[EE0] - Gathering of Future Heroes [Feast] - Feast Hall House of The Laughing Carp

[Shiba Haru]

Haru had decided which table he wanted to sit at but for once he was the slower brother. Seeing his twin move to the second table he stopped and pondered his options for longer than he should have.

[Togashi Shinko]

Haru had decided which table he wanted to sit at but for once he was the slower brother. Seeing his twin move to the second table he stopped and pondered his options for longer than he should have.

Shinko sees someone else stop and look. She leans in conspiratorially and whispers. "I don't know where to sit either"

[Akodo Michi]

A tall figure hidden by a cloak and umbrella entered the inn. Keeping distance from others, they closed the parasol and removed the cloak, handing them to a servant with an expected bow. Akodo Michi revealed, she was dressed in a gold furisode, patterns of flowers at sunset adorning the right side, spreading into brown over the left. A black obi held together by a gold silk cord kept the garment together. Her hair was held up by a pin, giving that solid blackness some shine. She tapped her sandals free of excess mud and approached Toshimoko, bowing low.

"I am Michi of the Akodo, daughter of Toranaga and Reiko. Honor to your house, Kakita-sensei. This opportunity is beyond my worth, yet I will live up to it."

Michi raised her eyes enough to Toshimoko to make certain her bow had been to show deference and not restraint. She was unmoved by this man and his reputation.

If allowed, the Lion would find a table to sit at.

[Kakita Ahiru]

Accompanied by her yojimbo, the gruff Kagehisa, Ahiru was a pretty delicate little flower next to her faithful companion. He glanced around with some disapproval and took up a spot near the entrance with many other Crane guards, somewhat at ease that nothing bad would happen here. Most likely.

Ahiru on the other hand looked around at the many different people gathered. It seemed like there were guests here from every clan... it was both exciting and intimidating all at once. After mingling a bit with some familiar and unfamiliar faces, she found herself at a table to partake in the feast. "Please forgive my intrusion."

[Chiaki]

The ronin was here of course, although just trying to pass unnoticed among the other people. There was no intention to bring attention to herself, as Chiaki didn't want to start on a bad foot with anyone.

She still was wearing her best clothing, after all even though she is a ronin, Chiaki was still under sponsorship of the Miya family and that was important. She will not disappoint them.

[Kakita Rin]

The inn door opens yet again to reveal another samurai, this one sporting the fine clothing and strong jaw of the Kakita family. Somewhat tall for a young lady, it seemed that time had chosen to grow her long and leave the filling out for later, for she remained slight except in the shoulders.

Casting bright blue eyes about the room, she found herself blocking the doorway as the next guest arrived, and graciously moved aside to permit them entry with a murmured apology. She watched them carefully, then made her way to offer her respects to the Master of the Academy. Her slow bow to Toshimoko showed no reserve. It was easy to acknowledge one's true superior, after all, particularly when they were of one's family.

She smiled when his return bow allowed her to rise and tucked herself into a position behind and to his right, the better to observe the other contestants as they made their arrivals. Perhaps she would find a seat after she had a sense of what she was getting into.

[Ikoma Aya]

A short-ish girl in a fine, if somewhat simple kimono in Lion colours walks in with a confident gait. Her shining amber eyes scan the room, taking in the whole scene - three tables, many people already settled - most probably competitors as well.

The confident gait continues, for a while. She approaches what would be the centre point between the tables, just in time to see the Akodo and two Crane arriving - with a good deal of pomp, circumstance, and sevants.

Another scan through the room, and the amber eyes fall down to the ground. She tries to keep the same confidence in her steps as she makes her way to one of the tables. But a practiced observer would clearly note it. Trying was different from just doing, after all.

[Kitsu Masaru]

Entering after the other Lion Masaru wore his finest kimono, well at least his finest kimono in Lion colors. The yellows and browns really didn't play as well with other colors as some other clans but Masaru had done his best to create a color profile that was clearly Lion but a little more dynamic with colors shifting from a brown so deep it was almost black and layers hitting notes of red that matched his hair and ending in a bright yellow that was more warm than blinding.

His stride was steady but he seemed to lack a full blown confidence like his Lion compatriots. He rather gave off a more genteel air with a small smile at those present his warm amber eyes, the color not unlike that of his kimono, drifting across faces and noting any familiar or unfamiliar but interesting.

He bowed deeply to their hosts and moved to a table that seemed already deep in conversation but then again, they all were.

[Kaiu Taura]

Baka, baka, baka, she thought, forcing herself not to hurry. How could you be late? But settling the formal kimono was much more difficult without her mother's help. Her kimono was obviously new though not in the latest of styles, The patterns on it invoking pines trees against a stone wall. Arriving at the entrance to the feast hall she paused and centered herself.

With slow, formal pacing the approached the main table and with a low bow, recited the thanks for this invitation that had been drilled into her by her daimyo's major domo. Once dismissed, it takes all of her self-control to slowly walk over to one of the tables.

[Shiba Ichiro]

Another Phoenix is next to enter. This one clad in fine robes and bearing a satchel that makes their role as a priest clear to all present - though their bearing and stride still bear militaristic influences befitting the Shiba mon embroidered upon their clothing.

The young Shiba offers properly polite bows to the various dignitaries present. Though no word of announcement, greeting, or thanks is offered the hosts do not seem surprised nor offended at this.

[Ender]

As the competitors enter and take their seats, Kakita Toshimoko steps forward. Clearing his throat to gather the attention of those gathered. "Competitors. Welcome to this years Topaz Championship." His voice was commanding, without being intimidating. His hands were drawn into the sleeves of his kimono. "Just being here is already a great honor for all of you. Your clans, your families, they have seen something special in all of you, and to showcase it in this most storied competition..." his smile appeared, curling his lips upwards as his grey eyes focused on each table in turn.

"... speaks highly of what the Fortunes have in store for all of you. I know that each of your ancestors is already watching you with keen interest. Compete with honor, and may Lady Sun smile upon all of you." He bowed, concluding his welcome speech.