The Emperor was flanked by Shoju and Kachiko, speaking to each other privately as they watched this semi-final bout. Sotorii and Mebuki sat apart from them, though they seemed more interested in speaking to each other than watching.

Ahiru had to observe the cutest little dark horse in the finals - Suzume Rin. Aya was a respectable samurai-ko, but it was hard to cheer for a Lion when she could cheer for a Sparrow samurai, because who would've thought there would be a Sparrow in the finals.

Perhaps the loudest and proudest member of the Suzume Rin fan club was seated about as far from the imperial party as she could be while still having a clear view of the duel. She hadn't meant to be quite so dramatic in her reaction to the first round, but the elation was real and Mitsuko's emotions had gotten the better of her. Fortunately, few besides Natsuko had been there to see it. This time, she knew, would be even more dramatic, and she just had to keep it in check as much as she could.

She hadn't resorted to sitting on her hands yet, but the nervous energy radiating from the skinny Kuni girl was still obvious.

Masaru returned to the viewing area and as he passed the Emperor he bowed low to him once more. It was not everyday a boy from a farming village gets to come face to face with the Son of Heaven. He wanted to show proper respect and gratitude for his presence.

After a beat if he was not spoken to he would retreat further into the crowd.

Oh goodness, the Sparrow girl won! Ahiru had not expected it, but she found herself giving a proper little cheer for Rin's victory.

This finale was going to be interesting indeed.

Kitsu Masaru wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 10, 2021 12:56 am

Masaru returned to the viewing area and as he passed the Emperor he bowed low to him once more. It was not everyday a boy from a farming village gets to come face to face with the Son of Heaven. He wanted to show proper respect and gratitude for his presence.

After a beat if he was not spoken to he would retreat further into the crowd.

Natsuko has continued to cheer Rin on from the sidelines...minus actual cheering, as that would be a distraction. She will not get between anyone's attention and the Emperor, but will offer Maseru a bow. "Congratulations on coming so far, Kitsu-san. I was pleased to see the storytellers paired off here, so the story of this duel will be well told from both sides to the future. I think you have certainly been well since we last spoke."

Isawa Natsuko wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 10, 2021 3:48 pm

Natsuko has continued to cheer Rin on from the sidelines...minus actual cheering, as that would be a distraction. She will not get between anyone's attention and the Emperor, but will offer Maseru a bow. "Congratulations on coming so far, Kitsu-san. I was pleased to see the storytellers paired off here, so the story of this duel will be well told from both sides to the future. I think you have certainly been well since we last spoke."

He bowed to Natsuko "Well I can say I wish the outcome had been a bit different but I don't suppose I can complain about being a semi-finalist. Though ultimately an honor that will fade in a month or so." He said with a smirk as he settled next to the Phoenix

"I have been well enough both busy and not it feels like. How about you? How has the Topaz treated you as a whole Isawa-san?"

She begins to speak, then pauses, glances around the field at those she has met, and will meet again, the royal retinue, more than a few disappointed-looking Crane. Her sharp, blue gaze returns to the Lion beside her. "Busy and not fits. Meeting more people from other clans than I think I had even seen before. Success, sorrow, spiritual and physical work, revelations and..." she glances back out toward the field, "a little excitement."

"Will the honor fade though? The glory, maybe. News comes and goes. But I thought most of those here were likely to see themselves given better assignments thanks to this recognition."

"Well Honor being something that comes from within I believe the honor of this moment will hopefully be one day eclipsed by deeds in the future."

He thought for a moment "but yes anyone here will likely see benefit from their participation."

Natsuko nods. "One may be remembered forever for a moment of glory...perhaps a display of exceptional honor, even. But honor requires maintenance and is exercised day by day."

"As for benefits, my sort are unusual enough that I do not think it will matter overmuch, but the experience was welcome."