[Day 7 - LE] Salon at the Blue Bird

[Asahina Sanaharu]

"The past few days have been some of the most unique in my whole life. I can't say that's an especially bad thing... overall, I think this is just a wonderful cap on some experiences I wouldn't trade anything for."

Yuuwaku's smile stays in place, if perhaps becoming a bit softer. "I am glad, then, to have been part of such things for you, even if only in a small way.

"But, come, will you have some refreshments? It'd be a shame for us to have put them out for nobody to partake!"

A short conversation with the Ikoma finished, he looks toward the salon. The Empress herself... Time to show your glow, Kakita Artisan. But not his. He had given his word to make the stage for someone else.

He approached Yuuwaku and Naida with a deep bow to each, waiting to be addressed.

[Oturi Yuahime]

"The Crane have been good hosts, I am honored by your hospitality," she responded.

"Forgive me, I know we may have spent many times that I do not recall, I pray I left a good impression on you. Your actions in breaking the curse are to be commended."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"And have you heard Asahina Sanaharu play? He is a long-time friend and fellow Artisan," Yuuwaku says, inviting him into the talk thereby.

[Doji Soon-ja]

The Otomo was, for some reason, already at the Blue Bird House. He arrives dressed with a similar pairing of kimono and hakama he wore earlier in the day.

"It's good to see you again, young Otomo-san," the elderly Doji Soon-ja said in her high, quavery voice. She bowed carefully, leaning heavily on her cane. "I hope our humble hospitality will meet with your approval. Have you met many of my other clanmates here already? I should be glad to make introductions, if you wish."

[Toritaka Hanatsuko]

Following the theme of spring and renewal, Toritaka Hanatsuko wore different colors from her clan and her mother's former clan. The gradient of blues that formed ripples that looked like pond in the spring reflecting the hues of blues of the heavens. She hoped it didn't call too much attention knowing that she isn't one to talk much to people.

[Otomo Saisei]

"It's good to see you again, young Otomo-san," the elderly Doji Soon-ja said in her high, quavery voice. She bowed carefully, leaning heavily on her cane. "I hope our humble hospitality will meet with your approval. Have you met many of my other clanmates here already? I should be glad to make introductions, if you wish."

"Doji-sama!" He bows to her in return, with a cane of his own. Better than yesterday where he had crutches. "I pray Inari-kami has been kind to her."

Looking around, he grins, "I believe I've met the entirety of the delegation. At least the ones I have in the list. With the exception of Doji Kintaro-sama. Yet, I would not be of nuisance. How have these past few days fairing?"

[Kakita Konohamaru]

"The Crane have been good hosts, I am honored by your hospitality," she responded.

"Forgive me, I know we may have spent many times that I do not recall, I pray I left a good impression on you. Your actions in breaking the curse are to be commended."

"Thank you for your praise. It was simply my duty, however. Without Torikata Hanatsuko-san and Aji-san, as well as the others you saw that night, I would have broke nothing."

The note on impressions was an interesting one, however - why did she feel the need to impress him? More likely it was a need to appease the Crane than himself specifically - there was probably more layers to this question. Although 'that I recall' - did she mean the time lost to the curse, or simple forgetfulness? It was a tricky kemari game to pass in, but nevertheless he had to.

"If you mean the lost days, I admit you were more in Yoko-san's care than mine. But rest assured, I think highly of you."

[Ichiro Taiki]

Large parties has bever been Taiki's thing. A large party at the Crane place... He was a bit worried.

Although he did like softer music, so maybe there was something to expect there. And... Well, the Crane he had met so far were nice enough. The Iron Warrior was definitely a tough and proper fighter, too.

And... It wouldn't do to not show up.

So he did. Some time after the festivities had started, and he tried , once again, to not call too much attention to himself - as much as that was possible given his size - and to keep to the sides, just quiet and observing unless someone actually approached him. He bowed to those he passed or knew, and knelt down to greet the future empress, of course. But otherwise he tried to keep out of the way

Maybe he could take the chance to listen to some good music and relax. Or... Maybe he'd have to set his eyes on that Otomo again.

One way or another, he hoped for an uneventful evening...

OOC:
Please PM if approached!

[Doji Kintaro]

Kintaro feeling inspired by the moment decided to sing a song to honor the season and what t lacked in distinct Kakita training it made up for in gumption and sheer emotion. He strolled through the garden offering the song to one and all and even reached those high notes with gusto for surely this was a party and he would enjoy himself.

“Lalalala…. Hahahahaha… trolalalala… nah-hah-ha-nah-dah-dah daaaaaaaaaaaaa!” he sang with mighty vigor.

“Aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-lul-lul-lahahaha, da-dadaaaaaah!” Finishing with joyful laughter and singing, “Oh-hohohohohohohohoooooooo lolollololo-lololoooooooooooooo!”

OOC: Void used for extra smoothness - Kintaro Singing 1 CR: 6d10o10k4-5 14

[Oturi Yuahime]

“Yoko-san has been a good ally, I look forward to seeing where her journey takes her,” she said honestly.

“You as well Kakita-sama, your keen knowledge kept my dear friend from acting against me. You are a benefit to your Clan, though I am not terribly convinced of this whole monster magistrate motif.”

[Kakita Masao]

Kakita Masao didn't "make an entrance" to the party, which would have been crass, but as he's seen about the room his presence and attire are appreciably different to those who've seen him earlier in the week. Dressed and coifed more like a typical Crane courtier, he has more the bearing of a soldier on terrain he knows. At his hip are his fan and his flute.

[Hida Kitusuchi]

The Crab arrive fashionably late led by Hida Kitusuchi and her husband, she sends the regards of her mother who regrets she could not be here but has sent along some of their finest sake in lieu of her presence.

[Asahina Sanaharu]

...So Kintaro was drunk to the bones. Got it.

He skipped the conversation with Naida, signaling to Yuuwaku to "rise" with his fan before tucking it on his obi to get both his hands on the biwa, walking towards the stage.

"Gather inside, gather inside, for Doji-sama announced the performance now to begin!"

He began to play a melody to get along with... Whatever Kintaro was doing. It could be turned to beauty if he really tried, he knew it. A melody of spring, a melody of fast rhythm.


----
[Day 7 - LE] Salon at the Blue Bird - Etiquette/Awareness TN 20 + VP: 7d10o10k4 32 (Cover up Kintaro's disastrous singing politely)
[Day 7 - LE] Salon at the Blue Bird - Performance: Biwa/Awa VP is a necessity: 7d10o10k4 32

(-2 VP)

[Dapper Dog]

The crowd enjoys the distraction but now Kintaro has a following of Crab chanting his nonsensical song. It seems like a competition of which will win at this point.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"So it is," Yuuwaku says. "Please excuse us, Kitsuki-san; I hope you will enjoy."

And maybe this will allow Kintaro to excuse himself, she thinks.

And she quickly, gracefully, ascends a small platform that had been installed for performers, her fan leaping into her hand as she does so. Her steps begin to fall in time with Sanaharu's strumming, her fan opening and suggesting space, motion, time, her carriage turning and bending like bamboo in the gentle winds of spring, evoking hope in new beginnings in all who watch.

It is a singularly powerful, compelling performance that the small woman gives, her forehead jewel gathering light and sending it back again in splendor as she turns and pivots and shows all the excellence that is the mantra of the Kakita teachings.

Do you see me, senpai?

(OOC: The dance is calculated to move people toward hope in and for new beginnings. Those wishing not to be thus inspired and affected may roll Etiquette (Courtesy) / Willpower against TN 65.)

[Oturi Yuahime]

New beginnings means trying something new and this was a night of celebration! To that end Yuahime joined in the song with Kintaro and the Crab emboldened the Crane diplomat waves at everyone to join them!

[Asahina Sanaharu]

Yuuwaku had his eyes completely. He did not pay attention to play the biwa, he did so automatically, his fingers knew what they were doing. She did not, however, have his ears. When the Child of Heavens herself started to sing... He did too.

[Otomo Saisei]

And thus the Otomo begins his courting, and extends his arm to dance with his potential Doji bride of another life.

"Will Doji-sama dance with me?"

--
D7, LE - Courtier/Awareness + Benten: 4d10o10k4 32

[Kakita Masao]

Masao realizes the song is silly, but when so many voices take it up, and the empress' smile as she sings can be seen... There's nothing for it now. Some hope, joy, even if it's silly, even if it's just for tonight, seems pretty harmless.

Although it starts off as more laugh than song, Masao finally joins in with full voice, carrying a portion of the room with his melodic energy, although he's not even sure what he's singing about.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

“You as well Kakita-sama, your keen knowledge kept my dear friend from acting against me. You are a benefit to your Clan, though I am not terribly convinced of this whole monster magistrate motif.”

"You honour me. In truth, I'm more of a hard-line justice monster than the corrupt kind; I work entirely within the law. That sai-"

New beginnings means trying something new and this was a night of celebration! To that end Yuahime joined in the song with Kintaro and the Crab emboldened the Crane diplomat waves at everyone to join them!

With an apologetic look to the actual artisans in the flock, he of course takes the Empress' side in birdsong.

He'll be certain to tell the man about this in the morn, once his head recovers - it'll be a story his family could take to the stars.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Shouji was of course swayed by the song, but his hopes and other might not quite align, and the new beginnings he thought of required some endings. Not that such needed to be considered at the moment. So the Mantis joined in with the singing. He should at least try to enjoy himself.

[Toritaka Hanatsuko]

Hanatsuko wasn't going to stop herself from enjoying a good song thus she followed along.


//D7 LE perform song badly: 3d10k3 16

[Ichiro Taiki]

Taiki didn't know quite what to expect of the large Crane party... but he did expect quieter music.

He was in for a surprise.

On the one hand, he was actually unexpectedly happy to see the Doji's performance. It was far from what he expected, of course, and maybe leaning more towards funny than fun... but that made it fun.

And then, the instrumental music behind it actually made it into something... more. Beautiful.

It was a wholly unexpected performance, and seeing even the Empress-to-be join in made him get over his usual hesitation towards loud music and gatherings and join in as he could as well.

Which is to say... not very well. But surprisingly (at least for him), not much worse than the Doji himself... other than for the accent, probably.

D7 LE - Salon at the Blue Bird - bad singing: 2d10k2 12

[Kakita Masao]

Following the theme of spring and renewal, Toritaka Hanatsuko wore different colors from her clan and her mother's former clan. The gradient of blues that formed ripples that looked like pond in the spring reflecting the hues of blues of the heavens. She hoped it didn't call too much attention knowing that she isn't one to talk much to people.

Amid all the singing, good and bad, when Masao spots Hanatsuko, he stops in wonder. He's actually bumped by a Crab whose clapping along with the song is too spirited, but he ignores that and heads straight toward the Falcon girl.

In the crowd, he has to approach fairly close to be seen, but he manages it without being improper, and he bows as deeply as he can without raising eyebrows from those around.

[Toritaka Hanatsuko]

Hanatsuko blinked a few times at the courtier looking Masao. "Ka.... Ka... Kakita sama?"