(D5, MM) Love in the Trenches (Event Observation)

[Saibankan]

Discussion by bystanders and players alike dot the hall. Some play in stark silence, while some attempt to distract their opponents with a great deal of kibitzing. Small groups of players not playing cluster together to discuss the ongoing bold moves upon the gobans.

[Usogawa Emiko]

After winning her last match, Emiko found her way off the stage and sat down on a cushion nearby, asking someone to bring her some tea.

[Moto Mitsuki]

Mitsuki might have mumbled a curse in Ujik when what she thought was a killing move was countered. But she eventually composed herself and went to seat on the losers bench without making a fuss.

She was a bit sweaty from the mental effort the games had required, and her clothes were a weird compromise between "courtly" and "practical", horseridding boots apparent under her more ceremonial dress, as she was expecting about everything and anything for today's trial.

Except for that, she was standard Mitsuki, in all make-up induced paleness. And right now, her eyes were lingering on the other participants, wondering if there was an actual go champion among them or if they'll all get stomped by the Deer's owns.

[Kitsu Murato]

After winning her last match, Emiko found her way off the stage and sat down on a cushion nearby, asking someone to bring her some tea.

Stealing the tea from the servant bringing it to Emiko, the one returning with it was Murato. "Good morning," he says with a bright smile that contrasted drastically from his game. He suspected that she would want to talk about the games, and dreaded it a little bit, but he knew that he would enjoy how excited she got about it if she did.

The tea was offered.

[Shika Nesshin]

Mitsuki might have mumbled a curse in Ujik when what she thought was a killing move was countered. But she eventually composed herself and went to seat on the losers bench without making a fuss.

She was a bit sweaty from the mental effort the games had required, and her clothes were a weird compromise between "courtly" and "practical", horseridding boots apparent under her more ceremonial dress, as she was expecting about everything and anything for today's trial.

Except for that, she was standard Mitsuki, in all make-up induced paleness. And right now, her eyes were lingering on the other participants, wondering if there was an actual go champion among them or if they'll all get stomped by the Deer's owns.

It won't be Nesshin who does the stomping.

After his adequate performance, he approaches the Unicorn and bows deeply.

"Moto-san," he says, and, recalling what he remembers of Unicorn customs, offers his hand for a shake, "I trust the day's found you well."

[Kaito Oubaihime]

The Kaito girl is not one to be competitive but would be around watching the different people play.

//She is not playing.

PM or Quote if approached

[Kitsu Moshumaru]

Casually, Moshumaru took a seat as his game ended. For the time being, he watched the others play, if only to seem polite.

((Quote if approached))

[Otomo Akimoro]

The newly-arrived Imperial, both needing rest after his journey and having little interest in or talent for go, takes a seat in the gallery to watch the proceedings.

(Quote if approaching, please.)

[Shosuro Hikimasu]

Calming down a bit after his matches, Hikimasu wandered around a bit aimlessly.

[Moto Mitsuki]

It won't be Nesshin who does the stomping.

After his adequate performance, he approaches the Unicorn and bows deeply.

"Moto-san," he says, and, recalling what he remembers of Unicorn customs, offers his hand for a shake, "I trust the day's found you well."

She blinked a few times, her mind still on the games, then understood what he wanted and shook his hand swiftly, in that weird manner the Moto used when they didn't want to offense someone trying to respect their customs, but knew the actual Moto bear hug was way too much for a Rokugani audience.

"So far so good Shika-sama. I actually expected to play Go sooner or later – even if I would have preferred shogi – as it's often used to quickly get an idea of the tactical acumen of a commander outside the actual battlefield.

Though I had imagined it would be half a game and half an interview, instead of a serious, mostly silent, tournament. I have no idea what you will learn from this except most of us are, well, simply average Go players.

But at least it was fun. Even if I could use a relaxing cup of tea right now."