[hr][hr][h1][center][color=8493ca]I S H I Y A   R Y U T A R O[/color][/center][/h1][hr][hr]
The reception dinner was a restrained affair compared to the outpouring of general merriment that could be found outside. The delegation of Karitu's high nobility had booked out the upper floors of a well appointed inn overlooking the plaza that lead to the Ruby Palace. Important members from two dozen clans, including several Tochihai and the Seshkyo's own brother, rubbed shoulders with their Folk counterparts from the Imperial Capital. 

The finest and oldest families of Karitu were all represented here, and representing the Ishiya, was the venerable clan's young heir apparent, Ryutaro. As he picked at his food and listened to the droning murmur of polite conversation, the slight youth's crimson eyes could not help but be drawn toward the open balcony doors, and the festival beyond them. 

Outside there was a world of mirth and excitement, it was his first time in the capital unaccompanied, and he longed to explore it. But he was not here for his own longings and desires. He was here to reaffirm the bonds and alliances the Ishiya had with the nobility of Bianwei, and to offer tribute and submission to the Emperor. But that would come later, first, there would be plenty of 'mingling'. 

He almost sighed at that, it was not one of his favourite activities.

While lost in his own thoughts there was a lull in the conversation. Ryutaro tore his eyes away from the fireworks in the night sky to the portly Folk nobleman seated to his right. Lord something of Domain such-and-such. He had been talking at such length about agricultural exports Ryu had almost forgotten that he had been included in this particular conversation. Did they expect him to say something? Had he been asked a question?

[color=8493ca]"My apologies, I did not quite catch what you were saying, my lord."[/color] 

"As the designated heir of the Ishiya, surely you could put this mat-"

[color=8493ca]"Heir apparent, my lord."[/color] He quickly interrupted with an apologetic smile. [color=8493ca]"My grandfather is yet to formally designate his successor. But rest assured, no matter whom succeeds him, the Ishiya clan shall treasure the continued friendship of your family."[/color]

The portly lord harrumphed and stroked his beard before launching back into another long monologue about rice tariffs to anyone around him who would listen. Once he deemed he was safe from being drawn into another discussion, Ryu allowed his eyes to drift to the balcony once more.

"Are you watching the fireworks?"

The voice this time came from his left, on that side he had been seated next to a Honfokun girl of a similar age to him. He didn't know here particularly well, though he was reasonably sure that she was some cousin of the Nakamuras who lived in the capital. A decent match potentially, Ryu was sure he saw his grandfather's hand in this. 

[color=8493ca]"Oh errm- yes, they are... very pretty."[/color] He tried not to stumble on his words, but they still came out awkwardly. He had to get a hold of himself. Now was not the time to make a fool of himself in front of all of Cimanu and Bianwei.

"I was watching them too." She smiled at him, he supposed she was pretty too. "Perhaps you could accompany onto the balcony? We could watch them together, before the Emperor makes his speech."

[color=8493ca]"...I would be delighted to."[/color] 

He rose from the table in the graceful motion and extended one hand for her to do the same, before he lead her out onto the balcony.

He had found himself a date. With a girl. Great.