[D1 LE] A Late Dinner

[Miya Akari]

She had spent a lovely evening on the beach, but had somehow convinced herself to make her way back to the inn rather than sleeping out there. She ordered a bit of sushi and some steamed crab for dinner. It was a nice way to cap off a day, honestly.

[Ikoma Matisutou]

Matisutou has a similar idea and so heads back in. Seeing the Miya present, he approaches, bowing.

"Would Miya-sama perhaps care for some company?" he asks in a voice firm but otherwise unremarkable.

[Miya Akari]

"She would, if Ikoma-san feels generous enough to grant it," she replied, returning the bow from her seated position.

"Get some food and join me please."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Of course," Matisutou replies, and he puts into action what has been suggested. For him, it's soup--a thick chowdery thing that smells abundantly of seafood and pepper.

"It's a shame there wasn't occasion to get better acquainted on the trip here," he adds once he's seated himself and given thanks for the meal. "But Miya-sama was and is doubtlessly quite busy, important Imperial samurai that she is.

"About which," and he inclines his head, "to be better acquainted: Ikoma Matisutou."

[Miya Akari]

"I am Miya Akari. It is a pleasure to know you Ikoma-san. I hope that we can work well together." It was formal, but there was a pleasantness to it. Like she was glad to have the company.

[Ikoma Matisutou]

Matisutou gives something like a grin.

"Charmed, of course," he says, and "There's every expectation of working well with Miya-sama. How could it be otherwise?"

He takes a spoonful of soup, closes his eyes, and sighs. "Much better than ship's biscuit."

[Miya Akari]

"Very much so," she agreed, breaking open a crab leg to get at the meat. "Where are you coming from Ikoma-san?"

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Beg pardon, Miya-sama," Matisutou replies. "Unsure what the question's asking, and accuracy makes for a better reply.

"But, most recently, practice and training. Less recently, the ship--as Miya-sama knows. Prior to that, Lion lands. Trained as a bushi, which is hardly unique there."

He grins again, takes another spoonful of soup. "Almost enough pepper in this."

[Miya Akari]

"I was referring to previous assignment," she said nodding at that. "Is this your first?"

Training made it sound like he had only just completed gempukku.

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Oh, no," Matisutou replies. "There were a number of assignments previously to this one. Enough that the sensei of the school determined a promotion within it was in order--hence the recent training."

Another spoonful of soup is swallowed. "It was an honor, of course, and gladly received.

"And Miya-sama's self?"

[Miya Akari]

She eats a piece of sushi dipped in soy sauce while he explains, then nods. "Before being assigned as Hiruka-sama's yojimbo I was a guard on the Seppun daimyo's estates. I was assigned when my predecessor transferred."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Forgiveness, please," Matisutou says, "but the histories note that one of your respected Family taking up arms is...unusual."

[Miya Akari]

"True, but my father was originally a Seppun and all my other siblings were trained in traditional Miya schools. He wished to have a child that could carry on his family's legacy as an only child himself," she explains. "And so I carry my grandfather's blade and trained in the dojo my father trained in."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

Having eaten more of his soup, Matisutou nods.

"A fine and worthy thing," he says, "befitting the honored Families involved. May the blade's name be asked?"

[Miya Akari]

"Grandfather was very much against the idea of most superstitions. He said that a blade was a tool, not a friend. An odd stance for a Seppun, but he was a very practical and stern man. I am told I don't take after him at all," she says with a chuckle. "So my sword has no name. If my grandfather did not wish it to have one then I am not going to betray that wish."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

Matisutou nods. "The wisdom of the ancestors is to be respected," he says. "That Miya-sama is a credit to them is certain, as well."

He takes more of his peppery, thick soup.

[Miya Akari]

Cracking open another crab leg, she eats the meat with a pleased expression. "Have you been introduced to the local Lion commander yet? I would guess that was your first stop."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"Meeting Akodo-sama was a pleasure, yes," Matisutou replies. "The benefit of his experience is likely to be substantial."

He lifts his bowl, spoons more from it into his mouth.

"This really is quite good soup. Filling."

[Miya Akari]

"One of the things I enjoy about the island a great deal. The fresh seafood improves the quality of every meal. It's a blessing that does a lot for keeping up morale," she says with a nod. "Akodo-san is a strong guiding presence here on the island. He provides well for his men and supports the mission capably."

[Ikoma Matisutou]

"It could not be otherwise," Matisutou replies. "If the Right Hand has a thumb, it is the Akodo."