D9LA, Hot Lunch (Expecting)

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed Apr 22, 2020 8:21 pm

"Having nothing in the way helps, indeed," Seitouna replies, smiling in return. "And the warmer waters sometimes invite swimming, though the currents can carry a person away who is not careful."

He takes a bit more sake, eats a bit more.

"Though even that can be exciting, when handled deftly."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

She bit her lip softly. "It must sound silly to a man that's spent so much of his life around and on the water, but I can't swim. None of the melt water streams near where I grew up were deep enough, and lakes are quite rare, and ice cold. I fear I'd likely be swept away."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 23, 2020 1:41 pm

He nods.

"That is a danger for even the strongest swimmers, but as to learning how, it is no difficult thing. Indeed, I am told that women tend to have an easier time in the water. It's in the hips, really."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

She lifted a sleeve once again to cover a laugh, smiling coyly after she lowered it again. "I will keep that in mind Kasuga-san. Perhaps if this rain keeps up for another week, I will have to learn. That, or learn to sail. Do horse's do well on boats?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 23, 2020 3:01 pm

"Categorically no, Agasha-sama. They do not take well to pitching decks."

He takes another bite, chews, swallows, smiles.

"An exceptional rider, or an exceptionally trained animal, makes the beast tolerable, but it is generally best to avoid having them on board. They don't load through hatches well, so they generally have to stay on deck, and that causes problems."

He leans forward, resting his chin on his hand.

"Smiles are good to see in these days."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

She kept her smile soft, glancing down into her cup of sake and running a finger over the edge. "Ano... I do try to keep them polite at least. I am horrible at keeping my On when I am glad."

Looking over, she looked back down at her food. She had eaten more of her yakitori as they spoke than she'd thought. In fact, she only had one skewer left. She was, however, a bit full. "Ah, Kasuga-san, I am not certain I could take another bite. Would you like my last skewer?"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 23, 2020 9:08 pm

"It would be good to see more such smiles, I think."

But when she asks her question about the skewer, he says "It would be a shame to send it back. But it is good to see that you have enjoyed the food."

It may not be the best response, but it is adequate, and he is trying to be polite, after all.

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

She gave a small nod. It was, after all, a gift in a way. "I did indeed, arigato. Even the sake was quite good, though I fear, another would have had more than I. Please, if you still have some room, I would share back with you this last morsel."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 23, 2020 9:21 pm

Taking the cue--he's courtly, for a sailor, but this isn't a deck--he replies "The pleasure of your company is more than enough, Agasha-sama."

And I would happily enjoy more of it, he thinks.

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

She gave a shy smile at that, her gaze flitting down into her cup again. "That may be true, but that is in turn for your own Kasuga-san. Fill yourself with this last skewer, and I will smile all you wish."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 23, 2020 9:41 pm

"Had I known that was all that was needed, I should have feasted upon them. That said," he takes the skewer, his ink-stained and rope-scarred hand brushing hers as he does.

As he brings the skewer to his plate, he asks, "Would you like a refill, Agasha-sama? A dry cup is no fine thing."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

She gave another meek apology under her breath and moved her hands back, then gave the same meek smile as she shook her head. "Iie, arigato. I think that is enough sake for me for one afternoon. Perhaps when I get back to the castle I will have some tea though."

Poemu paused, remembering. "In fact, I had an appointment for some tea and snacks. I hope I left enough room to not be a dishonor on my promise."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:06 pm

"I'd offer to escort you," he says. "A good walk or another bit of activity following a meal does wonders."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

"Oh, I imagine I am quite safe, but if it were a more formal escort, I would appreciate the company." Poemu nodded. "Have you met the ronin woman Mari yet? I believe she was here in Nikesake rather than a part of our evacuation from Toshi no Omoidoso, but she is who I will be having tea with."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:53 pm

"I am happy to accompany you most anywhere, Agasha-sama," he says and makes to rise. "If you will excuse me for but one moment," he adds, and he confers briefly with the server, the latter of whom bows deeply.

When he returns, he continues.

"I have met Mari-san, in fact, and found her company quite convivial. It was a pleasure to speak with her, truly."

Alas that it was not more than speaking, he thinks.

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu stood as well, smoothing out her kimono. "Is that so? I found her pleasant, if not a bit mysterious. She is the first I've ever met on a warrior's pilgrimage. We met in court, but tonight is tea and talks."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Fri Apr 24, 2020 1:48 pm

Well, that lets that out, Seitouna thinks.

"I hope you will have a pleasant time of it, Agasha-sama," he says. With a gesture, he adds "Shall we?"

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu nodded with a smile. "Of course Kasuga-san. Please, lead the way."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Fri Apr 24, 2020 8:12 pm

With a bow, he does so, stepping out into the rain.

D9LA, Hot Lunch (Expecting)

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