(expecing Mariko and possibly a Crab)

As Sayomi had the honor of technically hosting the Matchmaker, she took the liberty of preparing the tea from her home province. Sure, it probably wouldn't impress a lady of the Otomo's standing, but she hoped it would at least be a quaint diversion from the hoity-toity stuff.

Alongside the tea were toasted rice cakes (still warm) and a selection of wagashi.

Mariko arrives in good order.

"Kitsu-san," she says, "I trust you've had your rice today. Young women need to keep up their strength, after all."

Yasuki Ryoichi arrived soon after, wearing a navy blue kimono printed with floral patterns.

"Good morning, minna-sama, and good to see you both again," the Yasuki said with a polite bow. "Thank you for this invitation."

"Yasuki-san," Mariko says, giving another shallow bow--she had bowed to acknowledge Sayomi, of course, that being part of "good order"--and seating herself.

"What a pleasure to see you again!"

It will be noted that her eyes are somewhat reddened.

"What a pleasure it is to see you both again. Inari-no-kami has already blessed me this day, but I prepared some refreshments that will keep us warm on this chilly day." Sayomi smiled and bowed to both of them.

"I am very fortunate that you were both able to join me today. Last night's Noh performance was spectacular, wasn't it?"

"It was something," Mariko says, a tight smile on her lips. "I did have the pleasure of an encounter with one of the actors after. Charming young man, and most persistent in searching out a woman's secrets."

"I had not realized you had such a fondness for actors, Otomo-sama," the Yasuki said dryly. "I trust the encounter turned out, ahhh, to your satisfaction?"

Oh.

Oooh!

Did the old lady have a gentleman visitor, and Ryoichi was stating it so plainly?!

Sayomi busied herself with pouring tea, staying very focused on the teacups. Very focused indeed.

"The dinner...sufficed," Mariko says. "There was no dessert. A young woman has to maintain her figure, after all."

She shrugs.

"I've often found actors to be good talkers. They'd have to be, of course. But as to how any of them fare without props and makeup, I could hardly say."

The Yasuki's nose wrinkled, as if perhaps the choice of tea was not to his liking.

"Surely, someone who has put in so many years of loyal service to the Empire deserves an occasional dessert," Ryoichi suggested archly. "As a treat."

-
8LM Can't Lie, raw Willpower +Void Point TN20 | 4k4 ⇒ 19 (TN: 20) fails

"A young woman, with a good and dutiful husband, gets as much dessert at home as she cares to get," Mariko replies. "I'm sure Yasuki-san will understand in time."

Mariko turns to Sayomi. "Kitsu-san, as well, I think," she adds.

And her expression brightens suddenly. "Am I reviewing arrangements for your nuptials? It would be a joyous duty."

"Oh~~! Um," Ryoichi said with uncharacteristic awkwardness, and darting a glance at Sayomi.

He had written Sayomi before court.... gone to the fortune teller with her... gone to Ryoko Owari with her.... seen a play together.... were they a couple and Ryoichi just hadn't realized it until now?!

"Um. I think Kitsu-san will explain," he said weakly. The Yasuki blushed furiously.

"Oh," that was awkward, but it was a more awkward misunderstanding than what she had just overheard!

"I think there might be a miscommunication from my behalf. I invited both Otomo-sama and Yasuki-sama to help with determine what would be good marriages between our two clans. It would be a good outcome if we could have one pair marry into the Lion, and one marry into the Crab."

At that, she shuffled some papers she had brought with her, and withdrew a list of potential candidates the Lion could offer.

"So neither of you are on those lists, then?" Mariko asks, awaiting the papers. "A shame. You would make quite the fetching couple."

"Ah well," now she was a little embarrassed, but remained humble, "I am but, I there are others who are more of a catch than I am."

The papers were passed to Mariko. (just a compiled list of the NPCs and PCs available)

"We understand that the Crab are looking for a match for their Champion's brother," a respectful nod to Ryoichi, "and we would like a good match for either our general Akodo or perhaps our young Lady Matsu..."

"Nonsense, Kitsu-san," Mariko replies. "Anyone would be lucky to have you as a spouse!

"But for Yasuki-san," she continues, "have there been any changes since last time we talked? I remember you had quite a comprehensive list, as well."

"To be honest, my name is on the Crab list of possible candidates," Ryoichi was forced to admit, producing another scroll with a number of Crab names on it. "There are some minor changes; we have found possible matches for Yasuki Chieko and Yasuki Miki. The Champion's brother does remain on our list, though."

"Kitsu-san's name is on the Lion list as well? That's ... that's very interesting. Um. Any man would be fortunate to have such an honorable samurai as bride." The Yasuki looked very embarrassed.

Mariko lifts a hand to cover her mouth.

"Um! Perhaps we should sort out the arrangements for the Crab Champion's brother, before we discuss matches for less important persons," Ryoichi said, in a clearly desperate attempt to salvage this conversation. "May I ask if the Imperial Matchmaker has a suggestion from the Lion list to match with Hida Shukichi-sama?"

"On first glance at the list," Mariko says, "Ikoma-ke no kashin Sugawara Michisumi suggests herself. But there is more to things than the list."

Her regard turns again to Sayomi.

"Kitsu-san, if you could say more about the candidate, her position and House, her training, and the circumstances of her injuries, it would be welcome."

(Also, Ryoichi, if you'd be so good as to link your list in the present thread, it'd be appreciated! Saves me hunting. -GM Fuku)