There are benches set up along the sides of the horse track in thr forest. Plenty of places to sit and watch.

Kasumi, annoyed with herself at missing what was probably the easier shot to anyone who hadn't done most of their archery against moving targets, still felt pleased with herself for managing to stay in the saddle tolerably well.

It took some time for the cold, distant air to fade from the Phoenix as they dabbed away blood from the corner of their mouth but, with time, it did indeed fade leaving them their usual welcoming self.

With a feeling of confidence from her performance, Ahiru joined the spectators to watch the other contestants take their turns.

Maybe she should get herself a horse... it was a bit nicer than a palanquin in some cases.

Urusai settles in to watch the other competitors. Perhaps he will learn something. And perhaps someone will deign to talk with him this morning...

(Quote me, please; it helps me see it!)

Jiro limped lightly from his horse and found a place to sit. What a dumb idea. Well... at least it helped do better than yesterday.

He rubbed his ankle as he watched others participate.

Kuroneko tries to talk to the horse and kept it somewhat calmed in the many commotions that may be happening around. He seemed a bit lost yet glad to have a new friend.

//PM or Quote if approached

Sakura found a spot and sat.

(quote on approach <3)

Finished with her test, and having seen so many go before her, Michi felt at ease. Not confident her ways were better, the lack of kinship with the animal was a problem.

She approached

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 8:07 am

Kasumi, annoyed with herself at missing what was probably the easier shot to anyone who hadn't done most of their archery against moving targets, still felt pleased with herself for managing to stay in the saddle tolerably well.

"Yukikaze no Kasumi-san", she greeted with a bow. "May I join you?"

Asahina Sakura wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 4:49 pm

Sakura found a spot and sat.

(quote on approach <3)

Standing quietly, alone despite the presence of others, Urusai begins to get...fidgety. And so he makes his way over to Sakura, offers a short bow, and says "May I join you, daughter of the Crane?"

Akodo Michi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:27 pm

"Yukikaze no Kasumi-san", she greeted with a bow. "May I join you?"

"Akodo-san! Sure thing- Great shootin'!"

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:59 pm

"Akodo-san! Sure thing- Great shootin'!"

"You are most kind, thank you", she sat down then, properly arranging her hakama. "Though I believe Shinjo-san may be the one to beat. Your horsemanship was proper, as if you rode it's back upon a wave."

Akodo Michi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 6:17 pm

"You are most kind, thank you", she sat down then, properly arranging her hakama. "Though I believe Shinjo-san may be the one to beat. Your horsemanship was proper, as if you rode it's back upon a wave."

"Well. No more surprising that Shinjo-san excels at mounted archery than seein' Hirame-san an' myself excel aboard ship. Don't reckon her sensei'd be any more pleased if she underperformed than Cap'n Kaito woulda been if I hadn't known m'way around a kobune."

She chuckled.

"Dependin' on th'test, merely succeeding in part could be a huge success, or failure to win th'whole thing could be seen as a let-down. Case in point- first time I ever rode a horse. So keepin' my saddle there? Proud-a that. But much shooting as I do? That first target's gonna gnaw at me. Still. Complacency needs t'be punished."

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 6:23 pm

"Was that complacency? You say the bow is a weapon favored for battle at sea, but spoke highly of your short blades."

Akodo Michi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 6:50 pm

"Was that complacency? You say the bow is a weapon favored for battle at sea, but spoke highly of your short blades."

"Well. I think it was. How else d'you explain missin' a stationary target?"

She shrugged.

"Just means more practice is needed."

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 6:53 pm

"The Akodo teach to practice, as it is the surest way to a strong basis of success", she said. "I cannot find fault with your words, but practice can only take one so far, experience is also needed and it is lacking among us, even for those who have seen battle."

Seppun Urusai wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:36 pm

"Oh!" she exclaims -albeit quietly, and catches herself to offer a quick nod before her own seat bow, patting the spot next to her, "If it pleases Seppun-sama, this one would be honoured. I am called Asahina, um, Sakura?" she absently smooths her white hair in case it might be disheveled from the horse riding?

Akodo Michi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 7:01 pm

"The Akodo teach to practice, as it is the surest way to a strong basis of success", she said. "I cannot find fault with your words, but practice can only take one so far, experience is also needed and it is lacking among us, even for those who have seen battle."

Kasumi nodded, and favored the Lion with a smile.

"Still. Glad t'see one'a m'friends doin' well. Gratifyin'."

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 7:11 pm

Kasumi nodded, and favored the Lion with a smile.

"Still. Glad t'see one'a m'friends doin' well. Gratifyin'."

She sat straighter up, eyes facing the field as another competitor mounted up. "Yes. well..." she breathed in and out, a posture and expression mixing where pride and humility clearly conflicted.

"..Thank you. We are all doing what we can."

Asahina Sakura wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 7:10 pm

"Oh!" she exclaims -albeit quietly, and catches herself to offer a quick nod before her own seat bow, patting the spot next to her, "If it pleases Seppun-sama, this one would be honoured. I am called Asahina, um, Sakura?" she absently smooths her white hair in case it might be disheveled from the horse riding?

"Urusai, son of Tokaji," he replies as he seats himself.

"So," he continues, "how have you found events thus far?"

As he asks, his body relaxes. He remains upright, of course, but much of the tension that had been in him, the fidgety energy, eases out of him.