(D14, MA) Thank you, Crane.

[Soshi Eiji]

After court, Eiji made his way to the Crane house. He didn't have an appointment. Instead, he announced to the receptionist that he wished to offer both his and his delegation's heartfelt thanks to the Crane and to discuss tomorrow's debate. If any could see him, it would be appreciated, if not, he understood and would simply leave his words of thanks.

[Doji Minehime]

Eiji is escorted into a small room where Lady Doji is waiting. Her posture is every bit that of a warrior, but she extends her hand to bid Eiji sit like the most polished of Imperial courtiers.

"Soshi Eiji, chief diplomat of the Scorpion Clan. Please, enter and be seated. Have you had rice?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Chief Diplomat of the Scorpion? When d ... ead of me?

Still, he bowed deeply as was proper for for the Crane clan champion, and took the indicated seat.

"I have, thank you Doji-sama. " he offered, though the sama he gave her was definitely spoken with the respect someone of her station demanded. "I trust Inari-no-kami as blessed you as well today."

[Doji Minehime]

"He has, thank you, Soshi-san. Perhaps I could show you hospitality in the form of tea?" She gestured slowly toward one of the teapots.

[Soshi Eiji]

And I thought Noriko was graceful.

Eiji inclined his head.

"I would be most honored to receive such hospitality, Doji-sama." he said respectfully.

[Doji Minehime]

"Lovely," she murmured, taking up one the silver-chased pot. "This tea comes from the slopes of Mount Giri in the Wall Above the Ocean. It is a hardy blend, developed to fortify one for difficult nights of work on the terraces." She poured slowly but precisely, and set the pot down.

[Soshi Eiji]

"A very thoughtful choice of blend, Doji-sama. During these turbulent times, it truly is tea that keeps us moving, whether it's black tea for wakefulness, or white tea for balance. I have not yet tried this blend, so I thank you for the opportunity." he said, taking a moment to appreciate the aroma of the tea.

[Doji Minehime]

Lady Doji allows Eiji to smell the tea in silence. Only when he has finished does she turn the conversation toward the approach of spring.

"...Yasuki Masaki seems particularly eager to have my cousin view the cherry blossoms in Otosan Uchi this year. She seems to believe that those near the Imagawa estate are particularly beautiful, but I find myself wondering whether she is remembering those that grow near the Crab embassy."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji took a few moments to run the Crane's words through his Courtier to English dictionary.

He shook his head slightly.

"Perhaps, Doji-sama. When one thinks of cherry blossoms, is it not natural to think back to the first time they can recall seeing the wonder of them the first time in their childhood home? Perhaps the blossoms around the Imagawa estate are superior, but one would assume that the ones around the Crab embassy have left their mark upon Yasuki-san as permanently as a cherry blossom is transitory."

He sipped his tea.

"Then agaain, it is worth remembering that all of the cherry blossoms in Otosan Uichi bloom for the enjoyment of the Empress. If one spends the entire spring gazing up the blossoms around the Imagawa estate, they are missing quite a bit of beauty."

[Doji Minehime]

Lady Doji rose an eyebrow. "It is true that the blossoms at the Crab embassy are lovely, particularly the view from the terrace, but one wonders how the view from the basement compares." She turns her head. "I understand that the view from the palace is best of all, but one wonders whether the season is too early for the Imperial blooms."

[Soshi Eiji]

Courtier to English Dictionary: Basement 1) the lowest of the low. 2) Never go into the basement.

Eiji considered it over his cup of very nice tea.

"Hmm, perhaps, Doji-sama. Lady Sun smiles upon the Empire as a whole, but the blossoms come much sooner in the South than the North. Regardless of the skill of a gardener, there are some things that cannot be rushed." he mused.

[Doji Minehime]

"Indeed. But as it stands, all roads lead to the capital eventually. It is a pity, as I find that I feel most comfortable as a host, rather than a guest. But not all things are arranged for our comfort."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji smiled.

"Ah, well perhaps the Imperial Winter Court will be at Kyuden Doji next Winter? I must admit, my every interaction with the Crane this season has been very positive. Especially the time I have spent with Asahina Hoshiko, she is quite perceptive and a most excellent conversation partner." he said honestly.