[Day 4, Late morning, Jade Sun, open] No tea like home's

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

A reduction in the availability of tea - this was one of the worst aspects of sailing. Still, that was about to change - at least for the moment. The embassy briefings had been simple and to the point. Gather information on what was going on. There were no limitations on what one did while doing this luckily. The being on guard aspect I did listen to most carefully. I was glad to have put on my light armor in the morning. It drew a few looks from the locals but it was not heavy armor that would cause hostility - it looked more like part of a uniform. The first order of business would therefore be to have some good tea. Some had been served at the embassy but with the large number of visiting Rokugani it had not been as delightful as I'd hoped. Some enquiries from some of those stationed there had been fruitful though. There was a Rokugani style tea shop nearby! A plan had formed in my head quickly. I would start there and become refreshed. Perhaps see if any locals were there. It was apparantly out of the way but surely some must know of it? From there, I would keep my ears open while touring the streets and looking around. Finally, when I have learnt something useful I will retire back to the embassy... and see if I can persuade them to let me use their bath houses. It would be a very welcome change of pace to ship life. Not that ship life wasn't enjoyable in its own way. It can just be quite repetitive and cramped.

I headed in the direction I'd learnt about in a slow walk, regarding the buildings and handful of people as I went. The city centre from a distance and the port had appeared much busier. I recalled reading about the Ivory Kingdoms and studying the language and learning about how glorious some of their architecture was - for foreign buildings anyway. I could see that aspect, certainly, but the squalor of so much of the population and all the temporary shelters gave me pause for thought. It was with some relief I found the Jade Sun. Pushing back the fabric over the entryway to the side I dipped my head while entering "pardon me"

[Togashi Kazuma]

See the wonders of the world Kazuma-san. Surely one can gain enlightenment when one has seen what the world can offer! Thanks Sensei. The world is grimy, and the people even more so. I miss my post in Kyuden Kitsune. At least then I was able to train without people staring at me. I don't care if the people ignore me, or won't stand out of my way, but I don't like the starting, as though I'm some sort of exotic wonder. I think someone mistook me for a monk again, but he was babbling in some strange language. I told him to look to the stars on the night of the full moon, and peace will be his. I don't think he understood me, but nodded and walked away. I should have told him to stare into the sun. I'm a warrior, not a monk.

This dingy tea shop suits me just fine. I want to be back on the ocean again, but here is good enough for now, even if the tea tastes like it was drained through a dirty obi. Kasuga recommended. I wonder what they drink normally if this place is so great.

I am still not sure why I was assigned to this. At least I don't have to stay in the embassy here. I think the people would drive me mad, the are as fearful as the commoners back home. At least some things never change. The city does not smell like home, even the port cities smell better than this place. Do people bathe here, or do they roll around in the filth?

I take another drink of my so called tea when I see someone enter. It's Mirumoto Tomoe. I start to think of something to say. Weather? Hot. How are you finding the city? It's dirty and smelly. Damn it she's getting closer. Think Kazuma, think.

"Greetings, Mirumoto-san. It's pleasant to see a familiar face." There. That's simple enough. I don't have much to add, I hope she remembers me.

[elonweis]

There were two other Rokugani sitting in the tea house, enjoying a late breakfast of some local cuisine. It was highly spiced, that much was evident from the color and smell alone. One was a Mantis, the other a Kasuga by the mons worked in to their clothing. Both gave the Dragon a curious look but otherwise kept to themselves as they chatted quietly.

A server, a native, appeared with the Togashi's tea. She bows and silently sets the pot and the cup down beside the man. A faint waft of jasmine curled from the spout.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

"and you Togashi-san" I reply while bowing, a little surprised at the swordsman of sort's presence. I do not need to give him an inspection, he is known to me. "Togashi Kazuma-san hai? How unexpected. I thought you would remain on board the Orochi's Wake, are you well?" I ask cordially enough. This is of interest. Had he been here long? He seems quite relaxed. It is a little odd we have not spoken on board the Orochi but I do recall seeing him on board the deck. I give a nod to the server and sit down near the Togashi, dipping my head once each towards the other samurai. I will ask them a couple of questions when they finish their meals I decide.

"Green tea please" I ask to the server in what I hope is reasonable Rhumaal. I smell the air once, the strong mix of spices and tea scent fairly intoxicating. I feel a little hungry I then realise. I add to the server after a moment "and what do you have to eat here?". I give the Togashi another glance to see what he is having. The jasmine smells delightful.

[Togashi Kazuma]

That went well. I almost start to say it's hot, smelly, and dirty, but I hold my tongue. "I am well enough for one in a strange land. I did not realize you spoke the language, then again, some puzzles are solved only at the correct moment. I enjoy the ship, but my sensei once told me that viewing the world leads to enlightenment. So, I came here." I take a sip of my new tea. It's actually quite pleasant. What was I drinking before? I look over at the Mantis and Tortoise. Seems I'll be seeing a great deal of them lately. I'm not surprised they are in the majority, sailors are always a strange lot. The smells of the foods seem a little strange, but I've dined with Mantis many times, so at least some of the spices are not totally unfamiliar to me. Still, I don't enjoy the spices that much. I ask for rice and fish. That should be innocuous enough. Then again, perhaps not. I'd better get used to the local cooking eventually, and it can't be worse than the ship rations. I hope we get back to the Empire soon. Otherwise I may starve.

I glance back as Tomoe glances at me. I wish I knew what to say. She seems to loosen my mind when I see her. Well there is always one thing we can talk about. "Have you been able to train lately? I've found that life on a ship tends to interfere with training, and I'm worried about the sea's effect on my sword. I've been using a boken, but it does not feel the same." We're both bushi, even if we studied in different dojo, and it's something to talk about at any rate.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I nod at the conversation's direction, feeling myself relax a little. "I confess to the same insecurities. I have taken to cleaning my blades every couple of days. I too have been using bokken predominantly, often being instructed to train with just one. I wish I had brough copies of Niten to provide the others" I pause for a moment before deciding to continue. I do not usually make much idle conversation but the company is not unwelcome. "Training on board the Orochi's Wake is difficult at times but the captain is a fair woman, if strict. I am not sure she cares for Dragon much though... I understand I will be transferred to the overall commander's ship. Apparantly for better training opportunities. I had spotten you on board the ship a handful of times. My apologies for not conversing with you. May I ask what you may be doing on an Imperial training vessel in this part of the world?"

I catch the server's eye to let him know he can interrupt

[elonweis]

The woman bows to the Dragon, murmuring softly once she's given leave, "A thousand apologies, Mirumoto-sama, but we do not have green tea in stock."

Suriya switches easily to Rokugani as she asks solicitously, "Will Togashi-sama like miso as well...?"

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

Oh... there goes a perfect morning. I will keep things simple then. Still in Rhumaal and eager to practice I say "please may I have what Togashi-san is having to drink then. Also, could I..." I pause, thinking of how it is phrased "could I have something only lightly spiced. A little spice only. Something to eat. With rice. Miso soup too please. Thank you". I smile as well to appear a little easier to get along with. Not that it matters too much considering the woman appears to be a peasant and used to dealing with samurai. Her Rokuganese was sound too, as was her ability to recognise my mon. So there were perhaps other Mirumoto who had visited here? She may be able to provide useful information afterall

[elonweis]

"Of course, Mirumoto-sama... do you have a preference in regards to vegetables, fish or fowl?" she replies with another bow. The woman kept her eyes demurely lowered, just as happy in her own way to practice the manners that she had learned from her friends at the embassy.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

What a respectful lady. I hope more of the locals are like this. Perhaps the day can be salvaged. "Fish please and thank you". I tilt my head before asking "have you lived here long? Your city is quite impressive"

[elonweis]

"Thank you. It's very kind of Mirumoto-sama to say. I was born in Lanka," she supplies with surprised pleasure at the Dragon's curiosity, "My parents own the Jade Sun and I grew up with some of the servant children from the Embassy. They were kind enough to teach me Rokugani."

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

That explains things a bit. Useful indeed. More than just another server too. I nod once at her comments before replying "Your Rokugani is very good as is your knowledge of our etiquette. You must have been a good student. My name is Mirumoto Tomoe. Your parents have a fine establishment judging from the others present. I hope the food is as good as the service" I conclude, offering another small smile. I hope it does not look too unnatural

[elonweis]

"It is a pleasure to finally meet one of the fabled Mirumoto," she replies with another proper Rokugani bow, "I am Suriya Malik."

A small smile curves the woman's lips, "I hope it is to your tastes... if I may...?"

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

"We come down from our mountains occassionally Suriya Malik"... I pause, trying to think of the correct honorifics in this land's language "-san. Some of us. Please do..." I finish, starting to warm to the woman and allowing her to work. I'll talk more with you when I am full. With that I stiffle a small yawn with my right hand, leaning forward a little to peer up at the Togashi. Back to Rokugani I say "enjoying that Togashi-san? It has diverted you away from my question". I feel my left eyebrow raising as I give him a sideways look

[Togashi Kazuma]

I asked for the miso as well. Tomoe seems to be rather interested in this woman. I'll admit, hearing proper language is rather refreshing. Even if she recognizes my mon. Seems a little odd to me. My order does not venture far from the mountains. Even people don't always seem to remember my clan has more than one family, I'm surprised a gaijin does. I smile at her as Tomoe speaks. I guess I should ask her how she knows all of this, but I'll leave it to Tomoe. Unless something interesting happens.

Question: How does she know correct behavior?
Possible answers: Research due to her preferred clientele. Seems most likely.

She looks local, but perhaps she has some human blood. Doubtful, as the shame of such a union would make even the Mantis balk, but possible. I do not understand the grunts that she and Tomoe share. Sounds like framing that speech would give one a mouth full of spit. Still, I'm a visitor, and I'll give into Courtesy. Perhaps they just need to be shown how to act.

Tomoe's words bring me back into reality. "Diversions are sometimes needed to clarify a situation, Mirumoto-san. I saw looking at her. "I suppose the short version is that my Lord thought this would be a good opportunity to learn more about the world. I was the closest available, and my duties with the Mantis made it easier with the travel arrangements. I'm afraid there is no great answer to your question." The fish is strange. Something I've never seen, but good. I was not raised to eat fish, but it is one of the few indulgences I allow myself. I look at one of the windows, and my falcon is staring back at me. He was supposed to wait on the ship. I call him over, and give him a peice of my fish. "You were supposed to wait, Izo-chan. Did someone let you out?" I look back to Tomoe.

"If you're transferring, it appears that we share the same fate. I don't know about the Captain's Dragon feelings. I'm afraid I did not interact with her much. I gather she mistook me for a monk. Perhaps our new captain will be more friendly."

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

No, he is just daydreaming. I try not to frown further. I vaguely recall that he was some kind of courtly diplomat or the like once. Was he still or was this a punishment? His words had seemed sincere.

I give the falcon a long stare. The bird is new. I regard it a little longer, it seems quite alert. My attention reverts back to the monkish swordsman.

"I gather she wasn't the only one Togashi Kazuma-san. Few Togashi wander the Empire that aren't monks. I hope our new captain is friendly though, not that it matters much. We will do our duty regardless, iie?" I finish the conversation topic with a rhetorical question. It looks like my food is about to arrive. I can smell a nice scent wafting in from the kitchen. I take another glance at the Mantis and Tortoise. Perhaps they are more the loner type?

[elonweis]

There was an easy camaraderie the two shared, exchanging news of the day and a bit of gossip regarding the new arrivals. One of them, the Mantis woman laughs softly as her hands lift to describe the hurry with which some of the recruits had made their way to the baths. The Kasuga smiles and shrugs, replying with an answering smile on his face.

It wasn't long before Suriya returns with a tray. She unobtrusively places the Mirumoto's tea in front of her and just as inconspicuously places two lacquered bowls of miso before the Dragons. There was seaweed and small cubes of tofu floating in the hot liquid.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

My attention reverts back to my front as I turn away from the relaxed pair of samurai. The miso soup and tea smell delightful. Even with all the spices in the air. "Thank you Suriya Malik-san" I say, receiving the tea and soup. I will wait for the main before I begin with the soup. I do reach for my tea though

[Togashi Kazuma]

The miso smells like home, and I stare into the soup. My heart starts to feel heavy, and I shake my head a little to clear out the negative thoughts. Remarkable how such simple things can remind you of home, and make you miss it all the more. Tomoe keeps speaking to to the servant politely. I'm actually impressed she can remain polite in these circumstances. She's always been abnormally obsessed with maintaining her face though so perhaps it is me that has changed, and probably is changing. I wonder how they will regard me back home. I'm already getting a sailor's tan, and my way of speaking is slowly being degraded by the sailor speak.

The tea is not bad, though being stationed with the Mantis and their ostentatious displays of wealth, perhaps spoiled me. When having tea with them it was always "The finest and most exotic tea in all the Empire!" I hope my time with them did not make me soft. I glance at Tomoe. She has not touched her soup, I wonder if it is not to her liking.

[Mirumoto Tomoe]

I wait for my main to arrive, starting to feel hungrier. Maybe I will start with the soup. I reach down and have a taste. It's good. I catch the Togashi glancing at me. "It's good. How was your fish?"