Liang returned the nod Shiori gave him as he sat down next to her.  He hadn't initiated the nod, having seemingly been unable to make eye contact as he'd approached, but she had, of course, seen him.  Based on her expression, she'd been uninterested in conversation as they waited, and Liang had had no desire to risk her wrath.<br/><br/>Instead he turned his head to look toward Maseko and Kotone as they approached the fire, walking hand in hand.  Due to his sitting position, he had to look upward as they walked over, resulting in his glance first passing over the erect nipples straining against Maseko's vest.  He soon caught himself and looked over to Kotone, nodding a bit too eagerly.  He mused for a moment on the closeness between the two women, seemingly having nothing in common save for their devotion to the kami.  Was that common obligation so strong as to override so many seeming incompatibilities?  Or was it that those differences drew them together?<br/><br/>He waited until Maseko sat down before glancing back over to her and nodding.  He found himself wanting to say something to her, as he was still feeling the effect of her earlier display, but he could not think of a way to express that without admitting the other effects of her earlier display, which would definitely be inappropriate.  Eventually, he settled on what to say.  He spoke deliberately.<strong>"Your display...of devotion a moment earlier was unlike anything I have seen."</strong><br/><br/>Thus, the ceremony began for Liang on a note of uncomfortable energy.  He'd already 'washed' prior to Maseko and Kotone arriving, leaving him to wait silently as they did so.  Remaining quiet was a trained skill, and one that Liang did possess, though never one he cared to employ.  He waited as Keitaro finished preparations, keeping still and silent, but otherwise not exuding the dignified calm that the ceremony called for.  He took in the eventual scent of the brewing tea, occasionally glancing to Keitaro for some indication as to how much longer it would take.<br/><br/>When Keitaro held the bowl up, there was a brief pang of panic, as Liang suddenly found himself wondering if there was something special he was meant to do or say here.  A prayer, perhaps?  Fortunately, the moment soon passed, and Liang went back to waiting, a bit less compelled to fidgeting, as Maseko and then Kotone took their turns with the bowl.  Liang then followed suit, relaxing finally as he lowered the bowl back away from his mouth without having spilled any.  Slouching slightly, he passed the bowl to Shiori.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Sincerity</div><div class="spoiler_body">At 2015-12-19 18:36:10, kckolbe (uid: 6919) rolls: 4d10k3o10 Result: 24 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=83329)</div></div>