[the Sutoku sub-lieutenant makes her debut as she should, arrayed in kimono and her pin on her lapel, fresh flowers adoring her hair - in short, the picture of a clan with no reservations about looking equal to any other today. she smiles, she associates, she moves about. and when it comes to where to wager money on a game of chance, of course she'll pitch in. that clinic of hers needs funding to fix the upper level, after all. it just won't be on the floor of the casino - too many sharp eyed dealers to read.

instead, she chooses to place her money behind fighters in the arena, studying them from a distance and behind a fan before she quietly puts her money down. her free hand grips the railing as the matches go on, trying to not cheer too loudly and draw undue attention - but a particularly good blow will catch her excitedly yelling, and getting a payout will brighten her mood well. profit is profit, after all, and after a point she's cheering like the rest of them. whether she's a fellow audience member, judging your betting choice, or cheering you on as a fighter, she hopes for the best outcome.]

[part of this whole event is to listen, and listen Emily does - laughing and mildly talking to others, mining the conversation for good tidbits. things fall out around her, and she collects the information about Iron Bear with a careful ear. still, not everyone's going to have success, and if a fellow Sutoku is erring too far, too obvious in their intelligence gathering, she might appear and touch their arm.]

There you are - I've been looking for you. You're worrying the others.

[do you take the obvious out? do you protest? does she need to physically drag you away?]

[with the glittering heavens above, it'd be impossible to resist the joy that seems to settle over everyone. love surrounds, persuades hands to write out wishes on paper, and Emily is no exception, placing her wish on a tree with a gentle smile. if someone looks hesitant, she tries to catch their eye and nod - it's okay! beyond the simple blessings, though, the spirit has her in full, and she might just tug someone to sway to the music, to laugh at the world. whether you're an old friend or a new one, whether you want to press intimately close or just gaze at the stars in wonder, Emily's happy to join, a beaming and true smile on her features.

right now, everything is all right. right now, the world is moving as it should. for a few moments, love is the key word of the world.]

[of course, Emily's not the only one out and about enjoying the festivities. at certain points, her body is carried differently, a different look in her eyes, a different voice coming from the throat. Hibiki moves forth to sample life, and they seek to enjoy things. from afar, they look like their host, but close enough, the differences are plain.

for gambling, they veer towards a variety of games, but those looking for an easy mark find an uncanny set of eyes looking at them, as if their soul was being pierced as they attempt to cheat. players might get an actual word slipped in, an alert to the dealer - while those running the games will not, but Hibiki will watch them so closely, any slipping will be seen and noted, and their bets that round become miniscule - no profit to be made. alternately, they'll be mingling, finding those with good stories to tell, drawing youkai into outrageous contests of storytelling - if you want to weigh in on how legitimate the story of wrestling a mountain is, feel free.

but when the stars rise for Tanabata, the love in the air affects them differently. while they won't perform on a stage, they'll have their prize from a well earned match earlier - a dark wood shinobue, and they'll find a quiet space to gaze up at the heavens before they start to play. the melody is old, full of nostalgia and peace, carrying the listener somewhere else in their thoughts - it demands respect. for this is a performance of skill as a gift, an offering to the gods for another year. when that is over, they will take requests, for the entire affair is a performance to be enjoyed.]

[have an idea for something else? go ahead and throw it at me! want something custom? shoot me a message, and we'll work it out. here's my plotting comment to give some ideas or a zone to chat in - I'm up for anything!]