Another Day of Duty (Early Morning 3-Open)

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Ikoma Hikrau walks along the rail, his eyes peering over looking for more exciting stuff like the day before. This morning however he has an exceptionally grumpy look on his face. He had overslept this morning and thus did not have time for his tea.

No tea makes for one upset kitty.

"Stupid boat.....stupid water.......stupid people........" Hikrau mumbles under his breath as he makes his way around the deck.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi was on duty as always and loomed just around the corner to catch the mumbling from Hikaru. With a nonchalant air as if nothing happened, she turned her attention to some rope work and bowed politely in greeting if Hikaru were to pass through.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikrau frowns as he sees the Bayushi

Great...now I have to pretend to be social.........

Hikaru returns the bow and says

"Good morning Bayushi-san. I do not think we have been properly introduced. This one is Ikoma Hikaru, cousin to Ikoma Haigo. I pray the fortunes have blessed your morning thus far."

While the words were courteous, it was an automated response with little warmth behind it.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi bowed politely, "Ohayou gozaimasu Ikoma-sama. Training and duty have kept us apart but here we are. This one is Bayushi Hoshi, dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Honoured to make the acquaintance of one related to the Ikoma Daimyo. I've found my morning to be pleasant thank you, I hope the Fortunes have plenty to share with you as well."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

He raises and eyebrow and grumbles.

"They didn't see fit to share any tea with me this morning." He thinks for a moment then adds "However I should not complain. I have been blessed to see another sun rise. Many around the Empire cannot claim that."

[Isawa Junpei]

Having worked the past two days with his little group of fellow scouts, Junpei offered a polite smile and a wave to the pair of them as he walked the parameter of the foredeck. He would get to the flying later, but for now, he had the oddest sensation of wanting to keep his feet on the ground, he couldn't explain it to himself, but he obeyed, at least for now. Besides, it looked like rain.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Oh great another one.........

Hikaru nods when he sees Junpei. He doesn't return the smile. Not that he ever smiles.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi bowed politely to the passing Isawa and straightened to give Hikaru a few nods. "That's unfortunate to hear Ikoma-san. Mm...It's only a complaint if it's not reasonable. If the kitchen has refused to comply to your demands, should that be something you would make known with the gunso? The day is a blessing but tea is an easy request ne?"

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru waves it away and says

"It is no fault of the Cooks or the kitchen staff. For some reason I did not awake as early as I normally do. It was either enjoy my cup of tea or be late for watch. As you can see Duty edged out the tea. It was a necessary act, however I fear it has made me more irritable than normal."

[Yoritomo Kaito]

The mantis arrived for his shift with eyes on the sky it would rain today but not until later this afternoon. Bowing politely to those already assembled he say the oddity of the bird on deck and decided that deserved a bit of attention.... As long as the man didn't vomit on him. "Morning Isawa-san."

[Isawa Junpei]

"Ah, ohayo Yoritomo-san," Junpei looked in well enough health, not that such would stop the quipped remarks about his former sensitivity. "Nothing overly interesting to report this morning, which after yesterday is probably for the best. Following a trail of wrecked ships would seem to me to be a bad omen. Speaking of which, I don't want to speculate, but have you heard about what caused the ship to go down?"

[Yoritomo Kaito]

The Mantis nodded as the phoenix reported then squinted at the sky once more before answering. "Ships Isawa-san, There were several of em. As to who was responsible?" He shakes his head. "Can't say for certain though we may be able to learn something of the survivor."

[Isawa Junpei]

"Oh the survivor, I'd heard about him, but aside from him existing...well, I've tried not to seem a gossip about it, so I've been keeping my nose out of it. But you were there," Junpei added the last part almost as though suddenly coming upon some important fact, canting his head with a small smile.

[Yoritomo Kaito]

The mantis nodded slightly. "Yup swam out and got the gaijin with the help of one of the Bayushi." He replied. "Suppose I could tell ya about ti if ya like though you'll like hear about it anyways later."

[Isawa Junpei]

"A gaijin?" Junpei's voice held a modicum of shock, though he raised a finger to his lips pondering, "Actually, I suppose that makes sense with where we're going. Although...why would they be this far north? Are we already sailing along the Ivory Kingdom coast? I suppose we are if gaijin ships are out here."

The thought mulled for only an instant before his head perked up and he reflexively began to scan the empty horizon. Whether the Empire traded with these people or not, they'd proven themselves beyond untrustworthy, not to mention heretical to the Celestial Order. The idea that they might attack with little provocation seemed almost a given for savage opportunists such as they.

[Yoritomo Kaito]

"Can't say I know myself Isawa-san. Never been in these waters before so I'm not too sure. As you said though it makes sense we're close to something as from what I heard we're gonna make land fall in a day or two." His fingers came to his chin for a moment in thought he didn't tell teh man that whoever had sank the ships was likely to be nearby no need to worry the man.

[Isawa Junpei]

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but the sooner we make landfall the safer I'll feel. I've had my fare taste of foreign sorceries of late and I'd be happy not to deal with them on the seas." Junpei made no mention of Kyuden Isawa, but the war to the north was obviously not faring well for anyone, including the Phoenix.

[Yoritomo Kaito]

"We likely won't stay ashore for long Isawa-san so I wouldn't get too used to the idea, though I can understand where ya are coming from." Replied Kaito he didn't much like staying on land but it might be interesting to see a foreign port. "You thinking of going ashore for a bit when we hit port if given the chance?"

[Isawa Junpei]

"I'd given it some thought. I was told by Isawa-gunso that they have a high respect for priests, so it might be safe for me to wander a bit. Besides, it seems like we're being tested to our limits, being exposed to the dangerous and bizarre in equal measure. First the Sea of Sorrows, now a barbarian port. I cringe to think what's next."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hikaru waves it away and says

"It is no fault of the Cooks or the kitchen staff. For some reason I did not awake as early as I normally do. It was either enjoy my cup of tea or be late for watch. As you can see Duty edged out the tea. It was a necessary act, however I fear it has made me more irritable than normal."

'Kami... "There is such thing of starting the morning off incorrectly. The peasantry here are under orders of the gunso or the captain, but there's a potential chance you could seek one of the newer recruits who may share the same need for tea to make use of the kitchen...Ikoma-sama?"