[Day 0, Mid-Morning, Dojo] Technically a Bushi (Open)

[Bayushi Choudai]

Poetry "of a sort"? Curious.

"As I just finished belaboring Togashi-san at some length about, I'll be demonstrating culinary arts."

He glanced at the Dragon, who had said something about a visual medium.

Perhaps he makes funny faces?

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Culinary arts?" And with that she joins them both, moving quickly to get right up close to Choudai -- Nadeshiko almost bumps into him, but backs off quickly, leaving enough space between them for propriety's sake. "You're a Scorpion cook? You wouldn't happen to have any Scorpion land spices on you, would you?" She earnestly, earnestly wants to know.

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"Yes it certainly seems like a noble and complex art." He commented on Choudai's words

"I myself am a tattooist of a Togashi Monastery." He informed and then watched the spicy exchange.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Another total lunatic. Oh well.

Choudai maintained his composure.

"On my person? No. In my baggage, yes."

A pause.

"Also, some seasonings from the Mantis Islands, and a couple of rarities a Tortoise I know sometimes gets in."

He cooked his head to the side.

"Is Doji-san a chef?"

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Oh, I'm not so gifted --" She relaxes. "I simply forgot my own. They're not the easiest to come by in Crane lands." Her head lowers as Nadeshiko's voice softens. "Apologies for my rudeness. I'm excited to see both of your creations." Oh, no... she got a little too excited.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"I think I might be able to spare some, if Doji-san wishes."

That'sright, owe me a favor. Go on. What harm could it do?

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Really? But won't you need it, Bayushi-dono?" Yes, the little butterfly flits closer; she clasps her hands together. "Your art's more important than my desire for a little taste of home. Besides, if we're all so lucky, we'll get to taste what you make, won't we?"

[Bayushi Choudai]

Fortunes preserve us...

"I offer nothing I cannot spare, Doji-san. And besides, if you find the seasonings of the Scorpion lands a taste of home, then it sounds as if there is some... background I would like to know."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"My father married in," She laughs. "It was one of the few things he couldn't leave behind. I developed a taste for it as a child."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Oh? Anyone I might know?"

[Doji Nadeshiko]

Nadeshiko covers her mouth with her sleeve as she continues giggling; yes, but not quite. "Shosuro Kikaku -- before he married." She turns her head to face Yoshiaki: "Apologies. I didn't mean to butt in between your conversation so. I am curious, though; how do you plan to display your work for the competition? Will you be your own model, Togashi-san?"

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

Yoshiaki shakes his head softly "It was no intrusion. I am often happy to be an observer, I have learned much already." He says with a small smile.

"As for my work, the judges sent the topics a long time ago and I have brought with me my brothers and sisters to display the work. Tattooing has some considerations that need to be taken into account. The piece is not simply done once the needles stop moving but also must have a healing process where colors settle."

[Bayushi Choudai]

Ah, so we're to see a long line of shirtless monks. I'm sure the local girls will be thrilled.

"Very accommodating of your fellow Dragon, Togashi-san."

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"It is what we do for the honor and glory of the clan Bayushi-san." He replies pleasantly "The Crane are certainly accommodating hosts."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Oh, how wonderful, I can't wait to see! How would you describe the style of your work, Togashi-san? And do you have any examples --" But Nadeshiko stops there, realizing a little too late how... awkward asking such a thing is. Her cheeks flush.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Yes, the local girls are already all a-quiver.

[Togashi Yoshiaki]

"Oh, how wonderful, I can't wait to see! How would you describe the style of your work, Togashi-san? And do you have any examples --" But Nadeshiko stops there, realizing a little too late how... awkward asking such a thing is. Her cheeks flush.

Yoshiaki paused thinking for a time "my work strives to capture the essence of a subject. I do not strive to make the most realistic depiction of the subject matter but one which displays its most core identity how the tones and colors speak to themes. I suppose more succinctly it is stylized more than realism but not so far as to lean into being abstract."

He smiled kindly at her request "You certainly will see examples on stage during the competition. I am afraid due to the nature of my canvas I did not bring extra examples for casual viewing."

[Doji Nadeshiko]

"Yes," She says with a strained voice, "I was thoughtless. Nonetheless, I anticipate your work in the competition. A focus on capturing something's essence is just as exciting as capturing its exact likeness. Both require a great deal of skill to pull off effectively." The Crane nods at her own proclamation. Her head turns to Choudai; poor man's now got her attention, however briefly. "Your work as well, Bayushi-dono. I've great expectations." From the tone of her voice she... genuinely seems to mean it.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Likewise, I look forward to Doji-san's poetry."

Choudai offered a half-bow.

"I am certain the event will be a memorable one."

Because what Scorpion conversation is complete without a line like something the villain of a play would dangle as an ominous statement in the opening act?