The Prince of Cats goes Fish Hunting (Mid Afternoon 3-Open)

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"That is an interesting sent your tobacco has Asahina-san. Is it popular among your homeland? It is mild and pleasant. I would imagine it is a joy to smoke." Hikaru says.

[Asahina Narumi]

"Actually, this is a Mantis blend, made in the isles. I traded for it with Moshi Chihiroko," she replies. "It is my first time trying the flavor, and this is the only bit that I have of it."

Narumi continues, "But I have been smoking flavored tobaccos for a year or so now. Back in Two Creeks they made a few flavors, of which I only brought three myself. If you are interested in mint, strawberry, or melon then I might be persuaded to let you try some. I also have the unflavored variety produced back home."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru smiles and this time there is some feeling behind it. It is slightly mischievous as his eye twinkle.

"Now what could a poor, boorish Lion like this one do to persuade a Crane maiden such as yourself to part with some of her mint tobacco?"

What in Jigoku are you doing Hikaru?!?!?!

Suddenly his face takes a reddish tint and he adds,

"err I have some tobacco from the Ikoma Provinces. It is unflavored but very mild and smooth. Very relaxing. We could trade if you like."

[Asahina Narumi]

Narumi's cheeks get a light blush at the forward response of the Ikoma and she has a slight smile, a hint of embarrassment in it.

At the Lion's offer of trade, the Asahina's blush disappears as she replies, "That would be fine. And Ikoma-sama could hardly be described as boorish." She shares a bright, friendly smile.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru shakes his head with a small, warm smile as he reaches into his obi pouch. He retrieve's another, smaller pouch and hands it to Narumi.

"So what are your thoughts on the crew Asahina-san? Have you enjoyed your time thus far?"

[Asahina Narumi]

Narumi reaches into her obi pouch and produces the small pack of mint that she kept in there, handing it to Hikaru after accepting his brand. "I don't really know Moshi-gunso that well, but she seems an intense and capable leader. Isawa-gunso is quite pleasant from my interactions with him. He seems to geniunely care for the well being of the crew. From what I've seen from the captain and heard from Isawa-gunso, he is an incredibly capable sailor and leader. I look forward to serving with all of them. Many of the recruits seem to be interesting individuals as well. What about yourself?" She smiles with her answer and counter question.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"It is an interesting and diverse crew. I have the utmost respect for the Captain and his officers. As for our fellow recruits, the majority of them seem skilled and honorable." Hikaru responds as he pulls out his pipe and gets set up. After a few moments he is puffing away happily.

[Asahina Narumi]

Narumi puffs on her kiseru as the Ikoma prepares his.

"I am quite glad I brought these along. The abundance of sea food does not provide much alteration in way of taste and sweet foods are likely to be a rarity between any landfalls we make," she says to the Lion. "But that's irony isn't it? While on land seafood is the rarity that most people seek out, and at sea it is as commonplace as rice. Possibly more so." A slight smile rests on her face as she enjoys the two scents in the air.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"Hai, who thought I would be missing something as simple as Soba noodles and tofu. But such is life. We should give thanks for what we have. We might not have the best food but after this afternoon I can say we do enjoy some of the best company." Hikaru says with a soft smile to Narumi.

[Asahina Narumi]

"Ikoma-sama is too kind," she replies. "I am quite glad to have had the opportunity to share the afternoon conversing with you."

Puff, puff, puff.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru smiles and starts to say something, but suddenly his pole jerks. The Lion jumps in surprise but quickly snatches up the pole before it is pulled overboard. He yanks up on the pole, hooking what ever it is in the water and after a few moments get the fish up over the side. Suddenly the Ikoma starts laughing as he holds up pole and shows Narumi the fish.

It is a sad little thing, no longer than ones hand and not even that wide.

After a few moments of deep belly laughing Hikaru says with a smile.

"Well I finally caught something and I dont think it would even feed of the the cats. Think we should throw it back?"

He laughs again. His laugh was pure and warm. It was almost like a little piece of Hikaru's personality was peeking threw the mask he had built for the word to see. Then almost as if on cue the laughing stops and the light that had so briefly sparked in his eyes starts to go cold again.

[Asahina Narumi]

Hikaru's laughter easily spreads to Narumi. And not the, soft laughter one would expect at most from a Crane samurai-ko. It was full laughter that one would expect from a child having a great time.

"I suppose Haruhiko-kami decided to bless your patience after all," she says with a bright smile. "A small blessing, but a blessing none the less. Perhaps we should put him back so that one day he might grant the same blessing, if a bit larger."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"Indeed." Hikaru says as he unhooks the little fish and gently places him in the water. "Flee, be free little one." He watches the fish swim away and is silent as if thoughts are swimming threw his mind just like that fish threw the water.

[Asahina Narumi]

Narumi just sits and enjoys the rocking of the boat and the breeze. "Have you traveled much?" she asks the Lion.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru shakes his head.

"Well besides the Capitol and the other major Lion castles, no not very much. It is something I wish to do though. See the homes of the other clans. And yourself Asahina-san? Have you had the chance to travel much?"

[Asahina Narumi]

"I haven't. I trained and lived at Shinden Asahina in most of my early life. After finishing my training I was assigned as a caretaker of a temple in Two Creeks. I traveled twice to Kyuden Doji while there," she replies with a smile. "Though I have traveled more than some at Shinden Asahina and Two Creeks."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"When we arrive at this gajin city, do you plan on going ashore if we are given leave to do so?" Hikaru asks

[Asahina Narumi]

"Some will need to stay on the ship, probably. I would like to but I'm not yet sure if I'm ready to do so," Narumi replies. "You will be going will you not?" she asks with a smile.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"I have expect the Captain to forbid me from leaving the ship due to my....family. It would not be the first time something like that has happened."

Especially since Karou.....

A crest fallen look overtakes his face and a deep sadness in his eyes but he adds.

"However I am designated as a scout, so it would be my duty. That and I wish to find a bow. I want to take up archery."

[Asahina Narumi]

"Well then, I hope that you will not be restricted in such a manner," Narumi replies. "One should never be restrained from fulfilling a duty that they wish to perform." She smiles to Hikaru.