforts. Bayushi-san and Shosuro-san are close friends. I'm fortunate my cousin, Asahina Asano-san is here. I'll tell her to focus more on her paintings when the time is right." She goes on to say with a little smile. "Her missteps are only because she is inexperienced."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Asahina-san isn't all that well-known to me, but she makes a good impression- and her creativity speaks volumes. I hope you've let her know that her work here has favorably impressed at least one from outside of her Clan."

He paused. Assessed a small cutting board, then put it back.

"As has yours, Doji-san. I think if the role of a Sapphire Ambassador is to promote all of the arts, then an understanding of multiple artistic facets can only be to your advantage, no?"

[Doji Yoshino]

"Not yet, but I will convey that. Thank you Bayushi-san."

She watched him checking out the cutting board. For someone that had never cooked for herself before she was entirely ignorant of what was required or how to use it.

"I had thought so too, but perhaps they wish to appoint people who can each exemplify an art well. My poetry pales in comparison to Doji Nadeshiko-san's."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Give yourself time, Doji-san. I'm lucky if I am half the chef my grandmother was, but I always strive to improve..."

He frowned and moved on to a mortar and pestle.

"... and as I told Bayushi Ameiko-san the other day, to please the judges is all well and good, but our art must also please us. It is an intensely personal process, after all."

[Doji Yoshino]

"I'm trying to enjoy the experience... and not be killed." She sighed gloomily. "My art pleasing me is somewhere in my mind, but mostly I try to convey something and to do as well as I can. I'm under no illusion that I'm some great artist who can bring paintings to life." Yoshino gestured to the cooking ware Choudai was now inspecting. "Or a meal. I don't even know how to cut vegetables."

[Bayushi Choudai]

He paused. Glanced at her.

"Would you like to learn, Doji-san?"

[Doji Yoshino]

"If there was time, yes, but we both need to focus on this competition." Yoshino gently rebuffs the offer. She was curious, but it was a poor time for them both.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Oh, I didn't mean today, or even tomorrow!"

He laughed, shaking his head.

"I just mean down the line. If we end up as Sapphire Ambassadors, I imagine we'll be expected to cooperate at times. Just something down the line, Doji-san."

[Doji Yoshino]

She placed her hands together and nods agreeably. "I'd like that Bayushi-san, if I am so fortunate and if I wouldn't be troubling you too much. However, I already owe you a favour, so I would have to ask if there was something I could show you in return." Exchanging such knowledge would be, as he'd suggested, surely expected.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"You know, there is, actually... I'm rubbish at the language of flowers. But... there are edible blooms out there. Some way of combining ikebana with what I do already? That, I think, would be quite a thing..."

[Doji Yoshino]

"There are, yes. I've seen some chefs prepare food cut into the shape of flowers too. It could certainly be interesting to build on that with actual flowers." It was a novel and fascinating idea. Choudai was really quite brilliant she thought.

"I would need to improve my ikebana to teach it well. That said, I'd be happy to share with you what I know. There are many gardens in my Clan's lands so I'm sure you can find some flowers that would fit your idea... although, I have heard there are equally impressive gardens in Scorpion lands."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"The gardens of the Scorpion are absolutely wondrous.... but I am looking at a way to ease Doji-san's solicitude."

He smiled.

"I am less inclined to stockpile debts than some..."

[Doji Yoshino]

Yoshino stopped to give it some real thought. She settles on something, shyly, as she couldn't help but look away. "Very well, perhaps you could let me know some of your favourite songs?"