D2EM, Might Be the Last Chance for a While (Open)

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:31 pm

Well, that was interesting, thinks the Tortoise as the Scorpion departs.

He signals for more tea and writes again.

Quote:

Strange times can make for fine company. For example, when I was at sea, I found myself with a rather boxy fellow as a mess-mate, a fine and insightful man whose keen political mind helped the mission considerably, and I feel a debt to him for what he taught me. And on [Day 2], as I sat to breakfast and composing my notes, a seemingly nondescript man calling himself Bayushi Degarashi joined me. His face was the kind that everybody seems to have--and that nobody does.

Bayushi-san had quite the interest in armor, something with which any Tortoise can sympathize, our shells being as they are. As we talked together, we seemed to reach an accord, in which we would let each other know if we found gaps in the armor that protected our bodies. I was pleased to meet a fellow amateur smith, and I hope he does well as his family grows.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

It was not often that Touki took tea in the morning. But yesterday had been troubling, and strange dreams had troubled his sleep.

And so he found himself stepping into a teahouse he sometimes visited. They made it too strong, just the way he liked it. I like my tea the way I like my Matsu women... Touki snorted, shaking some snow off of himself as he stepped inside.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:22 pm

Seitouna's hand pauses in its writing as the Akodo enters.

Do I remember him? he thinks.

But, if the Akodo looks his way, he will see space open at the table where the Tortoise has been working. And this is not a world in which social distancing is a thing, so there would even be a gesture of invitation, were he to look thus to see it.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

And it would be accepted. Hanging up his cloak, Touki moved to join Seitouna.

He bowed respectfully. "Kasuga-sama. This one is Akodo Touki." His voice was a low monotone. "I see there is an open spot at your table. May I join you?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:47 pm

"Of course, Akodo-san." A bow, seated. "Kasuga Seitouna. And I trust you have or will shortly eat rice today."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"Thank you." Touki eased himself into the seat. "And I would like to. Although, it is tea that I am most interested in at the moment. They do a very good strong pot here."

He gave Seitouna a politely curious look. "And you, sir? Have you eaten already?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:55 pm

Seitouna nods. "I did, but do not let that stop you if you are hungry. And I did avail myself of the tea, which is strong, indeed. I am pleased to know it is a favored sort hereabouts."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"It is." Touki confirmed with a nod. "Well then, with your permission, I shall indulge myself. Would you care for some more tea, Kasuga-sama?"

While he waited for the server to bring some over, Touki studied his breakfast partner. "My apologies for asking." He said. "But did you winter here? Or are you a more recent arrival?" It was as delicate of a way to ask the question as he could manage.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 2:31 pm

"I'd accept more tea, certainly, and you needn't apologize for the asking, Akodo-san" replies the Kasuga. "I arrived a day or two ahead of the, call it rush to get in. Less a late winter arrival than an early spring one.

"And yourself?"

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Tea was delivered. Touki left it there on the table, letting it steep. "I see." He grunted acknowledgement.

He paused a moment, inhaling the scent of the tea fumes slowly wafting from the pot. "I was stationed here this past season. I've come to know the city fairly well." He inclined his head to his breakfast partner. "So if there's anything you need assistance with, do not hesitate to ask. These are..." he frowned, "... confusing times."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 2:57 pm

Seitouna nods his agreement.

"You have the right of that, Akodo-san. And confusion is often unsettling. But I have found the city to be welcoming, even so, and even now."

He gestures around.

"Such places as this are still open, for one thing." He smiles.

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

Touki looked around. "That is true, yes." He said, his monotone agreeable enough.

He glanced at the teapot. A little longer... "The safety of our guests is paramount." Touki said. "However, we in the Lion still do our best to make you feel welcome." In an orderly fashion, of course. "May I ask about your interests, Kasuga-sama? I may be able to direct you to a site appropriate to them."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:14 pm

Seitouna gestures towards the papers on the table and says "For myself, and for my Clan, I write. But I was fortunate enough to find a stationer yesterday evening, which was decidedly welcome. Though I wonder if Akodo-san might speak to whether or not the local dojo offers training in knife-work."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"Write?" Touki glanced down at the papers. "May I ask what you write, sir?" He had assumed that it was paperwork or similar.

He frowned thoughtfully at Seitouna. "Training, perhaps. I am certain, though, that the dojo is open to all visitors during this season." A brief pause. "Even if the season is extended. On my last visit, I think there were no two members of the same clan. You would surely be welcome to practice your skills there."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2020 6:09 pm

"I shall have to get by the dojo, then. But as to my writing, Akodo-san, what I can discuss is that I am working on a prose narrative. In later days, things will need to be known, after all."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"I see." One of Touki's eyebrows went up for a few moments.

Slowly, carefully, he poured each of them some tea, starting with Seitouna, of course. "Is this something with which you have experience, sir? It sounds similar to the work done by the Ikoma."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 5:42 pm

Seitouna accepts the poured tea.

"I suppose it is not dissimilar, although I would not presume to match the omoidasu of your Clan, of course. Perhaps it might be something similar to Winter, however, in time to come.

"And sailors do tell their stories, neh?"

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"Ah, I understand." Touki's dark eyes briefly lit with understanding. "I'm familiar with the work, of course." She loved it, and made sure I read it. Touki glanced away suddenly, a strange expression briefly flashing across his stern features.

He looked back, his expression normal once more. "I am not familiar with stories. My first visit to the sea was not long ago." Touki's eyebrows went up, just a little. "Are you a sailor, sir?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2020 6:22 pm

Interesting, Setouna thinks as he sees the shift in expression. Lions are full of sensitive spots today.

He says, after a sip of tea, "I've voyaged, yes. Most of my Clan do at one point or another. But I'd not say I'm a sailor, as such, though I worked the deck."

Akodo Touki · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:17 pm **Posts:** 628

"But, nevertheless..." Touki nodded down at the papers. "You have your story. Or stories?"

He took a sip of tea, and then sighed, briefly closing his eyes.

D2EM, Might Be the Last Chance for a While (Open)

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