- RP Date
- YE 46.3
- RP Location
- Kaiko Park, Kyoto, Yamatai
Kaiko Park, Kyoto, Yamatai
YE 46.3
In Kyoto's riverside district, the Hanami festival unfolded beneath the canopy of blooming cherry blossoms. This annual event was not merely an ode to the aesthetics and feeling of spring but a vibrant symphony of camaraderie and survival, echoing the enduring spirit of the Yamataian populace and their myriad interstellar comrades. The renewal heralded by spring's gentle touch roused the citizens from the sleek sanctuary of their homes, drawing them into the embrace of nature's newfound vitality.
The cherry blossoms, emblematic of life's fleeting dance, beckoned all to gather under their ephemeral shelter, to celebrate the moment in a union of diverse origins from old human families to Nekovalkyrja fresh from cloning vats to Concordians brought to life after being frozen for centuries. Thus, the verdant stretches along the waterways became a melting pot of cultures, where Yamataians and visitors from distant galaxies shared in the joy of existence, their laughter and conversations mingling with the day's vibrant energies.
Warm winds, infused with the essence of rebirth and celebration, of flowers and chargrilled meats, whispered through the streets and parks, carrying the scent of blossoming life. Kaiko Park, a verdant haven amidst the city's architectural marvels, was adorned with the soft hues of sakura petals, offering a transient gift of beauty to all who beheld it. Amidst the conviviality, vendors roamed, their offerings a feast for the senses, from the savory allure of teriyaki to the sweet charm of confections, all contributing to the festival's rich aroma.
Among the throng, Star Army of Yamatai soldiers mingled, their regal blue uniforms a testament to their role as protectors of this world, even as recruitment efforts subtly underscored the ongoing vigilance required in the Third Mishhuvurthyar War.
Thus, beneath the fleeting bloom of the sakura, a vivid illustration of life's delicate equilibrium unfolded. The Hanami festival, in its joyful exuberance and reflective moments, stood as a beacon of resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of Yamatai and its allies, a welcoming embrace to all who sought peace within its bounds.
Imperial Premier Ketsurui-Shinjuku Hanako, ascended to a podium to start off the evening's festivities. "Welcome everyone to Yamatai's annual cherry blossom festival, known as hanami, where we celebrate the arrival of spring and a new season of life and discovery. Like plants showing their renewed beauty after the long winter, so too should we show our best and enjoy our time with each other, for every moment only comes once in a lifetime. I would especially like to thank all the members of other worlds visiting for the IRC in the name of peace and cooperation, who are our honored guests, as well as the Star Army of Yamatai's personnel who protest the peace here. May everyone enjoy themselves!"
Dressed in a red kimono with her large blue beetle on her shoulder, Pidole Henitot clapped for the famous Taisho-turned-premier and then promptly get in line for some seasoned meat on a wooden skewer, staring at the vendor's display. Her green-haired friend Euikoshi stood with her and paid for the food with a tap of KS card. "It smells amazing! Let's get funnel cakes after this."
Yuri, and Luna, stood off to the side, as they watched and listened to Hanako's speech, and unlike many of their fellow soldiers/visitors. The two were missing things, though they were wearing beautiful necklaces, The Cherry Blossom Necklaces around their necks shining in the light. "Hey, Lu.. I was thinking.. after she's done.. lets go say hi to Hanako-sama, and ask if we can hug her?" Yuri asked her blue skinned companion.
"Think she would like that?" Luna asked Yuri with a smile, though the idea of hugging Hanako was intriguing, and as far as the blue skinned Neko was sure. It's never been done, at least by a star army member, or anyone.
Captain Aoba Kuranosuke, dressed in a traditional Japanese-style outfit, complete with his samurai sword at his side, looked almost like he had stepped out of a time portal. He found a spot under a large cherry tree, and began meditating. Although he rarely expressed his stress, he had a lot to think about with some of his loyal bridge crew moving on to new assignments as the Star Army attempted to find officers for the new ships it kept putting into service.
Dr. Poppy Pink couldn't help but smile a little at Aoba and left him undisturbed as she mingled around the crowds with her anthro friend, Gabriela Lively. The pair made their way from the rows of cherry blossoms to a main pathway that was lined with vendors.
"Who's the cool man, sitting over there, and the cutee pink haired, medic?" Luna asked Yuri, causing the youger Neko to turn and look. over
"Oh, thats the captain of the Resurgence, mom, and my high superior, and she's Poppy-sempai, my mentor, as a medic. She's super nice, and he's a awesome noble captain, though strict." Yuri said. and saw Luna smile. "ok, so talk to Hanako-sama, and see if she's willing to hug, and then talk to your captain, and mentor? I'd like to thank your mentor for teaching you, and your captain for letting you come aboard." Luna said to Yuri.
Yuri nods and skipped forward, making her way to Hanako thoughts of talking and potentially hugging her, filled her mind as she did so. "Imperial Premier-sama" Yuri called to her, as Luna followed Yuri.
Hanako was surrouneded by a pretty thick crowed of well-wishers, political people, and her personal staff, but she was trying to talk to as many people as she could so she eventually got to Yuri. "Hello! I hope you have an evening to remember," she told Yuri, speaking a little louder than usual due to the music and chatter from the Festival.
Yuri and Luna both smiled at Hanako, their Cherry Blossom Necklaces in full view, as a sort of advertisement for the new jewelry. "Thank you ma'am! I hope you have a good one too, we wanted to let you know, your doing an amazing job and.. have an unusual request, that perhaps you have never been asked before." Yuri said with the same loudness as Hanako had, since she wanted to be heard by her.
Hanako rubbed her chin, her gold eyes looking at Yuri with curiosity but also a hint of suspicion. "Thank you for your kind words. What might that be?" she asked.
Yuri knew what to do, and gave her best cutest smiles she can muster, hoping her pure intentions were recognized. "Well, if you'd accept it, we'd like to hug you, thats all. I've made it a personal mission to hug people, important people especially. My friend and I have managed to hug our captain too." She said honestly
"Alright," Hanako, "Be gentle," she added, since she was wrapped in a delicate silk cherry blossom kimono for the festival.
Yuri smiled happily, and nodded of course, she knew how delicate silk kimonos could be as she moved forward and gently wrapped her arms around Hanako, with as much care as she could. As she hugged Hanako, she had a blissful smile, as she now had two on her list of politician beings that she'd managed to hug.
"Thank you," Hanako told Yuri, returning the hug. "Please enjoy your time here."
Luna watched as Yuri hugged Hanako, a soft smile on her face, as she watched her cousin. She couldn't help but wonder, was Yuri just so cute that people are fine hugging her? She thought yes since she loved hugging her cousin.
Yuri smiled at Hanako "We shall, and I hope you do to!"
"Wphhas a phunnel cake?" A voice erupted from behind Pidole and Euikoshi, clearly still in the middle of consuming something. Kokoro Hayashi was in the middle of chomping down on a piece of steak, the Nekovalkrja having made it her personal mission to atleast taste every menu item being offered at the festival. It was her first after all!
"Well, imagine taking pancake mix, and then you pour it into a deep fryer in a next pattern and it gets crispy in there as it goes and you kind of end up with a sort of birds nest that tastes kind of like a donut, and you pour powdered sugar on time like a beignet. Look, we'll just show you it," Euikoshi giggled. As soon as Pidole finished her meat, the two took Kokoro over to watch the process in action. Euikoshi ordered three funnel cakes from the nearby vendor, a handsome Phodian with dark purple feathers and big brown eyes.
Not far, the acting Ambassador to Yamatai from the Hidden Sun Clan, a Qaktoro named Toidorno Sejgui, was eating a rather different meal thant he one Kokoro Hayashi was enjoying. The feline man had held out a paw and captured several of the falling, delicate petals, letting them collect in a small pile. He observed them with mismatched blue-and-green eyes, sniffed at them curiously, and without checking to see whether this was a common practice... Tossed them in his mouth.
Among the Clan, flower petals were a common addition to foods. They added color to a meal, as well as a fragile flavor, and trying a flower petal wasn't strange... At least, it wasn't strange back in their Territory!
Vasati's golden eyes spotted the feline man capturing delicate blossoms as they fell. She stopped next to him, her pale outstretched palms catching a few of the delicate petals in her hand. Casting a side glance towards him she saw them get tossed back into his mouth. "Screw it." she thought and tossed back a handful of petals as well. "Oh these actually do not taste bad at all." she said half to herself, half to the feline man next to her. The norian female's ears twitched slightly. Her face turned to look directly towards Toidorno, "Hmm...what are your thoughts on them?"
Toidorno, chewing thoughtfully, turned slowly to the speaker, seeing that she was only a half-foot shorter than he was. He observed sharp ears, fine features... And he suspected that this was likely an Elf, of the... What was it called? They had a polity all their own on Yamatai... Ahh, but she had asked him a question. In his naturally deep baritone, he replied. "They are... light. Soft on the tongue. They don't... " He paused, trying to remember the word in Yamataigo. "Cling to each other too much in the mouth. Easy flavor." He frowned for a moment, the expression wrinkling one of his prominent scars, the one over his right eye. He looked about, seeing few others were tasting them. "I... wonder if these are not intended for eating..." he wondered aloud to his new comrade.
A soft thoughtful hum slipped past Vasati's lips as she contemplated Toidorno's analysis. In finding that his conclusion much akin to her own she smiled just a touch. "The light flowery notes indeed would be greatly hindered if they stuck to the mouth like..." she wandered off in her thoughts for a moment. "Like some sticky sweets!" she exclaimed with a little hop, not having found quite the right wording. Lightly blowing a stray strand of teal hair out of her face she paused with wide eyes stopping immediately when he mentioned their potential forbidden nature. Two wide golden orbs looked at him with a little hint of mischief, "Well if someone does get upset about it, you can always blame it on me! I personally think they are delicious."
Her eyes noted one of his prominent scars as it wrinkled. "How'd that happen?" she asked curiously tilting her head a touch as if to look, exposing intricate tattoos along her neck and collarbone.
This was certainly a different sort of alien, Toidorno realized, and he couldn't help but grin, revealing the sharp teeth common to his species. She seemed as energetic as some of the fine soldiers he'd met aboard the YSS Resurgence. He reached up to his face, wondering which scar she was referring to. "Ahh... The... These are from duels." he explained, gesturing with a paw toward the one over his eye, and then the scar across the bridge of his nose. "This, a fight with an enemy." He extended a claw to the scar on his cheek, below his blue left eye. "I apologize. I am Toidorno Sejgui, acting Ambassador to Yamatai from the Hidden Sun Clan. Pardon me for not introducing myself to you, miss." He waited to hear her name and title, to determine how low he ought to bow.
The Qaktoro's sharp teeth mesmerized Vasati for a moment. It was not, because they were scary for in fact she found them quite interesting. Realizing she had probably stared a second too long she shook her head to come back to the present company in front of her. She paid rapt attention as he gave her a detailed summary of his scars, like trophies of battles fought marked in flesh. "No apologies necessary! We were just two strangers partaking of delicate and possibly forbidden flowers." she straightened the wrinkles in her kimono half hazardly. "Toidorno Sejgui it is a pleasure to meet you! I do not think I have met someone from the Hidden Sun Clan yet. Perhaps you would not mind telling me more about yourself and your culture sometime. Where are my manners?" she said with a slight bow. "My name is Vasati Akhai, Imperial Diplomatic Advisor for Tsenlan."
Toidorno appreciated how observant and aware this woman appeared to be. Her molten-gold eyes appeared to miss little. As she straightened her kimono, he took the opportunity to observe it, seeing the finery of its fabric and the artistry of its color. When she revealed herself to be an Imperial Diplomatic Advisor for Tsenlan, sparks of recognition found their way into Toidorno's mind. Tsenlan! The Norian peoples, also sharp-eared... Was he foolish for mistaking her for an elf? Unsure of the difference in their rank, Toidorno opted to match the dip of her bow. "Va... sati Ak... hai." he said slowly, attempting to pronounce her name. "Vasssati. That is a fine name." he complimented her. "And I would not mind in the least."
He took the time, then, to give her a fine summary of the Clan, briefly sharing its history, and then broad overviews of its culture. He moved as he spoke, unconsciously guiding her here or there throughout the festival a short distance, and his paws and tail joined him in the conversation. "I know a little of your Tsenlan. The world is a longtime part of the Empire, but the Norian peoples... They are... a more recent addition. As I explained... your people and mine both... fled to this place in an Exodus."
In all honesty Vasati's Norian features were quite similar to those of elves, there was no wrong done in mistaking her for one. The likelihood that other had and would continue to do the same was high, though she was not aware Toidorno had mistaken her as such. "I apologize if I have made a misstep, here I find a polite bow is the safest way to show respect. Amongst those I work with we usually tend to utilized sharp salutes, one hand formed into a fist across the chest, depending on the situation of course." She listened as he tried to pronounce her name, finding his annunciation to be amongst her favorite of those who had said it so far.
"Thank you!" Vasati's soft voice said in a bit of a heightened volume. "Some people have trouble pronouncing it, which is why if needed a nickname you are comfortable with saying is fine. I offer that to everyone." she said with a friendly grin.
"No misstep on my account." he replied, as careful and gracious as he could be. "Admittedly, I am not a professionally-trained Ambassador, only one who is... temporarily filling the role. My background is more... martial. Leadership-oriented. And oriented to... Me-cha? Mechie..." He frowned, not sure of the word. "Large metal walkers who shoot." he decided, a little embarrassed.
"OOOOH!" Kokoro exclaimed as she watched the cooking process for the funnel cakes, with metaphorical stars overlaying her pupils. A FARS drone floated over to rest on the nekos head, likely being commanded by the latter to record the cooking proccess for later... attempts. The neko looked like an excited little kid in a candy shop.
Pidole stared down at her funnel cake for a moment as Euikoshi handed it to her. "Oh!" she exclaimed, inhaling the sugary, oily aroma for a moment. Her beetle buddy Bidole came down to grab some of it but it was still a bit hot.
"I wonder if that big man from the beach is here," Euikoshi pondered to Pidole, thinking about that fling she'd had last summer. That was hot. "Carver," she said. "I should have got his number."
Pidole said nothing but she blushed a little at the thought.
The funnel cake that had the unfortunate fate of being handed to Kokoro barely got to last half a minute, as the nekovalkrja quite aggressively consumed the treat. "Mmmmh! Phuck... phats pho gooophd!" She grinned, swallowing the last bite she had taken. Kokoros face turned to confusion. "Big man? What's a beach- wait no scratch that I know that much"
Yuri was full of glee as she and Luna moved away from Hanako and spotted others of her crew. She grabbed Luna's hand and flew towards them. "look, theres Pidole, Bidole, Euikoshi, and Kokoro over there." She said with a small smile as she soon landed. "Hiii, Pidole, Eukoshi, remember Luna?" Yuri asked then turned to Kokoro and smiled "is it yummy?" She asked her. Though a part of her thought of her friend Aelya, and wondering if she was there.
Luna waved to Pidole, and Eukoshi, remembering them from when she and her mother had temporarily joined the crew for Yayoi, when Yayoi had to leave, to raise Yuri.
Pidole gave a friendly wave to Luna. While she waved, Bidole snatched up a chunk of the funnel cake.
Almost becoming a tradition since YE 43, a number of Nepleslian Reds themed food vendors had set up shop for "Red Hanami". For the Yamataians it was a time to celebrate life, for the Reds it was also a reminder of their exile from Kennewes and those that were not able to return for another iteration of life. The vendors ditched their techwear clothing this year for more of a blend of onyx colored techwear pants and red-maroon Yukata tops to better blend in with the Yamataians. Their white hachimaki featured a sakura blossom in the middle and the phrase in Yamataigo characters "Fighting Spirit".
A Taisa dressed in a formal Type 42 uniform stood at one of their stands, reading a banner prepared by the Fujiko Trade and Cultural Exchange Office about how the Reds celebrate Red Hanami on Fujiko with half-interest. What Sakurai Mizuki was truly interested in was the Fujiko Buffalo Burger the chef was presently preparing for her. He had clearly been watching too many Yamataian shows as he was making a show of it, juggling and throwing the meat patties and Ukmirt tomatoes onto the grill.
Poppy approached the Reds booth, recognizing the vendors as Nepleslian-Yamataians from the Southwestern part of Yamatai outside of the Sakura Gap where the Fujiko system was located. She decided to make some conversation and get a hamburger. "Hello!" she smiled. "I'd like a burger please, and a Dr. Poppy soda if you have them," she said with a grin.
A tall brown-skinned female with black eyes and silver hair at the booth nodded her head towards Poppy and smiled. "Would you like that to be a single or double stacked burger?" She said before she bent over to grab the Dr. Poppy soda can. She was completely unaware of who she was talking to at the moment.
"Double, please," Poppy said. Hey, it was a special holiday! She took the can and popped it open with a hiss of fizz.
The man finally finished with Mizuki's order and placed the burger into a wrap and then into a cloth bag before handing it to her with both hands. "Thank you for your patronage Taisa!" he said before slamming his fist onto his heart as a gesture of good will. He then looked over towards Keisha Del Rojo who nodded her head towards Poppy and the prepared grill to complete her order. "The pretty lady wants a double." she communicated with him wirelessly in a similar fashion to what Nekos were used to.
"Got it!" the big man said out loud as they switched positions so Keisha could begin cleaning the other grill. The man looked and winked at Poppy. "One Double coming right up!" he said as he starts spinning the spatula.
A short time after his pleasant introduction to, and conversation with, Vasati Akhai, Toidorno followed his remarkable nose to the scent of grilling. Of COURSE he followed the scent of grilling... Grillmasters were well-respected in the Clan, for it was they who mastered flame and iron and steel, and who turned meat and vegetable and fruit into something truly outstanding... The Qaktoro, over six and a half feet tall, approached the 'Red Hanami' vendors, relishing in the eye-catching colors and the mouthwatering scents. He spotted Poppy, an easy fit given her distinctive hair-color and bright disposition, and he joined her at the table. "That is a fine meal!" he said, glad she was taking full advantage of the available food.
"Ah," Poppy grinned, "Please join me!"
= = =
OOC: JP By Wes, Charaa, Hollander, Nakshatra/Ginger, Lizlopod, and Demibear
YE 46.3
In Kyoto's riverside district, the Hanami festival unfolded beneath the canopy of blooming cherry blossoms. This annual event was not merely an ode to the aesthetics and feeling of spring but a vibrant symphony of camaraderie and survival, echoing the enduring spirit of the Yamataian populace and their myriad interstellar comrades. The renewal heralded by spring's gentle touch roused the citizens from the sleek sanctuary of their homes, drawing them into the embrace of nature's newfound vitality.
The cherry blossoms, emblematic of life's fleeting dance, beckoned all to gather under their ephemeral shelter, to celebrate the moment in a union of diverse origins from old human families to Nekovalkyrja fresh from cloning vats to Concordians brought to life after being frozen for centuries. Thus, the verdant stretches along the waterways became a melting pot of cultures, where Yamataians and visitors from distant galaxies shared in the joy of existence, their laughter and conversations mingling with the day's vibrant energies.
Warm winds, infused with the essence of rebirth and celebration, of flowers and chargrilled meats, whispered through the streets and parks, carrying the scent of blossoming life. Kaiko Park, a verdant haven amidst the city's architectural marvels, was adorned with the soft hues of sakura petals, offering a transient gift of beauty to all who beheld it. Amidst the conviviality, vendors roamed, their offerings a feast for the senses, from the savory allure of teriyaki to the sweet charm of confections, all contributing to the festival's rich aroma.
Among the throng, Star Army of Yamatai soldiers mingled, their regal blue uniforms a testament to their role as protectors of this world, even as recruitment efforts subtly underscored the ongoing vigilance required in the Third Mishhuvurthyar War.
Thus, beneath the fleeting bloom of the sakura, a vivid illustration of life's delicate equilibrium unfolded. The Hanami festival, in its joyful exuberance and reflective moments, stood as a beacon of resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of Yamatai and its allies, a welcoming embrace to all who sought peace within its bounds.
Imperial Premier Ketsurui-Shinjuku Hanako, ascended to a podium to start off the evening's festivities. "Welcome everyone to Yamatai's annual cherry blossom festival, known as hanami, where we celebrate the arrival of spring and a new season of life and discovery. Like plants showing their renewed beauty after the long winter, so too should we show our best and enjoy our time with each other, for every moment only comes once in a lifetime. I would especially like to thank all the members of other worlds visiting for the IRC in the name of peace and cooperation, who are our honored guests, as well as the Star Army of Yamatai's personnel who protest the peace here. May everyone enjoy themselves!"
Dressed in a red kimono with her large blue beetle on her shoulder, Pidole Henitot clapped for the famous Taisho-turned-premier and then promptly get in line for some seasoned meat on a wooden skewer, staring at the vendor's display. Her green-haired friend Euikoshi stood with her and paid for the food with a tap of KS card. "It smells amazing! Let's get funnel cakes after this."
Yuri, and Luna, stood off to the side, as they watched and listened to Hanako's speech, and unlike many of their fellow soldiers/visitors. The two were missing things, though they were wearing beautiful necklaces, The Cherry Blossom Necklaces around their necks shining in the light. "Hey, Lu.. I was thinking.. after she's done.. lets go say hi to Hanako-sama, and ask if we can hug her?" Yuri asked her blue skinned companion.
"Think she would like that?" Luna asked Yuri with a smile, though the idea of hugging Hanako was intriguing, and as far as the blue skinned Neko was sure. It's never been done, at least by a star army member, or anyone.
Captain Aoba Kuranosuke, dressed in a traditional Japanese-style outfit, complete with his samurai sword at his side, looked almost like he had stepped out of a time portal. He found a spot under a large cherry tree, and began meditating. Although he rarely expressed his stress, he had a lot to think about with some of his loyal bridge crew moving on to new assignments as the Star Army attempted to find officers for the new ships it kept putting into service.
Dr. Poppy Pink couldn't help but smile a little at Aoba and left him undisturbed as she mingled around the crowds with her anthro friend, Gabriela Lively. The pair made their way from the rows of cherry blossoms to a main pathway that was lined with vendors.
"Who's the cool man, sitting over there, and the cutee pink haired, medic?" Luna asked Yuri, causing the youger Neko to turn and look. over
"Oh, thats the captain of the Resurgence, mom, and my high superior, and she's Poppy-sempai, my mentor, as a medic. She's super nice, and he's a awesome noble captain, though strict." Yuri said. and saw Luna smile. "ok, so talk to Hanako-sama, and see if she's willing to hug, and then talk to your captain, and mentor? I'd like to thank your mentor for teaching you, and your captain for letting you come aboard." Luna said to Yuri.
Yuri nods and skipped forward, making her way to Hanako thoughts of talking and potentially hugging her, filled her mind as she did so. "Imperial Premier-sama" Yuri called to her, as Luna followed Yuri.
Hanako was surrouneded by a pretty thick crowed of well-wishers, political people, and her personal staff, but she was trying to talk to as many people as she could so she eventually got to Yuri. "Hello! I hope you have an evening to remember," she told Yuri, speaking a little louder than usual due to the music and chatter from the Festival.
Yuri and Luna both smiled at Hanako, their Cherry Blossom Necklaces in full view, as a sort of advertisement for the new jewelry. "Thank you ma'am! I hope you have a good one too, we wanted to let you know, your doing an amazing job and.. have an unusual request, that perhaps you have never been asked before." Yuri said with the same loudness as Hanako had, since she wanted to be heard by her.
Hanako rubbed her chin, her gold eyes looking at Yuri with curiosity but also a hint of suspicion. "Thank you for your kind words. What might that be?" she asked.
Yuri knew what to do, and gave her best cutest smiles she can muster, hoping her pure intentions were recognized. "Well, if you'd accept it, we'd like to hug you, thats all. I've made it a personal mission to hug people, important people especially. My friend and I have managed to hug our captain too." She said honestly
"Alright," Hanako, "Be gentle," she added, since she was wrapped in a delicate silk cherry blossom kimono for the festival.
Yuri smiled happily, and nodded of course, she knew how delicate silk kimonos could be as she moved forward and gently wrapped her arms around Hanako, with as much care as she could. As she hugged Hanako, she had a blissful smile, as she now had two on her list of politician beings that she'd managed to hug.
"Thank you," Hanako told Yuri, returning the hug. "Please enjoy your time here."
Luna watched as Yuri hugged Hanako, a soft smile on her face, as she watched her cousin. She couldn't help but wonder, was Yuri just so cute that people are fine hugging her? She thought yes since she loved hugging her cousin.
Yuri smiled at Hanako "We shall, and I hope you do to!"
"Wphhas a phunnel cake?" A voice erupted from behind Pidole and Euikoshi, clearly still in the middle of consuming something. Kokoro Hayashi was in the middle of chomping down on a piece of steak, the Nekovalkrja having made it her personal mission to atleast taste every menu item being offered at the festival. It was her first after all!
"Well, imagine taking pancake mix, and then you pour it into a deep fryer in a next pattern and it gets crispy in there as it goes and you kind of end up with a sort of birds nest that tastes kind of like a donut, and you pour powdered sugar on time like a beignet. Look, we'll just show you it," Euikoshi giggled. As soon as Pidole finished her meat, the two took Kokoro over to watch the process in action. Euikoshi ordered three funnel cakes from the nearby vendor, a handsome Phodian with dark purple feathers and big brown eyes.
Not far, the acting Ambassador to Yamatai from the Hidden Sun Clan, a Qaktoro named Toidorno Sejgui, was eating a rather different meal thant he one Kokoro Hayashi was enjoying. The feline man had held out a paw and captured several of the falling, delicate petals, letting them collect in a small pile. He observed them with mismatched blue-and-green eyes, sniffed at them curiously, and without checking to see whether this was a common practice... Tossed them in his mouth.
Among the Clan, flower petals were a common addition to foods. They added color to a meal, as well as a fragile flavor, and trying a flower petal wasn't strange... At least, it wasn't strange back in their Territory!
Vasati's golden eyes spotted the feline man capturing delicate blossoms as they fell. She stopped next to him, her pale outstretched palms catching a few of the delicate petals in her hand. Casting a side glance towards him she saw them get tossed back into his mouth. "Screw it." she thought and tossed back a handful of petals as well. "Oh these actually do not taste bad at all." she said half to herself, half to the feline man next to her. The norian female's ears twitched slightly. Her face turned to look directly towards Toidorno, "Hmm...what are your thoughts on them?"
Toidorno, chewing thoughtfully, turned slowly to the speaker, seeing that she was only a half-foot shorter than he was. He observed sharp ears, fine features... And he suspected that this was likely an Elf, of the... What was it called? They had a polity all their own on Yamatai... Ahh, but she had asked him a question. In his naturally deep baritone, he replied. "They are... light. Soft on the tongue. They don't... " He paused, trying to remember the word in Yamataigo. "Cling to each other too much in the mouth. Easy flavor." He frowned for a moment, the expression wrinkling one of his prominent scars, the one over his right eye. He looked about, seeing few others were tasting them. "I... wonder if these are not intended for eating..." he wondered aloud to his new comrade.
A soft thoughtful hum slipped past Vasati's lips as she contemplated Toidorno's analysis. In finding that his conclusion much akin to her own she smiled just a touch. "The light flowery notes indeed would be greatly hindered if they stuck to the mouth like..." she wandered off in her thoughts for a moment. "Like some sticky sweets!" she exclaimed with a little hop, not having found quite the right wording. Lightly blowing a stray strand of teal hair out of her face she paused with wide eyes stopping immediately when he mentioned their potential forbidden nature. Two wide golden orbs looked at him with a little hint of mischief, "Well if someone does get upset about it, you can always blame it on me! I personally think they are delicious."
Her eyes noted one of his prominent scars as it wrinkled. "How'd that happen?" she asked curiously tilting her head a touch as if to look, exposing intricate tattoos along her neck and collarbone.
This was certainly a different sort of alien, Toidorno realized, and he couldn't help but grin, revealing the sharp teeth common to his species. She seemed as energetic as some of the fine soldiers he'd met aboard the YSS Resurgence. He reached up to his face, wondering which scar she was referring to. "Ahh... The... These are from duels." he explained, gesturing with a paw toward the one over his eye, and then the scar across the bridge of his nose. "This, a fight with an enemy." He extended a claw to the scar on his cheek, below his blue left eye. "I apologize. I am Toidorno Sejgui, acting Ambassador to Yamatai from the Hidden Sun Clan. Pardon me for not introducing myself to you, miss." He waited to hear her name and title, to determine how low he ought to bow.
The Qaktoro's sharp teeth mesmerized Vasati for a moment. It was not, because they were scary for in fact she found them quite interesting. Realizing she had probably stared a second too long she shook her head to come back to the present company in front of her. She paid rapt attention as he gave her a detailed summary of his scars, like trophies of battles fought marked in flesh. "No apologies necessary! We were just two strangers partaking of delicate and possibly forbidden flowers." she straightened the wrinkles in her kimono half hazardly. "Toidorno Sejgui it is a pleasure to meet you! I do not think I have met someone from the Hidden Sun Clan yet. Perhaps you would not mind telling me more about yourself and your culture sometime. Where are my manners?" she said with a slight bow. "My name is Vasati Akhai, Imperial Diplomatic Advisor for Tsenlan."
Toidorno appreciated how observant and aware this woman appeared to be. Her molten-gold eyes appeared to miss little. As she straightened her kimono, he took the opportunity to observe it, seeing the finery of its fabric and the artistry of its color. When she revealed herself to be an Imperial Diplomatic Advisor for Tsenlan, sparks of recognition found their way into Toidorno's mind. Tsenlan! The Norian peoples, also sharp-eared... Was he foolish for mistaking her for an elf? Unsure of the difference in their rank, Toidorno opted to match the dip of her bow. "Va... sati Ak... hai." he said slowly, attempting to pronounce her name. "Vasssati. That is a fine name." he complimented her. "And I would not mind in the least."
He took the time, then, to give her a fine summary of the Clan, briefly sharing its history, and then broad overviews of its culture. He moved as he spoke, unconsciously guiding her here or there throughout the festival a short distance, and his paws and tail joined him in the conversation. "I know a little of your Tsenlan. The world is a longtime part of the Empire, but the Norian peoples... They are... a more recent addition. As I explained... your people and mine both... fled to this place in an Exodus."
In all honesty Vasati's Norian features were quite similar to those of elves, there was no wrong done in mistaking her for one. The likelihood that other had and would continue to do the same was high, though she was not aware Toidorno had mistaken her as such. "I apologize if I have made a misstep, here I find a polite bow is the safest way to show respect. Amongst those I work with we usually tend to utilized sharp salutes, one hand formed into a fist across the chest, depending on the situation of course." She listened as he tried to pronounce her name, finding his annunciation to be amongst her favorite of those who had said it so far.
"Thank you!" Vasati's soft voice said in a bit of a heightened volume. "Some people have trouble pronouncing it, which is why if needed a nickname you are comfortable with saying is fine. I offer that to everyone." she said with a friendly grin.
"No misstep on my account." he replied, as careful and gracious as he could be. "Admittedly, I am not a professionally-trained Ambassador, only one who is... temporarily filling the role. My background is more... martial. Leadership-oriented. And oriented to... Me-cha? Mechie..." He frowned, not sure of the word. "Large metal walkers who shoot." he decided, a little embarrassed.
"OOOOH!" Kokoro exclaimed as she watched the cooking process for the funnel cakes, with metaphorical stars overlaying her pupils. A FARS drone floated over to rest on the nekos head, likely being commanded by the latter to record the cooking proccess for later... attempts. The neko looked like an excited little kid in a candy shop.
Pidole stared down at her funnel cake for a moment as Euikoshi handed it to her. "Oh!" she exclaimed, inhaling the sugary, oily aroma for a moment. Her beetle buddy Bidole came down to grab some of it but it was still a bit hot.
"I wonder if that big man from the beach is here," Euikoshi pondered to Pidole, thinking about that fling she'd had last summer. That was hot. "Carver," she said. "I should have got his number."
Pidole said nothing but she blushed a little at the thought.
The funnel cake that had the unfortunate fate of being handed to Kokoro barely got to last half a minute, as the nekovalkrja quite aggressively consumed the treat. "Mmmmh! Phuck... phats pho gooophd!" She grinned, swallowing the last bite she had taken. Kokoros face turned to confusion. "Big man? What's a beach- wait no scratch that I know that much"
Yuri was full of glee as she and Luna moved away from Hanako and spotted others of her crew. She grabbed Luna's hand and flew towards them. "look, theres Pidole, Bidole, Euikoshi, and Kokoro over there." She said with a small smile as she soon landed. "Hiii, Pidole, Eukoshi, remember Luna?" Yuri asked then turned to Kokoro and smiled "is it yummy?" She asked her. Though a part of her thought of her friend Aelya, and wondering if she was there.
Luna waved to Pidole, and Eukoshi, remembering them from when she and her mother had temporarily joined the crew for Yayoi, when Yayoi had to leave, to raise Yuri.
Pidole gave a friendly wave to Luna. While she waved, Bidole snatched up a chunk of the funnel cake.
Almost becoming a tradition since YE 43, a number of Nepleslian Reds themed food vendors had set up shop for "Red Hanami". For the Yamataians it was a time to celebrate life, for the Reds it was also a reminder of their exile from Kennewes and those that were not able to return for another iteration of life. The vendors ditched their techwear clothing this year for more of a blend of onyx colored techwear pants and red-maroon Yukata tops to better blend in with the Yamataians. Their white hachimaki featured a sakura blossom in the middle and the phrase in Yamataigo characters "Fighting Spirit".
A Taisa dressed in a formal Type 42 uniform stood at one of their stands, reading a banner prepared by the Fujiko Trade and Cultural Exchange Office about how the Reds celebrate Red Hanami on Fujiko with half-interest. What Sakurai Mizuki was truly interested in was the Fujiko Buffalo Burger the chef was presently preparing for her. He had clearly been watching too many Yamataian shows as he was making a show of it, juggling and throwing the meat patties and Ukmirt tomatoes onto the grill.
Poppy approached the Reds booth, recognizing the vendors as Nepleslian-Yamataians from the Southwestern part of Yamatai outside of the Sakura Gap where the Fujiko system was located. She decided to make some conversation and get a hamburger. "Hello!" she smiled. "I'd like a burger please, and a Dr. Poppy soda if you have them," she said with a grin.
A tall brown-skinned female with black eyes and silver hair at the booth nodded her head towards Poppy and smiled. "Would you like that to be a single or double stacked burger?" She said before she bent over to grab the Dr. Poppy soda can. She was completely unaware of who she was talking to at the moment.
"Double, please," Poppy said. Hey, it was a special holiday! She took the can and popped it open with a hiss of fizz.
The man finally finished with Mizuki's order and placed the burger into a wrap and then into a cloth bag before handing it to her with both hands. "Thank you for your patronage Taisa!" he said before slamming his fist onto his heart as a gesture of good will. He then looked over towards Keisha Del Rojo who nodded her head towards Poppy and the prepared grill to complete her order. "The pretty lady wants a double." she communicated with him wirelessly in a similar fashion to what Nekos were used to.
"Got it!" the big man said out loud as they switched positions so Keisha could begin cleaning the other grill. The man looked and winked at Poppy. "One Double coming right up!" he said as he starts spinning the spatula.
A short time after his pleasant introduction to, and conversation with, Vasati Akhai, Toidorno followed his remarkable nose to the scent of grilling. Of COURSE he followed the scent of grilling... Grillmasters were well-respected in the Clan, for it was they who mastered flame and iron and steel, and who turned meat and vegetable and fruit into something truly outstanding... The Qaktoro, over six and a half feet tall, approached the 'Red Hanami' vendors, relishing in the eye-catching colors and the mouthwatering scents. He spotted Poppy, an easy fit given her distinctive hair-color and bright disposition, and he joined her at the table. "That is a fine meal!" he said, glad she was taking full advantage of the available food.
"Ah," Poppy grinned, "Please join me!"
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OOC: JP By Wes, Charaa, Hollander, Nakshatra/Ginger, Lizlopod, and Demibear
