Scroll One: Kyōen no Torekkā

[Orvost]

Shonogen quickly makes his way to his grandfather's side. The abrupt way in which their host adjourned the party suggests that he would like to be rid of his guests as quickly as possible, and Shonogen is happy to oblige. If his grandfather seems inclined to linger, Shonogen tries to encourage him out the door. He has much to share with his grandfather about what he learned over the course of the evening.

He politely wishes a good evening to anyone he crosses paths with, making sure to congratulate the artist and performers and thank the host. He tries to avoid the young Crane courtier because he isn't sure what part of the evening to comment on as particularly memorable.

[Muskrat]

Ryoko lingers to listen to the music, having to push herself to rejoin Kirino. She holds her tongue on what she discovered at the party, waiting either until they reach the inn or Kirino raises the issue himself. She certainly does not want to share her thoughts anywhere where the objects of their investigations might overhear.

[ManWithDoor]

Doji Kyousuke is in no hurry to leave the premises. He arrived fashionably late, and will likewise leave towards the end. The are Clan holdings, and the home of honored friends. Unless she otherwise indicates, he returns to his mother's side as her escort. He makes sure to respectfully give a goodbye to each person he greeted at the beginning, book-ending the visit with his presence.

[Hermit]

The abrupt conclusion of tonight’s celebration comes as something of a surprise to Gensai, and judging from the reactions of the other party goer’s this evening, it would seem that the sentiment is far from unshared. While some are perhaps distressed by this sudden turn of events, the shugyōsha is in fact quietly relieved that the function is winding down, confident that his own noteworthy accomplishments have placed him in good standing with several men and women of higher standing this evening.

While exchanging pleasant farewells with the host and his guests, it occurs to the wanderer that he has not seen any sign of Kanko-Cho since his earlier performance. Using his towering height to its utmost advantage, Gensai scans the crowd and thinks he catches sight of her retreating form, presumably to catch up with her cantankerous and opinionated sensei who’d been ushered out earlier with an element of coercive alacrity by those escorting her away from the Magistrate’s premises. Clearly not the first time they’ve had to deal with the miko in this manner it would seem.

His thoughts return to his benefactor’s pupil, frowning in mild consternation over the young Asahina’s absence without offering so much as a single word of farewell. Did I unknowingly offend her in some way? Several postulations are made by Gensai, but none of them hold enough weight for serious consideration. Realizing his absentminded musings have left him lingering here longer than intended, Gensai hurriedly withdraws before those that remain take notice of the vagabond in their midst, his mind turning towards what events and curiosities tomorrow may bring upon his return to the Cresting Wave Inn.

OOC

I've foregone writing a formal and detailed response from Gensai to the high compliment paid by Ryoko and Takashi's invitation to join him for tea and conversation so as to avoid delaying the progression of the story by getting too entangled in the writing process. With that said, for the sake of thoroughness and resolving the issues not covered in the main body of my post, I will say that Gensai gave an equally flattering commendation to Ryoko's performance in turn and that he accepted Takashi's invitation.

[Vardaen]

As the party comes to a close you mingle on your way out, and find yourselves collecting your weapons or sandals or other items here and there with some you spoke to others you didn't. You stream out of the estate and its walls one by one or in pairs or small groups.

Kyo is out the door and long gone first.

Kirino, Ryoko and Gensai end up leaving through the gate at about the same time.

Shonogen, Yoshito, and Takashi are all saying farewells and moving together.

Kishiko, and Kanko-Cho find themselves parting as a small group.

Kyousuke and Jun end up near one another at the end.

The others remain at the estate, either with Hirawara or going to their guest quarters within the walls of the compound.

The air is crisp and dry, almost too dry, like during a heat lightning storm that plays out over the Burning Sands west of the Unicorn lands. Birds are silent as the night is on you, but the rising of the moon creates a elegant silver light that lights your way. Some may head over to the Cresting Wave for a night cap as its not that late in fact.

Kirino smiles at Gensai, "A fine display for one of your status." He looks at Ryoko, "You and I should speak."

Takashi seems in good spirits, "Now that was fun wasn't it. I found the food to be delightful, too bad there wasn't more of it. Would you care to join me for some plum wine? I think I'll head over to the Cresting Wave of a drink."

Kishiko hurries ahead and calls out "Jun! Jun! Wait a moment!"

[Muskrat]

Ryoko nods in reply and says, "Yes, Kirino-sama. When we reach our rooms at the inn?"

[Orvost]

Takashi's invitation seems aimed more at Yoshito than Shonogen. At least that is how Shonogen sees it. So he waits to see how interested his grandfather is in continuing the evening celebrations.

"It seems many of our fellow dinner guests are going to the inn, including us." Shonogen says to Takashi, without accepting or refusing the invitation.

[Vardaen]

Yoshito turns his gaze toward the moonlit garden. "I think I'll take a walk among the garden, perhaps she...." he stops himself. "Go grandson, enjoy yourself. You don't need me to drag you down." He pats his grandson the shoulder with the familiarity that only a grandfather can get away with and then wanders off toward the moonlight garden a song on his lips as he goes.

Kirino nods to Ryoko, "Yes." He stops a moment and then looks at at her, "I'll join you later. I forgot something at the estate." He turns and heads back the way he came.

[Graven]

As he walks out beside Kyousuke he hears his cousin and stops, turning. "Yes, Kishiko?" He smiles, a thin but genuine gesture of affection. His fan hangs in his left hand, almost hidden in the furs that gather around his wrist.

[Muskrat]

"Yes, Kirino-sama," says Ryoko and bows to him as he leaves. She rather suspects that whatever he forgot at the estate, he did so deliberately. She turns to Gensai and says, "So, Ronin-san, did you enjoy Crane hospitality?"