At the invitation, the attendees all rise to their feet in a flurry of motion and rising tide of (softly spoken) conversation. Bayushi Kimoko casts her gaze across the hall, sizing up each group in turn, and turns to regard you and Hanzo.
"Well, that was enlightening." She says in a calm, conversational tone of voice. "I rather imagine we're going to see a line or two drawn quite shortly. It should be interesting to observe."
There is a slight stress placed upon that last word, containing the order that you and Yogo Hanzo are both perceptive enough to pick up on. The three of you trade meaningless observations for a few moments more, then slowly drift apart in the sea of shifting bodies around you, seeking to identify and assess the major players in a bit more detail.
Personally, you move over towards the edge of the Hall, staying clear of the rapidly forming groups of conversing samurai in favour of inspecting the numerous works of art hung along the walls. They really are quite impressive, if of something of a bolder and more martial style than you might expect to find elsewhere, but you are more concerned with the excuse they provide for staying near the perimeter. From here you have a much easier time surveying the different trends that are already developing among the guests and other assorted attendees.
The majority of the samurai present are from the Lion Clan, as is perhaps to be expected, and they seem largely inclined to stick together rather than engage samurai from outside of their clan on anything resembling equal footing. There are exceptions - a pair of samurai wearing the Kitsu Mon have engaged the Dragon delegate in what seems to be a conversation about swordsmanship - but the overall pattern there is clear.
Near the far wall, the Crab and Crane delegations are speaking with one another. There is a degree of tension there, likely to do with the bad history the two Clans share regarding the Yasuki family, but the exchange seems fairly amicable so far. No one is reaching for their swords at any rate, and given the character of the Court so far that's probably the best you can hope for.
Yogo Hanzo appears to have fallen into a discussion with the Iuchi Shugenja from the Unicorn, and based on the way the two of them are drawing only the most cursory attention from the surrounding crowds the topic is likely only accessible to those who can speak with the Kami. Meanwhile the rest of the Unicorn are speaking to the Mantis about something, though it is difficult to tell what - they seem fairly animated, though, so presumably they've found something resembling common ground.
Otomo Kairyu has disappeared, as has Ikoma Genji, which leads you to suspect they are likely taking the opportunity provided to discuss some finer point of administrative business. All of which leaves the Phoenix, who are...
"A pleasant evening, is it not, Soshi-san?"
...right beside you, apparently. Your training was comprehensive enough that you manage to restrain the urge to visibly startle, instead turning to face Asako Tani as she steps around the nearest pillar.
"Very much so, Asako-sama." You reply, bowing lower than she does in appropriate levels of deference. You cannot see the Shiba that serves as her Yojimbo, but you would be very surprised if he isn't somewhere nearby keeping an eye on the two of you. "I see the art has caught your attention as well?"
That is a polite fiction and you both know it - she has deliberately approached you, which means she has some sort of goal in mind, but as always with such things the appearance is more important than the substance. The Phoenix nods in agreement, turning to regard the nearest of the paintings, and you note that she is carrying a katana of her own. An unusual choice for someone who appears to be a courtier, but presumably she feels her skills sufficient to make the implicit statement.
"It is rather striking, isn't it? Bold, perhaps even fierce, and very eye-catching. Much like the Lion themselves in that way." She muses, glancing over at you. "Are you an artist, Soshi-san?"
There is often value in concealing your strengths and weaknesses, but claiming knowledge of a topic that someone wishes to discuss in depth is a sure method to obtain disaster, and so you shake your head. "I am afraid not, Asako-sama. I have an appreciation for the arts, but it is merely that of an interested amateur. My training has always been in more...
cerebral pursuits."
"A fortunate coincidence." Asako Tani says, smiling as she lies to your face. "So was mine, though circumstances encouraged me to broaden my studies before too long. Have you a preferred area of study?"
What do you wish to discuss?
- [ ] Write in
GM's note - Thanks to Sage and your Intelligence you can pick almost any topic and avoid the embarrassment of ignorance. The primary impact of your choice is going to be the impression that the Phoenix have of you.
