[Day 0, Early Evening] The Pause That Refreshes (Open)

[Bayushi Choudai]

He chuckled.

"It was an attempt at humor, Matsu-san. Not something your family is renowned for, but a pursuit I suggest everyone at least attempt. "

Another morsel met its fate.

"It can be a useful bit of social armor."

[Matsu Inori]

"Social armour, huh? Quite possible. I had not considered such a thing, really."

In hindsight images flashing through her mind of at least half the conversations she'd had at 1000 stances Dojo I really could have used such a thing. My feelings were thoroughly bruised.

"I should have, though. And speaking of fish" the Matsu said as a server brought her fried fish Donburi, wild vegetables and a cup of what seemed to be roasted grain tea. "It does not really compare to Bayushi-san's selection, does it?"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Ah, but Matsu-san has chosen what she likes, correct?"

Some sort of wasabi-infused rice cake met its fate.

"I, on the other hand, am sampling for a broader feel."

[Matsu Inori]

I've chosen what I can afford. And while I'm not that savvy...I know not to mention that. Especially not to a Scorpion.

"Right, Bayushi-san. Small steps and all that. Still, with you being a cook - this is also research, right? Or professional curiosity."

And for all the simplicity Inori had to admit that the fried fish was tasty. Really well done, much better than she was used to even in her forays to restaurants and eateries in the past half year.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"As a supremely annoying Kitsuki once told my Uncle Koga, the answer is 'yes.'"

He chuckled and sampled a bit of daikon pickled with ginger. Gave a mildly approving grunt.

"Professional curiosity and research. On several levels. Tell me, Matsu-san... do you think such dedication to foof quality in one of four local teahouses is an accident?"

[Matsu Inori]

Inori thought for a second at the first remark, with a bit of confusion...and then got it. Smiled.

"No this is hardly a coincidence. The Crane Clan can afford all kinds of things" but often not a spine or Samurai spirit "and since this is a place they invite people here this is a display of some sorts. They want to signal something. I don't really get what that is. I will have to just react as best as I can according to my conscience"

The fish was really good though, display of wealth or no.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"And how many teahouses does this town hold? Four."

He killed the last gyoza with unflinching ruthlessness.

"Each, it seems, excels in a different arena."

[Matsu Inori]

Four winds? Four seasons? Inori thought, but couldn't quite figure out what the significance or purpose of that would be.

"I don't quite get why that exact number - It is probably more expensive than having a smaller number of tea houses that actually fill up, but I have little doubt it's useful when playing to all available side"

Nothing wrong with Mugicha either, although the weather was technically too cold for it. Funny how I start to notice these things now. I would have thought nothing of it a year ago.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Or seeing who is drawn to which teahouse. Research can work both ways."

Choudai smiled as he set about finishing off his sampler.

"Although in my case, favoring this one is hardly a surprise. Still. I might wish to look into the others during the course of my stay..."

[Matsu Inori]

Inori considered "I have not made any plans yet. Honestly I still don't really have an idea what is even going on here, or what I'll be doing. It feels careless to be like that and it might come back to haunt me, it probably will. But this is all a bit much to take in"

On an impulse she picked something more from the risky side - it looked like a Tofu cube of sorts.

It was. But not one of the garden variety, so while Inori did her level best not to cough or tear up she said

"What is this?!?"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Ah! Mapo tofu- Oba-chan had a few variations on it in her own recipes. Good stuff for clearing the head!"

Choudai smiled, took a cube, and bolted it down.

"Enough flavor to rival the kick of a warhorse."

[Matsu Inori]

"I can see that" Yuuka replied, sweat breaking out on her brow. "Well, it is a learning experience. Has Bayushi-san been around this place before? Learned something, perhaps."

She waited for a second, and realization struck her

"I suppose we are rivals, hmm? For what that's worth"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Oh, nonsense, a painter and a chef aren't really rivals. We're all at the mercy of the judges, after all. No sense going after each other."

He looked at his demolished spread and sighed.

"I've only been in this town a short while, as it happens. Not that it matters, I think we can count on the Crane playing a fair hand."

Not because they'd want to, but because if they wanted to inaugurate this sort of thing, they couldn't very well stain the debut outing with favoritism.

[Matsu Inori]

We can? Well maybe they value artistic integrity more than honour in battle...

"Good to hear, and yes, I suppose there is little we can do to hinder or help each other."

I would not enjoy having to be on my guard constantly. I probably should, especially around Scorpions, but this one seems a lot nicer and more relaxed than the one I met earlier....

"I have little doubt we will run into each other again. Sooner or later. This is not a big place after all"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Besides. It would be rude of us not to at least view one another's artistic submissions."

He sipped at his tea. Seemed to be pondering something.

"Forgive my speaking bluntly, Matsu-san, but I have the impression you know no one in this town."

[Matsu Inori]

"I do not, no" Inori answered right away. "I did not even know of this place or this event until I got orders to go here, which was a scant few weeks ago"

Again her mouth running away with her before her brain had properly considered whether to tell these things to a Scorpion.

Oh well. It is the truth, after all

"How about you, Bayushi-san? Do you know people here?"

[Bayushi Choudai]

The woman I will love through every incarnation is here, so... yes?

Granted, most of my dojo classmates are dead now, and a lot of the people I met during the war are people I can never speak to again...

"Oh, one or two."

He chuckled.

"You know how it is. Just passing acquaintances."

[Matsu Inori]

That sounded evasive.

"I do not, yet, Bayushi-san" she said, with a smile.

Haven't even gotten used to being yanked out of the Dojo. Oh well

"It is the way of things. Well, we both know one more person in here, now. Briefly. It has been nice making your acquaintance, Bayushi-san" Inori said, preparing to get up and bow.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"The pleasure has been mine, Matsu-san. It has been a day for new faces, and I confess, I find it refreshing in that respect."

And thank the Fortunes, you aren't as obviously insane as some of the others I've met.

[Matsu Inori]

"Perhaps so, yes. I've definitely eaten better than I have for a while now, so that is another good thing. Although some of this" she pointed at the dishes arranged in front of Choudai "was peculiar. Thanks for sharing it, Bayushi-san"

Inori got up, arranged her Kimono, and bowed.

"I hope we run into each other again. I wish you a nice evening, and carry the fortunes!"

/scene?