Crabception. (Day 3 Early Night) [GM Adjusted]

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori did a small bow in thanks for the refill of sake and would do the same for the others if they needed it. "It would help to have a goal or a purpose with the ball. A hoop would give it some objective, I suppose, but would make it for a less communal game potentially. It could be kept like kemari where you merely keep the ball float as long as you can until someone drops it."

"I was wondering if anyone else in the delegation had taken part. I've had the pleasure of meeting Doji Shinnosuke and he extended an offer to participate. It might sway me in one direction or another if someone here already joined," she nodded. "I hadn't considered needing an artist but it does make sense. Despite playing hosts, it might make for a peculiar showing if we didn't have any art to contribute ourselves."

She found herself looking at the others. While she didn't really have an art to call her own, surely the others had some hidden talent they could share?

[Hiruma Daichi]

"That is a possibility." He pursed his lips thoughtfully. "I think I'll have to give it more thought." A dip of his head thanked Shiori for the refill, the motion seemed to disturb Nyoko though, and the irritated cat hoped out of his lap.

"Well, honestly we need several artists. From our clan and others, we'll have to put some work in to find people to contribute. Perhaps we can convince some of the Crane by helping with the play somehow?" Though it might be a bit of a longshot. Nyoko meanwhile had made her way over to the Kuni and began to carefully sniff at Shiori's knee. Perhaps looking for some sort of attention, or more likely a treat.

[Kuni Shiori]

Despite having her eyes on Nyoko earlier, Shiori had little experience how negotiating with this furry creature. Dogs were easier in her limited experience with pets. She resorted to gingerly extending her hand out for Nyoko to inspect, showing her that she was no harm to the cat.

"Oh, here I thought you were talking about our contribution to the event rather than the guests involved, my apologies. I suppose if we just need people to participate, a participation exchange could be agreed upon. While it would be great for people wanting to participate on their own accord and because the event appeals to that, we'll just have to make do by greasing the gears, so to speak." She gave a few nods to herself at that. "In that case, perhaps I should volunteer, after all."

[Hiruma Daichi]

Nyoko shrank back at a bit as the hand was extended, but that didn't last long as soon she stepped forward to sniff at the extended limb. This lasted a mere moment before she started rubbing her face against the Kuni's hand. Demanding the attention that was her due.

"It could be you really enjoy it, so I see no reason not to. Especially as it may help finding a few artists to help our own event." He replied with a smile at the Kuni. "Do let me know if they end up needing help with people other than actors too."

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori was a bit puzzled by the returned gesture of the cat and looked up at Daichi for a moment on how to proceed. She did begin by cautiously rubbing Nyoku on the cheek without much practice in how to properly give a cat scritches.

"Doji-san did say that he didn't have much when it came to running this play but I don't know how modest he was in that regard or merely just underpromising. Taking part in the production could also help us gleam some incite into the delegation too," she nodded.

[Hiruma Daichi]

Nyoko would help it her own way, rubbing her face against Shiori's hand. "She likes it when you scratch gently behind her ear around the middle of her back. Daichi offered helpfully, the Kuni seemed a bit lost after all.

"His clan is bound to step in to help." Daichi agreed with a nod. "So, it's likely be the best place to get a lot of the al in one place." Just observing them might not give much information but it'd be easier to talk to a lot of them at one time. "I suppose that's my way of saying that the sacrifice of your time is appreciated Kuni-san."

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori looked up at Daichi for a moment before following through with the suggestions. She did hear that these things tend to bite, however. She was a bit skittish she wanted to be careful in doing that while trying not to put herself in an easy biting position. Easier wished than done, however.

"I'm not so sure that it's a sacrifice of any sort," she smirked at the thought. "Far less than what you've all been doing. It's likely fulfilling an inner curiosity than anything."

[Hiruma Daichi]

Nyoko did not care for the Kuni's worries, pets and laps were hers by right after all. Approving of the scratches she hopped into Shiori's laps and curled up purring. The look in her eyes demanding more attention from the human.

"That's even better then." Daichi would prefer fighting a dozen Goblins over standing on such a stage though. "Will it be something you prefer further if you have a talent for it?"

[Kuni Shiori]

"Oh, uh..." she murmured in confusion when the cat jumped in her lap, tensing up and a bit stunned by the sudden display of trust. Or at least, Shiori thought it was trust and not just a need for pets. Maybe the creature had nefarious intent of holding her hostage? Hm, that could be the case. She tried her best to pretend that she knew what she was doing (too late for that) and continued to pet her between the years.

"We'll see..." she said on a cautious note, rather skeptical that this would be more than a fancy. "Have you or anyone discovered a new hobby in their time in the courts?"

[Hiruma Daichi]

"Well, I don't really go to many courts so I can't say that I have. I'm pretty sure some have though." It just made sense. "You could be among that number! Making the Crab version of theatre much like I'm trying to make Crab Kemari."

Meanwhile Nyoko was at least enjoying the interaction with the Kuni, purring loudly and leaning her head into the pets. One could almost hear her saying. 'Yes! Adore me! Love on me!' Though cats talking was a silly thing and so it would be their imagination at works really.

[Kuni Shiori]

"Oh, I wouldn't dare overtake any existing Crab versions of theatre here," she said with a sheepish smile as she offered a glance to the Yasuki to the room. There was likely some Crane holdover in their custom that likely was already in circulation. That said, the Crane influence of theatre was likely strong already in the Empire, without any need for previous Crane heritage needed.

She smiled at Nyoko enjoying her attention and was happy to continue, giving her a few scratches under her chin to accompany that. There was a small tinge of concern that set in for her, however, wondering if she was going to be stuck doing this all night. Was she trapped like this forever? "...your cat is really friendly, do they take this well with just about anyone?"

[Hiruma Daichi]

"Oh, I'm sure having one more version wouldn't hurt." Daichi replied with a small smile, his tone slightly teasing. "We've got all kinds of types already, don't we?" He was pretty sure there was. Maybe the Doji would know better though.

As the topic turned to the cat, he glanced at Nyoko who was purring contentedly from her place of rest, complete pleased with the scritches she was receiving. "Not all of them, Nyoko enjoys attention more than anything though. So, I think it overrides some of her apprehension towards new people."

[Kuni Shiori]

"So, I see..." She murmured with a bit of uncertainty as she continued to shower Nyoko with attention. "I know that cats in the wild are typically solitary but Nyoko here seems to be loving the company. I hope she hasn't considered leaving with someone else but I assume that Hiruma-sama has trained her well in that regard. Does she typically follow you everywhere in your duties? I imagine that a cat might be a more natural fit with the Hiruma?"

[Hiruma Daichi]

"Mostly she follows dinner, so I'm pretty sure she won't be leaving. " He chuckled. "As long as I keep her fed at least. "

"As for bring her with me on my duties, unfortunately not. She stays at home most of the year, so I only get to see her in certain seasons. When I can I do bring her with me of course, but she is a bit too happy being pampered to want to come with me when I'm in the fields."

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori nodded at that and paused in her attention for a moment so that she could get a better look at Nyoko, and then back at Daichi. She does, of course, resume petting the cat so that she can't be blamed for not fulfilling her intended part of the lap bargain. "In some ways, she does seem like she is a bit high maintenance. But thankfully, she has remained with you even while you're abroad. It would almost seem like taking care of a cat would require a few other people in the same house."

"...Unfortunately, I think I should retire for a night so that I could better prepare myself for court tomorrow..." she said before looking down and frowning pensively. "...should I take Nyoko with me?"

[Hiruma Daichi]

"It can be a bit of a multiple person affair." He agreed with a nod. Cats could indeed take time and effort after all.

"As for Nyoko, if you want Kuni-san. Though a cat in the futon can be a bit of an adjustment so you can leave her if that's your preference. She may seem upset, but she'll get over it."

[Kuni Shiori]

"Oh...It's not my intention to kidnap her or anything. I suppose I just wondered if she preferred to stay with me," she said with a shrug. Or more accurately, if she was obligated in some way to keep the cat with her until Nyoko decided to go elsewhere.

"...My apologies, Nyoko, but this is where we'll have to part ways..." She said before she gingerly lifted her from her lap and set her down with the same care as someone setting down a power keg of gaijin pepper.

[Hiruma Daichi]

There was a 'mrrt' of displeasure from Nyoko, but curled up s she was she didn't have time to sink her claws in before she was deposited on the ground. The Kuni did receive what could have been a displeased stare, before the cat sat up and began to clean itself. "I didn't think that was your plan Kuni-san." He offered with a chuckle.

"Do have a good night though."

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori let out a small breath of relief when Nyoko was deposited down without incident, look of displeasure aside. She gave the cat a small bob of her head in apology before turning to the others and giving them a bow. "You as well and good night too, everyone."

With that, she departed to her quarters.

/exit (thanks for the scene!)

[Hiruma Daichi]

Nyoko eventually returned to Daichi's side and lap, and the Crab would spend a bit more time enjoying sake before making his own way to bed.

/scene.