Power Ballad Observation Thread (D7, EA & LA)

[Asako Hirase]

Yue sat there with her expression covered by her fan. She remembered when she had considered him highly in terms of suitors, perhaps even at the top. But much had changed over the last week. I wish for a warrior by my side. I'm sorry, Hirase-san.

She closed her fan and looked at him with her On completely intact. "Arigatou gozaimasu, Hirase-san. I do not know what I did to deserve such kindness." She nodded. "I too wish for a partnership in marriage with a dear friend. I believe I would also be happy to marry you." She took a deep breath. "However, I believe the likelihood that we are wed to be low. In addition, I plan on choosing another suitor if I have the chance."

The Shinjo gave him a bow. "Gomennasai. If you climb in standing, I will not dissuade you from selecting me."

A nod showed his acceptance; Hirase was unsurprised.

"In whose name would you like me to pray, then?" He smiled. "I assure you, the name will be between myself and the Fortunes."

[Kaiu Hiroji]

Hiroji dragged himself into the stands, with the strength he still had left. Singing was harder than he thought.

[Seppun Hideo]

She nods in agreement. "Likeminded. Yet, honor demands satisfaction for offenses given, even if by mistake. In such case, apologies are always accepted –– specially in the Unicorn."

Kitakuhime closes her fists, bringing them up. "I had hopes not to draw steel and blood, but I also cannot offend the ways of the Empire. It is a conundrum, see: if I am not granted victory, the Unicorn will be marred by Miya-san's words until someone else cleanses it. If Heavens see that I am victorious, I protect the honor of my Clan."

There's a deep sigh, and she smiles again, looking up to him with sparkling eyes.

"I have a deep respect for Otaku-sama, and I know beyond doubt that she is a woman of honour and duty. I hope that Otaku-sama can say that she holds my opinion in high esteem, and knows that I only speak as an ally as well as a friend."

He held the Unicorn fan in his hand, tapping it against his side but not opening it as he considered what to say. He looked to Samai for a few moments, wondering what the Ide woman was thinking, before turning to Kita and continuing.

"I believe this issue can be resolved by a clarification of misunderstandings from [i[both[/i] sides. Not just from Miya-san. Miya-san is unaware of your intentions with your declaration, and views it much like many will - that by choosing Tonbo Misa-sama as your song choice, you have disregarded every male here as worthy of your attention. That you have come to a miai and only have eyes for another woman, when there are countless males here who have hoped to earn the attention and the hand of the Heiress of the Otaku, including the man who sang for you."

He sighed.

"It was not your intention, and I understand that, but I ask you to consider the greater appearance of your actions.
Miya-san is very much wrong for her words, and I intend to speak with her also to see if I can come up with a peaceful solution - a kharmic strike agreed with words if you will. Honour would be satisfied by this. I am certain you do not wish to see more blood spilt over a misunderstanding."

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

A nod showed his acceptance; Hirase was unsurprised.

"In whose name would you like me to pray, then?" He smiled. "I assure you, the name will be between myself and the Fortunes."

Yue opened up her fan once more to cover her lips. "Soshi Taira-dono," she replied. She saw no reason to hide it from the man. After all, she expected the Scorpion to make an appearance on the stage and profess his love to her.

But instead, another creature possessing pincers took the stage: Kaiu Hiroji. He sang an objectively beautiful piece for her, one that even made her blush. She had not received such an artistic venture dedicated to her before. She looked back to Hirase and searched for his reaction to the Crab's declaration.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

"I have a deep respect for Otaku-sama, and I know beyond doubt that she is a woman of honour and duty. I hope that Otaku-sama can say that she holds my opinion in high esteem, and knows that I only speak as an ally as well as a friend."

He held the Unicorn fan in his hand, tapping it against his side but not opening it as he considered what to say. He looked to Samai for a few moments, wondering what the Ide woman was thinking, before turning to Kita and continuing.

"I believe this issue can be resolved by a clarification of misunderstandings from [i[both[/i] sides. Not just from Miya-san. Miya-san is unaware of your intentions with your declaration, and views it much like many will - that by choosing Tonbo Misa-sama as your song choice, you have disregarded every male here as worthy of your attention. That you have come to a miai and only have eyes for another woman, when there are countless males here who have hoped to earn the attention and the hand of the Heiress of the Otaku, including the man who sang for you."

He sighed.

"It was not your intention, and I understand that, but I ask you to consider the greater appearance of your actions.
Miya-san is very much wrong for her words, and I intend to speak with her also to see if I can come up with a peaceful solution - a kharmic strike agreed with words if you will. Honour would be satisfied by this. I am certain you do not wish to see more blood spilt over a misunderstanding."

The girl shakes her head a bit, and her eyes catch the purple in his hand. "She offered the challenge, Seppun-san. If you are capable of showing Heaven's light and ask her to back down and apologize, I would be forever grateful to you and the Seppun family. I cannot back down on the offense she offered. As yourself just agreed, there was no dishonor in my actions when I sang, and thus, her whole claim for a duel becomes null."

Kitakuhime purses her lips, in worry, and continues, "It will take wisdom such as yours to glimpse this truth, though. I hope she is also granted these blessings. I have great esteem for the Imperial Families. You are, after all, the shining example of how all samurai should be."

[Suki]

Suki watches as the suitors and lovers present their ballads, keeping her distance from the samurai. Every so often, a hint of a smile tugs at the corner of her mouth.

As conflict arose, her focus turned there, though she stayed back. Her thoughts turned to the lessons taught to her by the masters at the temple. Before the Order's pilgrimage, her interactions with samurai had been limited. She had learned much since then.

This does not need to end with bloodshed... but I don't forsee it resolving in any other way.


(Sorry about the very slow arrival. PM if you approach)

[Asako Hirase]

Yue opened up her fan once more to cover her lips. "Soshi Taira-dono," she replied. She saw no reason to hide it from the man. After all, she expected the Scorpion to make an appearance on the stage and profess his love to her.

But instead, another creature possessing pincers took the stage: Kaiu Hiroji. He sang an objectively beautiful piece for her, one that even made her blush. She had not received such an artistic venture dedicated to her before. She looked back to Hirase and searched for his reaction to the Crab's declaration.

"Ah." His fan came up. "To follow your sister...I see the appeal." A sharp, decisive nod. "Prayers will be offered this very night."

Then the Kaiu sang and Hirase looked...surprised. "Hmm. Crab are not generally noted for artistic ability...good for him, showcasing a talent no one expected." A smile, but then a sidelong glance. "Did you want to go talk to him?"

[Shinjo Liu Yue]

"We fought alongside each other against the orochi," Yue explained. "I trust him with my life."

She met Hirase's gaze after his final question from behind her fan. Her answer was simple. "No." For all the protection a fan could offer, it was clear that she found the situation incredibly uncomfortable.

[Shinjo Taichi]

After spending quite some time trying to think up a song, Taichi gave up. Some people were meant to have songs sung about them, not the other way around. After having been sitting and watching for a while, he saw Matsu Kogo take the stage.

Here it comes. Ballad #1 for Taichi.
Sadly, that wasn't the case. Still, he was happy that she had someone to sing for. As she moved away though, he noticed that something seemed... off about her. He'd have to make sure to talk to her later. For now though, the mood in the room seemed like something he may have to deal with.

[ooc: pm me if approaching.]

[Shinjo Liu Fei]

When Suteichi made more of an effort to join in the conversation, or invited in by the Matsu, rather than sneaking up behind her and whispering in her ear that was. Fei stepped to the side and made it easy for the conversation to naturally include the three.

"I have never been a very artistically minded sort, a life spent traveling makes it hard to find the time. Performance is something that does not really need that sort of greater appreciation though, so I am sure I will enjoy any time I get to spend witnessing one of their performances," she added, flashing a glance to Suteichi.

"But I need to ask," she said, looking back to Yurio. "What do you mean by, dark, deathly pale stuff?"

[Shinjo Taichi]

Finally.
He was surprised it had taken that long, but he could overlook that. He listened to Doji Ameka's song with rapt attention, not wanting to put to waste the efforts of the woman who could no longer contain her passion for him. He didn't think he'd properly met her, but that was irrelevant. All it probably took for her was his mere presence.

[Moto Baatar]

Mizuki nods. "Hai. I am fascinated by many of the things I've heard about your Clan's travels. I see the value in the knowledge your Clan has gained. I would like to learn more."

"Well, you're in the right place to learn more about the Unicorn," Baatar grinned. "Behold, cultural exchange!" He gestured theatrically at the spectacle surrounding them: the boisterous singing, the milling crowds, couples almost shouting at each other in order to be heard over the din.

"Are you quite sure you wouldn't like to take a turn at singing, Yogo-sama?" Baatar asked encouragingly. "No one even cares if you're any good... as long as you put some feeling into it."

[Yogo Mizuki]

Mizuki nods. "Hai. I have been certainly learning a lot. I think it is too late for me try to sing. And singing here would only insult those on strange. Maybe I can sing for you another if you desire?"

[Doji Ameka]

Doji Ameka headed over to the group observing the rest of the singing, considering heading over to introduce herself to the man she'd sung about. It might come up that she picked his name at random and wasn't actually overcome with passion for him, and that seemed like an awkward conversation for both of them. So she found a place to be in the crowd and looked around to see if anyone she'd met was present.

[pm if approached!]

[Asako Hirase]

"We fought alongside each other against the orochi," Yue explained. "I trust him with my life."

She met Hirase's gaze after his final question from behind her fan. Her answer was simple. "No." For all the protection a fan could offer, it was clear that she found the situation incredibly uncomfortable.

The tiniest of nods followed. He would happily act as social yojimbo for her.

"There are some fine musicians here, both in your Clan and otherwise." It was meaningless conversation, meant to ease her discomfort. "I admit, I'd expected the first event of the Moto to be more physical. I suppose that's Butaj's influence, though...have you met him?"