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

[Yasuki Ayame]

"Oh...yeah no, he'd used some strong language beforehand that kind of led us to worry about his vibe. But fair point Yasuki-sama, maybe he'd have worn them better under better circumstances."

Ochiba listens with complete attention to Ayame's reports of her time on the frontlines.
"Top marksman huh? No wonder you hit my heart dead center first time That's impressive given the dojo, since Hiruma spend all the time everyone else does smiling on learning to shoot better."

She happily accepts her glass and raises it as the Governor raises hers.
"Sometimes we'd toast to the strength to ride out the storm, or to prosperity ahead. But on this world Yasuki-sama, I can't think of better than toasting Osano-Wo-no-fortune. May his thunder never cease and may it continue to clear the way forward for both our clans, as it has always done."
With a grin.
"Kanpai!"

"Heh?!" Ayame huffed out a bit of befuddlement for a moment, clearly having heard what she said but a bit surprised by the boldness of it. The smile on her lips indicated that she at least found it amusing, which is further proved true when that elicits a laugh out of her. That was cute, I like that. However, she didn't impede the flow of the conversation, especially when there was a toast on the line.

She let out a sound of approval at first, "Oooh nice one, Osano-Wo doesn't only clear the way but unite us, in a way, doesn't he? Kanpai!"

With that, she gave Ochiba's beer glass a resounding clank of a toast. There was a sort of practiced dexterity that she would get the maximum effect without risking spillage of the rather golden coloured lager from one of Yasuki's biggest alcohol megacorporations. She took not one but two deep gulps before letting out a deep sigh of satisfaction, really hitting the spot at an all-too-formal (to her) event. "Ahhh, that was so good, the best! Kami, I could go for a few of these tonight!"

[Hiruma Akiro]

"Well then why don't we mix things up? Let's mingle together, as a team. We can meet new people and continue the conversation. What do you think? Anyone particular we should approach?"

Akiro blinked at Senshuken a moment, and then he gave her a nod. "That's a very good idea, Bayushi-san. Meet them as a team. As alloys, perhaps." He smiled. "Very well."

He looked around. "Well. I see a Mantis talking to the Governor. My word." He blinked again. "Then... one of your Clan. And one of mine. Hmmm."

He looked at Senshuken, then gestured. "What about that Unicorn? That feels more appropriately neutral, so that neither of us shall feel outnumbered."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

Akiro blinked at Senshuken a moment, and then he gave her a nod. "That's a very good idea, Bayushi-san. Meet them as a team. As alloys, perhaps." He smiled. "Very well."

He looked around. "Well. I see a Mantis talking to the Governor. My word." He blinked again. "Then... one of your Clan. And one of mine. Hmmm."

He looked at Senshuken, then gestured. "What about that Unicorn? That feels more appropriately neutral, so that neither of us shall feel outnumbered."

"Feel free to outnumber me. Let's go for the governess! Or your other clanmate. I do need challenges for the xp. I will have to level up soon." She chuckles. "Gaming nonsense. Don't pay attention unless you really want to."

[Hiruma Akiro]

"Feel free to outnumber me. Let's go for the governess! Or your other clanmate. I do need challenges for the xp. I will have to level up soon." She chuckles. "Gaming nonsense. Don't pay attention unless you really want to."

"... what? Oh. Right. Yes, I see." Akiro cleared his throat. "Well. Nevertheless. Let's try the Unicorn. She's very tall. Perhaps that's more xp for you?"

Having given her gift, Suh-Hyun slipped back into the crowd. In as much as a six foot tall lady covered in shiny embroidery, a few ribbons, and small little metal discs could slip into a crowd. She took an offered drink and eyed the crowd, preparing herself for the bloody battlefield of 'reception party - upper class'.

And so, mutual decision made, Suh-Hyun would find herself approached by a Crab officer and a Scorpion court-racer. Akiro bowed. "Shinjo-san. Would you care to join Bayushi-san and I? We were just discussing... well, a variety of things, really."

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

"Heh?!" Ayame huffed out a bit of befuddlement for a moment, clearly having heard what she said but a bit surprised by the boldness of it. The smile on her lips indicated that she at least found it amusing, which is further proved true when that elicits a laugh out of her. That was cute, I like that. However, she didn't impede the flow of the conversation, especially when there was a toast on the line.

She let out a sound of approval at first, "Oooh nice one, Osano-Wo doesn't only clear the way but unite us, in a way, doesn't he? Kanpai!"

With that, she gave Ochiba's beer glass a resounding clank of a toast. There was a sort of practiced dexterity that she would get the maximum effect without risking spillage of the rather golden coloured lager from one of Yasuki's biggest alcohol megacorporations. She took not one but two deep gulps before letting out a deep sigh of satisfaction, really hitting the spot at an all-too-formal (to her) event. "Ahhh, that was so good, the best! Kami, I could go for a few of these tonight!"

Ochiba blinks, before belatedly realising that the Governor probably had good hearing too, especially side by side at a bar, crap! Thank the fortunes she continued with the toast as Ochiba hastily moves her own glass to ensuring a satisfying 'tink'.

And of course, no self respecting Mantis is going to struggle with drinking a decent beer (well, at least now the Kitsune had left) she takes a few deep quaffs before lowering her glass.
"Now that hits the spot, even by the standards of Crab beer, a good drink. A shame that sometimes our duties must come first, or perhaps there would not be a drop of it left in the house?"

Although, on that subject...
"Doubtless Yasuki-sama will have many events keeping her busy throughout the program, not to mention your normal duties...." She sips again to buy herself some time. "And doubtless she has many things going on, like ummm hobbies and such. Siiiiip "But, is there a minor possibility she might have time in the future, if everything lines up, for other less structured social engagements?"
Ochiba then proceeds to drain the rest of her glass as an excuse to look elsewhere.

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

And so, mutual decision made, Suh-Hyun would find herself approached by a Crab officer and a Scorpion court-racer. Akiro bowed. "Shinjo-san. Would you care to join Bayushi-san and I? We were just discussing... well, a variety of things, really."

Beep. Beep.

Danger! Two potential hostiles sweeping her sector.

Wee Woo Wee Woo Wee Woo.

Locking on to her. Time to weigh options for evasion.

Weewooweewooweewooweewoo!

Incoming! Too late to dodge, tossing chaff(aka a drink) would probably be frowned on. Nothing for it but to take the hit.

Suh-Hyun smiled as the Scorpion and Crab approached, "Minna-sama," She sat down her drink on a nearby table and bowed in return, "Of course, mingling is what parties are for no?" The Unicorn tugged at the bottom of her tunic sharply, straightening it after the bow. "Shinjo Suh-Hyun, 2nd Testing and Evaluation Squadron, Unicorn Navy."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

And so, mutual decision made, Suh-Hyun would find herself approached by a Crab officer and a Scorpion court-racer. Akiro bowed. "Shinjo-san. Would you care to join Bayushi-san and I? We were just discussing... well, a variety of things, really."

Beep. Beep.

Danger! Two potential hostiles sweeping her sector.

Wee Woo Wee Woo Wee Woo.

Locking on to her. Time to weigh options for evasion.

Weewooweewooweewooweewoo!

Incoming! Too late to dodge, tossing chaff(aka a drink) would probably be frowned on. Nothing for it but to take the hit.

Suh-Hyun smiled as the Scorpion and Crab approached, "Minna-sama," She sat down her drink on a nearby table and bowed in return, "Of course, mingling is what parties are for no?" The Unicorn tugged at the bottom of her tunic sharply, straightening it after the bow. "Shinjo Suh-Hyun, 2nd Testing and Evaluation Squadron, Unicorn Navy."

The Scorpion offers a bow and it is evident from her eyes that she smiles behind her mask. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Shinjo san. Bayushi Senshuken. Just a courtier from the World of Dreams. Are you enjoying yourself?"

[Hiruma Akiro]

Suh-Hyun smiled as the Scorpion and Crab approached, "Minna-sama," She sat down her drink on a nearby table and bowed in return, "Of course, mingling is what parties are for no?" The Unicorn tugged at the bottom of her tunic sharply, straightening it after the bow. "Shinjo Suh-Hyun, 2nd Testing and Evaluation Squadron, Unicorn Navy."

Having no idea how close he had gotten to receiving a faceful of drink countermeasure returned the bow. "Hiruma Akiro, Crab Gunso, currently seconded to local forces."

"Mingling. Exactly." He gave the Unicorn a nod, and the Senshuken once she'd introduced herself. "That's exactly what we set out to do. So..." He trailed off, then cleared his throat. "Yes. How are you finding this party so far?"

[Yasuki Ayame]

Ochiba blinks, before belatedly realising that the Governor probably had good hearing too, especially side by side at a bar, crap! Thank the fortunes she continued with the toast as Ochiba hastily moves her own glass to ensuring a satisfying 'tink'.

And of course, no self respecting Mantis is going to struggle with drinking a decent beer (well, at least now the Kitsune had left) she takes a few deep quaffs before lowering her glass.
"Now that hits the spot, even by the standards of Crab beer, a good drink. A shame that sometimes our duties must come first, or perhaps there would not be a drop of it left in the house?"

Although, on that subject...
"Doubtless Yasuki-sama will have many events keeping her busy throughout the program, not to mention your normal duties...." She sips again to buy herself some time. "And doubtless she has many things going on, like ummm hobbies and such. Siiiiip "But, is there a minor possibility she might have time in the future, if everything lines up, for other less structured social engagements?"
Ochiba then proceeds to drain the rest of her glass as an excuse to look elsewhere.

Ayame was going to take another sip from her beer and paused midway to narrow her eye at the aside made by Ochiba's comment on the alcohol. That would stop the Mantis from hitting perfect marks tonight, at least. There were stories of old that Crab would get into fights over alcohol choice. The rocked her leg back and forth for a moment, until she could get enough casual momentum so that she could jab her leg with her foot. Somewhere in between the vague levels of flirtation and horseplay.

"Yeah? Well, I could do a little more drinking on the side. And maybe you have some alcohol you could show me of your own? I don't think you came here with your gift, right?" She said as she saw a little challenge in that. "You must have a stash of something on the side. Maybe a cask bigger than the allowance limit? Or a stash somewhere?"

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Snip

For some samurai, getting jabbed with a foot was their love language. Ochiba merely grins merrily, although resists any temptation to retaliate, one does not simply jab a governor at a party.

"Yasuki-sama, I assure you I have nothing but the highest respect for the Yasuki allowance limits."
She spreads her hands innocently.
"That being said, what sort of guest, let alone what sort of Mantis would I be without access to premium top of the line 'knock your tabi off after a glass' booze? Certainly it would be an ill thing to compare it directly to your fine local brews, and in poor taste. But on its own...ah well I perhaps could source a cask of Sea Gate Junmai of wonderful purity. It tastes like fire but it goes down smooth. I've never shared it with someone outside my family but would be honoured if you were the first."

Leaning forward very slightly "Although, it is awfully strong. I've seen some bushi down and out after a mere cupful. It could be a unique experience."

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

The Scorpion offers a bow and it is evident from her eyes that she smiles behind her mask. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Shinjo san. Bayushi Senshuken. Just a courtier from the World of Dreams. Are you enjoying yourself?"

Having no idea how close he had gotten to receiving a faceful of drink countermeasure returned the bow. "Hiruma Akiro, Crab Gunso, currently seconded to local forces."

"Mingling. Exactly." He gave the Unicorn a nod, and the Senshuken once she'd introduced herself. "That's exactly what we set out to do. So..." He trailed off, then cleared his throat. "Yes. How are you finding this party so far?"

Suh-Hyun rested a hand on her hip, a little more at ease since she wasn't getting torn apart. Yet.

"Enjoyable, though these sorts of parties are not my preferred source of entertainment. If you don't mind the honesty." Her smile turns a bit guilty, "And yourselves?"

[Yasuki Ayame]

-

Ayame took another few gulps of her beer as she listened to Ochiba's defence. Or was it more of a proposal? Admittedly, the beer started to taste a bit more like water in comparison when this supposedly legendary and exclusive alcohol piqued her interest. She quirked a brow at this and found herself glancing off for a moment. Oh, wait, she was her own boss here, and she could make the call.

She set down her glass with an audible weight, enough that it might concern people who are avid coaster users. "Is it really that strong? That sounds already like a tall order, but now I'm going to be disappointed if it doesn't literally knock my stockings off. I might be spoiling my fine drinking before the Bon festival, but you've already dug yourself in such a deep hole...Okay, I'm game, Yoritomo-san."

[Bayushi Kazushi]

Noting the Mantis woman pushing her luck with the governor, Kazushi sees the potential for an opening - he grabs a drink for himself (a glass of Zakyo Toshi-style pear wine) and moves nearby, trying to quietly catch Ayame's attention and offer her an "out" if she wants to abandon the conversation with Ochiba.

[Yoritomo Ochiba]

Snip

In a cool calm and collected manner: "Yasuki-sama is bold indeed, I shall see about acquiring this drink."
Then, she fist pumps with an expression of pure exhilaration. Hey, a win was a win.

"Perhaps I have dug too deep and too gredily, but I was always taught that it is better to try and fail than to sit back and contemplate what ifs. Although I need hardly explain the importance of bold action to a warrior such as yourself."

A bunch of details started going through her mind, what had previously amounted to:

-Approach Governor
-????
-????
-Profit

would now need to be fleshed out. Somewhere classy would have to be picked, the booze would have to be perfect. But that was all in the future. For now she finishes her own glass, setting it down with enthusiasm.

"Well, it's a date then. I should stop monopolizing your time. But uhh, this was cool, you're cool and I'm looking forward to showing you all the Mantis have to offer."

[Bayushi Senshuken]

Having no idea how close he had gotten to receiving a faceful of drink countermeasure returned the bow. "Hiruma Akiro, Crab Gunso, currently seconded to local forces."

"Mingling. Exactly." He gave the Unicorn a nod, and the Senshuken once she'd introduced herself. "That's exactly what we set out to do. So..." He trailed off, then cleared his throat. "Yes. How are you finding this party so far?"

Suh-Hyun rested a hand on her hip, a little more at ease since she wasn't getting torn apart. Yet.

"Enjoyable, though these sorts of parties are not my preferred source of entertainment. If you don't mind the honesty." Her smile turns a bit guilty, "And yourselves?"

"It is..." She looks around her. "Quite enjoyable, I'm inclined to say, but right now I'm mostly wondering what's your preferred source of entertainment."

[Shinjo Suh-Hyun]

"It is..." She looks around her. "Quite enjoyable, I'm inclined to say, but right now I'm mostly wondering what's your preferred source of entertainment."

"Oh the usual, a good work is rewarding, listening to music, drinks with friends in a more casual atmosphere," She shrugs, "I have been known to dance a few times as well. Though more of a rely on my natural limberness than real talent for it kind of dancer. I also like the occasional melodrama."

Her smile grows a fraction, "But mostly I love to fly. There is nothing quite like rocketing through the void, fighting the gravity even as the inertia dampeners are screaming as they hold back the worst of it. You start a hard turn and the world temporarily narrows, then you are out and suddenly your hyper focused again. Fortunately the Unicorn also like that I fly and give me a lot of chances to do so."

[Hiruma Akiro]

Akiro sipped his drink, looking vaguely pleased as the two women of very different heights spoke, but he didn't interrupt.

"Oh, a pilot?" He gave Suh-Hyun a nod. "I've read about some of those new Unicorn ships. Sound like quite the machines."

He looked back to Senshuken. "If one of you is a pilot and the other a racer, does that make you cohorts? Or the opposite? From different worlds..."

[Yasuki Ayame]

-

"Greatsharks are nothing but bold. Dangerous, too, of course," she smiled eagerly at the challenge. "I'll wait to hear from you then, Yorimoto-san. I'm sure you'll set a date."

She said as she looked down at the bar counter for a moment before slowly raising her eyes at Ochiba with a coy smile finding its way to her lips, focusing on a particular word choice from the Mantis. "For our date, as you said? I look forward to it."

-

Ayame picked up her beer and finished it in quick succession with a few gulps. Just because it was her party and the bill was flipped by the generous sponsors at Kinsenka Breweries, didn't mean that alcohol should be wasted, after all. With that quick gesture out of the way, she rose from her seat and gave Kazushi a small bow when he approached.

"Good evening, Bayushi-san," she smiled at him. "Thanks again for the outfits, they are pretty neat. I'm quite happy to add them to my wardrobe, even if I'm not too versed on the source material. Do you think they'll fit in with Fan Con?"

[Bayushi Kazushi]

"The Jinx-inspired Mirai-jin might be good for that," the Scorpion replies after a deep bow and a pause to consider. "It would fit the theme, and would be quite timely, since I imagine the announcement regarding Soshi Entertainment's new Neon Prophecy adaptation will be going out right about...now, I think. You'll be on the cutting edge."

[Yasuki Ayame]

"The Jinx-inspired Mirai-jin might be good for that," the Scorpion replies after a deep bow and a pause to consider. "It would fit the theme, and would be quite timely, since I imagine the announcement regarding Soshi Entertainment's new Neon Prophecy adaptation will be going out right about...now, I think. You'll be on the cutting edge."

"Oooh," she said as the idea was increasingly becoming enticing to her, some cog turning in her head for the future convention. It was a tad layered to her liking, but at least it was cut in a way to be still showy.

Her sense of opportunity hit an abrupt wall as she narrowed her eyes. "But, I think you'll still have to tell me more about the Neon Prophecy, Bayushi-san. Give me the rundown. I don't want to be out of touch when it comes to the source material, especially if I'm going to be on the trend. Some people will just take a cosplay occasion as just a chance to expose people as posers."