Librarians keep the participants shushed as they complete their exams. Once people have handed in their projects and essays, there is a small part of the library where they can congregate to discuss.

Or not discuss.

Because Kasumi's performance wasn't something she had even the slightest interest in talking about.

Ichiro gently dabbed away the trace of a slight nose bleed as they rejoined the other observers. Even with the sacrifice they weren't likely to place but it had made their showing somewhat acceptable at least.

Urusai does not want to remain, but he also does not want to be alone, and so he takes up a convenient spot--with a clear line of sight on the doors.

(Quote me to talk to me!)

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 15, 2021 6:21 am

Or not discuss.

Because Kasumi's performance wasn't something she had even the slightest interest in talking about.

Similarly, Jiro's performance was less than stellar. So he decided it would be better to talk about the weather. Particularly because it kind of got in the way of plans. "This hail will make the garden unpleasant today I think, Kasumi-san," he says as he bows his head on approach. "I suspect many people will be holing up to avoid it much of the day. Perhaps we should as well?"

Looking incredibly dazed and assuredly not all there, Sakura emerges from the stacks and is ushered to the holding area for the competitors.
She finds a seat, her eyes unfocused.


(quote on approach pls <3)

Shiba Jiro wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:36 pm

Similarly, Jiro's performance was less than stellar. So he decided it would be better to talk about the weather. Particularly because it kind of got in the way of plans. "This hail will make the garden unpleasant today I think, Kasumi-san," he says as he bows his head on approach. "I suspect many people will be holing up to avoid it much of the day. Perhaps we should as well?"

The temptation to hole up and try out some of what I've read with you is AWFUL. And you know it.

"Aye, Shiba-san. I reckon this'd be a bad day t'try a picnic, in any event."

It's also a bad day for us to be alone indoors anywhere, because if there's one thing my time on the crew of the Yukikaze taught me, it's that boredom and idleness when trapped by the weather lead to... well. Babies, sometimes.

"Seen worse, but oesn't mean I wanna go skylarking in it."

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 15, 2021 3:43 pm

The temptation to hole up and try out some of what I've read with you is AWFUL. And you know it.

"Aye, Shiba-san. I reckon this'd be a bad day t'try a picnic, in any event."

It's also a bad day for us to be alone indoors anywhere, because if there's one thing my time on the crew of the Yukikaze taught me, it's that boredom and idleness when trapped by the weather lead to... well. Babies, sometimes.

"Seen worse, but oesn't mean I wanna go skylarking in it."

"How about something to eat later then? I can come by the Mantis rooms later? There is a thing at the shrine I'll be attending to first. Some repairs there. Getting sweaty and working out in this crazy weather."

Shiba Jiro wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 15, 2021 3:55 pm

"How about something to eat later then? I can come by the Mantis rooms later? There is a thing at the shrine I'll be attending to first. Some repairs there. Getting sweaty and working out in this crazy weather."

"Could do, could do... A shrine?"

Kasumi cocked her head to the side.

She'd always figured that if the Fortunes actually gave a shit about buildings full of statues, they'd do more to maintain them.

But then again he is a Phoenix.

"Not sure I'm up on what's needful there. What's the situation?"

"As I understand it, there were extenuating circumstances and spiritual issues that led to the shrine becoming... damaged? I will likely be helping out with the masonry and woodworking around it. Feel free to come by if you don't mind moving some debris around or organizing efforts. A future captain would probably be helpful for keeping an eye and making sure we don't all step on each other," he says with a smile. "But the weather is nasty, so I wouldn't blame you for not doing so. Im half tempted, but I have a reputation as a builder of shrines to keep."

"Pffft. What kinda Mantis sailor stays in just 'cause it's not a clear sunny day? I'll have to see what sort of damage I can do."

"I look forward to it. And, to afterward," he says with a nod. "Thought it looks like someone's having a bit of difficuly. Is she the one you were mentioning being betrothed to Funegao-san? Asahina Sakura," he asks, clarifying her name and indicating he knew the Crane he was looking at.

"Perhaps I should check on her." His tone suggested concern.

Was there tea to be had in this congregation? Ahiru hoped so as she tiredly found a place to sit, smoothing out her ceremonial robes as she sat. Who knew that writing so much could be so tiring.

Kakita Ahiru wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 15, 2021 5:56 pm

Was there tea to be had in this congregation? Ahiru hoped so as she tiredly found a place to sit, smoothing out her ceremonial robes as she sat. Who knew that writing so much could be so tiring.

Kaori approached the Crane girl. She certainly seemed to have put in the effort as well, but this...this was a damn tough test.

"Greetings Kakita-sama." She greeted with a smile. "That was certainly some test, neh? Kaeru Kaori, from the City of Rich Frog."

Kaeru Kaori wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 15, 2021 6:25 pm

"Greetings Kakita-sama." She greeted with a smile. "That was certainly some test, neh? Kaeru Kaori, from the City of Rich Frog."

"Kaeru-san, good morning," she greeted, nodding her head to the ronin girl. No need to be rude, after all, since Kaori might be as nice as Chiaki. "It was... quite a interesting test, but part of the challenge in the Topaz tournament is that they change the tests and challenges over time. Keeps us all on our toes, I suppose. How did it go for you?"

Feeling a pang of the cramps, Kaori moved her hand towards her obi, but tried to keep a serene smile.

"Certainly Kakita-sama. I must say, when I received the honor of an invite, I did not expect to build model buildings. I assumed you would be more familiar with the challenges, considering?" She gestured vaguely at the Academy around them.

Shiba Jiro wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 15, 2021 4:46 pm

"I look forward to it. And, to afterward," he says with a nod. "Thought it looks like someone's having a bit of difficuly. Is she the one you were mentioning being betrothed to Funegao-san? Asahina Sakura," he asks, clarifying her name and indicating he knew the Crane he was looking at.

"Perhaps I should check on her." His tone suggested concern.

"Nah, he's getting hitched to some... ah. Over there. The Kakita?"

She cocked her head the Asahina.

"Hell, think she did better'n I did, wonder what's got 'er fussed?"

He nods at that. "Did better than a lot of us. She's probably stressed from the effort. The tests can be like that I guess. But she looks like she's barely holding together."

"Well. Remedy aboard ship'd be a faceful of seawater from a bucket, think it wouldn't be taken well here."

"Is that the cure for feeling a bit stressed? I've never had a bucket of sea water around to try that out," he said with chuckle.