[Moon 9-evening, Crew Quarter Open] Resting during the Storm

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"The choice of what happens to my future does not lie with me Bayushi-san." Hikaru says. "It never has." He shrugs slightly as if it is no big deal, something he has accepted long ago.

"The more influential your family is, the less free will you have."

[Bayushi Kichirou]

"I wish I had such certainty in my own life." KIchirou offers his own expression going a bit more serious even as he slides a bit across the floor, "I'm not even sure how long my time with the Ninth is supposed to be. The papers that transferred me here did not specify..."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"Well it seems we are kindred spirits in the regards any choice we may have had in coming." Hikaru says. For once his face not locked in a frown. It wasnt a smile, but hey it was a start right?

[Bayushi Kichirou]

"An astute observation Ikoma-sama." Kichirou responds with a nod, "I would offer a toast to kindred spirits, but circumstances being as they are I don't trust myself to hold a cup steady." he offers with a wry and widening grin.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"With as much as you have slide across the floor thus far, that may be a wise choice Bayushi-san." Hikaru says with a raised eyebrow.

"If it is not to forward of me to ask. Where did you come from before coming here?"

[Bayushi Kichirou]

"I used to serve as Yojimbo at Kyuden Bayushi.....Junior Yojimbo if such a position ever existed. Mostly I served tea and ran errands for the courtiers." Kichirou offers without hesitation, "What of you Ikoma-sama? Before this what filled your days?"

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"I served as a minor aid to Lord Shigetoshi-dono during the War of Dark fire but after the defeat of the Son of Fire I returned briefly to Kyuden Ikoma to oversee my families estate and help with the restoration. It may be three years after the Unicorn burned my home to the ground, but there is still work to be done." Hikaru says ." And now I am here."

[Kitsuki Kotsu]

The Scorpion turns his attention back to the Dragon's response.

"Are you sure?" he asks simply.

Kotsu's odd eyes comes to rest on the questioning masked samurai.

"Whether or not I find this ship to my liking does nothing to change that I am on it for the duration of its journey. Therefore, it is what it is, Bayushi-san."

The Kitsuki offers a bow to the latest Scorpion to join the impromptu gathering in the common area. He then silently listens to the back and forth between the Lion noble and the ex-yojimbo.

You can learn far more by observing than speaking as Uncle was fond of saying...

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

A small bow is made to the talkative Scorpion, before Nobuyoshi's gaze returns to the Dragon.

Well, to the spot over his right shoulder and about four feet back.

"Or at least until Suitengu calls you for tea." he corrects.

[Kitsuki Kotsu]

The Kitsuki levels his mismatched eyes at the masked Scorpion.

"If Suitengu wishes to take back what he has given me once, then who am I to object?"

[Bayushi Kichirou]

Turning towards the Dragon with his most engaging smile Kichirou offers to shift the topic a bit, "What about you Dragon-sama? What drew you to service in the Ninth? Have you had much experience on a ship before?"

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru watches the interplay between the Dragon and the Scorpion with some interest, but remains silent for now.

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

Like some sort of strange conversational dance, that only the Scorpion seem to know the steps to, Nobuyoshi returns his gaze to the Lion's vicinity.

"Do you play Go? he asks in his flat manner.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"I know that most Lion will say they are go masters, however I am not such. I know the basics of the game but that is about it." Hikaru says his face blank as only those with training in the courtly arts could do.

Go was Karou's game..... it was the one area we differed....

"I have not played since my brother past away."

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

Even better than the courtier's mask is the Scorpion's, as he doesn't have to focus on it not moving. He leans back a bit, looking at the ceiling, listening to the storm beat a tatoo upon the ceiling. Perhaps wondering who killed the Lion's brother, perhaps wondering if his fellow Scorpion is going to attempt to converse with the Dragon and Lion simultaneously, or perhaps contemplating tomorrow's lunch menu. His mask will never tell.

[Kitsuki Kotsu]

Turning towards the Dragon with his most engaging smile Kichirou offers to shift the topic a bit, "What about you Dragon-sama? What drew you to service in the Ninth? Have you had much experience on a ship before?"

Kotsu turns to the other Scorpion in the room when he asks his questions.

"A reward for loyal service to my Clan during the recent troubles, Bayushi-san. As for my experience, I've had a few opportunities to be aboard a ship and made the most of them.'

[Bayushi Kichirou]

"I must admit Kitsuki-san. I have been fascinated by the sea and the ships that sail her since I learned of my posting here. Do you happen to have any interesting stories from your time aboard other ships?" Kichirou asks while sliding a bit further across the floor. At this point the Scorpion didn't seem to mind the rocking of the boat or the sliding he apparently has just taken it in stride.

[Kitsuki Kotsu]

"Interesting stories? None that leap to my mind at the moment, Bayushi-san. But my own interest in the ocean and the ways of those who navigate it have been something pursued for a number of years now. I suppose I find the rocking waves of the sea more comforting than the chill winds of the mountains..."