Day 1, ME - Dragon Dinner

[Kitsuki Naida]

Having gotten all her stuff in her room taken up, Naida found that she was staying with another Kitsuki in the room. Having asked around, she'd found that a few more of her Clan were staying at the inn as well. So, after buying some gifts, she followed her possessions up to the room and made her presence known at the door.

She'd also sent a note to the other Dragon staying at the inn, in case they wanted to meet and talk here.

[Togashi Keigo]

The first to answer her summons to the door is a young man with long hair pulled back simply and a genuine smile. That lack of the upper half of his clothing and the tattoos it displayed made his family plenty obvious without mons. "Kitsuki-san, welcome. Please, come in." He stepped back, opening the room to guests. The table was already set up for at least four.

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

The were soon joined by a third, with Tanaka arriving just behind her fellow Kitsuki. "Togashi-san," She dipped her head to Keiho in a gesture of familiarity. "Cousin." Her bow to Naida was more formal. She waited until everyone was through the door before continuing the introductions.

Tanaka did spend a second to look over Naida, quickly marking her as someone of martial rather then courtly bent.

[Kitsuki Naida]

"Togashi-san, cousin~"

Following the courtier woman in, Naida closed the door behind them for now.

"What a pleasant surprise finding fellow Dragon so far south for this. I suppose I should not be surprised to see a courtier and one of our monks though; Even this is an opportunity to help the fortunes of the Sons and Daughters of Togashi, and I know the search for Enlightenment can take one to the oddest places."

Two of Naida's swords were being looked after by the staff of the inn, of course, though she highly doubted they were taking extra special care of the one.

[Togashi Keigo]

"I suspect many of our brethren are finding a variety of opportunities to serve the Clan away from the mountains at the moment," he mused. "I am Togashi Keigo, it's a pleasure to meet you. Tea?"

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

Tanaka nodded at his words, "Yes..." She sighed, "Regardless, Kitsuki Tanaka, trained in the family's traditional school. Togashi-san and I travelled together from the mountains." Her eyes shifted to Naida, "I gather from your bearing you are one who has studied the blade over the fan?"

[Kitsuki Naida]

"A way to put it, I suppose. I prefer to think I study with the blade, rather than the blade itself. But I suppose one cannot help colloquialisms."

Small details like that niggled Naida sometimes.

"And I certainly wouldn't mind a little tea. I brought some rice crackers and mochi as well, which should go fine with that."

[Togashi Keigo]

Keigo made a point to rustle some up before sitting down. "Perhaps we can't, but wording is interesting as well as important. How one speaks gives definition to one's thoughts, and can change them without intention. Perhaps the way bushi approach their training now is different because of that colloquialism."

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

"Then I shall say Kitsuki-san studies with blade," Tanaka smiled slightly at that and took her own seat, "And a good point Togashi-san. The way one orders their thoughts influences their actions...and how they process new information."

When tea and cracker are offered, the courtier would thank both of her clan mates. "Speaking of perceptions...since we are all here, its been barely a day but has everyone found the village so far?"

[Kitsuki Naida]

"They have such wonderful baths! And I've even found an interesting place to eat already. What more could I ask for really?"

Naida seemed genuinely happy, picking up her cup of tea and taking a long sip with a smile.

[Togashi Keigo]

"I will have to go see them," Keigo replied with a nod and smile. "The beach and the view from the shrine are quite nice. The decor heading up to the shrine... Well, it gets the idea of fertility across effectively, I suppose."

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

"..." Tanaka looked a Keigo with a grimace, "It was a bunch of phallic imagery. Wasn't it. Not that uncommon in the rural regions were the harvest is the life blood of the community."

[Togashi Keigo]

"Of course it was. That's why I was trying not to be too specific." He sighed and sipped his tea. "I think the view is worth it, but... yeah."

[Kitsuki Naida]

Naida looked at Tanaka with a sly smirk, "Does this mean Kitsuki-san would have preferred if it was festooned with images of spreading lotus petals instead?"

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

Tanaka shrugged, "The ultimate intention is to inspire fertility no? Its a, shall we say, quaint custom, if a bit jarring to courtly maidens such as myself." She chuckled.

"I suppose I should answer my own question though...I took a brief walk around the town myself. And ran into a Crane magistrate and Crane who was both tattoo artist and priest. The Magistrate seemed interested in prying information from me and offered the services of the Crane. Though how much weight that carries with the rest of delegation I am unsure. And it goes without saying there would be some manner favor expected in return."

[Togashi Keigo]

"I encountered a Crane magistrate on the way here... I wonder if it's the same one?" He questioned. "Kakita Konohamaru, by chance?"

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

"That would be the one I spoke with yes," Tanaka frowned, "He is kind of...imposing. And arrived rather suddenly. The Crane are probably trying to see where they stand with the other clans. Given we have no strong alliances our stance is undoubtedly the most...enigmatic."

[Kitsuki Naida]

"I'm more surprised the Crab are allowing another Clan's magistrate to interrogate their guests. I suppose it might make some sense though considering the marriage arrangements; Wouldn't want to offend the betrothed with not allowing some special considerations to their Clan."

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

"Interrogation is perhaps too strong of a word." Tanaka chuckled, "Just the usual polite probing questions. Not even the silk glove over the gauntlet. Still he seemed to be most interested in the Dragon."

[Kitsuki Naida]

"Interrogation is perhaps too strong of a word." Tanaka chuckled, "Just the usual polite probing questions. Not even the silk glove over the gauntlet. Still he seemed to be most interested in the Dragon."

"I mean, who wouldn't be interested in a pretty young Kitsuki, neh? But I suppose I might be biased."

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

"Such attentions would not have escaped my notice." Tanaka responded unflustered. "No...his actions and manner spoke of politically motivated probing."

She rubbed her chin in thought, "Still I suppose one has to be on guard. Fortunately I can redirect such affections to Keigo-san or yourself."

[Kitsuki Naida]

"Indeed, nothing escapes the eyes of a trained Kitsuki, neh? And feel free to; I do not mind some extra affection sent my way, as long as it is genuine and not insincere."

[Togashi Keigo]

Keigo nodded in agreement. "Talking to him further may be something to learn from."

[Kitsuki Naida]

"Was there anything that stood out in the questions to either of you? Some sort of idea of a motive or goal?"

[Togashi Keigo]

"Apparently he has some sort of bad reputation among his Clan, one even young children know of. I don't know the details, though."