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

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 8:16 pm

"That is never in doubt, Bayushi-san. Nor should it be in doubt that the same would be true of others, even if of less prestige than Bayushi's children."

He drinks off and refills the cup again.

"So, we will look for gaps in armor, then, and let each other know where they are, neh? We shall be armorers, then!"

He laughs a bit.

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi smiled and raised his cup. "Ah yes, a toast to us apprentice armors. May our hammers strike true, Kasuga-sama!"

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 8:28 pm

"Indeed."

He drinks, places his cup down, and says "Bayushi-san will forgive this if it is intemperate--perhaps I might yet be under the influence of drink from last night, who knows?--but would he care to be remembered in such writing as this poor amateur writer might do?"

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

The cup paused very briefly on the way to Degarashi's lips, but resumed its travel quickly. The Scorpion placed the empty vessel on the table carefully,and spoke in a slow, quiet voice. "Nothing would honor me more, Kasuga-sama."

****************

((Etiquette to not choke on his tea and cry because someone wants to remember him))
Fluff Etiquette: 6d10o10k3 23

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 8:42 pm

Seitouna smiles.

Oh, yes, that will be a name I write down, he thinks.

"It is my pleasure, truly, Bayushi-san."

He finishes off his plate.

"How is your meal?"

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

Degarashi looked at the food spread before him. "Much more generous than I had planned on, Kasuga-sama. I find myself sustained against a hunger which crept upon me unexpectedly. Thank you."

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:02 pm

"Of course."

He takes another pull of tea.

"Always best to take on provisions before returning to sea."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"Very true, very true." Degarashi finished his most recent selection of tea and food, before bowing to Seitouna. "This one has quite a busy day ahead indeed. If it pleases Kasuga-sama, I must take my leave for now." Even without a courtier's training it was possible to tell that the Scorpion was falling on highly formal routine to cover up how shaken he had become.

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:13 pm

Seitouna rises and returns the bow.

"It was a pleasure, Bayushi-san. Easy winds and smooth seas to you."

Bayushi Degarashi · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:02 pm **Posts:** 1027

"And may those same winds always favor your sails, Kasuga-sama."

Degarashi bowed again, then turned to leave, but before he was beyond hearing, he glanced over his shoulder. "Should you require to speak with me concerning your writings, you need only ask." And then he shuffled away, with some haste.

/exit

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."

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

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