Beat the Heat (D2, EA)

[Moto al-Kalb]

With no bodies of water with which to cool off Moto al-Kalb resorted to the next best measure. Having stripped out of his furs and leathers, leaving only a basic loincloth to keep him decent, at least by Unicorn standards of decency, the giant Moto had mounted his trusty steed, Shamal, and took to the field.

Sweat glistening in the sun he spurred the large horse onward around the field. There were no fancy tricks or maneuvers - just increasing speed. He knew the limits of his mount so did not push harder than it could bear in the afternoon's heat though he came as close as he knew it could comfortably handle.

Throwing his head back as the generated wind whips his hair the warrior let out a happy ululation.

[Kitsune Takeo]

(A picnic for the Minor clans)

Takeo arrived first and set about preparing the event. Food was easy enough to come by, gracious as their hosts were, and the usual Rokugani fair was present, as well as some of the more exotic contributions the Unicorn had returned with. Tatami mats were set up alongside tiny tables with a clear view of the horsemanship ring, giving the picnicers an opportunity to take in the horses as they dined.

Preparations made, a few pots of tea already steeping, he sat and waited for the others to arrive.

[Yuzuki]

Along came the fashionably well dressed Mantis; although something still felt off about her style to those who paid attention to such things. Too rebellious, maybe? Too unconventional.

She gave a bow to those present.

"Konnichiwa, Yuzuki of the Mantis. I was told there'd be food for those of the minor clans?"

[Usagi Tsukimi]

Tsukimi was not too far behind, though she still felt unwell. She bowed to the others, and smiled warmly. Though upon looking over the spread of food, she decided she would stay clear of the cheese and any other dairy products.
"Good afternoon, samurai. Have you had your rice today? This one is Usagi Tsukimi, she's pleased to meet you both."

[Moshi Asakiko]

The tiny Moshi had finished her shift of divinations. She carried a basket with her instruments of her craft, maybe later she would gonflower picking to practice her Ikebana. The Moshi bowed at the present trying to smile but still the Yodotai battle goes on. "Blessings of the Lady Amaterasu mina sama."

[Usagi Tomoe]

The other Hare was right behind Tsukimi, dressed in a simpler affair than she had worn for the first day; a deep green houmongi depicting rabbits leaping over waves.

"Good afternoon. I'm Usagi Tomoe."

[Matsu Kogo]

Kogo walked with Noburu to the horsemanship field. She was looking forward to spending some more time with this scion of the Shinjo clan. As they entered the field areas, Kogo scanned the fields, looking for one particular figure and a horse.

[Ichiro Daisuke]

The scout arrived next, running a little later then he had intended. Giving a bow to those gathered he introduced himself. "Afternoon, I'm Ichiro Daisuke, of the Badger."

[Usagi Tomoe]

"It seems like we have quite a representation of the Minor Clans," Tomoe said with some pride as she looked at the ones gathered so far.

"A pleasure to meet you all. It really is great to be among friends and fellow Minor Clan samurai."

[Yuzuki]

"Likewise," she said. "I believe we're still missing one or two?"

She didn't see the rather large Fox woman.

[Ichiro Daisuke]

"I believe so." He hadn't met all the minor clan news here though. "And it's good to finally meet all of you. I've seen most of you around but I've only had the chance to speak with Mantis-san."

[Moshi Asakiko]

"This one is Moshi Asakiko." The young woman bowed. "It seems that we minor clans are quite the bunch."

[Kitsune Takeo]

Takeo smiled as everyone arrived and rose to greet them.

"Konbanwa everyone. I am pleased you could all make it today. I am Kitsune Takeo of the Fox and am looking forward to enjoying the company and solidarity of the other clans that the Emperor has entrusted specific tasks to. In carrying out those duties, we strengthen both the Empire and each other. I hope that we can all enjoy each other's company and share tales over the food that our hosts have so graciously provided."

[Ryuuta Tsume]

Tsume arrives as this speech begins, cursing herself silently for tardiness that is becoming habitual. She offers a quick bow as the greeting comes to an end.

"Thank you for your company and organization, Kitsune-san."

She offers her name if asked and then joins the others, eager not to stand out too much.

[Shinjo Taichi]

After the events of last night and this morning, Taichi was quite exhausted but doing his best not to show it. Ever since the run in with what had apparently been an oni, Harukaze seemed nervous - something very unbecoming of his steed. She apparently needed some training.

Spotting the figure he was looking for, Taichi started to wave, then lowered his hand and bowed from the saddle instead.