His mother had spoken of the Ikoma Libraries, of course, and Ryusei knew the drill.

So he didn't request access- what would he do with it anyway?

But he felt a need to... simply acknolwedge it with his presence. To pay his respects.

Much could be said of the differences between the Lion and the Phoenix, and Fortunes knew, there were plenty of them, but at the same time...

Any Phoenix who isn't awed by the scope of the work here hardly deserves the mon.

And thus, staying well clear of anything off-limits, Ryusei simply stood and appreciated what the Lion had wrought here.

One Lion was having ups and downs in the library today. For the last few hours he had started to find what he was looking for, but having changed topics he now found himself somewhat adrift on a sea of scrolls.

This particular research topic wasn't going anywhere so he decided it was finally time to take a break and come back to it later. His copious notes were collected up and the scroll case went into his pack.

As he left the restricted area and moved into the public access zone he noted the Phoenix bushi and paused. Part of court was about making new contacts and talking to people, not just pouring over scrolls. After a quick assessment he moved a little closer and offered a polite bow. "Good day Phoenix-san. I hope you are having a pleasant time in Kyuden Ikoma? I am Akodo Kenji of House Kusama."


Roll
D1. MA. Consulting the Ikoma libraries. Looking into the family history of Lord Gorobei. Lore: Heraldry. Sage for skill. | 5k4 ⇒ 14 (TN: 20)

Ryusei returned the bow politely, with a smile.

"It it a pleasure to meet you, Akodo-san. I am Shiba Ryusei, of House Shigi. Thus far, Kyuden Ikoma has proven most welcoming- my mother was born an Ikoma, and thus I had some idea of what to expect, but with that said, the actual scope of this library is... breathtaking. I confess some envy of those who can peruse it more or less at will."

"Ah, so in a sense you are not so far from home. A pleasure to meet you too Shiba-san." He returned the smile and then looked back to view the libraries anew.

"They are quite the marvel, it is true. I expect the Isawa libraries leave one with a similar feeling? But yes, it is a blessing to have all of this at one's disposal."

Looking back at the Phoenix a slight question framed his face. "Were you looking for permission Shiba-san? Unfortunately it is not in my power to grant, but if you would like I could find out who you should speak to?"

"Oh, I would hate to impose. I have no serious research underway, I simply wanted to admire it... and the Lion have already been more than hospitable, after all."

He appeared to mean it.

"I am content with having seen it... although if I find a need to do some deep reading, I may take you up on that generous offer."

"Please do Shiba-san, I am sure your Ikoma ancestors would approve." Kenji nodded and seemed happy enough.

"I should get back to my tasks and prepare for the Gifylt giving ceremony, but perhaps we could meet again soon Shiba-san? We could talk about trade. Play some Go. Discuss the state of the Empire? There is always plenty to keep one busy at Winter Court."

Akodo Kenji wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 08, 2025 5:39 am

"Please do Shiba-san, I am sure your Ikoma ancestors would approve." Kenji nodded and seemed happy enough.

"I should get back to my tasks and prepare for the Gift giving ceremony, but perhaps we could meet again soon Shiba-san? We could talk about trade. Play some Go. Discuss the state of the Empire? There is always plenty to keep one busy at Winter Court."

Ryusei smiled- not a courtly one, but the grin of an enthusiastic 19 year old who has just had one of his hobbies mentioned.

"I would like that a great deal- playing Go against an Akodo is a can't-lose proposition, and is a refined enough pastime to leave room to discuss anything that happens to come to mind."

"Marvellous, I am already looking forward to it Shiba-san! I never leave home without my Go board." Not that he played much during family visits, what with Tetsuo's inability to play a friendly game of anything.

A very pleased smile met the Shiba's enthusiasm and amplified it. Perhaps he had just made a friend. Time would tell!

"Tomorrow then? Or the day after? Why not send me your availability and I can work around that? I expect I can make a few hours available for some Go-based inter-Clan diplomacy." The 19 year old enthusiasm was spreading.

"I think I can find some time in my day tomorrow, Akodo-san- either before Court, or just after, perhaps?"

--
Ryusei is free Mid and Late Morning, Late Afternoon, and Mid-Evening

"Afterwards sounds like an excellent idea Shiba-san! I look forward to it."

He bowed politely. "Please enjoy the rest of your visit. I recommend the East wing for its architecture."

/exit

(OOC: LA is great for me.)