[Day 1, Later Afternoon] By the Heavens! (Open)

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

The woman gave a small nod, setting down her cup of water back onto the table. "Hai, that is understandable. The life at sea, especially one of war, seems an extreme of how a man can live and work. Few other instances in life involve such a small restricted area out of necessity, accompanied by such change and danger at the same time."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"I am having difficulty coming to terms with being involved in killing, being responsible for killing. My vows were very clear, and it is...difficult to know that I must set them aside."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

The woman gave a solemn nod. "The Dragon have ever been a clan that has avoided war as necessary. Certainly, we have not had a long history of intra-clan conflict, hai? And yet... this war is different Daidoji-sama. The threat to the Empire is not one that any can over look. As regrettable as it may be, it is entirely necessary that violence occur, that we fight, for the good of the Empire."

She paused a moment, her tone softening. "I pray to the Fortune's that such necessity does some part to soothing your difficulties."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

He inclines his head. "It does not. There are other ways I might have served, Mirumoto-san. That said, I am here now, and no amount of complaining will change that."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

She gives a small nod. "Hai, that is so. We all must do what we can with what we are given. I will pray to the Fortune's tonight that things will go peacefully for us, Daidoji-sama."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"As shall I. Your understanding is a great comfort, Mirumoto-san, thank you."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

"Few in life wish violence, but sometimes it seems that many are quite willing to embrace it when they feel it their right. Shinsei called for the Thunders to fight only when there was no other choice. That should ever be our way."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi smiled sadly. "I think that you shouldn't let our Lion and Unicorn crewmembers hear you say that. I have learned that there are many different opinions on that particular matter. It is a danger of being trained by the most famous family of pacifists."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

The Mirumoto shook her head. "I have no doubts the Lion and Crab will fight quite well should the need arise. And if the time comes when it is necessary in their eyes, I will hardly disuade them from that course. However, I will not lie and tell them I agree if they seek out battle when it can be without merit." She gave a nod. "Though I will assure you, Daidoji-sama, that I will not make it a primary topic of conversation."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"Splendid. I should hate to see more avoidable conflict spring up."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

The woman gives a low bow, speaking quietly as she straightened. "I think I will go get a small bite in the galley and get some fresh air up on the deck, leave you to your meditations, Daidoji-sama. It has been an honor to meet you. I pray next time we meet nothing will have happened worth worrying about."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"And I shall do likewise. Between the two of us, the Fortunes surely will have heard the message."

He bowed with his customary grace. "Carry the Fortunes, Mirumoto-san."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

She held her bow a long moment before she straightened. She favored the Daidoji with a faint smile, but one that radiated genuine happiness as she made her way out.

/scene