The door slides open to reveal Lady Doji, with Kakita Irie seated on a cushion some distance behind her and a number of servants waiting in the wings, seated in a chair. Another, empty chair sits across the low table from her. That one must be yours.

Ryo's expression was dour and serious as he entered the room. Expression unchanging, he moved to be seated as directed. Fortunately, for him, a dour and serious expression was pretty much his neutral.

He bowed again, still sitting, then waited.

Lady Doji inclines her head to receive the bow. "Good morning, Miyahara-san," she says, her voice low and smooth. "Have you had rice?"

"I have, thank you, Doji-sama. I trust you have as well?" Ryu kept his head and gaze politely low, in deference to his social... super-superior, if that was a thing. His tone was likewise polite; Ryu knew how to be respectful in court, after all.

She smiles beatifically. "I have, Miyahara-san."

And, as if on cue, the servants moved in to deposit a tea set (white porcelain, with an appropriate winter scene hand-painted thereon), on the table between you.

She continues, "I understand that this is your first Imperial Winter Court. How are you finding it so far?"

The tea he left; it seemed unlikely that he would be pouring it, and he certainly shouldn't be the first to drink. But he would be ready to take his teacup when she did.

Ryu's head rose up, just a little in response to Minehime's words, a little flicker visible in his grey eyes as he shifted modes of thought. "I have little information to report so far, Doji-sama. I hope that by the end of today, that will have changed."

His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I can say that I am... impressed with how much effort has gone into things before the court has even begun. Both from our hosts, and the various other guests. My cousin received several letters, doubtless laying groundwork for this court. We shall see."

His lips shifted, just a little; not a smile, but not a frown. "I suspect my late invitation means that I am not a part of much groundwork. On that, too, we shall see."

"That is as it should be, yes?" She extended her hand to gesture at the tea set, an invitation to conduct the ceremony.

"Your cousin catches the eye while you get things done. It is ever thus."

Ah, blast. Gamely, Ryu went about performing the ceremony as best he could. Alas, there were still a few gaps in his social training... still, he did his best, moving slowly and carefully, and hoping it came off as grace.

"Quite, Doji-sama." Ryu agreed blandly. "She is the face of my House. I work to support her, and it, and through that, the Crane as a whole." It was the basis of their system, in brief.

"I shall keep my eyes open for opportunities to get things done." Ryu said, still working. "And my ears, of course." His grey eyes flickered at that; did she have something she wanted done?

He paused, pouring the tea; a rather competent ceremony complete, it seemed.

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Tea ceremony with LADY DOJI, unskilled void, VP spent for 1k1 | 4k4 ⇒ 32 (TN: 20)

Lady Doji accepted her cup, performing the role of the passive participant in the tea ceremony with grace. She sipped lightly at it and set it down. 8 cups of tea would be asking a lot of anyone's bladder.

"As one who served her sister for some years, I recognize and respect your loyalty." She let her finger trace around the rim of her teacup. "But let us not forget that the second child--or the cousin--are also their own entity, with their role to play, certainly, but with ambitions all their own as well. You may surprise yourself with the opportunities you discover here."

Ryu, likewise, picked up his teacup, sipped it lightly, and then set it back down. If he wasn't drinking tea, he wouldn't be applying any pressure on her to drink tea.

He inclined his head, acknowledging her words, but remained silent for a few moment, his expression thoughtful.

Finally, he spoke, slowly at first. "I won't deny that I have some ambitions. Ambition is useful, up to a point, after all. I wouldn't be here, now, without it." His eyes narrowed, still thoughtful. "Likewise, I won't deny that I look forward to seeing what opportunities will be available to me." It seemed to be a moment for candor, although he kept it polite, of course.

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Sincerity/awareness TN 20 with Lady Doji | 5k4 ⇒ 24 (TN: 20)

Lady Doji's calm voice echoed his in pace and tone.

"There are many with ambitions, here, of course; they are the seeds of opportunity. And are we not fortunate that the source of much ambition has been revealed to us already? And yet that is only one of several avenues by which a person of ambition could turn their hand."

Ryu inclined his head again, almost like the tiniest of bows. "Indeed, Doji-sama."

His head came back up, eyes narrowing again. "One of several avenues? If you have wisdom" or suggestions "-I would of course be open to it, Doji-sama."

"Oh, certainly the succession will produce a flurry of activity, but consider that Winter Court is a hive of dealings and double-dealings in the best of times. Our enemies have successfully crippled us here for many years, and now, while their focus is on their internal dispute, is our opportunity to uncover their weaknesses. There are some who will reveal much to a friend in their time of need."

In what was perhaps going a little too far, Ryu looked up at that, his eyes meeting his superior's.

"In that case, Doji-sama, allow me to say again, I shall keep both eyes and ears open, to both friends and enemies."

Remembering himself, he lowered his gaze once more, having another sip of tea.


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7k4 Etiquette/awareness TN25 with Lady Doji | 7k4 ⇒ 23 (TN: 25) - rip

Lady Doji did not even twitch at the small faux-pas, but Kakita Irie raised an eyebrow in the distance.

"Excellent, Miyahara-san. I am certain that I can count on you."

Then she rose, slowly. "Unfortunately, the time has come for our interview to come to an end. It has an enlightening experience for me. I hope you will carry the memory of it with you through court, learning as I have learned, and put that learning to good use."

So of course Ryu rose as well.

He bowed, low and respectful. "I am glad to hear that, Doji-sama. And I assure you, I shall do as you say." He straightened. "If there is anything else you wish of me, please do not hesitate to reach out."

With that, and last murmured goodbyes, Ryu would see himself out.