[Day 6, Late Afternoon] Once More

[Kakita Sugita]

"Those poor, tortured souls."

[Kaiu Seiko]

Serve on an outpost in gaijin lands, or serve on the Wall? Serving on the Wall is honorable. But it can corrupt you. Serving the Empire is honorable, so if the Empress orders me to serve on the Wall or at a gaijin outpost... and gaijin influence can corrupt you.

Seiko continued to ponder.

"The wall... or a gaijin outpost..." she mused out-loud. "Not sure which is worse."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

Itsuho sat up a little, musing. "Both have their dangers, both serve to protect the Empire. I... would think the wall still, since that is still in Rokugan at least, and you are surrounded by many samurai. And yet... both are honorable in service of the realm." She shrugs softly. "I'd still be wary about being stationed in this embassy full time."

[Kakita Sugita]

Complete 180 in conversation. This topic is making Sugita antsy. "... Yeah. So. I went drinking with Isawa-gunso, and Fuichi-san was there. They were both drunk, and guess what happened?"

[Kaiu Seiko]

Seiko didn't might the change in conversation. Again.

"With both of them drunk, I can only imagine. Horrible singing?" she asked.

Like yesterday?

Shut up.

[Kakita Sugita]

"Oh no! They embraced in a fit of desire and kissed passionately for the world to see! ... OK, so maybe it was more comedic than anything. I sure laughed!" And he does now too.

[Kaiu Seiko]

Seiko's jaw dropped for a moment at the scandal, then became a great big grin.

"Are you sure? Was anyone else there? What happened exactly?"

Ah, sweet, sweet gossip...

[Kakita Sugita]

"Oh, I'm sure. I was drinkin' with em an arm's length away. Ya can ask that Agasha... um... Agasha. Ku. Ku... Kufuan. Or whatever the hell his name is. He nearly fainted! Especially when I mentioned I was jealous I didn't have my own Phoenix man-meat! Heh!"

[Kaiu Seiko]

Not knowing who this Agasha was, as having never actually met Qian-Fan yet, Seiko could only grin, although her mind focused around his last comment.

"I was jealous I didn't have my own Phoenix man-meat!"

Crab meat is sweeter, you know.

Shut. Up!

Especially when it is not "man" but...

Seiko mentally groaned, although on the outside she kept on smiling.

[Kakita Sugita]

"I had had a drink too many, so I found it hilarious. Especially since Isawa-gunso had just finished telling me he tries for Moshi-gunso all the time."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Am I the only one hearing the good stuff? Either of you got anything juicy?"

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

Itsuho had gotten quite relaxed while the two talked about the incident with the Gunso. She looked up with an apologetic smile. "Rumors? I wish I had... any news would be interesting at this point. The ship has been so quiet and listless since we got to port."

[Kaiu Seiko]

I know a juicy one, Kakita-san. It involves two people out in the storm yesterday...

But Seiko wisely didn't mention that.

"Gomen, Kakita-san. I usually stay on-board and try to keep to myself." She looked at Itsuho. "Like Mirumoto-san said, things on the ship have been quiet and listless ever since we got to port."

[Kakita Sugita]

Disappointed frown. "That's no fun at all. I might have to stir up some talk myself to keep me occupied!"

[Kaiu Seiko]

Seiko couldn't resist a small smile.

"It seems you can come up with other things to keep you occupied than gossip, Kakita-san."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

Itsuho gives a small smirk. "Perhaps write a poem for Moshi-Gunso and read it to her in front of the assembled crew. I think that could cause quite the stir..."

[Kakita Sugita]

Seiko had made Sugita grin, but when the Mirumoto speaks Sugita's smile grows bigger and BIGGER. "You, Mirumoto-san. Are. Brilliant. You do, of course, realize that I am a terrible poet?"

[Kaiu Seiko]

When Itsuho gave her suggestion, Seiko could only stare at the Dragon in shock.

"Mirumoto-san!"

Then she looked at Sugita and gave a small groan.

"Kami... this is going to be bad!"

But it would be funny. The thought made Seiko laugh a little.

[Kakita Sugita]

"Damn right it is! I won't have you thinking any less of me!" If that even makes sense.

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

"I'm not sure the quality of your poetry will matter in the least Sugita-san. I look forward to the results regardless." She smiles softly. "Besides, I think Moshi-Gunso could USE a poem."