And We're Off [Day 6, Early Afternoon, OPEN]

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

"They don't want our help but I'll be damned if we're leaving anyone behind."

He muttered under his breath as he finally managed to match strides with the larger Ichiro.

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

Yakusoku could only nod, agreeing with the Agasha's sentiment even if the practical part of her knew there was a chance of some people being left. "So," she breaks her silence after a moment, "ya lookin' forward to being back to cold, rationed baths and seafarin' food?" She figured the comment wouldn't break the tension but still, it was better than the awkward silence that felt ready to fall over them.

[Shiba Naomi]

"No one will be left behind. A legionaire don't leave a fellow man behind, after all."

She was relieved that Yakusoku broke the tension slightly.
"I'll miss warm baths... I admit."

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

"Despite my family's and my own propensity for Fire, I am in fact a Water aligned shugenja. I make sure to replace any water I use on board."

A slight lessening of his scowl.

"As for rations, well I've never been a big eater anyways. Poor Hida-san will suffer I guess."

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Hadn't thought about that," she murmurs, "poor Ram. Ah well. Hopefully he'll get in one more good meal before we ship out." The thought of that was enough to once again make the corner of Yakusoku's mouth twitch just slightly.

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

"I hope he does. The way he makes eyes at our food when he's finished his own can be quite saddening."

Ram really did look pitiful sometimes in the galley.

[Shiba Naomi]

Maybe if I offered to cook for a day or two, it would raise morale? I brought along some of the fine spices we trade, after all...

Naomi lapsed into silence as she led an internal monologue with herself. She was usually outgoing and chatty, but this place had robbed her temporarily of her good spirits.

"... Maybe someone else would cook when we leave to try something different? Might stop Ram from lookign hungrily at everyone else's meals?"

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Ram wouldn't be happy until he'd eaten the entire ship and half the fish in the damn sea. If someone wants to cook, they should cook. But he'll still be starin' at everyone's meals like he ain't eaten in days." That was enough for that twitch to give way to a hint of a smile. However, as her gaze once again takes in their surroundings, the grin quickly fades.

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

"Hmmm cooking? Haven't done any of that since Kyuden Isa . . . well a long time, but Ichiro-san is right. I doubt Hida-san would be satisfied unless we had a Crab field kitchen."

The anger was fading, slowly.

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

Yakusoku glances back at Qian-Fan at the slip of the tongue. Of course, thinking of what had happened in the lands of the Phoenix turned her mind to what had happened in her own clan's lands. Exhaling softly she kicks a rock down the street, careful not to aim it at anyone who'd be worried that they were coming under attack.

"Do we even have the supplies on the boat for 'real food'? I gotta say, I'm usually so busy eatin' in the galley that I don't pay much attention to what there is to cook wit'. Aside from the fried stuff that's left out for us to do our snackin' on, that is."

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

"I think it was mentioned that as long as we clear things with the cook then we can use the galley. Usagi-san seems to know his way around there as well."

Best not to dwell on Kyuden Isawa, it would only make him angrier even if it was a different set of savage heathen barbarians.

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Well you guys are on yer own on that one, unless ya want me mixin' or cuttin' or whatnot. I can't cook worth a damn. Probably end up gettin' the whole crew sick," she chuckles dryly, catching up with her rock and giving it another kick. "I can supply about a 3rd of a bottle of shochu but that's all I'm good for wit' food and drinks."

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

Qian-Fan made his usual sour face at the mention of shochu.

"Some fresh fish might be appreciated, but I have little skill at catching them and from what I've seen here I rarely recognise the species available."

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"I ain't that great at fishin'. Could give it a try though. Ya'd think with all the time I spent sailin' its something I'd be alright at. But never 'ave any luck with it."

[Shiba Naomi]

"Uhm... I have experience with cooking, and... I brought some ingredients with me from home. I've kinda been saving it up for a 'rainy day', so to speak."

She looked up at the sky. "Not raining right now, but I don't think it can rain much more metaphorically, neh?"

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

"I'd rather not have anymore real rain after the last storm, but now does seem to be the time, Shiba-san."

He didn't look surprised at all that Naomi could cook. After all it had been a Shiba who had taught him.

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Hmm... well then maybe a good meal'd do everyone some good. Get people sittin' down together, not thinkin' 'bout this 'ere hellhole and all the joys that come with it."

[Shiba Naomi]

Naomi nodded. "Kind of like the first night before we set sail. Good meal, sharing a bit of company with everyone. I think it will do everyone good, yes."

"I'll see about getting it worked out when we leave port."

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

Qian-Fan's mood had improved a little on the way. At least he wasn't dwelling on darker things any more. For now.

"You brought some things from home you say, Shiba-san? It will be nice to have some reminders of our lands."

[Shiba Naomi]

"Alot of stuff pass through my hometown, including many of the spices and herbs grown in our lands," she was obviously more cheerful now as they could speak of something else.
"In addition to those, some local honey from my home, as well as umeboshi made there. So it should be enough to make a good meal for everyone."