[Day 3 - Mid Afternoon] Impending Dread (Open)

[Yasuki Umiko]

Yasuki Umiko was out around the town just as the sun was taking dominion over the sky after the fierce rain in the morning. She was dressed in a blue blouse and navy blue wide-leg pants. A big floppy sunhat was atop of her head to provide her with some shade while her temperator did the rest to beat the heat.

She looked a bit listless in her stroll, looking like she was exhausted without much purpose. In her current mood, she almost missed some of the neighbourhood residents greeting her back as she walked the length of the park that previously hosted the First Market yesterday. Eventually, she would find a set of swings and sit down at one of them, despite there being an abundance of benches about. There was some comfort in returning to a childhood haunt. It served as a refuge, but she didn't know if she could find answers here.

[Tamori Kanna]

Since Kaida had done so well with the acting earlier, Kanna treated him and herself to some baked goods from the Serenity Bakery, followed by a walk to the park they had been to almost every day since they arrived on planet. It had become one of Kaida's favorite places.

The Dragon woman was dressed in a nice outfit with lots of lace, and contrasting colors of soft yellows and purples. She let Kaida's leash extend somewhat to let him run ahead of her, and he started zooming towards the playground, and the set of swings.

As she saw there was someone there, she did her best to call in Kaida, but he was being very excited to see a new person. "Kaida-kun, no no. Come back," she said firmly in a gentle tone, tugging a little on the leash to keep him from going completely up to Umiko. "Apologies, Crab-sama, he is very overexcited today... oh! Yasuki-sama! I didn't think I'd run into you here!"

[Moto Shiwahime]

The large Moto was coming back from the village around that time. It wouldn't do her good to stay there too long. Curiosity and the need for large space could only last so long as excuses to be around.

Anyway she needed to continue her training regimen. Unlike the pencil pushers or the pretty people she was required to keep at top physical shape and perhaps to go past it.

Cardio was done for the day so it was time for some flexibility training.

Stepping down from her bike in her usual training apparel she could not help but notice the crab woman in the swings

Pretty sure I know her from somewhere?

''Good afternoon samurai-san...is everything allright?'' asked, swinging a dufflebag around her back

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko was in a slight reverie of contemplation as she rocked back and forth on the swing without even realizing it. The upper part of Nakahama City fared better with rain, suffering none of the flash floods. It would have made being on the swing difficult if there were plenty of puddles still around. It would have also made it difficult for a pom to roam around happily!

"Eh? Oh!" Umiko exclaimed in realization when she was suddenly before a furry ball of joy with a Dragon. She quickly composed herself and stood from her place on the swing to bow in greeting.

"...No apologies needed, Tamori-san!" she said as she mustered a small, casting an appreciative look at Kaida. "Ah, yes...I was just wandering around this neighbourhood to see if I could catch some of the film crew doing their shooting. Maybe see if there were some old colleagues in town. I hope you're well with..."

Her words trailed off as she looked down at Kaida, wondering if she could get a formal introduction to her companion...

When the Moto woman approached her and she straightened to look up at the imposing figure. "Everything is fine, thank you! I was just visiting the park, you see." She would indicate the swing with a gesture, a bit of practice in entertainment made it hard for her not to point at the swing at the same time with both hands.

"...Moto Shiwahime-san, is it?" she said carefully after, recalling her introduction and gift on the first day. Not quite sure if she was familiar with her, she would add. "I'm Yasuki Umiko, karo to the governor."

*****
Regarding her being here:
Day 3 - Mid Afternoon: Sincerity (Deceit)/Awareness fib! | 7k4 ⇒ 33

[Moto Shiwahime]

''Ah'' now it clicked. Shiwahime probably had seen her before but probably from afar and in passing. the Moto was not a social bug in large gathering of strangers

She was a bit embararred now

''My apologies Yasuki-sama.'' she bowed ''I did not recognize youa...and...my apologies once again for my interruption''

Shiwahime could not pierce the talented woman's cover
---
A lie? Perception/investigate vs. Yasuki Umiko, Void, luck re-roll | 6k4 ⇒ 29 (TN: 33)

[Tamori Kanna]

Kanna didn't think anything was wrong, and she was indeed right. She picked up Kaida and held him in her arms as she watched the other two.

"... Would anyone like a sweet baked bun from Serenity Bakery?" she offered to smother the awkwardness in the air, and held up the paper bag from the bakery. "I have taro, chestnut, and sesame paste buns."


----

D3 MA Investigation/Perception if we spot something is wrong with Umiko | 5k3 ⇒ 17 (TN: 33) - nothing wrong whatsoever!

[Yasuki Umiko]

Umiko smiled softly at the Moto's apology and gave a shake of her head. It wasn't like she was unused to being approached spontaneously, especially as a former celebrity and now a fixture on the island as the karo. "Not at all, Moto-san. Thank you for your concern."

"Oooh, ahh," Umiko would say at first before she stopped herself. She had admittedly missed her meal earlier, and she could feel some stirring in her stomach. While this offer was very appreciated, she didn't want to sound too needy. "Oh my, is it the afternoon already? I've been so busy that I forgot about the time! I thought about stopping by the corner store to pick up some ebiyaki."

Getting ebiyaki from a corner store? In Nakahama? Really? That was something our tourists would do. But it was the first thing that popped in her head.

"...But your buns would save me a trip from my busy schedule, thank you very much, Tamori-san," she said in a bit of relief, giving a bow to her hero here. "Uhm, now. I'll take anyone that you weren't planning to have. They're really all good. I've been to that store enough to collect my share of points."

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Umiko smiled softly at the Moto's apology and gave a shake of her head. It wasn't like she was unused to being approached spontaneously, especially as a former celebrity and now a fixture on the island as the karo. "Not at all, Moto-san. Thank you for your concern."

"Oooh, ahh," Umiko would say at first before she stopped herself. She had admittedly missed her meal earlier, and she could feel some stirring in her stomach. While this offer was very appreciated, she didn't want to sound too needy. "Oh my, is it the afternoon already? I've been so busy that I forgot about the time! I thought about stopping by the corner store to pick up some ebiyaki."

Getting ebiyaki from a corner store? In Nakahama? Really? That was something our tourists would do. But it was the first thing that popped in her head.

"...But your buns would save me a trip from my busy schedule, thank you very much, Tamori-san," she said in a bit of relief, giving a bow to her hero here. "Uhm, now. I'll take anyone that you weren't planning to have. They're really all good. I've been to that store enough to collect my share of points."

The Inspector had a sense for trouble and lies. She was a mere passerby, caught in the niceness of seeing friendly faces on the Moto and Kanna, until her ever-scrutinizing gaze fell upon the Yasuki.

As the ex-idol attempted to make her exit, a slate stare laid upon her, un-hidden, silent saying 'I know', and giving the woman the impetus to decide to reach out or remain silent.

==

D3 MA | Impending Dread | Investigation/Perception | 1 Free Raise, School 1, used for Diff reduction | TN: 18 (Base 33, - 10 (School 2), -5 (Free Raise) | Success!

[Tamori Kanna]

"...But your buns would save me a trip from my busy schedule, thank you very much, Tamori-san," she said in a bit of relief, giving a bow to her hero here. "Uhm, now. I'll take anyone that you weren't planning to have. They're really all good. I've been to that store enough to collect my share of points."

"Yasuki-sama has much to do, so I understand the time flies so fast!" Kanna could relate to that. She could spend hours just walking around Nakahama City and suddenly it was evening! "I bought two of each, since I divined my horoscope today, and it said I would get to share something sweet today with others. Take your pick," with a smile, she opened the bag for Umiko to help herself to one of the three types.

Then as if on cue, she spotted Kitsuki 'Fixer' Ichitayo. Maybe she had been part of the horoscope's prediction too. "Oh hey, Kitsuki-san! Do you want a sweet bun too? Taro, chestnut, or sesame?"

As the ex-idol attempted to make her exit, a slate stare laid upon her, un-hidden, silent saying 'I know', and giving the woman the impetus to decide to reach out or remain silent.

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

"...But your buns would save me a trip from my busy schedule, thank you very much, Tamori-san," she said in a bit of relief, giving a bow to her hero here. "Uhm, now. I'll take anyone that you weren't planning to have. They're really all good. I've been to that store enough to collect my share of points."

"Yasuki-sama has much to do, so I understand the time flies so fast!" Kanna could relate to that. She could spend hours just walking around Nakahama City and suddenly it was evening! "I bought two of each, since I divined my horoscope today, and it said I would get to share something sweet today with others. Take your pick," with a smile, she opened the bag for Umiko to help herself to one of the three types.

Then as if on cue, she spotted Kitsuki 'Fixer' Ichitayo. Maybe she had been part of the horoscope's prediction too. "Oh hey, Kitsuki-san! Do you want a sweet bun too? Taro, chestnut, or sesame?"

As the ex-idol attempted to make her exit, a slate stare laid upon her, un-hidden, silent saying 'I know', and giving the woman the impetus to decide to reach out or remain silent.

And the hard stare loosened, with the message granted, and turned a tender smile to the Little Dragon.

"I'll take Taro, thank you very much, Tamori-sama."

[Yasuki Umiko]

The Kitsuki would certainly spot that there was more distress in the Yasuki than she would care to show in public and in front of polite company. The visit here wasn't really coincidental as she implied. While she wasn't actively running away from something, she didn't feel entirely safe.

Umiko would feel a bit awkward by the silent and masked Dragon's arrival, although she would offer a quick bow in greeting.

"In that case, I think I'll be happy to take a sesame bun," she said with a hopeful smile. "Those are seemingly always the first to go during the day. You might have been very lucky to get your hands on two! Perhaps your horoscope might have given you the timing to do just that. Thank you very much, Tamori-san," she said before reaching in and taking an offered sesame bun.

She would murmur her thanks for the meal and take a small bite from the bun, really hitting the spot. "Mmm, it's so good!"

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

The Kitsuki would certainly spot that there was more distress in the Yasuki than she would care to show in public and in front of polite company. The visit here wasn't really coincidental as she implied. While she wasn't actively running away from something, she didn't feel entirely safe.

Umiko would feel a bit awkward by the silent and masked Dragon's arrival, although she would offer a quick bow in greeting.

"In that case, I think I'll be happy to take a sesame bun," she said with a hopeful smile. "Those are seemingly always the first to go during the day. You might have been very lucky to get your hands on two! Perhaps your horoscope might have given you the timing to do just that. Thank you very much, Tamori-san," she said before reaching in and taking an offered sesame bun.

She would murmur her thanks for the meal and take a small bite from the bun, really hitting the spot. "Mmm, it's so good!"

Danger. The public light was the veil that protected her. And the Yasuki wanted to keep it under wraps, couldn't ask for help. Mm. The game was afoot, and pieces could be steered into a solution.

With a gentle smile, she proposed a topic to speak of: "Is everyone here attending Yoritomo-Sama's party? Does everyone have their costumes ready?"

[Moto Shiwahime]

To the unicorn the exchange of pleasantries just served to increase her own awkwardness since she always had more of a level of sociability comparable to a Hida.

Thankfully the Kitsuki came along

''Oh, Kitsuki-san. How are you? Any luck with your further research?'' she asked with a grin before the question came about the party

''There is a party?'' she asked, quirking an eyebrow as this was the first time she'd heard of it ''I am...not sure''

Not sure if I am in the mood for all that fancy flashy stuff for the moment

[Tamori Kanna]

"In that case, I think I'll be happy to take a sesame bun," she said with a hopeful smile. "Those are seemingly always the first to go during the day. You might have been very lucky to get your hands on two! Perhaps your horoscope might have given you the timing to do just that. Thank you very much, Tamori-san," she said before reaching in and taking an offered sesame bun.

She would murmur her thanks for the meal and take a small bite from the bun, really hitting the spot. "Mmm, it's so good!"

Buns were handed out to those who wanted, one more silent offering to the Unicorn.

"Really?" she looked at Umiko with surprise. "I didn't know that. Truly, the powers of my divinations know no bounds!" Kanna sparkled with joy at this confirmation and the knowledge that she had accomplished something nice today with her horoscope.

"Oh, Yoritomo-san's costume party, neh? My costume is a secret! To be revealed!" She actually hadn't bought it yet.

[Moto Shiwahime]

Ah, so one was offered to her as well. Still it would be an indulgence

''Thank you Tamori-sama but I must decline. I do not want to eat before training.'' Speaking of that something crossed her mind

''Hum...Yasuki-sama...do you know of any sumai schools that might teach a few things to a passing unicorn?''

[Yasuki Umiko]

"A party?" Umiko gave a befuddled blink at first, as it was something that wasn't on her radar. Seeing as it wasn't filed through to the magistrate or the Public Works department, very likely not even having a proper permit to host that many people in one space...that was something that caught her off guard.

Her gaze looked down, almost contemplative, whether or not she should look into this or play dumb so that the visitors could have their fun. She took a bite of her bun, if nothing else, but to find her words while chewing. A shake of her head was the only thing she offered regarding the question.

However, she did get an idea while they were having their standing picnic at the park "...What sort of divination do you do exactly, Tamori-san? Is that something that could be done here? I would be curious to have a reading, if you're free and willing."

[Tamori Kanna]

Ah, so one was offered to her as well. Still it would be an indulgence

''Thank you Tamori-sama but I must decline. I do not want to eat before training.'' Speaking of that something crossed her mind

"Mm, that's sensible," she nodded with a smile, accepting the reasoning.

However, she did get an idea while they were having their standing picnic at the park "...What sort of divination do you do exactly, Tamori-san? Is that something that could be done here? I would be curious to have a reading, if you're free and willing."

"Well, I mostly do cartomancy - divining with cards - which can be simple or complex depending. For very very important readings I might do hydromancy, which my sensei specialized in! That's when we channel the water kami to gain visions of the future." Kanna herself had chosen chestnut flavor for her sweet bun, and was sharing parts of it with Kaida (but very modestly so he wouldn't get sick!).

"What kind of reading would you be interested in, Yasuki-sama? As long as I have a flat, dry surface, I could do a card-reading for you."

[Yasuki Umiko]

''Hum...Yasuki-sama...do you know of any sumai schools that might teach a few things to a passing unicorn?''

Taking a moment to readdress this question, she blinked and gave it some thought, despite it being outside of her duties. "Sumai, do you mean like wrestling? I'm not sure if there are any sumai schools on the island. You might have a better chance on the mainland, potentially Aoihama. There is the Stingray's Sting Dojo here on Shiawase, which is dedicated to the Hiruma method of schooling. Dedicated sumai training is specialized...My apologies, I wouldn't know. I do know the dojo is open for use by guests, if you wish to practice."

"Well, I mostly do cartomancy - divining with cards - which can be simple or complex depending. For very very important readings I might do hydromancy, which my sensei specialized in! That's when we channel the water kami to gain visions of the future." Kanna herself had chosen chestnut flavor for her sweet bun, and was sharing parts of it with Kaida (but very modestly so he wouldn't get sick!).

"What kind of reading would you be interested in, Yasuki-sama? As long as I have a flat, dry surface, I could do a card-reading for you."

Umiko took another bite of her bun as Kanna talked. Mid-chew, she realized that she had forgotten her water bottle before going off on her walk. However, with practiced manners and strict idol training, she was able to finish the bite with grace. She would clear her throat before speaking once more.

She waved off a hand at first. "Ah, maybe not so extreme as hydromancy! I was just a bit curious...I don't think I've had a divination done in a long while, scarcely even remember when. But I would be interested in a card reading. I'm not sure how it works or what sort of topic I need to give. Could it just be about me? Or maybe my sister and I? Or the island?"

[Moto Shiwahime]

Shiwahime did, in fact, have a water bottle for her training and she could not miss it's need. She reached in her bag to get it and offered it to the Yasuki.

''Thank you Yasuki-sama. Here is some water if you need it''

[Tamori Kanna]

She waved off a hand at first. "Ah, maybe not so extreme as hydromancy! I was just a bit curious...I don't think I've had a divination done in a long while, scarcely even remember when. But I would be interested in a card reading. I'm not sure how it works or what sort of topic I need to give. Could it just be about me? Or maybe my sister and I? Or the island?"

"All three of those topics work. You could also ask specifically about other things, like finances, love, marriage, travel..." Kanna made sure to let Umiko know that there were plenty of options.

She finished sharing her bun with Kaida, and put him back down on the ground. The pom shook himself, and licked his chops from the delicious snack... and looked at the other humans to see if anyone would give him more.