(D1, MM) Formal Welcome (Event Observation)

[Kaito Oubaihime]

"Horseshit."

He fixed the Kaito with a level stare.

"I'm wearing some stupid kimono that costs more than it should. Fine. Doesn't change who I am. Same goes for you. Don't make me go buy you something fancy just to prove the point, 'cause Fortunes know, I'll probably pick something tacky."

"Language, Shiba san!" The Kaito scolded, then chuckled. "You don't need to worry about that." Then she laughed at a silly idea. "Maybe the ones who want to court this one will grant such gift. When I go back to the temple I will go with crates of fancy clothes."

[Kuni Yasu]

"Thank you kindly, Kitsu-san," Narumi was already looking better.
To Yasu, she looks down at the tall Crab's hand but a moment before placing hers forward as well. Then... well... her gaze tracked back to the mountain.
"Hai... it's been an ailment of some note since this one was but a girl. I try to keep it to myself but..." A simple shrug, and now Narumi was blushing.
"I've gotten to know it, and am generally good at avoiding exertion, which aggravates the condition." With her free hand, she rubbed her lower lip lightly, and also lowered her voice. How to phrase this?
"It afflicted me early yesterday's morning as well, at the inn shortly after my arrival, where Asahina-san... um... He's very nice. And kind." What's come over me? the Otter was thoroughly at a loss in uncharted waters.

Yasu takes the Otter's hand in both of hers, one hiding the other as she feels the condition of her pulse and skin without looking down at it. Better that, if anyone notices, it's seen as an overly public display of affection, or perhaps a moment addressing some other high emotion. Those rumors would be more favorable than the ones a public medical examination would fuel.

"Hmm. Do you take anything regularly for the condition? I admit I'm a little concerned about it kicking up around Asahina-san." She glances across the hall once more, painted eyes...all of them...full of suspicion. "He might not even be aware if it's a tricky or malevolent spiritual affliction," she adds. Better to avoid a panic about possible maho until she knew more.

Even his great size seemed suspect now. Physical alterations were very common in the corrupted. And then there were the various creatures willing to put on a show of being a normal human. Yasu shifts her seat a bit, releasing Narumi's hand, settling so the conversation leaves Narumi a less direct line of sight toward the dias. "Probably best not to look at him till that's settled."

[Shiba Raizo]

"Language, Shiba san!" The Kaito scolded, then chuckled. "You don't need to worry about that." Then she laughed at a silly idea. "Maybe the ones who want to court this one will grant such gift. When I go back to the temple I will go with crates of fancy clothes."

"Now there's a thought- a miiko fashion plate..."

[Asahina Bo]

Yasu takes the Otter's hand in both of hers, one hiding the other as she feels the condition of her pulse and skin without looking down at it. Better that, if anyone notices, it's seen as an overly public display of affection, or perhaps a moment addressing some other high emotion. Those rumors would be more favorable than the ones a public medical examination would fuel.

"Hmm. Do you take anything regularly for the condition? I admit I'm a little concerned about it kicking up around Asahina-san." She glances across the hall once more, painted eyes...all of them...full of suspicion. "He might not even be aware if it's a tricky or malevolent spiritual affliction," she adds. Better to avoid a panic about possible maho until she knew more.

Even his great size seemed suspect now. Physical alterations were very common in the corrupted. And then there were the various creatures willing to put on a show of being a normal human. Yasu shifts her seat a bit, releasing Narumi's hand, settling so the conversation leaves Narumi a less direct line of sight toward the dias. "Probably best not to look at him till that's settled."

His spirits lifted by the gift giving being completed - and successfully to boot - Bo noticed the scrutiny. Oblivious, however, as to the thoughts behind it and spotting the Otter he just offers a big smile and friendly wave at the duo from across the room.

[Usogawa Narumi]

Narumi listened intently, her brow furrowing into deep lines. Then she blinked. Wait.
"Kuni-san... Kuni-san... I don't think he's cursed. I mean, you would know better than a lowly Otter, but I just don't think..."
She glances back to Bo, her gaze lingering on him for several long moments-- and then he's grinning and waving at her? Oh kami! There was no hiding it or reigning it back. Her cheeks flushed and she smiled crookedly at the mountain of a Crane, and nodded to him as well.

[Kitsu Murato]

Eventually he made his way back, setting a cup next to Narumi. As well as a fresh cup for Yasu. He didn't intrude on the conversation they were sharing immediately, simply finding his seat.

[Kuni Yasu]

Yasu frowns a little, painted brows lowering. "Crane that big's just not natural, though," she mutters quietly. The flush though, the grin...is this just some kind of overactive response? Attraction...? Yasu looks back to the Asahina, schooling her expression to some sort of neutrality, though her eyes narrow a bit in appraisal.

Hmm...unlikely, he wasn't *that* amazing. But for Narumi to respond so strongly... She did say they'd talked together a bit. Was there some kind of malign connection one could build that quickly? There were tales of such things, certainly.

Yasu notices Murato's return, absently accepting the tea before snapping back from her thoughts. "Drink a bit, Usogawa-san. And... might be kind of forward, but I'd be comforted if you'd be willing to talk a bit more privately on the matter in the next few days." She glances at Murato, wondering if his gifts had spotted anything about the giant. "Thanks, Kitsu-san. Any opinions on Asahina-san?" That was probably vague enough for public convesation.

[Kitsu Murato]

"Other than the obvious observation about his size, not really. I have not spoken to him to know anything about him," Murato says with a shrug. If there had been anything obviously out of place he did not notice.

[Usogawa Narumi]

The apparent upset in her mind quelled, and Narumi accepted the tea happily from the Lion, "Thank you."
To Yasu, "This one would very much like to spend further time with you. Ehm."
Her gaze fluttered from the mountain to further investigate the other samurai gathered, wracking her memory for the gifts they offered so these three might continue their gossip.
"What of the Sparrow? Was that... a yam bonsai? This one understands the harvest is what the clan is known for..."

[Kitsu Murato]

"Well, it's certainly unique and will make the gift memorable," Murato said with a smirk. "As long as it's well received then memorable is good."