D1LA- Blue Birds Bathe Beautifully (Crane and Invitees)

[Kakita Masao]

Masao nods along with the description, not entirely sure he understands and wishing desperately that he had his fan to hide behind while he tries to think.

"Well, Hida-dono is most kind to invite our participation, and we will be happy to." He says with a respectful bow of his head. Not realizing what he's proposing, he suggests, "Perhaps Kakita-san here will accompany me to the shrine to learn more about the festival?"

After a moment's pause: "Wait, in fundoshi?"

[Hida Kitusuchi]

"Oh yes, it's tradition," she replied with a smile.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Fundoshi? Fertility? Earthy Pepper?

Yuuwaku smiles.

"When is the festival, Hida-sama? And how large a team will be needed? If it is many more than us, then Kakita-bugyo would certainly need to be involved."

[Hida Kitusuchi]

"Tomorrow, and I just need three others," she replied.

[Kakita Masao]

Masao feels great conflict. He likes Kitusuchi's genuine smile and enthusiasm, but feels almost certain that a cruel joke is being played. In a moment when he feels almost overwhelmed, he takes a breath and his head disappears under the water. For a few moments his long hair floats lazily in the water, then he rises back up. Careful to turn, so flipping his hair back won't splash either woman, the Crane bushi does feel more grounded after the effort.

"And Hida-dono is participating herself? And other... ladies? In fundoshi?" Masao is calmer, and tries to make it sound like a statement, like he is not so concerned, but the blood-curdling screams that only he can hear still make it come out as questions.

[Hida Kitusuchi]

"Of course. It's tradition, my mother did it, my brothers... it's a village tradition," she responded warmly.

"It is a great time, trust me."

OOC: Kitusuchi Sincerity: 5d10o10k4 20, actually 26 with Status bonus.

[Kakita Masao]

Masao is no trained courtier, but he knows etiquette and duty well enough. He manages to keep his face steady, and even muster a small smile for the Crab lord. He takes a deep, steadying breath.

"I'm sure it will be most educational. Good for us to learn as much as we can about our new relations." He swallows hard, but keeps the smile in place as he transitions from the most uncomfortable topic. "And is there... Is there any other way in which we may be of service? Just speaking for myself, it is my highest duty here to ensure a successful wedding for your brother and my cousin." Making his desire to help clear, but not quite putting himself at Kitusuchi's disposal, Masao relaxes a fraction and his smile becomes more genuine. The mission is clear, even if some of the tasks are... arduous. The choice made, the cacophony inside his head subsides, though he knows it's only temporary.

[Hida Kitusuchi]

She waved it off and said, "If something comes up we'll let you know. For now just enjoy yourselves."

[Kakita Masao]

Masao nods, vaguely reassured.

"Kakita Yuuwaku-san, I'm sorry, I believe I've forgotten where our conversation was at. Ah, perhaps we should continue it tomorrow?"

The bushi settles down in the water, trying to rediscover the calm that he'd felt only a short while before.

[Hida Kitusuchi]

Meanwhile Kitusuchi turns to the Yuuwaku to engage her on the topic of the prevailing fashions within the Crane, a topic that she is very interested in. Well clothes in general.

OOC: I am fine ending the scene here unless you want to go down the clothing rabbit hole.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

"It was only a trifling thing, Kakita-nikutai, against being of aid to our cousins-to-be."

Yuuwaku sits back in the water. Only her head rises above it.

"And I am sure that things will get done that need doing."

(OOC: I'm good with wrapping here, if we want.)