(D1, MM) Formal Welcome (Event Observation)

[Shiba Raizo]

She giggled. "Anoo... a Scorpion told me to get a Yojimbo... You following this one like a puppy probably will be seen as a bodyguard rather than a suitor."

"Given what an impediment to romance a perpetual hanger-on can be, best we don't chance it, hm?"

[Kaito Oubaihime]

"Given what an impediment to romance a perpetual hanger-on can be, best we don't chance it, hm?"

She bowed at the Shiba. "As you wish. Still the offer stands if you need this one's help with anything just let me know." She smiled. "I will be around the whole miai. I still wonder what the future holds."

[Kasuga Yoshi]

Kakita Reina, on the other hand, finds the presentation fascinating, and moves to examine the statues more closely one the servants have them in place.

As "engaged" as Yoshi is with the beautiful Koi, appearances must still be made. An unfortunate reality of a miai was that it was unwise to fall in love, as the one you were sure that you would be paired with might be yanked out of your grasp at the last moment. It was an unfortunate necessity to keep the field open until your moment. And if he was, my the Heavens, Yoshi was going to swing for the fences.

He observes a Crane looking over the artwork that was set out. "I am afraid that most are not to the standards of your Kakita Artisans, Crane-san, but there is something endearing about the personal touch, no?" He bows. "This one is Kasuga Yoshi"

[Kakita Akihiro]

"Good morning, Kakita-san." The boy replies, a bit flabbergasted due Reijin's skillful kendama demonstration. "The Deer have been kind, hai." After a proper bow, he asks, "How has been this morning so far to the Crane?"

"I am fed, watered, and healthy. The Crane are well served this morning. Shika-sama showed no outward signs of disliking the gift. I will admit to nervousness on that. My training and vocation has been focused on...more offensive uses of culture and language to cause an appropriate outcome for my lord. It has not been entirely pleasant to be without a soft speaking Doji or Asahina to smooth over the coarse clay of my own efforts." Akihiro spoke a lot to bleed off his own stress and realized belatedly he was justifying to the Seppun as a substitute for himself. Fuck. That had been strange and not very fun at the dais though it had worked out.

"But I am going on. Seppun-sama has been gracious enough to ask about the movements of the Crane, how go the Imperial tactics in the court?"

[Seppun Yuzu]

-snip-

"Well... Shika-sama is really good at kendama. I guess it went well. I am not a good court tactician, if such thing exists." He says, looking around as he tries to find the other Imperial he read the name at the inn.

[Kakita Akihiro]

"Well... Shika-sama is really good at kendama. I guess it went well. I am not a good court tactician, if such thing exists." He says, looking around as he tries to find the other Imperial he read the name at the inn.

"I assure you Seppun-sama, such things definitely exist in the halls of the Crane. A Lion on the battlefield has his fan, and a Crane in the court has his. Both are used much the same." Akihiro fluttered his own fan about unexpertly. "But I would not wish to impose for too long Seppun-sama. Your words this morning have been gift enough that I cannot ask for further."

[Shiba Raizo]

She bowed at the Shiba. "As you wish. Still the offer stands if you need this one's help with anything just let me know." She smiled. "I will be around the whole miai. I still wonder what the future holds."

"And if you have anyone you need dangled over the battlements by their ankles, you have but to say the word."

[Kuni Yasu]

Yasu nods. "I think the spear connection offers something of interest for our hosts." She looks to Murato. "Is that sincere as the Crab are sincere," in other words, blunt and even rude, "or just...hmm...normal levels of sincerity?"

"Acknowledging the Deer's martial traditions shows some appreciation and attention went into the gift. I'm less sure about Shosuro-san's there. It's interesting, but...doesn't tie into anything much, unless they've learned Shika-sama collects masks." There's a questioning tone to the last bit. For all she knew, that really was a hobby the champion enjoyed.

The Asahina caught Yasu's eye though. "Oh...my...There's one who'd look more at place on the Wall than in a temple for sure. I should wrangle Hida-san into a meeting with him, I imagine. Make up our own minds before the matchmakers just make the easy pairing for him."

[Usogawa Narumi]

"Asahina.... Bo-san?" Narumi follows the Kuni's gaze and her own lands on the mountain... and all colour drains from the Otters features. She looks for a moment like she might faint, truly, and she realizes she's stopped breathing.
... it might be a good idea to continue breathing? Sharp is the intake of breath then and she nearly drops her cup.
"I met him yesterday morning," her voice seems just a little strained, "-he's uh..."
Narumi felt light headed, and for once seemed at a loss for words. "He's just fine."

[Kuni Yasu]

Yasu frowned in definite concern, shifting a bit to be ready to possibly catch the Otter if she faints. "Are you ok, Usogawa-san?" She regrets not having her medicine kit, and its small bit of medicinal sake to offer.