Day 0, Mid-afternoon: Hot Lunch (Open)

[Daidoji Yushoko]

The bride to produced her fan and lightly tapped her niece on the head and said, “Duels to the death will have to wait till after we have eaten, I will not have Crab blood spilled before I have had my tea. Then you can maul him in your staring contest but not before.”

“Understood!” she added with a firm tap on the child’s head. “Now sit down and show your worthy foe Courtesy as expected of a Daidoji.”

The child relented.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

The tension broken, Yuuwaku turns and offers a seated bow to Kaneko. Servants are already bringing in another setting--and fresh tea, since the original pot has cooled in the interim.

"Daidoji Kaneko-san, welcome. May I introduce to you Togashi Keigo and Hiruma Ōguri?"

The servants begin to pour from the fresh pot, and more light foods are placed upon the table.

[Daidoji Kaneko]

Kaneko bowed politely to the Crab and Dragon. "A pleasure to meet you both."

[Hiruma Ōguri]

The maehashira smirked at the enforced truce in eyekill showdown, then took his position at the table, looking sideways if the distance remained proper - and possibly adjusting. He was in the process of being introduced, so he was ready for more bowing. "Yoroshiku!" He was glad that there were more people around him meaning lunching business.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku seats herself, puts her fan back into her obi. Servants finish pouring the initial cups and step back, attentive but not interfering.

"So, Hiruma-maehashira, where is the Raikuto stable?"

Get people talking about themselves and their ways, she thinks, recalling lessons. Attend carefully, and learn much.

[Hiruma Ōguri]

"In Raikuto estates, next to the Wall." He built some suspense, then grinned. "I mean Miwaku Kabe of course. I've come here straight from Karada district in the Imperial City. How about you, Kakita-sama? Where have you come from?"

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku smiles demurely in return and sips her tea. Placing the cup back onto the table, she replies "I am traveling to Fire Shrimp Village from Tsuma, the Academy having dispatched me to celebrate the wedding of Hida Yoji to Daidoji Yushoko." She inclines her head to the bride-to-be and continues, her smile broadening. "I am eager to see the Crab lands of story and song."

[Daidoji Yushoko]

The bride to be nodded and said, "And I am humbled by your presence, Kakita-san." She then focused her eyes on the Crab.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

A cold breeze seems to follow the arrival of one more guest - a world weary, pale faced man with a sharp pace and even sharper footsteps.

As if in time with some invisible heartbeat, the steps rhythmically shout throughout the , before coming to a sharp

Stop.

Sliding the entrance open but not daring cross the threshold, Kakita Konohamaru offered a sharp, deep bow to the gathered group. Its pace and motion were not unlike the drawing of a sword. Slowly returning to its sheathe, Konohamaru addresses the gathered crowd, of which he finds a crab presence... interesting.

"Minna-san."

He then offers a second, specific bow to Daidoji Yushoko. Calmer, more relaxed, but on the cusp of that same swift, violent energy as before - almost as if it was being reeled in by force of will.

"If you would forgive one more at the table, I would like to pass on my congratulations to the betrothed."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Yuuwaku blinks twice, then rises and bows again. The light catches her forehead jewel again as she does.

"Kakita-bugyo is of course welcome at this table, should he choose to join. His Clansfolk are known to him, yes? But may this one introduce also Togashi Keigo and Hiruma Ōguri?"

She does not yet resume her seat, although servants hasten to prepare another place.

[Daidoji Kio]

The bride to be and other Crane rise as well to greet the magistrate. Even Kio who silently pointed at her eyes and then pointed to the eyes of the Crab.

[Togashi Keigo]

Keigo had been about to answer before things got exciting, with such a boisterous addition to the group. Instead, he allowed things to flow as they would. When the magistrate arrived, he rose and bowed deeply at the introduction. "Kakita-sama, good afternoon."

He would wait a moment to answer Kio, but hopefully not too long.

[Hiruma Ōguri]

The Crab's reaction to the revelation of identity of the other feasters may or may not have been made irrelevant by the new arrival of someone of even greater prominence, but it had borne some marking of tension, and a nervous cheek tick had been involved, followed by increased attention showed to Yushoko for a brief moment, with no words. But then, it was time to face the magistrate, and the Hiruma wrestler had the sensibility to not neglect etiquette. In fact, he seemed quite well-behaved for what was usually being spoken about the Crab by their detractors. For now, he waited until another Crane would be seated. He couldn't entirely banish the feeling of being a toad in the midst of a pond surrounded by various storkalikes, but that was a healthy precautionary feeling in any court of note, so not entirely unfamiliar or unmanageable.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

"Kakita-bugyo is of course welcome at this table, should he choose to join. His Clansfolk are known to him, yes? But may this one introduce also Togashi Keigo and Hiruma Ōguri?"

"You are correct, and you honour me."

With a small wave of his hand, he releases the gathered crowd from their obligation. Somewhere, he swears he hears an audible sigh of relief. Perhaps his own, perhaps not.

Bowing once more to the bride (is it a formality or an apology, one has to wonder?) he finally breaches the threshold of the dining area with those same sharp, precise steps that heralded his entrance.

He takes his assigned seat without argue or fuss, offering a wordless thanks to the staff as he accepts the tea and demands nothing. At the table, he turns first to Kakita Yuuwaku.
"Indeed, Kakita-san. I heard about a talented artisan of dance would be joining us from Tsuma province - to my understanding that is you, is it not?"
He then turns to the Togashi and Hiruma.

"And you wished to introduce Togashi Keigo and... Hiruma Ōguri."

Another very formal, sharp bow to them both.

"I am Kakita Konohamaru, a magistrate attached to proceedings. It will be an honour to learn about you both. Would you honour me with what they have told you thus far, Kakita-san?"

Again referring to Yuuwaku. He would let her exalt their companions with praise before letting them speak for themselves.

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

After the magistrate seats himself, Yuuwaku resumes her own seat and, as the rest sit, answers what she has been asked.

"In truth, Kakita-bugyo, not much has yet been exchanged; we had but barely begun. Togashi-san had noted being en route to a wedding south of here, while Hiruma-maehashira had noted his allegiance to the Raikuto stable in Karada." Emphasis on the district name is slight, but telling, before Yuuwaku continues. "He and the youngest of us," and here, a slight nod to Kio, once again setting the jewel glistening, "will have something of a friendly contest after the meal, by Daidoji-sama's decision. Amicable, certainly.

"The tea is Purple Needle, Kakita-bugyo, and the meal as you see."

She lifts her cup and sips at it. Polite and summative, she thinks, as a magistrate must surely want.

[Daidoji Kio]

Kio added with narrowed eyes, "There will be blood."

Then munches some sweets.

[Togashi Keigo]

The older man found a seat as the younger Daidoji spoke, “So can you see what is above the clouds living so high up in the mountains? Is it cold? My mom says that Dragon eat something called a mountain carp or fish? How did you get so many tattoos? Did it hurt? What makes it so beautiful up there?”

“Oh a wedding! My auntie is getting married soon to a big a Crab man, Dad says the Crab are big smelly jerks but they are tough and fight monsters all day. Do they have monsters in the mountains?”

Released from his obligation and asked about toward Yuuwaku, Keigo took the moment of distraction to answer Kio.

"If the clouds are low, we can see the top. The clouds often look like a sunny sea from above, and the top of the mountains look like islands. It is often cold. On occasion. Tattoos are part of my training. It hurts a little, but it's easy to ignore. The way the light hits the mountains, the contrast between the rock and snow, the bright sun, the mist... There are a lot of beautiful things there. Beauty is everywhere in nature."

He looked around and shook his head. "Not many monsters." Aside from a human one.

[Kakita Konohamaru]

Speaking of monsters,

After the magistrate seats himself, Yuuwaku resumes her own seat and, as the rest sit, answers what she has been asked.

"In truth, Kakita-bugyo, not much has yet been exchanged; we had but barely begun. Togashi-san had noted being en route to a wedding south of here, while Hiruma-maehashira had noted his allegiance to the Raikuto stable in Karada." Emphasis on the district name is slight, but telling, before Yuuwaku continues. "He and the youngest of us," and here, a slight nod to Kio, once again setting the jewel glistening, "will have something of a friendly contest after the meal, by Daidoji-sama's decision. Amicable, certainly.

"The tea is Purple Needle, Kakita-bugyo, and the meal as you see."

She lifts her cup and sips at it. Polite and summative, she thinks, as a magistrate must surely want.

An affirmative nod from the magistrate.

"An excellent summary give the timing, thank you Kakita-san."

One thing he did notice was the lack of comment on herself. Appropriate given the task, and a good sign - goal orientation and strategic focus would be a good showing to the Crab gathering.

Slowly, mechanically, he brought the Purple Needle to his lips. for a moment he seemed to accept his demise, before letting the liquid slide down his throat. A nod and a threat of a smile showed his appreciation for the brew.

Speaking of, he was about to address the Hiruma guest before hearing something which piqued his interest.

Kio added with narrowed eyes, "There will be blood."

Then munches some sweets.

"Blood you say, Daidoji-sama? In this competition with Hiruma-san?"

[Daidoji Kio]

“Hai!”

“All great duels have to have blood,” she admitted or maybe she just read that or made it up. It didn't matter now, it was a fact now.

Then she glanced at the Dragon and said, “Oh really? I find it hard to imagine being so high up… I would be scared I would fall forever! Or maybe you get so high up that you fall into the heavens!”

[Kakita Konohamaru]

“Hai!”

“All great duels have to have blood,” she admitted or maybe she just read that or made it up. It didn't matter now, it was a fact now.

A low chuckle.

He quickly double guessed himself, almost wondering if that particular laugh could be placed - if he remembered one unfortunate bandit he "spoke" to a week prior, he dreaded to think of what others may have seen in their heads,

"I heard it was blood, sweat and tears - as in trying really hard, more than actual blood. Do safely return from your duel, Daidoji-sama; I imagine there will be a lot to do before the wedding itself."

He looked to the child's opponent for input, letting the child and the Togashi converse in peace.

"Forgive me - I have not been paying you due attention."

[Togashi Keigo]

Then she glanced at the Dragon and said, “Oh really? I find it hard to imagine being so high up… I would be scared I would fall forever! Or maybe you get so high up that you fall into the heavens!”

"... I think there are probably some of us who are trying to fall up," he mused.

He looked toward the Crab who she would apparently be dueling. "I don't suppose I could join the fighting queue? Sparring with someone with such a completely different style sounds interesting."

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Seeing that Kio and Keigo, Konohamaru and Oguri, are conversing, Yuuwaku smiles and attends to her tea for a moment, then her food, lissome limbs moving cup and bowl and chopsticks in graceful succession.

She remains available if either of the remaining Daidoji, or Kintaro, wishes to speak with her.

[Daidoji Kaneko]

Kaneko looked on the exchange with a warm expression like before but then subtly turned to Yuuwaku and asked, "So you will be performing at the some point during the proceedings then, Kakita-san?"

[Kakita Yuuwaku]

Kaneko looked on the exchange with a warm expression like before but then subtly turned to Yuuwaku and asked, "So you will be performing at the some point during the proceedings then, Kakita-san?"

Yuuwaku nods as she finishes chewing a small bite she had taken. Swallowing it, she adds "I expect to do so, Daidoji-san, at one point or another. I'm not sure in which capacity, though; much of that will depend on the needs of our esteemed hosts and the...opportunities to contribute to the celebration that they will afford those who attend."

A glance at the Hiruma. "And, given bugaku, I know there is some appreciation for dance in Crab lands. I do not have the heft for the dance as it ought to be done," and Yuuwaku smiles a bit at the self-deprecating joke, "but I can perform it adequately, and other dances far better.

"But I prattle on so! Tell me, Daidoji-san, have you any plans for the proceedings?"

[Hiruma Ōguri]

"I suppose we're going to stare each other out so hard that the eyes turn bloodshot and we lose sight for a day!" The Hiruma chuckled responding to the vibe of the conversation, but also nodding to the Dragon. "I get you don't mean just that, Togashi-san, but also a bout, if my presumption about your penchant for wrestling is correct!"

Overhearing the other conversation, Oguri chimed in. "I couldn't miss the grace with which you've been attending to the tea, Kakita-sama. I'd like to see you perform some more spectacular arts as well." And added a passing smile to it, because why not.