Guest on the Boat (Day 6, Late Afternoon, Open)

[Jayant Utpal]

Jayant made his way, cautiously, onto the Half Moon once again. He wasn't certain how welcome he would be on this ship, and if it looked like there was going to be trouble, he looked like he was ready to run for it before starting a confrontation. Still, he had spent time on this ship, and his lord had commanded him to be the envoy to all of these people. Thus he at least had to try. Besides, this might be the last ship he'll have ever been on, and for a man of the sea it was important to return to his roots.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Just as Jayant made his appearance on the ship, Hoshi was seen topside, prepared to make another trip to the city after a quick stop. Perhaps one of the last few as the ominous red sun loomed to set in the skies. Her brows raised at the sight of the gaijin, immediately curious of this man as she never saw the guest they picked up some days ago in person. She glanced about for an officer, knowing he must be looking for one of them...then approached him with caution. "...Do you seek the captain?"

[Jayant Utpal]

Jayant looked over at the Bayushi and shook his head, the large bronze amulet around his neck shaking some with the movement. "No, my apologies." He says in good, though slightly accented, Rokugani. "I am Jayant Utpal. I was simply returning to the Half Moon to see it again." After a few seconds he adds. "I was the man your captain pulled from the sea, and now it is my pleasure to serve as the envoy between your people and the Maharaja."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"You speak Rokugani, well too." Hoshi complimented the man, she was under the impression that he didn't know their language.

"This one is Bayushi Hoshi. Pleased to meet you in person...Utpal." She tired to pronounce after a bow. "I thought sights were best taken from afar rather than on board...But you are free too of course. My gunso and captain are likely to hear more of what amounted to your new position, I could pass your story if you wish."

[Jayant Utpal]

Jayant frowned. "I am learning Rokugani. I have been blessed with a gift from the brahmin. It... translates... I suppose." The kshatriya obviously isn't entirely certain how the magic works, only that it works.

"I am a man of the sea, Hoshi of House Bayushi. I feel more at ease when the world rocks beneath me. Your captain already knows of my position however." Though I think he'd prefer to never see me again.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Then the crew will be privy soon enough if you were willing to make yourself known here. I am curious as to why an envoy hasn't come sooner with our arrival. It seems rather purposed really..." Very late. She frowned a touch. "-Ah, you'll have to forgive my assumptions but...your people haven't taken too kindly to some of the actions of the crew here."

[Jayant Utpal]

"I was given the position yesterday, but due to... unfortunate events... I wasn't able to make an appearance until now." Jayant frowned. "The actions of some of your crew are hard to take any other way. I assume you have heard of the incident at the Watchtower yesterday? And of the armed and armored party that went walking the streets that same day?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

I might have been responsible for the latter... "Hai, both in passing. I imagine the ban on kami magic was because of the Watchtower? It's just been a series of unfortunate coincidences. The judgment had been decided either way and if we can't overturn them...What is your purpose as an envoy here?" Especially if we aren't going to stay here...

[Jayant Utpal]

"Yes. It was decided that we do not know enough about your new way of magic after that incident. And with the loss of one pivotal defensive position, it was thought best to not risk losing another with the enemy closing in."

Jayant looked around the ship. "As for my purpose? To observe, and to do my best to make certain relations between our people do not break down any more than they already have." Jayant smiled faintly. "A task that already proves somewhat difficult."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Maybe we should be thankful that you're the only one they've given the position? "Hai. A wisdom of your ruler to send you for that purpose Ut-Pal." She said with a soft expression. "I don't think any of our people will go out of their way to make it anymore difficult for you intentionally, your ruler's words have been made clear. Let's hope it gets easier from there ne?"

[Jayant Utpal]

Jayant chuckles. "Please, I am Jayant. But it was thought that, since I had already spent some time on your ship, I would be better suited to speak with your people. An at least slightly familiar face, after all." He smiles a bit.

"I appreciate the thought, though only time will tell. I understand some of your fellows have not taken it well. But I am certain that tempers on both sides will cool with time." I just wonder if we will have enough time.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi placed a hand to her chest in a quick apologetic gesture. "Gomenasai. Jayant then. You may know a few here but not all, this is my first occasion seeing you in person actually. Needless to say, our relations between our peoples aren't at their best at the moment. I'm curious of you though, so you at least have my good opinions on this. That is...if you can as helpful as intruding."

[Jayant Utpal]

"At least it has been a pleasant first meeting, I hope." Jayant's smile slowly fades though, looking a bit more confused now. "Intruding? I am sorry if you or others think that."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi sighed internally when he didn't catch the hint and shook her head. "Iie Jayant. What others think will be when they know of this arrangement from your ruler. However, you can earn some favour by being informative. I think it was said that you've shared some information with Akodo-san?"

[Jayant Utpal]

Jayant smiled. "Ah, the device that speak to me your words, it is not as precise as maybe it could be." He tapped the bronze amulet around his neck. "I have spoken with Jishaku of House Akodo, as well as another member of your house, Nobuyoshi. If you have any questions, part of my duty is to answer them."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Well. I've heard that you pointed out the ship to Akodo-san, and he's made a few people on the Half Moon aware. However...I do find it strange that it's managed to stay floating, especially if you had the chance to speak to your ruler, to be made envoy." They couldn't give you a squad of soldiers instead?

[Jayant Utpal]

"There are reasons for that. Though I don't know all of them myself. We've been preparing, just as they have. We could risk striking too soon and causing a panic early." Jayant frowns, glancing back at the boat that so offended him. It was fairly clear that he was speaking someone else's words. He'd like nothing more than to see the ship burnt to the waterline.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi let out a small breath, as troublesome as it was, she could see the social repercussion of such an act. Peasant knew there place but sudden acts like that, gave them something to work with their active imaginations. "So I see then. Good. I should hope that eventually you get some answers Jayant. I'd think you sleep better without that eyesore. Do you know much of them?"

[Jayant Utpal]

"The ship? Some. Records on the ship itself are scarce, though it doesn't seem to be modified at all. As to the crew. All we have seen are humans, but that does not guarantee that is all that is inside." Jayant frowned at dark memories as he looked back at the enemy vessel.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"Do you have any idea who these people are actually? Seeing that the has a human face, there must have been a few of them about the city. Maybe even checking around the same defences and palace we have ne? Could pirates be so desperate to attack a fleet such as yours, with only one ship?"