[D1 LE] A Late Dinner

[Miya Akari]

"You mentioned that this wasn't your first posting. Have you spent much time out of Lion lands?"

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Some, yes, but not far outside them," he replies. "Mostly just forward of the borders, with occasional assignments to courts. There was one assignment in the Imperial City that stands out. It was interesting. Quite busy, as well. Many people. Much going on. Excellent food."

[Miya Akari]

"The city is that, indeed. Always people on the move and working. Even during the quietest hours outside of the Forbidden City, you still hear the sounds of people working or relaxing, depending on the part of the city," she says with a nod.

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Miya-sama has been in the Forbidden City?"

[Miya Akari]

She nods at that. Not quite so odd for a Seppun guardsman. "As duty required. A few times for specific functions. More people go there than one might assume. Between guards servants and high ranking guests there has been room for me to do my duty there at times."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"It is hoped that Miya-sama enjoyed slow watches."

[Miya Akari]

"No watch is a slow watch there. But even with that it is impossible not to be in awe of the beauty and majesty of the Forbidden City."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Of course," comes the reply, and the Lion takes another pull from his drink.

"What is Miya-sama's favorite part of the Capital? If this one is stationed there again, it would be a pleasure to see it, duties permitting."

[Miya Akari]

"Standing before Seppun hill, and feeling the weight of the events that shaped the empire is one of my favorite things to do. I would visit there often when I was in the city. Of course, I spent far more of my free time in Juramashi district, at the tea and geisha houses there, which were lovely."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"This one spent some time in Juramashi," Matisutou replies. "Which was Miya-sama's preferred tea house?"

[Miya Akari]

"There was a small one called Lily Petal House. I preferred it because it was in a shared building and was on the second floor, so it had a nice view. Could watch all the people going about their business."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Unfamiliar with that one," notes the Lion. "But such an elevated thing would exceed most samurai."

[Miya Akari]

She smirked at that. "Not so hard to get there. The stairs are accessible."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Yes, but is the door so?"

He takes another drink.

"Many places that would delight in Miya-sama's company would balk at that of others."

[Miya Akari]

"I saw all types there. It wasn't a place of exclusivity as much as it was just not well known I believe. That, and it's smaller size probably discourages people from visiting for anything that could be considered duty related as it would be easier to overhear. So mostly just people looking to sit quietly, or chat lightly with a partner, and enjoy the view."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Hm."

Matisutou nods, takes another drink.

"It will be good to visit, if duties allow a return thence. It will be remembered, in any event."

[Miya Akari]

"I hope that you get the opportunity." Akari ate the last bit of her meal.

[Ikoma Matisutou]

Matisutou finishes his drink. "And Miya-sama, as well."

[Miya Akari]

"I thank you for the conversation, and sharing a meal with me Ikoma-san," she said offering a bow. But her mind started to wander towards her upcoming visit.

"I look forward to our next meeting and sparring."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"It will be an honor, Miya-sama," the Ikoma says, returning the bow to presumably close the /scene.

And thank you!