(D2, ME) Winner, winner....

[Soshi Eiji]

While the court might be sustained by gossip and intrigue, the actual attendees of court needed to be sustaned with actual food. The kitchens were certainly putting on their best servce at such a prestigous court. Every day might not be a literal feast, but no one certanly went hungry.

Grabbing his own serving of stir fry and tea, Eiji found a space in the busy place to enjoy his own food, leavng the possibility of company open.

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru is content with a simple meal of pickled vegetables, dried fish and rice. He looks around, spotting an open spot and a masked individual sitting there.

"Is this seat available?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Hikaru is content with a simple meal of pickled vegetables, dried fish and rice. He looks around, spotting an open spot and a masked individual sitting there.

"Is this seat available?"

Eiji looked up at the one addressing him. He did do a quick scan to see if the Crane was planniing on dragging the seat over to a table of Crane to preen together with. Failng to locate such , he offered a polite bow.

"Few are this time of day. You are welcome to the spot. This one is Soshi-ke no kashin Miura Eiji." he offered politely.

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru nods. "It truly is packed. I didn't know what to expect when I came here, but it truly is bustling" Hikaru takes the cue and offers a bow. "This one is Doji-ke no kanshin Ikehara Hikaru. It is a pleasure to make your aquantaince" Without further delay, he takes the chance to slide into the seat. "How does this court find you?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Hikaru nods. "It truly is packed. I didn't know what to expect when I came here, but it truly is bustling" Hikaru takes the cue and offers a bow. "This one is Doji-ke no kanshin Ikehara Hikaru. It is a pleasure to make your aquantaince" Without further delay, he takes the chance to slide into the seat. "How does this court find you?"

"Surrounded by talent and awash in possibilities." he muses, taking a sip of tea. "There is truly something special about the early days of court, wouldn't you agree Doji-san? Everyone taking the time to meet people from across the Empire, each with their own goals. Trying to figure out which parties to attend, who would be a good negotiation partner, who they should send their romantic letter to. There is a freshness to it that you do not feel at the end of the court whenever everyone's heard a particular bit of gossip the third time and they're just wating for the roads to clear enough to get them away from these walls."

He took a bit of rice with his chopsticks.

"And what of yourself, Doji-san? " he asked. "Are there any possibilties this season you are particularly excited about?"

[Doji Hikaru]

"Well, I hear there is going to be a play. That seems to be a fun diversion" Hikaru inclines his head. "But as the second son, it really will be a time to look see what opportunities could lie in the future. I would never have the chance to meet so many otherwise."

[Soshi Eiji]

"Well, I hear there is going to be a play. That seems to be a fun diversion" Hikaru inclines his head. "But as the second son, it really will be a time to look see what opportunities could lie in the future. I would never have the chance to meet so many otherwise."

Eiji nodded.

"That was an interesting little discussion in court. It was quite something to see so may rally to an idea opposed by the Otomo daimyo, and for none to rally to his side. Though I don't blame those who did not speak up. A difficult battle to choose a side for, risk the wrath of the Otomo daimyo or be viewed by the court as someone actively stifling entertainment." he mused.

He looked consideringly at the Doji talked about his future as a second son.

"Quite a few opportunities indeed. While this is no miai, there are plenty of talented samurai here who are yet unmarried, as well as a host of other possible marriage partners each delegation has been alerted about."

He took up one of his veggies.

"While no one can promise true love, one does wish to consider the match itself beyond the purpose it is arranged for. Is there something specific Doji-san is looking for?" he asked, curious to explore if the Doji had any interested at all in a Scorpion spouse.

[Doji Hikaru]

"That was indeed a sight" Hikaru can't resist a swell of pride. The next words he chooses with care. "It was quite interesting to see such energy spent on such an innocuous motion. I do wonder if any motion from the Crane would let detractors to speak up and loose their arrow early.


Hikaru thinks on it. "Obviously if my family has a favorable match and it is my duty to do so, I would accept. But if I am choosing...well, being interesting seems compelling but beyond that a hunger" at the word he puts some fish to his lips "for life" he finishes before taking a bite and swallowing.

[Soshi Eiji]

"That was indeed a sight" Hikaru can't resist a swell of pride. The next words he chooses with care. "It was quite interesting to see such energy spent on such an innocuous motion. I do wonder if any motion from the Crane would let detractors to speak up and loose their arrow early.


Hikaru thinks on it. "Obviously if my family has a favorable match and it is my duty to do so, I would accept. But if I am choosing...well, being interesting seems compelling but beyond that a hunger" at the word he puts some fish to his lips "for life" he finishes before taking a bite and swallowing.

It was a surprisingly reasonable position. It was good that he had some sense of what he wanted while respecting the necessity of the affair and not having a laundry list of demands. He seemed at least open to the possibility.

"That seems worth exploring in negotations, Doji-san. Yogo-ke no kashin Minami Yoshie comes to mind immediately, but as a shugenja her family would probably prefer another shugenja. Shosuro-ke no kashin Takemitsu Toru is certainly active in Ryoko Owari society, though his lifestyle might not be the best match for you. Ah, perhaps Shosuro-ke no kashin Maeda Bibari, a gunso with innumberable good qualites...." he listed off.

They weren't the Scorpion's only choices, but they seemed like a good trio to explore the Doji's thoughts on his future partner, and this wasn't the only Crane in need of a partner.

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru raises an eyebrow slightly. Now in retrospect he could see why the conversation had been steered this way but...

"My, that is quite the list. I did not know that there were so many eligable candidates available." He bobs his head slightly, indicating thought. "You are not concerned with the possibility of Imperial Sanction?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Hikaru raises an eyebrow slightly. Now in retrospect he could see why the conversation had been steered this way but...

"My, that is quite the list. I did not know that there were so many eligable candidates available." He bobs his head slightly, indicating thought. "You are not concerned with the possibility of Imperial Sanction?"

Eiji considered the question over a bit of vegetable.

"One cannot directly defy the wishes of the Throne, of course. If the Divine Empress, in her wisdom, demands that the Crane should all shave their heads and become monks, the Scorpion will provide the razors." he assured the Doji. "And should her successor declare that no noble house is complete without marriage to a Crane, we'll provide the wigs."

A small shrug.

"In uncertain times, one must be ready to consider all the possibilities, I'm sure Doji-san would agree."

Though the thought of Bald Hikaru did amuse the Scorpion at least a little bit.

[Doji Hikaru]

"Hair grows back. Throats don't." It's a fairly blunt statement. "Which is all the more reason to hope for a friendly sucessor." Hikaru takes a bite of ice. "Have you considered who you'd wish for that to be?" The phrasing is just a bit too innocuous, speaking of who would rule the Empire as if one debated their favorite tea.

[Soshi Eiji]

"Hair grows back. Throats don't." It's a fairly blunt statement. "Which is all the more reason to hope for a friendly sucessor." Hikaru takes a bite of ice. "Have you considered who you'd wish for that to be?" The phrasing is just a bit too innocuous, speaking of who would rule the Empire as if one debated their favorite tea.

It was the Crane's turn to get a flat look from the Scorpion.

"Our champion made it abundantly clear to the delegation on the first day that that decision belongs to the Divine Empress and the Divine Empress alone. Surely, Doji-san understands that discussing such, even in the theoretical in a crowded banquet hall....ESPECIALLY in a crowded banquet hall where a half heard conversaton can grow into a monsterous rumor...would be a very unwise decision for me, should I wish to stay on my champion's good side." Eiji offered, his voice certainly more tense than it was before.

Did he really need to spell out where those on her bad side went?

He shook his head.

"I support my champion, and I support whomever the Divine Empress chooses in her Divine Wisdom." he said, fighting the urge to roar that to the hall.

He set down his chopsticks and gave the Crane a very serious look, there was no mirth on this matter.

"I would like to be able to report that the same is true for Doji-san as an honorable samurai." he said, studying the man.

[Doji Hikaru]

"Of course, I would never dispute the will of the Heavens. One does not dispute the winds of fortune when they wish for them to steer you to safe harbor, nor to be prepared if they do not blow your way."

Come on, he wasn't that dumb, was he?

"I do find Doji Noriko to be an excellent samurai, a model for others to aspire to. I am aware that many others at Court are similar exemplars, if of different qualities"

[Soshi Eiji]

"Of course, I would never dispute the will of the Heavens. One does not dispute the winds of fortune when they wish for them to steer you to safe harbor, nor to be prepared if they do not blow your way."

Come on, he wasn't that dumb, was he?

"I do find Doji Noriko to be an excellent samurai, a model for others to aspire to. I am aware that many others at Court are similar exemplars, if of different qualities"

The Crane's response was acceptible, letting Eiji relax a little bit. Discussing what they thought of the candidates was completely fine.

"Ah I see. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Doji-sama, of those under consideration, I have only met Otomo Gorobei. He is...."

Dumb. A tiny man who thinks himself a giant.

Eiji took a sip of his tea.

"...a man of surprising connections. He seems to be very interested in the Phoenix delegation, and he could not say enough good things about Kasuga-sama." he concluded.

[Doji Hikaru]

"Ahh, the Tortoise delegate? I have heard good things. I know the Mantis have the reputation as traders but I can appreciate those who make a living on the seas."

Hikaru pauses. "That has been a good chunk of my time as well. My marriage would likely be used to seal a deal, so brokering has been an...interesting affair."

[Soshi Eiji]

"Ahh, the Tortoise delegate? I have heard good things. I know the Mantis have the reputation as traders but I can appreciate those who make a living on the seas."

Hikaru pauses. "That has been a good chunk of my time as well. My marriage would likely be used to seal a deal, so brokering has been an...interesting affair."

"Well, on the topc of marriage, as someone recently married, all I can say is that the majority of marriages turn out at least fine. Some very good, some very bad, but most are fine. It's not a very good omen if the people wed to signfiy the signing of the pact try to tear each other apart....well at least in the sense that one would talk about openly."

Eiji looked thoughtful.

"Ah, if you do end up marrying into or from the Scorpion, might I suggest a gift of silver? Apparently it's all the rage in Ryoko Owari Toshi and the jewellers are struggling to keep up with demand." he suggested.

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru offers a smile. "Family does a lot for each other. Especially when one is generous"

[Soshi Eiji]

Hikaru offers a smile. "Family does a lot for each other. Especially when one is generous"

Eiji nods.

"Generousity does tend to highlight one's devotion to Compassion, it is true. It's certainly a more pleasant way to view this time of negotiiations." he agreed, taking a sip of his tea.

[Doji Hikaru]

"I hope we can come to an amicable family relationship the Soshi-san" Hikaru bows