[x] "It is merely a matter of personal preference, Scorpion-sama - while I am sure the actors here are very skilled, I generally find kabuki more engaging."
- [x] If pressed, claim a lack of schooling in the performing arts makes you unworthy to offer commentary on the different styles.
Courtier Role: 5k3=25
You take the space of a single heartbeat to properly observe the Scorpion and the Crane to take their measure. The Scorpion is a short, older woman with her hair tied up into a bun with bells set atop the sticks holding it together. The Crane, meanwhile, is a younger man with sharp, blocky features uncommon to a Clan that prides itself on grace.
Both are staring at you rather intently, though with different focus. The Crane merely seems curious, measuring you the same way you are measuring him. The Scorpion, however, is waiting impatiently for your answer to her question. She pulls a fan out of her sleeves, and taps it inside the elbow of her other arm as she glares at you.
For a brief moment you consider telling this woman exactly how you feel about Noh plays, that they're boring and nonsensical. Perhaps in the form of clever wordplay… But then you decide against giving insult. You've heard artists can be very animated about their profession, and you've little desire to spark a potential duel.
Still, you're going to need to give the woman a response. You can't see her mouth beneath her veil, but her eyes are smoldering. You briefly wonder how she even heard your words, much less your disappointed tone, from behind the doors. But then again, she is apparently a performer. She likely has trained her hearing to catch specific cues.
"It is merely a matter of personal preference, Scorpion-sama," you reply, giving her a bow. It's not quite an apology, but hopefully showing proper respect will help mollify her ire. "While I am sure the actors here are very skilled, I generally find Kabuki more engaging."
"Hmph, typical of the Crab Clan," the Scorpion says, turning her head to the side such that the bells woven into her hair jingle softly. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. If you're so enraptured with Kabuki, then head north toward the Senzai-za." She waves a hand back up the street. "It's a huge, garish thing with all sorts of disturbing noises coming from inside. You can't miss it."
"I must admit I am disappointed," the Crane says, shaking his head ruefully. "I had hoped that perhaps you might be coming to experience the best performances the Empire has to offer. Subtle performances of grace and beauty rather than the loud blatancy of Kabuki."
"I'm afraid I can't give much commentary on such matters," you reply, coldness forming in your stomach. This almost feels like you're walking into a trap. "I do not have much schooling in the performing arts, so I cannot speak much for the different styles. I only know what I enjoy."
The Scorpion snorts her amusement, but the Crane furrows his brow and looks intently at you. He never stopped measuring you, of course. He is a Crane, and they are always observing their surroundings in order to strike with commentary of some sort or another. What he says next, however, makes you blink in surprise.
"I must beg your pardon if I presume, Crab-sama, but would you be the one known as Hiruma Sosuke?"
"I have the honor of being that man, yes," you reply, bowing to the Crane as proper introductions come underway. "Might I know your names as well, if I may be so bold as to ask?"
"I am Kakita Tenshu, an artisan, and this is my compatriot Shosuro Miohime," Tenshu replies, bowing back. "It is good to meet you, though I cannot deny some confusion over your words."
"I'm not certain what you mean, Kakita-sama," you reply, your eyes narrowing. "I've told you nothing that is not true, unless you are saying you do not believe me."
"I assure you I have no such intention, Hiruma-sama," Tenshu responds. "No doubt you have spoken nothing but the truth. It is simply that you have a reputation for being a story teller of some impressive skill, so I must admit puzzlement when you speak of lack of schooling in the performing arts."
"Oh yes! I have heard much the same!" Shosuro Miohime says, her eyes crinkling as she smiles behind her veil. "Might you do us the honor of sharing a tale with some of our actors then, Hiruma-sama? Of your exploits, perhaps?" She unfolds her fan and casually holds it across the lower half of her face, further hiding her expression save for the amusement in her gaze. "It may be that we could even write a play about it, forever immortalized in the magnificence that is Noh theater."
[] Write in.