[Day 0, Late Afternoon] A Touch of Class (Open)

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Oh, I couldn't impose like that, Akodo-san. You're here to represent the Lion, not help look after stray Mantis..."

[Akodo Michi]

"An invitation is not imposition upon this one", she countered. "Shall we plan for early tomorrow?"

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Sure! How early were you thinkin', first light?"

Whatever one might think of the Mantis, shipboard life didn't exactly encourage lying in and letting the day pass you by.

[Akodo Michi]

"The time of lady Amaterasu's most formal appearance would be fine, yes", the Akodo agreed. A moment passed, and Michi deliberated a matter. "As you say, a boat is no place for katana. However now I am curious what weapons a sailor favors."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"A yumi, when on the chase or being chased. When things get more up close and personal, I use butterfly swords. Not s'much reach, but by the time you're in a boarding action, it's all pretty near to hand. And nobody's lineage is insulted if a butterfly sword falls into the sea. But it's varied- kinda down to what you can carry that doesn't interfere with your shipboard duties."

[Akodo Michi]

"The bow is a noble weapon", she affirmed with a nod. "Though butterfly swords, you say? Is battle so pressed and cramped upon a boat that it is truly advantageous to wield a weapon not made with the nihonto technique? A knife might suffice, would it not?"

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Knives are also good, but sometimes y'need a good chopping edge with some weight behind it. Also, they're better for fending off blows."

[Akodo Michi]

"Even a weak metal can be sharp, even a prized blade can fail", she nodded, seeing the Mantis' point. "In the end, tomorrow you will see a ritual, but one that may open your eyes to greater things, even in a close quarters engagement."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"I'm always keen for a new experience, Akodo-san. Especially one that... ties to our culture."

[Akodo Michi]

"Oh?" she sipped the last of her tea. "What other matters of culture interest Yukikaze no Kasumi-san?"

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Oh! All of 'em!"

The Mantis seemed to light up.

"I mean, aboard ship, y'don't always get a real chance t'think about it much. There's songs, but they're work songs."

Or the Octopus Song.

"Y'don't really get to spend much time on, well... poetry. Painting. Bonsai... any of it."

A pause.

"I mean, there's some good scrimshaw, but..."

[Akodo Michi]

"You have come to the right place, then", the Lion assured the Mantis. "The Crane enjoy sharing their culture with others, to aid in spreading civility among all clans."

She also paused, thinking.

"There may be visiting artisans from other clans as well, though Topaz favors young bushi, not all of its challenges are martial."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"I'm just glad I get t'meet people under... well, reasonably friendly circumstances. Not always possible at sea."

[Akodo Michi]

"What difficulties make it less peaceful?" The Lion asked. "When samurai meet, courtesy should be observed."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Can be a bit tricky when you're shouting from one kobune to the next. Especially when the shouts have arrows goin' with 'em.""

[Akodo Michi]

"You make it sound as if your clan is at war with everything upon the sea", Michi observed dryly.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Well. We're not exactly welcome contacts for everyone we come across."

[Akodo Michi]

There was clear deliberation in the form of a glare that fixed the Mantis with harsh intensity. The Lioness' dark eyes narrowed.

A swift change in attitude from the previously open, almost warm talk they had been having.

It was unlikely that Michi had never heard the word pirate before.

"Explain, please."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

Kasumi sighed.

It always came to this- whether it was her asking the questions, or some Lion she'd hoped to make friends with.

"Where d'you think Lord Yoritomo got the jade the Crab were so pleased t'get? You think he had us mine it?"

[Akodo Michi]

There was further deliberation. It was also likely Michi knew the word obedience.

"I do not know, nor can I say. Your question suggests you have an idea, your reluctance to say it plainly suggests there is reason to keep the matter ambiguous in polite company."

She also knew the word shameful.

Her eyes relaxed somewhat.

"And thus we need not speak further of it in a tea house. We have only met, I have done nothing to prove my honor to you, it would be pretentious to demand you do so."

That did not change the discerning look in her eyes, but it seemed to be more challenge than contempt.