[Day 1 - Early Evening] Making an Impression, Koi Pond Area (RP thread)

[Yasuki Umiko]

(This is the role-playing thread for the event. Even if a character uses a time slot to participate in the rolling Event, they may still participate in the associated RP thread. For this event, the character may choose to mingle between the koi pond and lawn area, but not both at the same time. They may choose to exit one area and move to another if they wish.)

For the event, a majority of the tables and chairs were found around the koi pond area, all under the cover of canopy tents with soft lighting and climate management. Holographic projectors have been borrowed from the Pink Lotus Club to display a few animated koi graphics floating about, as if they were an ephemeral extension of the pond itself. The space is a bit further away from the speakers of the DJ, making this area relatively quieter.

Most of Uomoto Company's offerings are headquartered here. There are many servers with trays of appetizers, share-portioned foods, and desserts from the company's extensive food catalogue. While there isn't much alcohol found here, but plenty of soft drinks, and they will offer umeshu and fruit-juice cocktails if asked. There are many signs posted to remind the guests, 'DO NOT FEED THE KOI FISH'.

Yasuki Umiko, the karo to the governor, is found here. Tonight, she is dressed in a sea-green furisode kimono that is quite reminiscent of the ocean, further accented with a pearl trim. This is complemented with a cream-beige hakama and matching boots.

[Kuni Iwane]

Iwane, dressed in a dated, but otherwise perfectly serviceable haori stood by the koi pond with a glass of umeshu in his hand. He eyed with lazily swimming fish with suspicion, tilting his head to the side as if he was trying to make sense of something. Shaking his head, he turned away from the pond and took a sip, his frown melting into a soft smile that looked a little out of place on his painted features.

(Quote if approached)

[Yoritomo Yakura]

Yakura arrived fashionably late, wearing a cheongsam in her clan's colors, and even a fan. And of course a temperator hidden as a necklace. No one wants to sweat in front of important people, of course.

She took a sip of the offered beverages, taking note. Not bad, but I serve better.

She gently approached the karo, recalling what a certain magistrate said some while ago. That was certainly an event to remember.

"Greetings Yasuki-sama. Quite the lovely event you have organized here, neh."

[Yasuki Umiko]

Yakura arrived fashionably late, wearing a cheongsam in her clan's colors, and even a fan. And of course a temperator hidden as a necklace. No one wants to sweat in front of important people, of course.

She took a sip of the offered beverages, taking note. Not bad, but I serve better.

She gently approached the karo, recalling what a certain magistrate said some while ago. That was certainly an event to remember.

"Greetings Yasuki-sama. Quite the lovely event you have organized here, neh."

Yasuki Umiko was found by the bridge leading to one of the pond gazebos. She was all smiles and hospitality as she bowing and welcomed some of the guests to the event, especially some of the important ones. There was an important representative from Uomoto Company in attendance and it was only proper to give proper thanks for their support, even if it was some strange entangling of a corporate cold war between the two Yasuki-owned companies. She found herself a bit hestitant on what to eat (Uomoto Co.) or drink (Kinsenka Breweries) first...

However, when it came to guests with less strings attached, she was more than welcome to greet as well. She bowed and gave her a glowing smile. "Oh, good evening, Yoritomo-san! Thank you very much, we worked hard to make sure everything was perfect. Everyone's first impression tonight is also our first impression. However, we are pleased to have one of the many local business owners in attendance tonight too. We might not be the capital of the Green Carp but we are still happily vibrant in many ways, thanks to businesses such as yours."

[Yoritomo Yakura]

Yasuki Umiko was found by the bridge leading to one of the pond gazebos. She was all smiles and hospitality as she bowing and welcomed some of the guests to the event, especially some of the important ones. There was an important representative from Uomoto Company in attendance and it was only proper to give proper thanks for their support, even if it was some strange entangling of a corporate cold war between the two Yasuki-owned companies. She found herself a bit hestitant on what to eat (Uomoto Co.) or drink (Kinsenka Breweries) first...

However, when it came to guests with less strings attached, she was more than welcome to greet as well. She bowed and gave her a glowing smile. "Oh, good evening, Yoritomo-san! Thank you very much, we worked hard to make sure everything was perfect. Everyone's first impression tonight is also our first impression. However, we are pleased to have one of the many local business owners in attendance tonight too. We might not be the capital of the Green Carp but we are still happily vibrant in many ways, thanks to businesses such as yours."

Yakura had no qualms and took a bite of the food. "I see the sponsors are out in force tonight. Wise of them." She glanced around, taking it all in....the koi, the bridge, the garden, the lights, the karo. "Of course I would support Tango Island. It is an untapped gem of potential, after all."

She did not mention the fact that her boat was quite mobile after all, and she had the option of just sailing somewhere else for better business. It would be rude, after all.

"And I see quite a few of the other clans are here to show solidarity." She took a glance of brew, and took a sip. "I am sure many of them would be happy to hold a stake in the fate of the island." Her eyes gleamed. "My own humble family as well. After all, I already have such lovely ties here."

[Yasuki Umiko]

Yakura had no qualms and took a bite of the food. "I see the sponsors are out in force tonight. Wise of them." She glanced around, taking it all in....the koi, the bridge, the garden, the lights, the karo. "Of course I would support Tango Island. It is an untapped gem of potential, after all."

She did not mention the fact that her boat was quite mobile after all, and she had the option of just sailing somewhere else for better business. It would be rude, after all.

"And I see quite a few of the other clans are here to show solidarity." She took a glance of brew, and took a sip. "I am sure many of them would be happy to hold a stake in the fate of the island." Her eyes gleamed. "My own humble family as well. After all, I already have such lovely ties here."

Umiko chuckled and bobbed her head a few times in agreement. "I'm glad you think so, especially when you've decided to make the Habourfront your home," she said with a small hopeful smile. Of course, even with the dangerous sea creatures of the ocean, she had to accept that the Yoritomo's gentry was the most mobile. Considering she wasn't raised anchor at the earliest sign of downturn was appreciated. "I only hope that our honoured guests will feel the same. I'm sure a visit to your casino will only enlighten them about the many possibilities found here."

"Have you acquainted yourself with some of your kinsmen already?" She brought up as she found herself curiously looking at the party for any signs of green or a Mantis mon. "I'm sure you must be sought after for your history and experience on the island. You would be your anchor in many ways! I'm sure they must be as elegant as you are, Yoritomo-san."

[Yoritomo Yakura]

Umiko chuckled and bobbed her head a few times in agreement. "I'm glad you think so, especially when you've decided to make the Habourfront your home," she said with a small hopeful smile. Of course, even with the dangerous sea creatures of the ocean, she had to accept that the Yoritomo's gentry was the most mobile. Considering she wasn't raised anchor at the earliest sign of downturn was appreciated. "I only hope that our honoured guests will feel the same. I'm sure a visit to your casino will only enlighten them about the many possibilities found here."

"Have you acquainted yourself with some of your kinsmen already?" She brought up as she found herself curiously looking at the party for any signs of green or a Mantis mon. "I'm sure you must be sought after for your history and experience on the island. You would be your anchor in many ways! I'm sure they must be as elegant as you are, Yoritomo-san."

"Well, it is a beautiful area, perfect for a beautiful ship, don't you think Yasuki-sama?" She let out a laugh at the joke. "Well, I have never been called an anchor before, but I'll take it as a compliment. Speaking of elegance Yasuki-sama.." Yakura pouted. "It has been a while since I saw you aboard the Azure Dragon. I know you have a myriad of duties, but I am sure our dear governor would not begrudge you a little time to patronize my establishment?" She leaned in closer. "I can offer you some complimentary credit to start off, neh?"

[Yasuki Umiko]

"Well, it is a beautiful area, perfect for a beautiful ship, don't you think Yasuki-sama?" She let out a laugh at the joke. "Well, I have never been called an anchor before, but I'll take it as a compliment. Speaking of elegance Yasuki-sama.." Yakura pouted. "It has been a while since I saw you aboard the Azure Dragon. I know you have a myriad of duties, but I am sure our dear governor would not begrudge you a little time to patronize my establishment?" She leaned in closer. "I can offer you some complimentary credit to start off, neh?"

"Oh, absolutely," she said with a soft smile. While she likely wasn't in charge when the ship was brought in, she was thankful that the ship at least managed to fit in with the harbourfront (probably thanks to some Yasuki ancestry and guidance). They would have a debacle if the ship were the rowdy sort or one that constantly shot fireworks everywhere. The historical waterfront disaster of 3007 wasn't great for everyone involved. "We are very thankful to have a resident such as yourself."

"Oh, etto (as in 'um')..." her expression turned a bit hesitant on the matter, although she maintained her trademark radiance in the conversation. "It's been a while since I've dropped by, haven't I? I'm sure I could fit into my schedule in the next few days..."

"I keep my own schedule, actually, and that of the governor's." She pulled out her communicator and went to take a look at her scheduling app. There was a pause as she looked at Yakura with a slightly apologetic look on her face. "...I have to warn you, it is appreciated, but I don't know how good that credit is going to be for me. I'm not exactly much of a gambler, you see."

[Agasha Sorato]

Agasha Sorato's rambling path through the truly fascinating Kuni landscaping eventually brings him nearby the Governor's sister and this other obviously wealthy young lady. With some sort of fancy crunchy skewer thing in hand, he pauses to let a holographic koi swim past his face--in theory, of course, absolutely nothing would happen if he intersected its path, since other guests are brushing through the projections without incident, but he prefers not to test the patience of air spirits, even machine-bound ones. Once the translucent fish moves on, he bows politely to the two women.

[Yoritomo Yakura]

"Oh, absolutely," she said with a soft smile. While she likely wasn't in charge when the ship was brought in, she was thankful that the ship at least managed to fit in with the harbourfront (probably thanks to some Yasuki ancestry and guidance). They would have a debacle if the ship were the rowdy sort or one that constantly shot fireworks everywhere. The historical waterfront disaster of 3007 wasn't great for everyone involved. "We are very thankful to have a resident such as yourself."

"Oh, etto (as in 'um')..." her expression turned a bit hesitant on the matter, although she maintained her trademark radiance in the conversation. "It's been a while since I've dropped by, haven't I? I'm sure I could fit into my schedule in the next few days..."

"I keep my own schedule, actually, and that of the governor's." She pulled out her communicator and went to take a look at her scheduling app. There was a pause as she looked at Yakura with a slightly apologetic look on her face. "...I have to warn you, it is appreciated, but I don't know how good that credit is going to be for me. I'm not exactly much of a gambler, you see."

Yakura blushed. "Ano, you are too kind Yasuki-sama. I just recognized a good opportunity, and reached after it. "She fluttered her eyelashes at the karo. "Well then, don't feel pressured. Play up to the credit I give you, then feel free to just enjoy the hospitality. I know the Dragon's reputation would certainly benefit from your company."

Yakura sneakily tried to glance at the communicator, but moved her eyes back up. "I must confess, Tango Island has been a good home to me. I am quite honored to have your hospitality."

Noticing the Phoenix, she offered a polite nod back.

[Kakita Hiroki]

Ki-kun was dressed like an album cover Idol. Which was easier than you'd expect as he'd done exactly that many times before. It began with high heeled powder blue boots that added maybe four inches to his height, from those we moved up to blue and white diamond patterned thigh high socks. After the perfectly proportioned Absolute Territory came a one piece short shorts and sleeveless top in a blue and white domino pattern. Elbow length gloves with a matching pattern to his socks completed the look.

Well gift successfully presented to the governor. Ki-kun chose the part of the party that had the other host in. He practically sparkled as he smiled and greeted those in the area. A Mantis, another Crab, a Phoenix . . . oh yeah this could get lively.

--

/ooc PM if approaching for a chat please. These threads can get big and unwieldy very quickly and I miss things easily.

[Yasuki Umiko]

Agasha Sorato's rambling path through the truly fascinating Kuni landscaping eventually brings him nearby the Governor's sister and this other obviously wealthy young lady. With some sort of fancy crunchy skewer thing in hand, he pauses to let a holographic koi swim past his face--in theory, of course, absolutely nothing would happen if he intersected its path, since other guests are brushing through the projections without incident, but he prefers not to test the patience of air spirits, even machine-bound ones. Once the translucent fish moves on, he bows politely to the two women.

Yakura blushed. "Ano, you are too kind Yasuki-sama. I just recognized a good opportunity, and reached after it. "She fluttered her eyelashes at the karo. "Well then, don't feel pressured. Play up to the credit I give you, then feel free to just enjoy the hospitality. I know the Dragon's reputation would certainly benefit from your company."

Yakura sneakily tried to glance at the communicator, but moved her eyes back up. "I must confess, Tango Island has been a good home to me. I am quite honored to have your hospitality."

Noticing the Phoenix, she offered a polite nod back.

"Oh, of course, of course," she said delicately on the matter. It wasn't quite the concern about losing money. After all, any spending above the offered was much like her showing support to a business. It was proper to spend money so that it encourages prosperity, then have that prosperity returned onto the rest of the city, like how water flows back and forth in a koi pond. A passing glance at her communicator schedule seems to indicate a very well-planned itinerary for both herself. Her sister seemed to be mentioned in a few spots overlapping her, but none of Ayame by herself.

"Perhaps I could drop by when it's quieter at the Azure Dragon? I don't want to make a fuss with your hospitality and distract your regulars. Of course, there is the possibility I might inadvertently bring in more customers, but I can't make any promises about that," she laughed with a coy expression. "What would you suggest for tomorrow? The day after? Just so long it's not before the First Market."

"Agasha-san, good evening," she greeted him with a formal bow, tucking away her communicator for a moment when the Phoenix approached. Her gaze went to where her sister was situated. She made a quick recollection of his gift, and his introduction exchange. "Welcome and thank you for your thoughtful gift. Longevity and breed prosperity, much like the koi of this garden."

[Yoritomo Yakura]

"Oh, of course, of course," she said delicately on the matter. It wasn't quite the concern about losing money. After all, any spending above the offered was much like her showing support to a business. It was proper to spend money so that it encourages prosperity, then have that prosperity returned onto the rest of the city, like how water flows back and forth in a koi pond. A passing glance at her communicator schedule seems to indicate a very well-planned itinerary for both herself and her sister, at least the ones that overlap with hers.

"Perhaps I could drop by when it's quieter at the Azure Dragon? I don't want to make a fuss with your hospitality and distract your regulars. Of course, there is the possibility I might inadvertently bring in more customers, but I can't make any promises about that," she laughed with a coy expression. "What would you suggest for tomorrow? The day after? Just so long it's not before the First Market."

"Agasha-san, good evening," she greeted him with a formal bow, tucking away her communicator for a moment when the Phoenix approached. Her gaze went to where her sister was situated. She made a quick recollection of his gift, and his introduction exchange. "Welcome and thank you for your thoughtful gift. Longevity and breed prosperity, much like the koi of this garden."

"Tomorrow should be fine, and I am happy for any guests you bring Yasuki-sama." She smiled coyly. "I must confess some sympathy with your fans from your more public roles...you are quite the entertainer, after all." She raised a hand, taking another glass of beverage. "My people will get in touch with your people. I look forward to it, Yasuki-san."

She eyed the Phoenix silently, a neutrally vapid expression on her face.

[Agasha Sorato]

[snip]

[snip]

As Sorato rises from his bow, his eyebrows arch, a bit surprised at being marked and recognized so efficiently. High-ranking Phoenix, on the whole, tended to behave as though they were too important and preoccupied to remember you before you'd been introduced to them directly. Yasuki seem to be fish of a different color. "Good evening, Yasuki-sama. That's very gracious of you, but the pleasure is mine. Health and wealth for your beautiful islands are good for everyone." He nods to Yakura, identifying her colors if not her specific identity. "Good evening, Yoritomo-sama. Sorry if I'm interrupting. Agasha no Atsumaru Sorato, here for the Atsumaru Group."

[Tamori Kanna]

"Wow... floating koi fish!" Kanna marveled at the holographic display as she made her way to the actual koi pond, happily sipping her Kaiu Cola soft drink through a straw. With her ensemble depicting ancient merchant-boats on waves, she felt she could almost participate in an imaginary painting-dance with the koi, to both be part of the water...

With a soft hum, she swayed gently with the music as she was mesmerized by both real and fake fish.

---

OOC: Currently catching up on things, please tag if approached.

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko offered a momentary appreciative smile when Yakura mentioned her entertainment work and the fans from her career. The first few months of her return to Shiawase Island were quite an adjustment, with some locals being starstruck. That said, things more or less settled to an appreciative acceptance after a while. A part of her didn't expect the same resurgence with the guests of the island, but it could be surprising how some serials are distributed sometimes.

She allowed for a moment for Yakura and Sorato to exchange words as she waved a server to fetch her something lychee-flavoured and carbonated.

[Tamori Kanna]

Iwane, dressed in a dated, but otherwise perfectly serviceable haori stood by the koi pond with a glass of umeshu in his hand. He eyed with lazily swimming fish with suspicion, tilting his head to the side as if he was trying to make sense of something. Shaking his head, he turned away from the pond and took a sip, his frown melting into a soft smile that looked a little out of place on his painted features.

As Kanna noticed another person, she snapped out of her own observations of the fish (real and holographic), and offered a kind smile.

"Your face paint is very beautiful!" she said in a chipper but honest voice.

[Yoritomo Yakura]

As Sorato rises from his bow, his eyebrows arch, a bit surprised at being marked and recognized so efficiently. High-ranking Phoenix, on the whole, tended to behave as though they were too important and preoccupied to remember you before you'd been introduced to them directly. Yasuki seem to be fish of a different color. "Good evening, Yasuki-sama. That's very gracious of you, but the pleasure is mine. Health and wealth for your beautiful islands are good for everyone." He nods to Yakura, identifying her colors if not her specific identity. "Good evening, Yoritomo-sama. Sorry if I'm interrupting. Agasha no Atsumaru Sorato, here for the Atsumaru Group."

"Ah, no interruptions, I know Yasuki-sama has duties as a hostess, so I cannot rob her of all her attention alas." She gave a bow towards the Agasha. "Yoritomo Yakura, hostess and captain of the Azure Dragon. Say Agasha-san, what is your stance on gambling?"

[Agasha Sorato]

"Ah, no interruptions, I know Yasuki-sama has duties as a hostess, so I cannot rob her of all her attention alas." She gave a bow towards the Agasha. "Yoritomo Yakura, hostess and captain of the Azure Dragon. Say Agasha-san, what is your stance on gambling?"

"On gambling?" Sorato's brows quirk upward again. "I can't say I've ever needed to have a stance on it, Yoritomo-sama. Why?" Reflexively, he shifts a quarter step to one side to let another holographic fish swim past.

[Yasuki Umiko]

"On gambling?" Sorato's brows quirk upward again. "I can't say I've ever needed to have a stance on it, Yoritomo-sama. Why?" Reflexively, he shifts a quarter step to one side to let another holographic fish swim past.

Not wanting to fall back into a spot to play a wallflower, and considering that she had just been roped into a visit, Umiko spoke up to the question. She had the status to speak up, after all. "The Azure Dragon is a grand casino and gambling den, Agasha-san. Nakahama City has been more than happy to host Yoritomo-san's stay here. I believe that during her time on the island, her business has become a fixture at the Harbourfront. I would dare say part of the skyline, even. The Azure Dragon is just one of the many businesses part of the island's vibrant and cosmopolitan tapestry of commerce."

She took a small sip of her soft drink and let out a good-natured chuckle. "I suppose a potential visit could put you in a position to consider a stance on it."