[Moon 13, Evening, Galley] Valourous tales of Valour (Open)

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"Most of my combat stories involve standing by quietly while Lord Shigetoshi and his senior aids planned glorious ways to destroy the Son of Fire's army." Hikaru says with a shrug.

[Akodo Amuro]

"I have fourteen years of stories. But I am uncertain what stories would be of interest. Few of them are naval related."

[Akodo Jishaku]

Jishaku grins. "Why not start at the beginning?"

[Akodo Amuro]

"I'm not certain stories regarding my training would be of interest. My father died when I was nine. He was killed in Beiden pass. My gempukku was in 1157. I had just missed the Spirit Wars it seemed, and Toturi Kaede had recently become regent. At the time I was assigned under the leadership of Akodo Jurikano, Chui of the sixth forward division. You may recall that it was only perhaps a year after that in which he swore fealty to Toturi II. Toturi Tsudao-sama was a beautiful woman, and a glorious samurai, a shining beacon in which any samurai should have aspired to. My first few years were d I found personal glory to be more important than anything else, and I lived to serve both my commander and the Empress."

He takes a sip of the tea. "Time has dulled that drive a small measure I find."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru nods and listens intently as Amuro talks. It was a subject that interested him.

[Akodo Amuro]

"We were saddened at her death in the Shadowlands, but awed at her sacrifice. I served well enough that I rose quickly through ranks at the time. I am mostly trained in logistics, and troop movements, and my time on the front lines became less and less as the years continued onward. The conclusion of the Khan's march marked the end of my service with our clan, and I was commanded to assign myself to the Imperial legions, where I have spent the last year in study, knowing of my pending assignment to the fleet of the 9th."

His story lacked specifics but it was a decent overview of his service.

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"Empress Toturi the Second was a shining example of honor and Bushido. We all would do well to honor her." Hikaru says with a nod.

It was clear he was to young to know her but being a Kuge of the Ikoma knows her story well.

[Akodo Amuro]

Amuro nods and bows his head for a moment of respect to the deceased Empress, before raising it again. "You are quite right of course, Ikoma-sama."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"Well I for one am glad to have such an experienced soldier on bored Akodo-san." Hikaru then adds "Especially two of the mighty Akodo."

[Akodo Amuro]

"You are too kind to this one Ikoma-sama." he say politely. "But I thank you for your words anyway."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

"So you knew of your stationing for some time before actually being transfered to the Legion Akodo-san? That must have been nice. Give you some time to prepare." Hikaru says, ensuring that everybody is fresh up with tea.

[Akodo Amuro]

"Yes. I had a bit of time to prepare."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru raises an eyebrow and says

"That must have been nice. Ikoma-dono walked into my apartments in Kyuden Ikoma and asked how I would like to be an officer on a boat in the Imperial navy. I said not very much. He replied with that's good because he had made the arrangements. In hindsight I do not think he was listening to me. The next day I was on the way here. At least I was able to convince him to allow me to start at the same rank as all new recruits."

[Akodo Jishaku]

"Well I for one am glad to have such an experienced soldier on bored Akodo-san." Hikaru then adds "Especially two of the mighty Akodo."

Jishaku nods appreciatively as he listens to Amuro's story, and raises his cup when Hikaru mentions the mighty Akodo. As the other two converse he thinks back on his own experiences.

"I have always wanted to join the navy. Of course I imagined serving on the Deathless, but the Imperial fleet will do just fine. The sea has called me as long as I can remember."

[Akodo Amuro]

"Is it in your blood Jishaku-san? Or are you the first of your line to have this particular calling?" Amuro asked.

[Akodo Jishaku]

"My father checked the histories and it seems I am the first of my line Amuro-san. Both of my parents are historians serving at the Ikoma Libraries, my grandparents on both sides were scholars and tacticians, my uncle is a Taisa in the Lion armies." He shrugs. "I was born near the sea though, and I once met a Kitsu who told me I am blessed by Suitengu-no-kami."

[Akodo Amuro]

Amuro nods his head as the young man speaks. "A distinguished past Jishaku-san. Your experience upon previous vessels will be helpful, should I or anyone have questions."

[Akodo Jishaku]

He bows at that. "Any time you wish it Amuro-san, Ikoma-sama."

[Ikoma Hikaru]

Hikaru nods at Jishaku. It was good to have somebody he could trust that was competent in naval affairs.