[D4, LA] Benikage - Gently pluck the spider web

[Miya Nishida]

"No" he shook his Head in the Dark. "The most impressive thing I saw were the domes on Kachi. There is something strange about being in a dome, standing next to a tree, and outside is the cold expanse of space." he explained, before another waiter moved up to the table,

"The Main course is: The Daemon and the Seductress" The waiters put the two quite large plates and in the shadows you could see two curious shapes that actually reminded of a woman and a monster. What it was, one still had to find out

[Susumu Sumiko]

"That sounds incredible. I've heard about Kachi, but never been. It sounds so cut off from the universe, so for the Lion to create something there is impressive. I can't imagine it was very big though?"

The next meal arrived, and Sumiko tried to study it as best she could.

"Hmm...so one sweet one sour do you think? They're shaped really well."

[Miya Nishida]

"It was big and confining at the same time" he returned as the dishes were placed on the table, "It's a little strange traveling from dome to dome, always seeing different landscapes, but at the same time being so,... confined?"

He took a small piece of the seductress and ate it. "Spicy... and sweet at the same time,... interesting." he commented

"The mystery begins again" he said with amusement, "They've done a wonderful job with the shapes, though.... at least what you can see in the twilight".

[Susumu Sumiko]

"Almost like you're travelling through films being played around you? I don't expect I'll ever visit it myself, so to hear your account of Kachi is really interesting to me."

Rather than cut into the food, Sumiko ran her knife around each of the shapes to get an idea of what the actual shape it, as well as some idea of the strength of the dish.

"Hmm...hai, the shapes are well done. They're firm enough to not move without slicing into the food, but not so strong that you would mix it up with meat. Both actually have a point on the head where you can tell its the person or creatures mouth. These are incredibly detailed and made for people in the dark. Almost seems a waste, I'd love to see them in the light."

[Miya Nishida]

"I think that's part of it, the slight frustration of wanting to look at art in the light. But I don't think you're doing the cooks any good by just staring at their food" he said amusedly and took another piece, "The Benikage certainly has some talented servants here".

[Susumu Sumiko]

"Ah...you are correct."

Sumiko looked a little embarrassed, not that Nishida could see it.

"I get lost in thoughts sometimes. Hai, I should enjoy the food while it's fresh rather after a train of thoughts that could take some time to digest."

She picked up her chopsticks, using them to break some of the food apart and start sampling it.

"Hm...sweet for the seductress and a hint of sour for the daemon? That would be intentional, but there is certainly more of a kick to the daemon than the seductress, likely as a hint towards one that is more tempting. I kind of like the sour more though."

[Miya Nishida]

"It is truly a philsoophic game" he said, taking another piece of the demon. Cheerfully he asked a question: "If the food is personal, I ask: which one of us is the demon and which one is the seductress?

[Susumu Sumiko]

"Hmm..."

Sumiko frowned thoughtfully.

"Were I to assume it was created with the bias usually held towards my kind, I would have said both were the same person and the symbolism was more of a warning to the one it isn't referring to. I don't believe that to be the intent though, but at the same time I wouldn't believe Miya-sama to be either the demon or the seductress."

[Miya Nishida]

Nishida laughed, "You are too kind, Susumu-san" For a moment he had a little flashback to his past and the multitude of deals he had made, mostly not in favor of those who dealt with him. "Maybe we need to broaden our view a little? In the Winter Courts, everyone is currying favor with the Imperials, who in return are vehemently resisting any approach. Perhaps this is the simbolism that is being pursued?"

[Susumu Sumiko]

"That does seem more likely, symbolism to the situation rather than the specific people. It may offend someone to refer to them as a demon or seductress after all."

Sumiko took another bite out of the food, chewing slowly as she thought a bit more, and spoke once she had finished her small mouthful.

"Would that make the Imperials in this case then the demon resisting the seductress, or the seductress being the one tempting the demon with favours?"

[Miya Nishida]

"This winter court? Definitely the demon," he replied to the ambiguity that resonated in the room, "So many have goals and desires and so many want to prevent the goals of others with their desires. So it is of the greatest interest to remain firm about this."

[Susumu Sumiko]

"That sounds quite accurate actually. Everyone would want to do deals with the prestigious Imperial Families as well, so expect a busy winter hai?" Sumiko chuckled "I have no lofty goals though, so you're safe here at least."

[Miya Nishida]

He smiled in the darkness, "I find that quite charming."

The servants were already in full swing again to bring the dessert, "Are the honorable Samurai satiated so far?" asked a voice in the shadows