Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Sept 20, 2011 9:09:42 GMT -5
In what looked like a large meeting room on the fourth floor of the castle, albeit with most of the furniture removed, the speech contest was beginning. Light shone into the simple but elegant room, some wall scrolls and a painting of a falcon providing a few highlights to the eye.
Five judges sat on cushions upon the raised flooring usually reserved for the Lord of the castle. Further cushions lined both sides of the room, with more important guests and the like sitting further up the room and closest to the judges. Opposite where the judges sat, just infront of where the light shoji doors were fully slid open, was the designated speaking area. The idea was that if you wanted the judges to hear you from here, then you had to speak up. The room was a good dozen or more tatami mats in length. The guests on the right were lucky to be by the open window and better able to see the views of the surrounding forests and village. Those on the left didn't have it so bad either, as the servants were closer and could attend them quickly.
Proceedings were just about to begin. The ronin advisor, a slim and not unnattractive woman in her early 30s - Shiara - had the centre cushion, though she was not above the other judges. Her long and dark hair fell unusually forward so it was difficult to see into her eyes - though her maroon and lilac kimono caught the eye far more anyway. An unusual combination, like the woman herself, who chatted quietly to the man to her left - Yasuki Tsujin. A small Crab, if a couple of inches less than 6ft could be considered sall. His dark and plain kimono contrasted well with the ronin woman's, as did his whitening hair and creased face.
Moshi Otishi, a large middle aged man, sat next to the Yasuki, consuming a plum. He looked disinterested, his view having rested on the ceiling for quite some time. The judges to Shiara's right were Bayushi Ichino, an androgynous looking samurai in their late 20s with beautifully straight black hair and a pearl highlighted mask - possibly some gift from the Mantis - as well as Ide Kyobito, a slender but seemingly toned man with short hair and a kind smile. The both of them seemed to be inspecting the other guests and the numerous students sitting door near the door waiting to begin.
When everyone had assembled Shiara clapped her hands twice to get everyone's attention.
She thanked everyone for coming, explaining a little about the other judges and politely only describing herself as an aide to Musori. Eventually, after her own speech about the value of public speaking, she gestured to those waiting to speak.
"This afternoon's test will be conducted by these would be courtiers and others gifted in language and eloquence. We wish them all the best. The task is simple. Please speak for two to three minutes on whatever you believe is the most beautiful thing in Rokugan - whether that be a place, a person, a concept or something else. Your words will be judged on their level of sincerity and personal feeling, how moving they are and your general speaking ability and language. A word of advice - speak honestly and do not be afraid to let your emotions show. After your gempukku you will all be adults. Until then, please enjoy the excitement and freedom of youth"
She smiled at everyone, a few people nodding in agreement. The topic was uplifting and would be either interesting or embarassing - there was a surprisingly large amount of room for failure - a lack of sincerity or honesty, a potentially embarassing subject and the difficulty of speaking to such a large and important crowd. This would be a good test.
Just over a dozen sat, waiting to begin. Kyobito spoke softly, but his voice carried surprisingly well when he asked "who would like to start?". Some of those sitting exchanged glances, a couple visibly nervous, one even terrified. Nobody made to stand and take the speaking area.
Five judges sat on cushions upon the raised flooring usually reserved for the Lord of the castle. Further cushions lined both sides of the room, with more important guests and the like sitting further up the room and closest to the judges. Opposite where the judges sat, just infront of where the light shoji doors were fully slid open, was the designated speaking area. The idea was that if you wanted the judges to hear you from here, then you had to speak up. The room was a good dozen or more tatami mats in length. The guests on the right were lucky to be by the open window and better able to see the views of the surrounding forests and village. Those on the left didn't have it so bad either, as the servants were closer and could attend them quickly.
Proceedings were just about to begin. The ronin advisor, a slim and not unnattractive woman in her early 30s - Shiara - had the centre cushion, though she was not above the other judges. Her long and dark hair fell unusually forward so it was difficult to see into her eyes - though her maroon and lilac kimono caught the eye far more anyway. An unusual combination, like the woman herself, who chatted quietly to the man to her left - Yasuki Tsujin. A small Crab, if a couple of inches less than 6ft could be considered sall. His dark and plain kimono contrasted well with the ronin woman's, as did his whitening hair and creased face.
Moshi Otishi, a large middle aged man, sat next to the Yasuki, consuming a plum. He looked disinterested, his view having rested on the ceiling for quite some time. The judges to Shiara's right were Bayushi Ichino, an androgynous looking samurai in their late 20s with beautifully straight black hair and a pearl highlighted mask - possibly some gift from the Mantis - as well as Ide Kyobito, a slender but seemingly toned man with short hair and a kind smile. The both of them seemed to be inspecting the other guests and the numerous students sitting door near the door waiting to begin.
When everyone had assembled Shiara clapped her hands twice to get everyone's attention.
She thanked everyone for coming, explaining a little about the other judges and politely only describing herself as an aide to Musori. Eventually, after her own speech about the value of public speaking, she gestured to those waiting to speak.
"This afternoon's test will be conducted by these would be courtiers and others gifted in language and eloquence. We wish them all the best. The task is simple. Please speak for two to three minutes on whatever you believe is the most beautiful thing in Rokugan - whether that be a place, a person, a concept or something else. Your words will be judged on their level of sincerity and personal feeling, how moving they are and your general speaking ability and language. A word of advice - speak honestly and do not be afraid to let your emotions show. After your gempukku you will all be adults. Until then, please enjoy the excitement and freedom of youth"
She smiled at everyone, a few people nodding in agreement. The topic was uplifting and would be either interesting or embarassing - there was a surprisingly large amount of room for failure - a lack of sincerity or honesty, a potentially embarassing subject and the difficulty of speaking to such a large and important crowd. This would be a good test.
Just over a dozen sat, waiting to begin. Kyobito spoke softly, but his voice carried surprisingly well when he asked "who would like to start?". Some of those sitting exchanged glances, a couple visibly nervous, one even terrified. Nobody made to stand and take the speaking area.
- this post reserved to put judges opions to you 3. Thanks for your patience! You may want to buy the skill with week 1 experience if you don't have it already!)
