[Day 2, Mid-Evening] The Entertainment (Open)

[Ikoma Matisutou]

For his part, Matisutou watches with rapt interest--not so much in the stories as in the presentation. Such work would have much use in other venues than entertainment, after all.

And he does mark the reactions of others to the events...

[Shiba Yukari]

"All right, nicely done, Daidoji-san!"

Yukari banished her illusory Kaiu Wall.

"Anyone else?"

[Doji Hanatsuko]

The Doji clapped at the end of the performance of her clanmate. He even got the sad Doji to smile happily. Yukari's talent was one awe inspiring thing. The air kami must appreciate her very much. The Asahina may have used the kami to create such art but this was different from them. She looked at the samurai about her but the girl was too shy to even ask anyone to volunteer. Who ever she was looking at they might be compelled by the sad puppy eyes of the Doji.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Did I get here too late and everyone else has already gone?" He glanced around the room his eyes coming to a rest on the Ikoma but he did not call him out, merely nodded to him.

[Kitsune Asashi]

Asashi was in wonder at the stories and the people telling them he could never do something like that. Talking in front of all these people. He thought to himself but somehow his body didn't get the message as he found himself on the makeshift stage clearly with a small nervous energy but there he was.

He looked to Yukari "I may have something Shiba-san." He said with a type of emphasis and a small smile that only the illusionist was likely understand. He also gave the other scout a nod and greeting smile. The Fox was certainly out of his element, maybe he was trying to impress her? Or maybe he was simply tired of living on the sideline around other people. It was hard to say but regardless something in him had driven him onto that stage.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Kenzo caught the nod and returned it, turning to give the Fox his full attention. "Please share with us Asashi-san."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Do not worry, sama..." The Doji nodded and smiled politely. "It will be quite the experience." The Doji's eyes showed a glint of a smile yet the girl is always sad. "We are here for entertainment and it matters not how it goes... just courage." The girl nodded.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Let me know if I can help out, Kitsune-san. Or if you'd prefer your performance to stand on its own, I would be delighted..."

Music, maybe? He does play well...

[Kitsune Asashi]

Asashi nodded to the encouraging comments and looked to Yukari “I would actually enjoy the accompaniment of your talents Shiba-san assuming the air kami can pluck images from my head if I tell a story with music rather than words?” he asked with a questioning look as he slid the slightly worn flute from his sleeve.

[Shiba Yukari]

"I think they can manage that..."

She smiled, and offered a quick prayer.

[Kitsune Asashi]

He nodded, with the prayer said the Fox turned to the assembled people and took a deep breath closing his eyes as his lips touched the small wooden flute.

The notes started off light a soft, calming, sound filling the space. As the music began the spirits did their work and a lush green forest was displayed before them, the Kitsune Mori in all its wild and untamed splendor was laid out before them.

The soft music continued for a bit as the image panned across the forest showing off lush emerald trees and growth, various woodland critters and insects darting about. A place wholly full of life and beauty.

Entering the frame were two foxes running and playing in the woods one with a sleek orange coat and the other with fur of pure white. The two dipped under roots and lept over fallen trees, darting through the forest with glee and joy. The music during this portion changed tone to match becoming playful and more energetic for a time.

Suddenly the music shifted switching to minor key in sudden shock as a net came over the snow white fox and three intimidating looking people entered the frame one holding the handle on the net that has trapped the Fox. They cheered and laughed at their catch but something malicious was in their eyes and expressions. As they discussed something amongst themselves the Fox sat looking fearful and distressed trying to figure a way out.

From the side someone entered the scene. A man who seemed rather unassuming, average clothes, average face, basically average everything but he saw the situation playing out before him and approached the people who seemed various kinds of intimidating and dangerous.

The man spoke with them his expression calm while theirs were proud and a little smug. The two groups seemed to go back and forth when eventually the man held out three shining golden coins. The poachers looked among themselves and finally nodded handing the captured Fox to the man and gleefully taking their spoils.

As the men vanished from view the music turned suspenseful and a little tense as he turned toward his newly acquired Fox. There was a point where the moment seemed to hang fragile in time before he undid the net and released the animal which stepped out cautiously, as the flute took on a more hopeful sound.

The Fox took a few steps away and then a gleaming whirlwind of color surrounded it and where a small Fox once stood there was now a tall beautiful woman with piercing silver eyes, long wavy white hair. She could almost pass for a human if not for the Fox ears and thickly furred tail that came out behind her. The woman stepped up to the man the music accompanying the images rising and sweeping to convey the sense of awe the man displayed as the woman leaned down and laid a small kiss on his forehead a small shimmering light covering the man as she gave him her blessing. The spirit gave the man a long look and a smile before transforming back into a fox and darting off into the forest.

The song and images fluttered to a stop and Asashi slowly opened his eyes to gauge the crowds reaction to the somewhat untraditional story telling method.

[Shiba Yukari]

That is officially the best prayer I know. Wow.

[Daidoji Kenzo]

Kenzo applauded and didn't know who to look at, the Fox or the Phoenix. "I'm not sure the two of you appreciate how wonderful that was. What you just did was amazing."

[Doji Hanatsuko]

The Doji held to her mon as the music touched her heart. I wonder if Kitsune Mori sounds like that. She let go of her mon and clapped. "Beatiful Sama."

[Kitsune Asashi]

Asashi had a small smile but still seemed a little uncomfortable with the praise and attention "The music was ok I'd say it was really Shiba-san here that made it a wonderful experience." He said gesturing to the Phoenix in his usual reaction to deflect attention.

He bowed to the group and to Yukari "But thank you for listening to my story. It is music inspired by an old folk tale told among the Kitsune family."

[Shiba Yukari]

"No, no, I'm not having that at all, the Air Kami merely showed us what was in Kitsune-san's mind, so I can't take any credit at all!"

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Yes, Shiba san's art is one amazing one but it is the performer who grant the kami the emotion they are to portray..." She then put her hand in her mouth to quiet herself. The girl whispered "Sorry..."

[Daidoji Kenzo]

"Very true Hanatsuko-san. It took the talents of both of you and the will of the kami but you made something beautiful. As did you Hanatsuko-san and I am sorry I missed what you started this all with Yukari-san. I clearly need to work on my own craft." He said with a wide smile. "Will anyone else be taking the stage?"

[Kitsune Asashi]

Asashi held up his hands in a mock surrendering gesture "OK, ok I concede we both did well, I can accept the praise if Shiba-san can accept she has an incredible gift to be able to visualize what people have in their heads." He said chuckling

"Honestly everyone that shared tonight did a great job." He shook his head at the Doji "and you have nothing to apologize for Doji-san."

At the other Crane's invitation the Fox looked about the gathered samurai to see if anyone else had performances to share.

[Doji Hanatsuko]

"Mine was just a silly children story." She replied to the Daidoji. Hana bowed to the Kitsune still. "We should drink to that then."