Dinner (D2, LE, Invite)

[Kokyou]

Kokyou made arrangements for the Minor Clans to have a good meal at the famed House of the Red Lotus.

[Zashi]

Zashi comes in with a few platters. "I challenged the cook to see if he could make something delicious and not use any flesh. He's a proud man who hates to lose, and well"

Zashi grins and puts the platter down

[Toritaka Sasaiko]

Sasaiko arrives. She has managed to corral a couple carafes of barley tea.

She bows.

"Minna-san."

[Kokyou]

Kokyou, always hungry, takes an interested look at the dishes Zashi brought in and helps him setting down the table. Checking out on Sasaiko as she announces herself, he waves her in, "Douzo, douzo. Come in Sasaiko-chan. Zashi-san here brought some new grub ye 'ave t' prove."

[Zashi]

"No meat, if that's part of any of your vows. I'm sure of it." Zashi snags a piece of something that looks like a fishball, and chews happily. "So, did we manage to get our honored guest?"

[Vutall]

Hitoshi had received his invitation and enters, bowing to those present.

"Good evening, thank you for the invitation"

[Kokyou]

"Ahoy, matey! Come aboard. Ye're most welcomed. Glad t' 'ave another one o' our crew here. Quite a mighty presence we Mantis 'ave." Kokyou grins in his usual intimidating fashion and waves for the sailor to join.

[Vutall]

He enters and takes a seat.

"How was everyone's day?"

[Mai]

Mai enters and bows to everyone. "Hello, everyone."

[Kokyou]

"Mai-chan, yer grace." Kokyou bows to her playfully, adding, "Welcome aboard. Take a bite, a sip 'n tell us how ye're plannin' fer th' upcomin' challenges."

[Zashi]

"I can't complain too much. It was a good first day." Zashi lounges in a chair, leaning back.

[Vutall]

"Sumai was fun. I swear I got all the mons right for Heraldry, but I still failed. I don't think the Crane like me."

Hitoshi begins to eat a little as they group speaks.

[Zashi]

Zashi looks over the group, giving them a wary eye before he responds.

"I think you're more right than you know. I pay attention to the rumor mill going around here, because it tells quite a lot. Someone already has made a story about how you had an outburst after being denied a room. It certainly wasn't a minor clan issue, because well" Zashi gestures to the assembled group. "None of us had problems. Something unusual does seem to be afoot"

[Kokyou]

"Har! I had problems. I was well-nigh bullied out o' th' Kakita Academy by one o' thar students. I don't wants t' reckon thar's bad blood between Crane 'n Mantis. 'cause on our part, thar ain't." He says, adding, "Mai was th' best student at Hirosaka Dojo. Could they be... wary... a Minor Clan samurai could become Topaz Champion?"

[Zashi]

"Har! I had problems. I was well-nigh bullied out o' th' Kakita Academy by one o' thar students. I don't wants t' reckon thar's bad blood between Crane 'n Mantis. 'cause on our part, thar ain't." He says, adding, "Mai was th' best student at Hirosaka Dojo. Could they be... wary... a Minor Clan samurai could become Topaz Champion?"

Personally, Zashi doubted that it was the case. However, it did provide a perfect lead in to what he had in mind.

"There would be no shortage of hurt feelings and bruised egos if one of us were the ones wearing the armor in the end. I can't say that there wouldn't be an elder samurai or parent who would take action to avoid just such an event."

Zashi casts a glance around the room. "I'm in fine standing so far, but they didn't see me coming, since I was out of the top of the class in Hirosaka. I am more than fine with helping the rest of us make a push so that all of us have the best chance possible going into the tournament round."

He looks around the room. "I am not saying that we throw matches against each other. I am not saying that we don't try to win. But we can watch each other's backs. We are allowed to commune with the kami before events. If there is a way that helps Hitoshi-san, I am happy to help him use his skills to the maximum"

[Kokyou]

"Hitoshi-san?" He tilts his head, "Aye, aye, I forget ye reckon me a shugenja. It is only earth that I bend, though. Bring thar' blessing on me, if ye will."

[Vutall]

"From my understanding, there are some events where we will go against one another, and the rest are strictly up to the judges present to score how well we do. We may be able to help each other on the heads up events though. That is certainly a thought. And, any blessings one can recieve is most appreciated."

[Zashi]

"I can help with Earth blessings as well but my real strength would be helping with any social engagements." Zashi makes a mou. "May Benten blessings shower upon me"

[Kokyou]

"Could ye then make sure we all lookin' ever better than we currently do?" That raises an eyebrow on Kyokou, "I mean, nah jus' physically, but in th' minds 'n words scallywags spread?".

[Zashi]

"Umm, well...yes Not to the prettier part, I can't help you there. But as to how welcoming people are, yes that's how it works" Zashi blinks, apparently not having thought of that before. "And if we are all close together, we all share the effect, with it ringed around whoever is casting it"