[Galley, Moon 12, Late Afternoon, Open] Snackin'

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru sits and pours tea for Yakusoku (and Ayame if she indeed wants some). He follows proper tradition as best as he can in pouring the tea given the circumstances.

"Thank you for allowing me to join you. Tea is best drank with fine company." He words are kind however his tone is nothing more than neutral. It sounds more like an automated response with no feeling one way or another.

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Durn right," the Badger replies accepting her refilled cup with a respectful nod, "'specially this tea. Certainly ain't the best in the Empire. Company manages to give it a bit more flavor. Or a bit less if that's what ya prefer."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru nods and says

"Yes....its not quit what I am use too, however I suppose there is nothing to be done about that."

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Yep," she agrees, "can't exactly be drinkin' the sea water. And while I'm sure some of us brought along our own drink," her tone suggests she would be one such individual, "breakin' out a bottle of booze in the middle of the day while the crew's on edge just doesn't feel right. Especially when its the only bottle ya have 'til the next time ya hit port."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"That indeed sounds like a valuable commodity. I take it Ichiro-san has served on other vessels previously?" Hikari says, his tone cool and neutral as always.

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Hai," she nods, "sailed with the Crab outta Clear Water for a couple years. Never on a ship this big, but it got me used to sailin all the same. This yer first?" she thinks about the question for a second then adds, "seems that way for a lotta folks," so it (hopefully) doesn't sound like she's labeling the Lion as inexperienced.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru nods and says

"Indeed this is my first time. However I intend to make the most of this stationing however."

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"That's the way to go 'bout it," she nods slowly, a momentary glimmer of thoughtfulness in her dark eyes. Lifting her cup she takes another sip, gaze shifting slowly between the Lion and the heimin.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru shakes his head and says

"Please forgive my rudeness. In my haste to enjoy a cup of tea I have not properly introduced myself. I am Ikoma Hikaru, cousin of Ikoma Haigo."

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Nothin' to be apologizing' about Ikoma-sama. Been on enough ships that I've dealt with your fair share of actual rudeness. Name's Ichiro Yakusoku. A pleasure to meet ya."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"It is likewise a pleasure to meet you Ichiro-san. It is nice to have a pleasant conversation now and then." Hikaru says before he sips his tea.

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"That it is. Ship would get awful borin' without it," she offers back with a nod, setting aside the drink and taking up her chopsticks again. "Seems we have a mighty interestin' crew. Lookin' forward to more pleasant conversatin' with'em. By the time we hit port, hopin' to know many of'em pretty well."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru raises an eyebrow and says.

"Hai, interesting indeed."

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Makes for a better voyage. I've served with crews that barely chat with each other and others that act like family. Boring men and exciting ones; peasants, courtiers. Nothing more depressin' than being on a boring ship, sitting out at sea with no one up for chattin' or even worth talkin' to. That ain't happenin' here though."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"No I do not see that happening here." HIkaru says thinking over some of the people he has seen thus far.

"It is good to know that we have experianced sailors such as your self Ichiro-san among us."

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Hai," she nods, "seems there are a few. Some folks who'd never sailed but who studied it too. Seems we have ourselves a decent crew. The new people are learnin' and gettin' used to bein' on a ship. Those of us who know the life are learnin' a bit ourselves. Most of us ain't never served on a boat this size, best I can tell. And gettin' to know a new crew, and teachin' them to trust ya on the sea... its a learnin' experience too."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru nods.

"Hai. I am rather surprised I have enjoyed the lessons more than I thought I would so far. I was not sure what to expect when I arrived."

[Ichiro Yakusoku]

"Well good," she smiles brightly, bringing one hand down on the table, "sailin' can be fun. Tough... but fun. Glad to hear all the new recruits aren't hatin' it. Sometimes, it takes a bit a gettin' used to. Take a man outta his element and he can get pissy."

[Amaya]

When the Ichiro took the invitation immediately, Amaya was very quietly grateful. She simply melted as much as she could into the background and tried not to pay quite so much attention to the others. The Lion had apparently softened his tone slightly, but for the moment she was still leery of that one. If one of them called her over specifically, however, that would change her options just a tad.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru finishes his cup and says.

"Well thank you for the conversation Ichiro-san. I look forward to speaking to you again but now I must be off. There are other tasks that still need to be accomplished for the day."

With that Hikaru rises and with a small bow makes his


/exit.