The Prince of Cats goes Fish Hunting (Mid Afternoon 3-Open)

[Ikoma Hikaru]

((Open to one other))

After his shift on the aft deck Hikaru decides to try to get some fishing in. It sounded like a good way to relax after work and the chances of somebody bothering him were slimmer, especially seeing as it looked like it would rain at any time.

The Lion gathers some fishing gear and proceeds to the smaller boat and prepares it to go out.

[Asahina Narumi]

The Asahina happened to be strolling by, taking in the breeze after her shift. She pauses when she sees the Ikoma preparing the skiff and asks permission to join him with a respectful bow. "Would it be an imposition if I were to join you Ikoma-sama?"

[Ikoma Hikaru]

I am starting to think one of the Fortunes has it out for me.......

Hikaru returns the bow and says

"Of course Asahina-san, it would be my great honor."

He waits next to the skiff in case Narumi needs any help, however he does not offer it.

It would be rude to do so after all.

[Asahina Narumi]

And she does not seem to need it, moving deftly and with grace into the skiff. "Thank you," she says once she is on board. "Ahh, by the way, I am Asahina Narumi and it is an honor to meet you Ikoma-sama."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru pushes the skiff on and for half a second thinks about just walking off.

However the Lion quickly jumps in and settles in before he starts rowing out a little bit.

"The pleasure is all mine Asahina-san. This one is Ikoma Hikaru." For once he doesnt name drop his cousin. He justifies his normal greeting as it is only courteous to warn people who they are talking about. However deep down he does enjoy the look on peoples faces when they realize he has some clout.

It was an oddity that he did not do it to this random Asahina. In fact it startled the Ikoma some what.

A small frown crosses his face but his shakes it away before saying.

"I hope the day has been pleasant thus far for you Asahina-san."

[Asahina Narumi]

"It has," Narumi replied. "I hope yours has been as pleasant or more so."

The priestess is more than happy to help row. Once they arrive at their nearby destination she asks permission. "Would it bother you if I smoked Ikoma-sama?"

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"Not at all Asahina-san, feel free." Hikrau says as he prepares then casts a line out.

"My day is getting more pleasant with each passing moment. I am regretful to say it did not start that way. I did not have time to enjoy my customary cup of tea this morning. I fear I was quite cranky on watch."

[Asahina Narumi]

"A nice cup of tea can go a long way in reducing stress," the Asahina says as she pulls out her kiseru and a pinch of tobacco. She goes about packing it and lighting it.

"I had some hot tea last night with dinner. A lovely ending to any day," Narumi says with a smile.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru nods in agreement.

"So Ashanina-san, if it is not to forward of me to ask, how did you find yourself on this vessel in the Imperial Navy? I was under the impression that your family did not offten serve in the military due to your founders views on pacifism." Hikaru's words are not judgmental nor do they hold any trace of malice. However neither are they warm and cuddly. Much like everything with the Ikoma, they just simply are.

[Asahina Narumi]

"Ahh..." there it was. She preferred to avoid the subject but that was pretty straightforward.

"I was recommended by the Governor of a small city called Two Creeks, Daidoji Haru-sama. He felt me qualified for this duty and I was transferred here as a result of his insistence," Narumi replied, her On still quite steady. Hopefully that was enough to sate his curiosity.

As she took a few drags from her kiseru, the smoke coming from it started scenting the air with vanilla. It helped calm her heartbeat a bit, but she still fidgeted with her bracelet for a moment.

"And what of Ikoma-sama? Were you trained as a sailor before your assignment to the Half Moon or is this as new an experience for you as it is for me?" She had a gentle smile on her lips when she returned the kiseru to them.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru nods and knowing when to leave well enough alone, does.

"My cousin thought I might like it on a ship." He frowns for a moment then adds. "I will have to ensure he gets a nice Ikebana arrangement or something in thanks."

[Asahina Narumi]

"The language of flowers is a beautiful way to send a message. I never learned how to speak it but I've met more than a few Crane that do," she replies with a smile, bad memories in the past. She looks out over the sea, taking in the vastness and the breeze with the taste of vanilla on her tongue.

"You get along well with your cousin then?" Narumi continues.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"Hmm as much as you can get along with the damiyo of your family." Hikaru says with a shrug of his shoulders. "Ikoma-dono is a good man and is supportive, however his duties keep him very busy and I do not offten see him."

[Asahina Narumi]

Daimyo's cousin? Well, I've been being respectful and he hasn't gotten angry so I suppose he is comfortable with our conversation.

She works out the logic quickly in her head and continues, "I imagine that Ikoma-sama would be quite busy, with the responsibility of a family resting on his shoulders. That he makes time and is supportive even with the weight of his duties shows that he respects and cares for you a great deal." She smiles at the man.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru nods and says

"Hai. He remebered that we loved the tales of Ikoma Otemi and his Deathless when we were younger. My brother.......and.....I....." The Ikoma's voice trails off at the mention of his brother. His golden eyes close and a look of pain washes over his face. His hand suddenly goes into his obi and a string of exquisitely carved prayer beads are suddenly in his hand. He is silent for a moment. His breaths comming in deep as he tries to calm himself.

When his eyes open again they seem cold and lifeless and he says with out much feeling.

"So you where trained in the ways of your family Asahina-san? I must admit I have always wished to visit Shiden Asahina."

[Asahina Narumi]

She felt sorry for him and would like to help, but a samurai's pain was their own. She might have offered words of consolation to a heimin but for him she offered as much privacy as she could so he could have his dignity. When he looked up and spoke once more, Narumi was watching the breeze create ripples on the water, with a sad smile.

"I was, Ikoma-sama," she replied, turning to the man with a smile. "You should some day. It is quite beautiful. The outlying fields are breathtaking to see in the spring."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru smiles softly, the first time he remembered smiling in a long time, and says.

"Well perhaps when our time with the Legion is done, I will have a good reason to visit your home. Somebody to visit and show me around."

[Asahina Narumi]

"You are more than welcome Ikoma-sama. I likely would return there after serving with the Legion," Narumi says. "And I'd be glad to give you a tour of the area."

"Have you gotten any bites over there?" she asks, with a grin.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru shakes his head.

"Nothing as of yet. Apparently I am not a great fishermen."

[Asahina Narumi]

"I am sure that with enough practice and devotion Haruhiko-kami will grant his blessing," she says with a grin.

She puffs on her kiseru a bit more, strengthening the scent of vanilla in the air for a moment before the breeze carried it off once more.