She smiled at him brightly, 'Sakura is indeed most discerning and would be inclined to hold it against you for life.' Natsuko laughed brightly as the game proceded, and with the exception of her agressive beginning she was already on a back foot from a strategy perspective.

The bet was indeed a curious suggestions, and as she moved her piece her dark eyes met his equally dark ones, although she noted a ring of a colour she could only describe as honey amber that rimmed his gaze. 'I'm never likely to turn down a challenge sir.' her lips quirked into a smile, and after a moment of teasing consideration of his proposition - the terms incongruous enough.

It was an honor certainly to open the evenings proceedings with Mister Foxwood, but nothing scandalous or damaging in it, and the prospect of being able to ask him for some favour or other, not that she could think of what that might be at this moment had it's attractions. Her thoughts betrayed her a little and she had a niggling thought that she just couldn't shake but was trying very hard to ignore.

'Your terms are acceptable Mister Foxwood' she said all the same and extended a pale hand to shake his, formalising the accord between them, even as her bishop was taken by a knight errant. Her eyes narrowed at the pieces, as though it was they and not her lack of skill that was betraying her. She did certainly not mind joining Mister Foxwood for a dance, but that didn't mean she liked the idea of losing!

She took made another move, castling her king in an attempt to stop her board bleed. 'And is there a reason Mister Foxwood' she asked gently, 'that we are all pretending it's not your birthday?'

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