三 ; sān

[getsomesleep]

With some assistance by Smoke, I was able to secure employment, which I believe is suited to both my skills and temperament. Being now in possession of some funds, it seems most appropriate to extend patronage to the establishment named after my benefactor.

If there are any in the Sphere who enjoy the fine art of debate, concerning whatever subjects as might hold their interest, I shall be delighted to meet them at Smoke's tonight; and any who succeeds in confounding me and asserting their views over mine shall enjoy a cup on my expense.


-- 火

[OOC: In ur Sphere, startin a debate club. Open log for any takers?]

Comments

[sumi-eight.livejournal.com]

This sounds like a fascinating proposition. What subjects do you most enjoy discussing?

On an unrelated note, your penmanship is outstanding.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

You are by far too kind.

Being as I am without the knowledge to discuss such concrete matters as statesmanship or warfare, my preference should turn toward the more abstract; ethics, matters of virtuous conduct, do not in my estimation require the backing of memory.

[sumi-eight.livejournal.com]

I think most of us suffer from the that selfsame lack of knowledge; though indeed, innate understanding and knowledge are often two entirely disparate things. There are many books available in the bazaar, however, and knowledge isn't hard to acquire. I'm sure that information on statesmanship and warfare exists in abundance.

If debate is your bent, then I'd be more than happy to engage you for a time. Since a drink is the prize, it would be only fair for me to purchase a cup for you should you be triumphant.

You are Huo, correct? I am called Sumi. 墨

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

That is, indeed, the name I use here. I hope that I cause no breach of etiquette by saying that your own name is interesting.

All manners of things might be found in the bazaar. I have seen, and acquired, several such books, although it is difficult to re-establish one's education not knowing which are the classics, and which second-rate books by inferior scholars. Essentially, it is down to one's own powers of discernment.

Such a suggestion, how can I refuse? It will be my honor to engage you.

[sumi-eight.livejournal.com]

No etiquette has been breached. Thank you for your kind compliment. I felt the meaning was suitable to my personality, and I like the sound of it as well.

There are many inferior scholars, but even they frequently draw ideas from the works of the masters. I'm sure your instincts will tell you which books (and which ideas therein) are worthy of your time.

As far as our debate is concerned; supposing you and I share similar viewpoints on many subjects? Would we then simply choose one and take opposing stances for the sake of the debate?

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

The character, also, is a pleasing in its symmetry. I commend your choice.

That is assuredly true. I may only hope that I do, indeed, possess such instincts. Unfortunately, having an interest in a field does not guarantee that one has any talent for it.

As our end is the pleasure of the discussion itself, we may be required to display such flexibility. An additional challenge, if you will.

[lingeringlegacy]

What job have you decided on?

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

I am now employed tending crops in the farms of the City Without Walls. A most agreeable arrangement.

[lingeringlegacy]

It sure is an enterprise whose product we all benefit from. I can't recall having much knowledge on agriculture, but I hope they suit your interests.

As for debates, at present I think I would just settle as an observer.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

It is admittedly not a very exciting work, but its advantages are many. Do you enjoy cooking, Stellaris-gūniang?

Your presence will be welcome either way.

[lingeringlegacy]

I like trying out recipes from cookbooks in my free time, yes.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

It is the privilege of farmers to be allotted some of the produce, without payment. I would invite you to partake, and perhaps offer some insights as to how the devices found in the kitchens are to be operated?

[lingeringlegacy]

I'd be glad to; there's no added effort between cooking for one and for two, but the company gained is pleasant. My evenings on Tuesdays are for grocery shopping and Wednesdays for experimental cooking, but with provided ingredients, a tweak to the schedules would not hurt. Where do you stay?

Ah, and provided she's willing, I hope you do not mind if I invite a friend along?

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

My quarters are now in Section 2; my evenings remain unoccupied, so please choose the day of your convenience.

You are welcome to invite whomever like. Might this friend be one I am familiar with?

[lingeringlegacy]

Alright. I look forward to it.

Are you acquainted with 00? I would still need to ask her though.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

We have only conversed in passing. I shall certainly be glad to meet her face to face, however.

[seeya-next-life.livejournal.com]

Oh, you're gonna be working at Smoke's now, too? I'm Lea, I work the card tables; maybe I'll see you around. Huo, was it?

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

A thousand pardons; I have had you misinformed. I am not employed in the establishment, but will merely be its client, since Smoke-jūn has been of great help to me.

Nonetheless, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lea. Huo is indeed my name.

[seeya-next-life.livejournal.com]

Ah, apology not necessary, but admittedly I'm a bit intrigued now. Usually bar clients are drinkers, not debaters. I think I might still make an effort to see you around.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

I can but hope that I should match your expectations.

[iattractmushi]

There's an idea. I might come by and see if whatever you're debating turns out to be as interesting as it sounds.

Your name was [slight pause, brb looking it up.] Huo-san, right? I'm called Cloud.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

A pleasure, Cloud. Please do arrive; I shall attempt my best performance.

[iattractmushi]

Then I'll be sure to make an appearance, though whether I actually join in depends on what's being debated.

[darcyredux.livejournal.com]

Well, count me in. I do like the sound of a good debate.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

I am pleased to hear as much - may I ask your name?

[darcyredux.livejournal.com]

Composer, sorry for not introducing myself.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

A pleasure. No apology is necessary; it must be no meager task to keep track of comings and goings, and know at any time who might know you by your writing.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Not sure I'm up for any debates, but I'm always up for new people to drink with.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

Of newness, at least, I can still boast.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

And soon, you'll be as used to this place as the rest of us.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

There is however a tremendous amount to become used to.

[kamishininoyari.livejournal.com]

That sounds pretty entertaining. I may consider stopping in to at least watch. :)

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

I shall look forward to seeing you in person, Snake.

[galacticgeisha.livejournal.com]

I would enjoy both participating in and witnessing a debate.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

Your presence should be most welcome.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

A debate? And the topic of this debate, it has been decided? I will be there. Participating, I am not sure of yet. Time and topic will tell, yes?

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

We shall at this instance keep our attention on matters in the abstract, concerning ethics and virtuous conduct. I hope that finds your approval.

[proudambassador.livejournal.com]

It sounds most interesting. Yes, I think it does meet with my approval.

[grinninggrifter.livejournal.com]

A debate at my bar? What a fascinating idea, Huo. As the owner and bartender, I don't believe I can invest myself into the debate as much as I should like but it's certainly a form of entertainment I haven't thought through.

Shall I set up a large table for the discussion, then? By the bar, for I think I should like to at least listen in while keeping the liquor flowing.

Oh, and I should introduce myself--I'm Grift.

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

Your generosity warms one's heart, Grift-gōng. Such an arrangement would be most appreciated. Much animated talk dries the throat and leaves one eager to drink deep.

[grinninggrifter.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's my pleasure. It's nice to see people making creative use out of my bar. Besides, stimulating chatter is but more fuel for business.

Now... what does gōng mean?

[getsome-sleep.livejournal.com]

It is an honorific that denotes respect for a position, such as that of an official or, in this case, a business owner.