[b]Shio (for Kasumi - evening before 2spooky)[/b]

Shio merely nodded to the first question.

"I will join you."

Shio rose, stiffly replacing her chair to as close as the original position as possible. Her Kujaku jumped over to the other side of the railing to wait, while her Kohitsuji and herself walked into the restaurant and then out the ornate door designed to appear like the legs of a Nakumo with glass between them. It was, of course, thematically painted a brilliant red and strangely non conductive to heat or electricity - or at least that is what she assumed.

It was unusual for Shio to be invited to such an outing, as she was not a noted conversationalist. Especially so given the difference in familial status. She was unsure of what Kasumi also meant by experiencing the sunset with her, but felt it was best to refrain from asking. She followed Kasumi's lead on the matter, her Kujaku and Kohitsuji in tow. She had nothing really to comment on as they walked, as it was customary to allow one with Kasumi's status to lead not only their movements, but the conversation as well - it was as Shio liked as it helped avoid her potentially serious faux pas.

---

[b]Shio (for Aera - the night before 2spooky)[/b]

After her outing with Kasumi, Shio had retired to the inn. It was the same Inn that Aera was staying in. Shio had already unpacked what little she brought with her into her room, so opted to remain in the lobby. The news was on, but it was uneventful. There was a small segment about the influx of new trainers in Toran to try to begin their rites. A few of them were being interviewed. Shio took note of these individuals, as well as their Natrelmon in case they would be potential threats for her later down the road. Like she suspected, her assessment of them at the end of segment was that none of them would pose serious threats.

Shio noted Aera's presence, as well as a couple of other in the lobby. Aera was the only new trainer currently lingering in the lobby. Shio looked at her with her trademark blank expression as she quickly examined her threat level. The elderly couple, well into their seventies, were classified as low threats to her, given the man's shaky left leg and her obvious signs of arthritis. Aera was in good physical shape and clearly spent a fair amount of time outdoors. That made her a bit harder to read in terms of threat. Shio's gaze, however, didn't linger any longer than necessary, quickly shifting to look out the window yet again to observe the flow of traffic in and out of the inn.

Like with Kasumi, her Kohitsuji and Kujaku were still out with her.