It seems for a moment the.. "eye catching Agasha" was about to look for the 'sama'.  That uncertainty evaporates with a glance to an area near her shoulder and she engages Shoji with a friendly gleam in her eyes.

She bows as deeply as he does, matching him.

"Thank you for providing sustenance to this servant of the kami, Kitsune-sama."  She intones respectfully, setting aside her firey nature for a moment.

Sumiko wanders into the Red Tailed Nest, the dust of the road barely washed off at the bath she stopped at on her way into town.  While she is mildly put out about missing the first competition she realizes that Juijutsu is not her strongest point and mollifies her irritation by assuring herself that she will do much better in the following challenges.

Seeing the group of samurai she approaches slowly, smoothing her kimono and making sure that her mons are all prominently displayed, "Good evening fellows, have I been fortuitous enough to come upon some fellow samurai participating in the trials?" she asks innocuously, "If so might I be able to sit with you and hear the story of the first trial, which I unfortunately missed because of traveling, issues." the pause, while barely perceptible seems to imply that the samurai-ko may perhaps have her own story to tell.


OOC:  Sumiko is wearing the mon of both the Bayushi Bushi School and the Asako Courtier School.

10:12, Today: Agasha Masuyo rolled 30 using 6d10, dropping the 2 lowest rolls, rerolling max, unique dice with rolls of 1,9,6,3,8,7.  Lore - Herladry for a Scorpion courtier who is also bushi.

The colorful Agasha's gaze track to the new arrival, her brows perk slightly.

"Lovely Daisho you have there, Shosuro-san.  Reminds me of my failings at Iujutsu."

She smiles.

"I am Agasha Masuyo, servant of the kami, and our host... "  She indicates the Kitsune with a move of her head.

 "Regrettably not, Kitsune-san. Hitori-san managed to secure a quantity of writing supplies from a Yasuki gentleman and I do not believe she has surface since." comes the answer with the bow that Kedo offers in return, automatically offering slightly greater precedence to the Minor Clan Samurai than he would ever claim for himself and it's a bow duplicated towards the large man artfully arranging the centrepiece to the room, although one drawn out a little as the wave-man in his simple clothing spends a long, happy moment contemplating the arrangement, studying the way that the shape and grain of the woods chosen complement their arrangement in a fashion both organic and artful, nature and arrangement flowing one into the other in a fashion easily dismissed by a traditionalist but patently no less capable of achieved perfection.

 This rapt attention keeps him from intruding upon the arrival of the Shosuro woman but Kedo being Kedo he would almost certainly have done nothing of the sort - it not being his place - and so he only comes in at the end to offer a respectful bow while his betters undertake discourse.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Tue 17 Apr 2018.

Byako watches the interactions between everyone with interest. It is interesting how everyone self-sorts into tiers, sometimes being bubbled up even against their own will. She wasn't kidding about being hungry, though, so she follows the minimum polite protocol before availing herself of some of the appetizers. Unfortunately the earlier conversation got her in the mood for some actual meat, so the more typical fare is less satisfying than she'd hope. Still, better than nothing.

Once she's sated enough to be polite, she speaks up to the newcomer; "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Shoruso-san. I am Asahina Byako. If I may so bold, may I inquire as to the issues you came upon on the road?"

Sumiko bows politely to the others, "Thank you Agashasan, not every skill is something that everyone can master.  I am sure you have many abilities that make up for your lack of iaijutsu skill." she says gaily, "Perhaps at sometime I could show you some of the points I have learned, although I am far from a master either."

At Byako's request she nods, "Hardly worthy of such esteemed company but if everyone feels a desire to know then I have no qualms about sharing."

Once the Kitsune had completed his arrangement and stood back, one could see the final effect.  It gave the room inside of the Red Tailed Nest a forest feel, as if the arrangement was supporting the ceiling of the room itself.  Within the context of the artist (Kitsune, eh) one could guess Daichi's intent: to bring a piece of Kitsune Mori to the Golden Sun Plains.  Rather than the dark and dense feeling that the forest's names conjures in the minds of most of Rokugon, the artistry reflects Daichi's memories of growing up within.  A sense of whimsy prevails.

When finished, Daichi turned his attention back to the guests.  A sense of pleasure welled when he saw the ronin Kedo studying his work.

The man, with arms and legs reminiscent of the tree trunks and branches used in the decor, turned to head for the kitchen... the guests were hungry and should not have to wait long for the meal.

A smile crosses Masuyo's face fleetingly, and she shows some sign of regret.

"Unfortunately Shosuro-san, even should I become proficient in Iajutsu, my lord will not allow me to use it, and I will likely remain forbidden to carry a long blade."

A slight shrug and her eyes track to the sculpture, she takes it in as she absently eats a snack.  Her head cants to one side as she admires it... then she suddenly looks to one side focusing on.. nothing.  She shakes her head, and laughs softly.

"My companion thinks Kitsune-san's sculpture looks.. delicious."  A thought.

"What are done with them, once their purpose is served?"

"It's our honor to host, Masuyo-sama," a gesture back to his betrothed.  "Tonight you receive the full hospitality of the both the Doji and the Kitsune."

Shoji rocked forward onto the balls of his feet, a bit of relief expressed as the guests moved into conversation. The shugenja wasn't a pargaon host, so that the guests were enjoying each other's company (at least initially) was a weight from his shoulders.  "And Shorsuo-sama... I am Kitsune Shoji and this is Doji Naomi.  I think you've met the rest, except for my brother-" Shoji's head swiveled behind to search for his brother, but finding him missing Shoji decided to wait on Daichi's introduction, "-I'll introduce him when he returns.  He's impossible to miss."

"Also, the ronin Yuudai," a nod in the direction of the other ronin in attendance.

And finally to answer Sumiko, "Yes. I'd like to hear about your issues.  I hope they were nothing more than a delay?  Then we can catch you up on the news of the morning's trials."  Knowledge was a small gift, but an important one to exchange.

Edit:


"That I do not know.  Daichi-san will be back in a moment.  You should negotiate with him."  A smile -something confused- as Shoji contemplates the shugenja and her question.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Tue 27 Mar 2018.

Another bow.. to Shoji-san.

"I look forward to the adventure in cuisine, Shouji-sama."

She nods to the reference to Daichi.  "I will ponder it, thank you."

Sumiko stares at Masuyo barely managing to keep a stunned look off of her face, to think that any lord would deny their vassals the use of the katana is simply too foreign for her to accept.  She nods to the young woman and smiles pleasantly then turns to address the group as a whole, "Oh, it was most certainly not a huge trial. A village was being harassed by bandits and their headman had been wounded by one.  I dressed the mans wounds and made sure he would survive while others of my traveling group pursued the bandits and brought them to justice." she explains, "Unfortunately, it took too long for us to get here in time for the first challenge." she shrugs, "Hopefully I will be able to make up for missing it."

A perk of her brows and a bit of a cat that ate the canary look given to Sumiko.

She leans towards her and says softly.  "My lord does not forbid me to use what the kami give me, Shosuro-san.  And the fire kami are.. attracted to me. When I am in need I have a Katana, it just isn't very useful for Iajitsu."

She holds her hand as if it is grasping a hilt a moment, and flexes it, makes a few movements that seem like might be skill... might?

"I am glad to hear you put duty and honor above contest, Shosuro-sama.  I commend you."

 While those who are better than a mere Ronin (although by this point anyone who actually labours under the misapprehension that he was born to the Grey or shall not one day doff it to return to garments of deep Jade-green likely hasn't been paying attention - propriety nonetheless demands that standards be upheld) enter into polite discourse, Kedo settles himself upon a mat where he can let the effect of the transplanted forest do its work - letting himself play with the point of view that lets it shift back and forth from artful rendition of the wilderness to mere lengths and curves of wood, trying to feel for the points of artistry that makes it so...

 ...merely because it is a talent he does not share, does not mean that it isn't one he might want to one day weald*.

 ---

 * Sorry, I just had to stick** it to you.

 ** I'd not be the person I am if I wood*** resist a chance like that.

 *** Okay, okay I'll stop. Please don't call the copse.

"It is good, then, that you have the skills of a healer, Shoshuro-san. It is only a shame that the bandits have fallen on such hard times that they stooped to violence as a means of meeting their needs."

Sumiko nods at the praise, "The people needed help, as samurai it was our duty to help them but please, enough about that.  Tell me what happened in the tournament thus far." she asks, eyes lighting up at the prospect of the story.

OOC: Hah!  How long have you been saving that one up, Kedo? ^_^

Also, the right thread this time!  Hooray!

Shoji listens askance as Sumiko and Masuyo compare their respective philopsophies on dueling and wearing their daisho.  Though not unfamiliar with kenjutsu himself, Shoji rarely wore his katana.  Wearing it would obviate the need for a yojimbo, and the Kitsune needed to keep his brother close given his brother's lack of social ability.

"It sounds like you did your duty, Shosuro-sama.  Its unfortunate that it cost your attendance in the first competition."  A response to the story of her delay.

"As far as the opening round... well, I think you're aware that the Badger host the jiujutsu tournament, yes?"  Rhetorical, Shoji proceeeded.

"Several of the finalists are in attendence.  Kedo-san..." a gesture toward the bushi in grey "Yuudai-san..." and to another " faced off in one of the semi-finals.  Bayushi Kenshin is not present, but he was the other semi-finalist along with my brother.  Fortunately for us, Daichi recieved quite a bit of sumae training in his time with the Crab.  He was able to defeat Yuudai in the finals."

Shoji tried not to grimace, realizing that his 'story' was pretty much just a list of facts. He turned and offered a glance to Naomi -the briefest of apologies to the Doji.  It was something Shoji would need to work on.  A skilled host would tell a more entertaining story.

"I think tomorrow's event should be interesting... I have to admit I'm a bit nervous.  Divination is a task I rarely practice."

Shoji glanced toward the door, wondering if his invitation to the Tonbo had been recieved.

OOC: there are some PMs here, but mostly I'm still trying to catch up. Sorry!

Masuyo's eyes trace down to Shoji's feet and her eyes take on a smile that takes to the corners of her mouth soon afterwards.

"The kami celebrate your presence, Kitsune Shoji-san."

She shakes her head.  "I hope I can catch up as well, I have put forward intentions to compete in a few things, but I am afraid I will not be worthy competition for much, but hope that in a few contests my participation will be tolerated, if only for amusement."

"So long as you make your best effort, I'm sure your fellow competitors will be honored by your opposition."

"Certainly, Asahina-sama."
She grins, just a moment, impishly, at the Asahina.

"The kami celebrate your presence, Kitsune Shoji-san."

"And yet some continue to insist that the earth kami lack whimsy, Masuyo-san."

A glance back toward where his brother disappeared to, "If you would do me the honor of gathering the guests, Agasha-san, then I will go see to the preparation of the main meal.  I wouldn't want to starve my guests."  The last comment directed with a side-glance toward Byako - Shoji cognisant of the guest's desire for some protein.

Another look to Shoji's feet elicits an actual giggle from the red haired samurai, her hand coming up to cover her mouth as she does.

"I am fairly certain any who have the sight will be disabused of such a notion in your presence Shoji-sama."  A wink and a some more undisguised mirth.



She bows to him, still giggling, and starts pulling up and tyeing her sleeves showing up fairly muscular arms for a woman, and predictably nearly covered in very bright tattoos.

"I shall endeavor not to disappoint my gracious host."

Somewhere in there, she manages seriousness.

Daichi returns with what is quite possibly a sampling of every dish on offering at the Red Tailed Nest...and then some more. So far from the ocean, there is, of course, no offering of shellfish, but a wide variety of salted fish graces the table along with several varieties of noodles, pickled vegetables, and a selection of braised rabbit and other small game animals.

"Please, do not stand on ceremony," Doji Naomi smiles, inviting everyone to partake.

Yuudai looks at the food in fascination, even as his stomach rumbles. Though his build suggests that he has rarely gone hungry, the sight of so much plenty is definitely surprising to him.

 Kedo being a lowly wave-man - or at least it's considered polite to rate him so - he's very much taken to the approach of 'speak when spoken to' and tends therefore to blend into the background rather well for someone with even a fraction of his reputation... But the offering of food that doesn't come in small bowls of rice with perhaps the odd scrap of fish or poultry is something that even his well-honed stoicism cannot resist and if he's quiet, his stomach isn't - generating a soft laugh from the wry ronin - who moves naturally to a position where others may sate themselves first but where he may fill a platter happily, remarking as he does so "An exceedingly fine repast, Doji-san..." and slyly - but by no means seriously adding - "Were I a suspicious soul, I should think you sought to render us all incapable of movement on the morrow."

Filling her own bowl generously, the red samurai grins at Kedo a moment like a mischievous child.

"I am afraid if it is the plan, I have fallen for it."

She then moves to consumption.  She doesn't seem to be one who takes a lot of time to think things over, though her keen intelligence does seem to pair with the rashness.