The Crane Heiress moved like a crane through reeds, with purpose yet with grace every step measured as her servants followed in her wake. She had sequestered herself due to a minor illness from the cold but things demanded her attention and she knew that Hantei-obasan would have her finger on the pulse of court.

It was never too late for gossip and politics.

When she arrived at the chambers the servants announced her arrival while she clutched a small parcel.

Kinsen notices the late arrival, and makes sure her niece doesn't want for too long as she gets ready for such an illustrious visit. When she's dressed and water nearly boiled up, she opens the door to her room and welcomes Dojihime. "Doji-san, my dear niece, please, come in. I hope Lady Sun has been treating you well these days."

"This one is humbled by the kind words, Hantei-obasan. Honored Grandmother has blessed this one with her warmth and joy, and prays she provides you the same," she said kindly with a deep respectful bow.

"Oh, she has. I can't even fell all this cold that the snow outside is supposed to make us feel." Kinsen mentions in a happy tone of voice and waves for her niece to sit. "Can I serve you some tea?"

"I would be honored, tea and perhaps some juicy whispers would be pleasant this evening," she said in response taking her place for tea.

"This one also brings a small token of her affection for her dearest aunt."

Kinsen opens a smirk and then looks at the token she offered, that gets outright refuse. "U-un. Doji-san doesn't need to spoil her dear auntie. It is the opposite. Put that away and let's have some nice and calm time together you and I. Oh, and please, no need to address me with formalities. We are considered family."

As she prepares the tea in the fashion her niece's mother once taught her long ago, Kinsen comments, "The ball yesterday was quite enjoyable. I confess I couldn't tell who most people there actually were. I was impressed. Court has brought topics to the attention of the Imperial Consort which I believe are proper, and the Jyio are always on guard. Even more cunning than the foxes they protect. Crab have been open for negotiations, too, which is rather enjoyable."

As she offers the tea and turns it for inspection, she finally mentions, "Genji-kun, too, is around. It would be lovely if you could meet these next days."

--
D3, EN, Tea Ceremony TN 15: 4d10o10k3 27

“Mother would be sullen if I did anything less than perfection in my manners,” she said ruefully.

“Still I seek not to spoil but offer something to show my appreciation and affection. A second mother worthy of the name,” she said, offering the gift once more.

At the mention of Genji she added, “Genji-kun is here, well now that is bright news. So many cousins, so little time, we will have to make sure that he finds himself in the company of proper and acceptable prospects.”

Kinsen waves her hand dismissively to the gift and mentions, "Please, Doji-san, I don't deserve such praise. I may be considered family, yet I am just a wildling that managed to get dear husband's attention. Someone of such noble blood as you have shouldn't be worried in pleasing me. It is the opposite, as mother, and aunt. I can't accept."

Then, she gets back on her seiza and pours tea to herself, "Ah, indeed, Genji. He seems rather aloof. Either dizzied with so many young beautiful maidens, or... well... lost. I try to guide him, but I am unsure if he actually just aims to please, distract or if he actually listens to me."

"He listens and does what he thinks is best, is my guess," she said with a rueful smile.

"Those two things are not always the same."

"You are a dear confidant, and can speak in ways my mother cannot. I cherish that as I hope you cherish this memento," she offered thricely.

"Yes... he does. He's correct, actually. It just happens to frustrate me, since, well, I want the best for him." A sigh and she slowly opens up a grin to bow to Dojihime to accept the token with both her hands, "I am very so honored and fortunate to have a niece so mindful of her dear auntie. Although I still think it is no necessary, I do greatly appreciate the gesture and accept it with much gratitude."

She placed the parcel on the table and gently unwrapped it revealing a dark blue tea cup, the drinking edge tinged golden brown with stripes of blue in the bottom of the cup, that are then dominated by a sunburst. She smiled and added, “This cup was once plain and unadorned but a favorite of my honored grandmother on my father’s side so mother and I took some time to paint it and adorn it. It was a pleasant afternoon of work and father was elated to see it reborn. As you are family I am pleased to pass it on to you, Auntie.”

Kinsen holds the fringe of her hair to dip her head forward and inspect the item with more focus. The colorful pattern of gold that melts into the dark blue does make her golden eyes sparkle with the reflection. Looking up to Dojihime, she thanks once again, "It is lovely, Doji-san. The interlaced patterns of blue and bright yellow does provide a wonderful perspective. Thank you for the gesture."

She smiled and said, "Speaking of Genji-kun, has anyone caught your eye as worthy of our kin? Be it aesthetic or political. Hopefully both."

"Oh," Kinsen grins with with a hint of thrill of the hunt feeling dotting her eyebrows. "I have."

She lets out an inward chuckle as she rearranges thoughts and images to relate her opinions. "Now, it is difficult to find someone to match the beauty and potential of my nieces. Yet, there is the heir of the Makime. I know: a challenge. She seems a rather fine young girl. An improved version of her own mother. The latter being an incredible woman."

Taking another sip of her tea, she also mentions, "The Yoshitsune girl is definitely well-mannered, cultured and honor above question. Her beauty does accompany all that physical form that she has –– unflinchingly. I believe she would be another kind of challenge for Genji-kun."

She would have mentioned a certain Doji she met, but, being experienced, Kinsen kept dessert for last. If needed be. "What about my dear niece. Any potential candidates she thinks would be a match?"

Dojihime smiled and said, “I am quite discerning… I have yet to meet anyone outside this Makime heir, that strikes me as worthy. But, if one should rise to my attentions for ill or for good I shall gladly inform you. It could help if there is anything specific you want in a bride for our dear, dear Genji.”

"I am happy yo have you as a confident ally, dear niece. I would very much like for him to be open to the Yoshitsune girl. At least give a chance for the both of them to try to connect. Yoshitsune-sama, a long time ago, backed me up with his men when I confront Kazuhiro in front of the whole tribe. I wouldn't have done that, and the Noriaki wouldn't have accepted the Kami, if it were not for him."

She takes another sip, "I can't trample his own choosing, though."

"I will make it a point to cross paths with this woman, to gain a better perspective of her," she responded.

"What are her qualities, good and bad?"

The Stag Queen bows thankfully to the Crane. "I only saw qualities, so far. Which actually does disturb me as I am aware I don't actually now much about her. She's, well, impressive. Physically. Too many curves, and all in the right places. She's quite educated, shy to a certain point."

The Stag taps her chin to remember more, but shrugs, "Sounds actually like a perfect bride. She is though, not of a distinguished blood."

“So of diluted and untested pedigree. We need to know more about her before we stand by and allow nature to take its course. Does not seem we gain any advantage politically, but it could be a noble gesture if they were to bond in a more intimate way and be a symbol of future alliance between the Crab and Stag, and by association the Crane,” she offered.

“How does she get along with Genji-kun?”

"I am unsure if that is the case, or if she just hasn't being well recognized by the Crab. In any case, Genji has met her briefly after the party proper. No major reactions in him, though."