[Day 1 - EN] Hole in One [RP Thread]

[Ikoma Ren]

"It's a busy party, Ikoma-san." she said. "He had someone else to look for. How has your night been?"

"Well, I told the story of the time a Phoenix challenged a Hida to a drinking game. That one tends to be a crowd pleaser. Talked up the groom, had a few drinks put in my hand." Ren allows a self satisfied smile. "Not a bad start, if I may say so"

[Yue]

"Guess it's not always the same with the work I tend to try and find. Smaller jobs.. little more focused, and once it's done.." she shrugged, "well, it's done, you know? No new menace of the week to fill their shoes too quickly. Still, I've witnessed mom find competition troublesome a lot before we parted some years ago. So, it's not unheard of for sure. Gets to be more of a race in the line of work I focus most on though," she said, shrugged again. "Anyway, yea, the Sea Fox. Worked just as another hand but they have themselves a near full crew. Friendly folk, welcoming even to those like us, could be they'd find something for you. They've helluva lot to their coffers for sure," she said, a thought to nudge her but get unsteadied a little on the bar and righted herself against the bar again.

"The same people who bought the drinks too, maybe?" she said curiously before putting a hand to her cheek, it was still warm and probably she should stay seated a little bit longer.

"I'm willing to work with Mantis or whoever, as long as I don't have to go out to the sea. I've...never been on a boat before but I don't think I want to try. It gets wobbly and bouncy, I've heard. It's not something I want to get stuck on," she murmured in thought. At the point, she perhaps realized that she was probably sounding too picky and found a change of topic. "How about you, what do you do?"

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

"Ah, well it's not something you really need to apologize for." He replied with an easy smile. "As you do make a good point."

"A slower more methodical approach to losing your clothes, Kitsuki-san." He asked with a light chuckle. "Or were you referring to getting drunk enough to leave our dinner elsewhere?" The subject was left behind for her to answer or not. "I think a couple have already lost some of theirs. One of my crew members among them." The Captain said with a shake of his head.

"It does seem like things have worked out in our favor though as you said. With luck it will continue that was as well." He glanced towards the Dragon. "Though I imagine most will returning the way they came, rather then seek passage with us."

"Something like that," Tanaka shrugged again, her eyes flicked back out to the crowd, "Ah...I suppose there is no shame in losing a battle of sake consumption to a Crab. Testing oneself against a worthy opponent. And if one has shipmates to ensure they make it back..."

"Of course we both made the initial assumption that everyone is merely returning to their homes and not perhaps on their way to other duties. Perhaps you will find yourself with more passengers then you arrived with."

[Amika]

Having finished her round of roasting, Minari... stumbled hurriedly out the door and was gone for a while. So much to her sadness she missed seeing any Crane getting punched.

As she got back inside, she seemed a little shaky and much paler, and she sat down and began working with her pipe. A smoke would calm her stomach.

Amika noticed that the Mantis that had paid for her returned to her seat. She didn't knew her, but the fact that she gracefully paid for people like her clearly was a sign of kindness that must be repaid, in some way.

The ronin got up from her corner, where she was quietly observing the rest of the party and approached the woman with a grace that was not common among lordless wolves. She got close enough so that she could notice her presence, and slightly nod towards her in order to announce that she wanted to speak with her, but didn't approach any closer unless the clan samurai recognized and acknowledged her.

[Moshi Minari]

Amika noticed that the Mantis that had paid for her returned to her seat. She didn't knew her, but the fact that she gracefully paid for people like her clearly was a sign of kindness that must be repaid, in some way.

The ronin got up from her corner, where she was quietly observing the rest of the party and approached the woman with a grace that was not common among lordless wolves. She got close enough so that she could notice her presence, and slightly nod towards her in order to announce that she wanted to speak with her, but didn't approach any closer unless the clan samurai recognized and acknowledged her.

It was another few moments, as the Mantis woman lit her kiseru, and took a long drag from it. Whatever she was smoking, it smelled exotic and foreign, kind of pleasant-smelling even.

Having had a drag now, Minari looked up to acknowledge the ronin. "Ronin-san," a nod, "enjoying yourself, I hope?"

[Amika]

It was another few moments, as the Mantis woman lit her kiseru, and took a long drag from it. Whatever she was smoking, it smelled exotic and foreign, kind of pleasant-smelling even.

Having had a drag now, Minari looked up to acknowledge the ronin. "Ronin-san," a nod, "enjoying yourself, I hope?"

As Amika got noticed she approached towards the Mantis, she didn't knew what was the Mantis smoking and she got somewhat curious about it but that could be left for later research. She bowed lowly towards her direction.

'' Indeed this one has been enjoying the celebrations, Mantis-sama...'' She said. '' This one's name is Amika, Mantis-sama. I wanted to give my most sincere thanks for your kindness and compassion personally.'' the wolf was refering to the fact that she paid for her. '' I heard that Mantis-sama was the one that allowed this one to be here, tonight.'' She adds as she said with her head still bowing towards the Mantis.

[Moshi Minari]

As Amika got noticed she approached towards the Mantis, she didn't knew what was the Mantis smoking and she got somewhat curious about it but that could be left for later research. She bowed lowly towards her direction.

'' Indeed this one has been enjoying the celebrations, Mantis-sama...'' She said. '' This one's name is Amika, Mantis-sama. I wanted to give my most sincere thanks for your kindness and compassion personally.'' the wolf was refering to the fact that she paid for her. '' I heard that Mantis-sama was the one that allowed this one to be here, tonight.'' She adds as she said with her head still bowing towards the Mantis.

"Yes," she took another drag of the pipe, seeming calmer from it. "Yoko-san, another wolf like yourself, has been travelling on my captain's ship recently and I wished to cover her expenses. Then I told the staff here I'd cover the expenses for the other wolves as well - I understand cash to drink away is a rarity for you."

Minari pushed some of her sweaty hair back from her face. "I'm Moshi Minari, I serve as navigator on the Sea Fox under captain Tsuruchi Shouji. Pleasure to meet ya. You here for the weddin', or looking for work?"

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"Well, I told the story of the time a Phoenix challenged a Hida to a drinking game. That one tends to be a crowd pleaser. Talked up the groom, had a few drinks put in my hand." Ren allows a self satisfied smile. "Not a bad start, if I may say so"

"Does anyone actually win a drinking game?" she asked as she looked around with an amused smile.

[Amika]

"Yes," she took another drag of the pipe, seeming calmer from it. "Yoko-san, another wolf like yourself, has been travelling on my captain's ship recently and I wished to cover her expenses. Then I told the staff here I'd cover the expenses for the other wolves as well - I understand cash to drink away is a rarity for you."

Minari pushed some of her sweaty hair back from her face. "I'm Moshi Minari, I serve as navigator on the Sea Fox under captain Tsuruchi Shouji. Pleasure to meet ya. You here for the weddin', or looking for work?"

'' It is an honor Moshi Minari-sama.'' She replied, raised her head and bowed again as a sign of respect to the Centipede Mantis samurai. '' You are right on both accounts, this one is here for the wedding and it is also looking for work, Moshi Minari-sama.'' She replied. '' This one came here looking for some opportunities to see if anyone is interested on this one's skills.'' The ronin adds.

[Moshi Minari]

'' It is an honor Moshi Minari-sama.'' She replied, raised her head and bowed again as a sign of respect to the Centipede Mantis samurai. '' You are right on both accounts, this one is here for the wedding and it is also looking for work, Moshi Minari-sama.'' She replied. '' This one came here looking for some opportunities to see if anyone is interested on this one's skills.'' The ronin adds.

"Ehhh... interesting," she mused, chewing on the mouth-piece of the pipe for a second. "I'm always interested to provide some work for skilled people. What is your skill... or..." Minari glanced around them.

"It's alright if that's not something you wanna share here, in so-called polite company..." as polite as a den of monkeys.

[Yoko]

"The same people who bought the drinks too, maybe?" she said curiously before putting a hand to her cheek, it was still warm and probably she should stay seated a little bit longer.

"I'm willing to work with Mantis or whoever, as long as I don't have to go out to the sea. I've...never been on a boat before but I don't think I want to try. It gets wobbly and bouncy, I've heard. It's not something I want to get stuck on," she murmured in thought. At the point, she perhaps realized that she was probably sounding too picky and found a change of topic. "How about you, what do you do?"

"They're in town for the wedding, probably won't be to sea for a while yet. Still, it ain't that bad," she said with a shrug. Glancing around the room and watching other people mingle while they continued chatting. Seeing all the merriment, the songs, the laughter, it was nice to be in places like this. Moments like this were the ones, after all, that made some of life's hardships worth it. Wow, look at the philosophical drunk over here.

"Anyway, that's not what you asked," she said, letting her left hand fall to her hip where her sword lay. A passive gesture she patted it, leaning more into the bar with her back. "I'm good with a sword above most other things so.. I help deal with the one's that roam like we do who aren't as friendly as we are, others sometimes too, trouble makers.. or I walk the road with someone who wants a little extra protection. Few would trust their honor to a Ronin in a duel... but I guess I could stand in for those desperate enough, for the right coin. Other than that.. just whatever work keeps my hands busy," she sighed, feeling a few new aches from underneath the blissful haze.

[Amika]

"Ehhh... interesting," she mused, chewing on the mouth-piece of the pipe for a second. "I'm always interested to provide some work for skilled people. What is your skill... or..." Minari glanced around them.

"It's alright if that's not something you wanna share here, in so-called polite company..." as polite as a den of monkeys.

The ronin took out her fan, she didn't open it, but gently posed it on her lips trying to 'hide' a slight smile that formed on Amika's face. '' It is nothing that this one would hide, Moshi Minari-sama.'' She said somewhat amused by the thought. '' This one is an artist. I have some talents in painting, focused on sumi-e style. This one is also trained in calligraphy and currently trying to learn the written language of the Courts.'' She adds.

'' This one has also picked some other forms of art here and there, including ikebana, singing, traditional dancing and the art of the sword, but they are not my specialty, Moshi Minari-sama.'' The ronin explained.

[Bayushi Ushi]

When their boasting was done Ushi had found a comfortable spot with a wall at their back to watch the proceedings. They were more and happy to pass pleasantries with those nearby or who approached but seemed fairly content to observe.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"Something like that," Tanaka shrugged again, her eyes flicked back out to the crowd, "Ah...I suppose there is no shame in losing a battle of sake consumption to a Crab. Testing oneself against a worthy opponent. And if one has shipmates to ensure they make it back..."

"Of course we both made the initial assumption that everyone is merely returning to their homes and not perhaps on their way to other duties. Perhaps you will find yourself with more passengers then you arrived with."

"Right, though I think I'm going to be doing the escorting home." He said with a soft chuckle bringing his cup to his lips for a sip. "I suppose it's part of a Captain's duties to make sure his crew make it back to the ship though." That or he could send a runner for Katsu or Koemi.

"You're right. People may have other destinations in mind after this, which could mean more passengers or less." His eyes shifted towards the Dragon. "Perhaps you see a trip up the cost in your future, Kitsuki-san?"

[Hida Daichi]

Yancho? She could have sworn the Hida had said his name was something else.

Naida nibbled on her bun as she watched the exchange between the two Crab... well, listened, at the very least. She gave a bow, "Hai. And if you wish, I can certainly show either of you some of what the Mirumoto school entails. I assure you, even if it is complicated in practice, watching it in action is no harder than any other."

She looked from Daichi to Yancho, giving a slight bow, "Yes, we can talk another time. I pray your honored wife finds some time to enjoy the wedding festivities too, as well."

Being somewhat oblivious to who the man actually was in relation to the celebration, Naida could not know who the man's wife was either.

Daichi nodded a wide smile on his lips "Id love to see it sometime, probably never something I'll strive to learn but a demonstration would be most welcome. I'm more of a tetsubo man myself, prefer one big direct impact. Its a little slower but damn near impossible to stop!" He bellowed

[Kitsuki Tanaka]

"Right, though I think I'm going to be doing the escorting home." He said with a soft chuckle bringing his cup to his lips for a sip. "I suppose it's part of a Captain's duties to make sure his crew make it back to the ship though." That or he could send a runner for Katsu or Koemi.

"You're right. People may have other destinations in mind after this, which could mean more passengers or less." His eyes shifted towards the Dragon. "Perhaps you see a trip up the cost in your future, Kitsuki-san?"

"Perhaps..." The Kitsuki rubbed her chin in thought, "Though for now I am to remain in Crab lands and baring a sudden missive from home, that is not likely to change."

"I will keep your ship in mind Tsuruchi-sama in case of that eventuality." She added with a smile. "So where does the sea take you after this? And after whatever trips your passengers require."

[Yue]

"They're in town for the wedding, probably won't be to sea for a while yet. Still, it ain't that bad," she said with a shrug. Glancing around the room and watching other people mingle while they continued chatting. Seeing all the merriment, the songs, the laughter, it was nice to be in places like this. Moments like this were the ones, after all, that made some of life's hardships worth it. Wow, look at the philosophical drunk over here.

"Anyway, that's not what you asked," she said, letting her left hand fall to her hip where her sword lay. A passive gesture she patted it, leaning more into the bar with her back. "I'm good with a sword above most other things so.. I help deal with the one's that roam like we do who aren't as friendly as we are, others sometimes too, trouble makers.. or I walk the road with someone who wants a little extra protection. Few would trust their honor to a Ronin in a duel... but I guess I could stand in for those desperate enough, for the right coin. Other than that.. just whatever work keeps my hands busy," she sighed, feeling a few new aches from underneath the blissful haze.

"Do you find it weird to be back on land now?" she asked curiously, recalling her conversation with the Yoritomo and how she found it strange to be on land. It seemed unlikely that she would change too quickly with her Mantis company but she wasn't so sure.

"Ooh," she nodded slowly when her hand followed her hand to her hip, "I'm not very good with swords," she was quick to admit but perhaps to put Yoko at ease that wasn't competition and aiming for the same jobs as her. "I don't duel but it seems a very good skill to have both for yourself and others. The Crane probably brought their own duellists but maybe not the Crab?"

"They say there're jobs around the bars...but they are the sort that cause trouble," she said before looking to her for her opinion.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"Perhaps..." The Kitsuki rubbed her chin in thought, "Though for now I am to remain in Crab lands and baring a sudden missive from home, that is not likely to change."

"I will keep your ship in mind Tsuruchi-sama in case of that eventuality." She added with a smile. "So where does the sea take you after this? And after whatever trips your passengers require."

"An extended posting then?" That was interesting, well vaguely. "Plan to be in this Village for a while then? Or is this just a stop to attend the wedding before going on to your next destination?" Probably someplace with more political significance?

"Likely back to the islands of silk and spice." He offered with a shrug. "We'll be picking up various cargo on our way back up as he drop off passengers which will give us plenty of interesting items to bring to the islands. His lips curled into a slight smile. "The crew could do with a bit of time at home as well. The seas are nice and all but it's good to get to spend some time on the islands."

[Asahina Sanaharu]

After a short time, everyone was sufficiently engaged and the public shouting that was supposed to be music took over the sound of his biwa, he stopped and put it back on his back. Standing up, he gave a bow to the Crabs he was talking to and roamed the saloon looking for someone to talk to as an excuse to leave the table. The quiet Scorpion should be perfect for this mean.
Walking to him until he was in front of the all mysterious man, he bowed and drew his fan. "Have you eaten your portion of rice today, Scorpion-sama? My name is Asahina Sanaharu, and I am the singer who started this... Shouter."

[Yoko]

"Do you find it weird to be back on land now?" she asked curiously, recalling her conversation with the Yoritomo and how she found it strange to be on land. It seemed unlikely that she would change too quickly with her Mantis company but she wasn't so sure.

"Ooh," she nodded slowly when her hand followed her hand to her hip, "I'm not very good with swords," she was quick to admit but perhaps to put Yoko at ease that wasn't competition and aiming for the same jobs as her. "I don't duel but it seems a very good skill to have both for yourself and others. The Crane probably brought their own duellists but maybe not the Crab?"

"They say there're jobs around the bars...but they are the sort that cause trouble," she said before looking to her for her opinion.

"Weird?" she shrugged, then waved her hand out a little and dipped it left and right repeatedly. "Kinda," she gave voice to the idea. "Bit happy to be back on land, if I'm honest. Saw there were those on our journey that didn't uh.." she brought the same hand to her chin and rubbed it. "What was it that they said.. uh.. couldn't find their sea legs?" she said, touched her stomach. Giving it a little pat she laughed. "I didn't have a problem, but it seemed to upset their stomachs somewhat. "

"Anyway.. back to the present again.. maybe? Crab may have something of an acceptance for Ronin but far as I noticed it's usually only for those Ronin who came here of a mind to join them, which I'm not so.. not holding out hopes for that one," she laughed and shook her head again. "But you're talking about.. other jobs?" she quirked her brow as she leaned in a bit, crossing her arms over her chest. "What kinds you hearing about?"

[Kitsuki Naida]

Daichi nodded a wide smile on his lips "Id love to see it sometime, probably never something I'll strive to learn but a demonstration would be most welcome. I'm more of a tetsubo man myself, prefer one big direct impact. Its a little slower but damn near impossible to stop!" He bellowed

"Each school has its own way, for certain. Having traveled the Empire on a pilgrimage, I have had a chance to see many. Not a Hida using a tetsubo though. That is certainly something one does not see up north."

[Bayushi Ushi]

After a short time, everyone was sufficiently engaged and the public shouting that was supposed to be music took over the sound of his biwa, he stopped and put it back on his back. Standing up, he gave a bow to the Crabs he was talking to and roamed the saloon looking for someone to talk to as an excuse to leave the table. The quiet Scorpion should be perfect for this mean.
Walking to him until he was in front of the all mysterious man, he bowed and drew his fan. "Have you eaten your portion of rice today, Scorpion-sama? My name is Asahina Sanaharu, and I am the singer who started this... Shouter."

The figure offers a seated, but polite, bow, "A pleasure, Asahina-san. I have indeed, our hosts have been gracious. This one is Bayushi Ushi."

The cloaked Scorpion looked around the room, its reflection shifting across their mask if somewhat distorted, "The union of Crane and Crab art is... interesting."

[Yue]

Yue found herself blinking at the mention of sea legs and stomach problems, as if they indeed confirmed her worst fears about being at sea. "Being with the Mantis must be good but I think I can see why not many ronin would readily join them if they were given the same offer. It sounds rough and I don't know how I'd deal being on the bad end of that."

She gave a shake of her head with a shudder.

"I'm..." she said before given a slow glance around before letting out a sigh. "I'm not too sure. I was about to find out until I found this place was so busy tonight. Maybe if I don't find anything tomorrow I'll think of looking them up."

"The kind of work you're not supposed to ask questions." she murmured through her hand.

[Asahina Sanaharu]

After a short time, everyone was sufficiently engaged and the public shouting that was supposed to be music took over the sound of his biwa, he stopped and put it back on his back. Standing up, he gave a bow to the Crabs he was talking to and roamed the saloon looking for someone to talk to as an excuse to leave the table. The quiet Scorpion should be perfect for this mean.
Walking to him until he was in front of the all mysterious man, he bowed and drew his fan. "Have you eaten your portion of rice today, Scorpion-sama? My name is Asahina Sanaharu, and I am the singer who started this... Shouter."

The figure offers a seated, but polite, bow, "A pleasure, Asahina-san. I have indeed, our hosts have been gracious. This one is Bayushi Ushi."

The cloaked Scorpion looked around the room, its reflection shifting across their mask if somewhat distorted, "The union of Crane and Crab art is... interesting."

He sits on the nearest futon to the Scorpion. He had now to remember to maintain all his etiquette up, not anymore interacting with the tone-deaf Crabs.

"That there would be a union was not on my previsions. But if the Crab reverences their artists like this, I do accept their compliments."

[Bayushi Ushi]

"Well that or they were trying to drown you out." There is a slight, amused chuckle from beneath the mask, "But I jest, I am sure they appreciated your work."