(openish, expecting)

Legs and stomach settled somewhat after so many hours, Natsuko finds herself curious to see more, to watch the wind and water. She climbs very carefully, never committing her weight to the hand that's only half there, finally settling on a spar where she can look to the faraway horizon, as well as back toward the growing dark line of the shore.

Kasumi, knowing damn well that she'd be denied any such vistas for most of her time in Tsuma, was way up the ratlines, her eyes on the horizon, her position in the rigging more relaxed than if she'd been in her mother's home.

[Open-ish claimed Feel free to ignore her though]

And then, definitely incredibly uncomfortably, Jiro catches himself watching the Mantis that he finds to be so lovely... while approaching his betrothed.

Nope... nope, nope, nope, nope...

His brain screams and scolds and tells him that he definitely needs to resolve some things. But hormones, inexperience and angst were definitely not going to allow that. And the entire time that his confused young mind roils with uncertainty he kind of paces and turns and then turns back in an uncomfortable display of incredible indecision.

But he somehow finds himself standing next to Natsuko, and unwilling to look at anything other than the water for the moment. It seems the safest, most uncomfortable choice.

Awkwardly, breathily, " H-hey..."

Yukikaze no Kasumi wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 12, 2021 3:52 am

Kasumi, knowing damn well that she'd be denied any such vistas for most of her time in Tsuma, was way up the ratlines, her eyes on the horizon, her position in the rigging more relaxed than if she'd been in her mother's home.

[Open-ish claimed Feel free to ignore her though]

From below, Michi saw Kasumi on the rigging. A stray thought entered her mind about ascending and joining the Mantis. There were questions about the ship, the crew, and other matters she could ask. Though perhaps she should simply leave her be to enjoy the moment? She could ask the Boatswain if there was further help needed. Yes, that.

Akodo Michi wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 12, 2021 5:29 pm

From below, Michi saw Kasumi on the rigging. A stray thought entered her mind about ascending and joining the Mantis. There were questions about the ship, the crew, and other matters she could ask. Though perhaps she should simply leave her be to enjoy the moment? She could ask the Boatswain if there was further help needed. Yes, that.

The frequent lookout of the Yukikaze wasn't in the habit of looking down at the ship while she was aloft, and thus, she didn't notice the Lion's brief attention.

Hood blown back, tangled hair whipping with the sea wind, Natsuko turns toward the voice. She nods once. "Greetings, Shiba-san." She takes a deep breath and swallows hard before attempting an approximation of a bow, clinging hard to the rope to avoid falling to the deck below in the process. Her complexion and eyes are notably paler as she returns, just as carefully, to a less precarious state.

If she notices Kasumi, she might also notice the apparent interaction bubble established by others nearby and choses only to glance up for a moment, only to look quickly away as the Mantis girl's casual hang inflames Natsuko's unsteady vertigo.

"You are...much better at this. Have you been on a boat before?"

"In the city where my small dojo was, I went out on small fishing boats on the river occasionally. Was never good at any of it, but it was fun and I got a little used to weird movements. This ship is far more steady, but also faster, so I feel it a bit," he says patting his belly. "But it's definitely not a skill I cultivated."

"I wish I knew some tips to help."

She starts to shrug, thinks better of it and settles back. "It is endurable for a time. Then we will be on land, and can wash off the fish smell." Her eyes drift to the horizon again, then down to the waves. "We only ever swam in the small waters near the Sanctuary. No boats."

There is a pause before, sparked by memories of school and the many shrines there, she says. "Several of us visited the Shrine yesterday. It is so uncared for that spirits are leaving it. It needs attention."

"The spirits are leaving? Then... okay. If we can secure permission or leave to do something, I will help with any physical repairs I can make," he says with a nod. There's a bit of intensity to this, shifting his focus. "Certain pieces will likely need replacing and blessing. It is not a new experience for me. Did you notice any particular parts of the shrine that were in particularly bad shape?"

She nods carefully. "The stone carvings are shabby, and the wood. I am bringing food and tea to meet with Saito today." A pause. "He is the monk tending the shrine."

"But replacing...I don't know who we need permission from. I will ask." Her eyes find his, intent. "The place they left behind. Darkness was...trying to settle."

"Other than building something to honor the fortunes, there is not much I can do outside of assisting a priest. But I will do all I can if given the opportunity."

"Offerings, not just of coins, helps them...sort of feeds them, provides attention," she says earnestly, forgetting the waves for just a moment. "I do not know why the town neglected it."

She looks back down to those milling around on the deck. "How much bigger is this than the boats you were on before?"

"Perhaps I should leave some artistic offerings? An ikebana arrangement and origami?"

"Many times. Which, surprisingly, means it doesn't move around as much. I thought a bigger boat would have bigger movements," he admits.

Shiba Jiro wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 13, 2021 2:19 pm

"Perhaps I should leave some artistic offerings? An ikebana arrangement and origami?"

"Many times. Which, surprisingly, means it doesn't move around as much. I thought a bigger boat would have bigger movements," he admits.

She grimaces slightly. "The small ones move more? I will avoid them."

"But yes, artistic offerings should be accepted, though they will fade quickly as the spirits pull what is vital from them."

"That is good then. If it can nourish the spiritual well being of the shrine," he says with a nod. "It just means I'll need to bring many gifts."