[Day 2, ME - Expecting] All The World's a Banquet Hall, and all the men and women merely eaters

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"A boat?...Hmm now that is a simple yet excellent suggestion. I have enjoyed the river from land but on a day when the weather is clear and not too cold, some boating could be very nice indeed."

Sae graciously pauses her consumption to give Shinnosuke a chance to finish off anything before they move onto dessert, although she does keep glancing back at the sweets.

"I shall have to inquire about that. As for my own enjoyment, I fear my tastes are woefully unsophisticated. But riding, traveling through nature, good food, even a diverting scroll give my mind time to relax. Perhaps I could read on a boat, with some food..."
How delightfully devilish.

"It is just a matter of timing I suppose."

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"Outdoor diversions require the right weather," Shinnosuke agrees, finishing one last bite of tempura and then setting his chopsticks aside (at least temporarily) with a subtle flourish that communicates Go for it.

"But the winter seems very mild here. Almost not like winter at all, compared to home," he admits with a touch of bemusement. "As for reading, one hears so much about the Ikoma library. I wonder if they let outsiders in for a look? Just to say one had seen it. I suppose some of it might be private--wherever they do their secret research on the Imperial genealogy and so on."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

Sae bows her head and then slowly and deliberately slides the tray of sweets between them before carefully selecting one.

"Very mild indeed, I suppose I should not be complaining. There will be many beyond the castle glad of the mildness. Ah, but the Ikoma Library, we would need to ask for permission. I have imagined it though, the stories-"
pause
"-the commentaries! Hundreds of years of this and that, I could trace my line back to the very foundation of the empire."

She clears her throat, focusing back on her companion. "Ah, but that must sound very boring. If you were granted access, what is it you would see?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"Oh, not at all, we're all freshly aware that genealogy can be very exciting and, er, relevant, at the moment," Shinnosuke demurs. Although he wouldn't choose it as a form of recreation himself, all else being equal. "For me, though... hmm. Histories of the legendary age of the Kami, forgotten poems by great heroes and geniuses--those all seem like things the Ikoma would keep in their treasure house of paper." He smiles a bit dreamily. "If they let one in to look, of course. But perhaps they'll warm up to us!"

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"All the more reason for our two clans to find a way forward, hmmm?"
The desserts were disappearing at an alarming rate.

"I am sure once we come to an honourable understanding our requests would be considered appropriately. It could be a fine occasion to mark any accord. And if not...well I suppose our imaginations will have to suffice."

As they would for anyone trying to work out what had caused the banquet of empty plates and bowls on the table.

"Hmmm, it seems as though everyone will be returning to their duties soon."

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"We are mostly terribly charming. I'll bet Lord Ikoma will be fond of us by the end of the season," Shinnosuke agrees, unaware that before the next sunset he's about to personally severely annoy the entire Ikoma family.

"Lion efficiency at work. Very impressive." Shin raises his eyebrows, looking around at the Ikoma samurai evacuating the dining hall in military order.

As he scoops up one last sweet glutinous rice ball, he considers making a remark about how his mother used to lecture the children about not eating too fast, even a soldier should savor Inari's fruits with proper reverence... but it's possible Sae might take that the wrong way, as aimed at her rather than the Lion hordes. Even though he certainly couldn't accuse her of lacking proper reverence for the food.

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

Although the two parties had consumed approximately the same amount.

"With so many guests in the castle this year we are fortunate to all be accommodated, although it does take some of the enjoyment out of a casual meal."
The Daidoji secrets some sweets up one sleeve as she stands.

"This was very pleasant, and I thank you for your time. Should I take a boat out, I will think of you. And should an opportunity to enter the libraries present itself, let us make the most of it. Until then?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

Shinnosuke stands, shaking the lines of his robes into order with a graceful flick of his hand. "Thank you for the pleasure of this shared meal, Daidoji-sama. Until next time." He smiles sincerely as he returns Sae's bow--deeper than hers, of course, as is proper given the difference in their ranks.