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

[Daidoji Sae]

"Thank you for making the time to meet over diner, Doji-san. And I apologise for not having reached out before this, court has been-"
Another samurai tries to cut in line and Sae fixes him with a stare so murderous he sheepishly apologises and goes to the back of the queue.
"-brisk, yes I have been saying 'brisk'.

But I am sure the performance will be one of its highlights. Would that I had the talent to be up on stage with you. But perhaps it is better for all if I am instead a viewer?"
As the two approach the entrance to the banquet hall Sae sniffs appreciatively at the aromas wafting out.

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"Talent is perhaps two-fifths, two-fifths are practice, and one-fifth is intention." Shinnosuke smiles politely at Sae's modesty. "But it would also be a poor performance with no audience, so I won't drag you onto the stage if that's where you prefer to be, Daidoji-sama."

He steps deftly out of the way of a pair of castle guards exiting the hall, both of them taking up a bit too much space thanks to the businesslike daisho at their waists and the animated gestures accompanying their conversation about some kind of sports competition.

"It has indeed been a lively few days. There's nothing to apologize for--there are a few members of our contingent I still feel I've only barely met."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"One day then I shall be three-fifths an actor, which is nearer a whole than not."
Sae dips her head in response before the two reach the front of the queue, display their chops and are ushered to a low table.
On their way over one samurai hurries past with a riceball in their mouth and 3 more bundled in their arms while three tables over a young samurai seems to be reading and re-reading a scroll on the verge of tears."

"Lively indeed. But the good sort I think, and I am sure the food will be as well. I have something of a weakness for the local cuisine wherever I travel."
She starts looking around for a server, asking over her shoulder."
"So, is this your first imperial winter court?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"It is the first for me, yes," Shinnosuke says, flushing slightly as he settles into his kneeling seat opposite Sae. "It's hard to be blasé about this! Winter Court is a big deal! "Not the last, I hope. I mean to make the most of the opportunity."

He too glances around the room at the busy scene. "And you, Daidoji-sama? Have you been at the Empress's court before? Have you, er, eaten in a lot of places in the Empire?"

[Daidoji Sae]

"It is the first for me, yes," Shinnosuke says, flushing slightly as he settles into his kneeling seat opposite Sae. "It's hard to be blasé about this! Winter Court is a big deal! "Not the last, I hope. I mean to make the most of the opportunity."

He too glances around the room at the busy scene. "And you, Daidoji-sama? Have you been at the Empress's court before? Have you, er, eaten in a lot of places in the Empire?"

Sae spots a server and stares for a full 20 seconds until eye contact is achieved and he starts coming over from half the hall away.
"Hmmm? Oh no, certainly not blasé, certainly not! It's overwhelming in every way, but, it is better to be overwhelmed on a full stomach."

Turning back to face Shinnosuke.
"I have never had the honour, but I have eaten in many places. Some were tastier than others, but all were worth the trip. There's this dish the Scorpion do where they cook the rice in a spicy stew so everything is absorbed, then they bake it nearly black, absolutely delightful...but I can't imagine this is of much interest to an artist like yourself."

Thinking for a moment what might interest Shinnosuke. "Have you selected which play you'll pick for the performance" she leans forward and drops her voice. "I imagine even if it The Life and Times of the Honourable Otomo Tooru he would find offense with it."

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"

Turning back to face Shinnosuke.
"I have never had the honour, but I have eaten in many places. Some were tastier than others, but all were worth the trip. There's this dish the Scorpion do where they cook the rice in a spicy stew so everything is absorbed, then they bake it nearly black, absolutely delightful...but I can't imagine this is of much interest to an artist like yourself."

Thinking for a moment what might interest Shinnosuke. "Have you selected which play you'll pick for the performance" she leans forward and drops her voice. "I imagine even if it The Life and Times of the Honourable Otomo Tooru he would find offense with it."

Shinnosuke chuckles. "I eat as much as anybody, and I should think my appreciation of the art of cooking is not behind my peers." He hesitates slightly. "Rice burned black doesn't sound attractive, but I suppose I'm not picturing it right..."

"Plays about living heroes are in poor taste, anyway," he says, waving off the suggestion of the Chronicles of Tooru, Part I with an arched brow that adds the necessary silent irony to the word heroes. "The weight of history adds a sort of grace to true-life stories, but it takes some years--at least that is what my sensei had to say on the matter, and I tend to agree." He glances over the check on the progress of the approaching server. "I'll have a clearer idea how large a program we can mount once I've heard from a few of the courtiers I expect will be interested. If we have enough for more than one act, we can do an auspicious play--one of the god-and-spirit sort--a comic interlude, and then perhaps a culminating play with some good action. Which plays will work... that depends on the capabilities of the volunteers, somewhat."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"I am sure there is a 'bokken' of plays, something good for training but which can do minimal harm if used clumsily or with too much vigour? I will follow along with great interest."

When the harried looking server arrives Sae gestures that he should take Shinnosuke's order first before adding her own considerable request for food which essentially boiled down to 'one of everything.'

"I had a small picnic earlier today and it has had me looking forward to this ever since. Hopefully it shall live up to my inflated expectations."

"Now." leaning forward. "Did I see you had a dog with you in our quarters? What's their name? Are they a good boy?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"There are certainly plays that are more challenging than others. With no one experienced but Asahina Minase-san and myself, I wouldn't want to try something like Kaimetsu-uo Aboard, for example, even though it's popular. Asahina-san is, er, a little short for Kaimetsu-uo. And that's not a part for a total beginner."

Shinnosuke orders based on what looks appealing on other people's tables nearby, not anticipating being one-upped by Sae to quite this degree. His eyes widen a little, but he quickly returns his expression to good-natured neutral until asked about his animal companion.

"Ah!" He grins. "That is Haku. As far as I'm concerned he is a good boy indeed. Do you like dogs, Daidoji-sama?"

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"A classic! I am sure Asahina-san's personality would carry him through, but your point is well taken."

Sae reaches forward to take a container of water on the table and offers to pour some for her companion before filling her own cup.

"I do indeed, I find that most dogs are good boys or good girls. Sometimes in the Imperial City I think a samurai's truest friend is a dog. Although Haku is a bit smaller than the dogs I would consider I am sure his spirit is mighty indeed. Loyalty, companionship, bravery, I find much to recommend in dogs. If they had the same cleanliness as a samurai it would be a perfect package."

She sits back slightly, eyes searching for any sign of their order for a moment before refocusing.
"Is he trained to assist on stage? Or just a good friend? And how did he come to be in your possession?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

Shinnosuke taps the table in thanks as Sae pours the water.

"Haku is indeed an aristocrat among dogs, at least in his own estimation," he says with a smile. "I can easily picture Daidoji-san preferring a larger sort of dog, but consider portability--Haku is a much less conspicuous houseguest than a boarhound. And easier to bathe," he adds, reflecting on Sae's comment about cleanliness. "But, no, while he has an artistic temperament, he's not a stage actor. My aunt, who gave him to me, said he was bred to be a guardian dog... I've never been sure whether she meant that seriously."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"A samurai's body can often contain a larger spirit, it is no surprise this applies to noble Haru-san."
Sae's eyes look on the waiter desperately trying to carry an overburdened tray towards the two.

"I had not considered his size might be a virtue, but I suppose he can fit into a pack when needed, or ride behind you on a horse. Perhaps he guards you at night while you sleep? Or maybe his bark wards away spirits? I find aunts are usually very wise about these things."

She clasps her hands together as the food nears.
"Ah! You should ask if they have anything fit for your noble hound when we leave, he is a member of our delegation too...but for now, hmmm, where should we start do you think? What looks best?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"I suppose it's even possible his charge is spritual in nature," Shinnosuke muses... then has to lean back out of the way while a large quantity of dishes and bowls are unloaded one by one onto the table. "Aunt O-Asa had him from a friend in the Asahina, and he does look a bit like those guardian lion statues one sees in temples... much smaller, though. He will ride across a saddle pommel, yes. He's very sensible when it means not having to walk far."

When it's safe to lean forward again, he looks over the bounty. "No famine in Lion lands this winter, I see. Though I suppose we wouldn't see less here even if there was. Hmm, do you mind if I try one of these little dumplings?"

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"Well, he has little legs."
Sae gently slides the plate of dumplings across to Shinnosuke as she starts attacking a bowl of noodles.

"Mmmmhm." After finishing enough slurping that it would be polite to add more. "Mmmhm indeed! Simply fabulous, perhaps we should find an excuse to have all the members of the delegation, outside of those with the very highest duties of course, join together for a meal? It could be a good way to build some comradery. I know Ryu-kun of course, and Asahina Hoshiko-san, and I have seen Asahina Minase-san in passing, but have not had much to do with the others. Are there any you know well?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"Asahina Minase-san is the one I know somewhat--we were both educated by the Kakita Artisans. My cousin mentioned some passing acquaintance with one of the other Doji, I think?" Shinnosuke's non-chopstick hand gestures vaguely. He's doing that polished Doji thing of alternating eating at a reasonable rate and also talking without, somehow, making either of them at all awkward. Proprietary secrets of the Kakita Academy and the Doji Courtier School."Mm, this is good, isn't it? A clan meal sounds like a capital idea."

Something else catches his attention, and he casts Sae an inquisitive look. Ryu-kun? "I gathered Daidoji Ryu-san is of House Miyahara, like you... are you quite closely related, then?"

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"Very good!" Sae carefully takes one of the little dumplings and nods with a very pleased look.

"He is my first cousin and someone I have known since they were born, one of the few people I am able to trust implicitly."
Sae by contrast seems to have to put her chopsticks down and pause before speaking to prevent herself from eating away as she talks.

"He is a good man who has grown into a good samurai. His talents and mine diverge which makes him an excellent ally. Should you have any issues that are sensitive I am sure you can call on him. You know, he has quite good taste in the arts, I'm sure you two would get along splendidly? Don't mind the glowers, it is merely his resting face."

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"Resting face, hmm?" Sounds like a phenomenon with which Shinnosuke is familiar from his own domestic life, honestly. Which may hel explain why, for his part, he's taken such care to cultivate a 'resting face' that appears warmly inviting.

"With artists, more things are sensitive than not, I'd say." Shin pauses to eat a bite of pickled daikon... and something clicks. "Oh. But you probably meant the other kind of sensitive, didn't you. I see. Well, I will keep that in mind... but hope to keep my relations with your cousin confined to more elevated topics, all the same," he says with a rakish smile.

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"Indeed?...Oh indeed? I see."
Sae nods and refills Shinnosuke's cup before investigating a vegetable curry which turned out to have a surprising kick.

"Well, I am sure you will have much to discuss. I understand he is currently not spoken for. I understand you are in the same position? Has your family given any thought as to a prospective match?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

"My family is more concerned with my cousin Kinuyo at the moment," Shinnosuke says with matter-of-fact frankness. "She is slightly older than me, a successful officer, and of the main line of House Tanaka. Very eligible." He leans in a little, arching his brows confidingly. "The oldest sister is married already, but she hasn't been blessed by Hujokuko yet, and my lady aunt is quite anxious to have a grandchild."

He chuckles, a little deprecatingly, as he picks up his cup. "I'm sure Aunt O-Teru will turn to me once we've got Kinuyo safely wrapped up in her bridal robes. Perhaps she won't object if I find something suitable sooner, either."

[Daidoji Sae]

Snip

"Oh I see, well I cannot blame your aunt. You know I do have a younger brother who..."
Sae waves the thought away.
"No, I am not going to play amateur matchmaker too, I will pray your cousin finds a properly blessed match whatever that may be, and that you may enjoy your peace before auntie descends upon you."

Between the two of them (although Sae might be doing the heavy lifting) the table was rapidly emptying and the Daidoji had started eyeing up the dessert sweets.

"Doji-san, I don't suppose you have any advice on more, well frankly on more recreational activities about the court? If my duty permits and it may not, I would be very happy to find something 'fun' to do. Appropriately fun of course, at the right time and place."

[Doji Shinnosuke]

Shinnosuke isn't quite sure whether the unnamed younger brother is being suggested for Kinuyo or himself, and anyway Sae drops the suggestion before it reaches the point where he would have to delicately explain that his aunt is actually hoping to secure a cross-Clan match for her second child... so he just raises his glass to Sae and smiles.

"Hmm. Well, that depends on what kinds of pursuits you enjoy, doesn't it, Daidoji-sama? Court is full of entertainments, but one person's pleasure is another person's torment. Or, well, at least boredom. Torment might be too strong for that shogi tournament my father made me watch with him one year." He shrugs with manful stoicism (sort of). "What do you like to do for fun? Riding? Music? Poetry? I wonder if one could take a boat out on the river here...?"