Wedding at Fire Shrimp Village an L5R PbP

It had been a few days since Shouji had a chance to really chat with Ikeda Ishi and in that times her fortunes had changed. No more having to stay in his ship belly swaying with the sea, at least for now.

He'd sent a letter to see if she had time to meet earlier in the day and upon arriving at the castle he asked to be taken to her. This was mostly a social visit but there was also a few things he wished to ask her about.

She was reviewing correspondence when the Mantis arrived and stood. "Tsuruchi-sama, how can I be of service?" she said rising to her feet.

"Always ready to serve aren't you?" Shouji replied with a smile followed by a bow. "To the question though I mostly came to see how you were. As well as ask a few questions."

He glanced to the papers. "If you have the time?"

"I have some time to spare, how can I be of assistance?" she asked.

"Just seeing how you were feeling. It's been a rough few days and your role has changed in many ways." His lips curled into a half smile. "You're expecting another boat trip in the near future as well. So are you doing well?"

"I was until you mentioned the boat," she replied dryly.

"This my life and my Duty, I have all that a samurai needs."

That recieved a smirk, and a soft chuckle. "Understandable, your times aboard the Sea Fox can't of been the fondest of times." THe Captain conceded. "Still, It's good to hear in other ways you're doing well."

"I suppose I should move on to my next Question. "Do you know Oturi-denka well?"

She smiled and said, "We trained together under Ikeda-sensei, she was my senpai. She was a good and earnest student, and always made sure that those of her class act with correctness and Honor."

"I can see that, at least from the few interactions that I have had with her." Shiuji replied with a warm smile.

"I think perhaps then you may be able to answer another question then.... If you don't mind. Does Oturi-denka have any foods she particularly likes or dislikes?"

"I know it seems an odd question and likely an unnecessary thing to consider but my crew would like to make the extra effort to please her on the voyage north."

She had to think back and then replied, “I recall she is not much a fan of sweets and prefers simple if a bit bland fare, though perhaps her time as a ronin has changed her diet. I know she is especially fond of fish in moderation. At least from what I recall.”

“I know we once ate with Unicorn dignitaries and their dairy foods did not sit well with her.”

"I don't think ill be able to find any Unicorn fare here." Shouji replied with an amused smile. "I will keep that in mind though."

He dipped into a bow. "Thank you. I'll take what you said into account when I talk with my cook on what to prepare." Bland food and fish would both be easy. Getting away from fish though would be difficult and likely involve some vegetarian meals.

"Though i am curious do you have a similar opinion on foods?"

"I prefer spice in my foods," she responded. "but my diet is easily adjusted based on the needs of her Highness."

"Mantis cooking at least on the ship was satisfying."

"Well, im glad to hear you liked it." He hadn't adjusted the dishes made to please his previous guests palates.

"Perhaps I'll have some of the spices used sent over, so you can add them to your own meals. Though it won't be quite the same."

"I would not know the first thing about cooking," she admitted.

"But that is kind of you and far too much trouble for this humble samurai."

"These would be the kind you add after it's cooked." Shouji replied his smile perhaps a touch teasing. "No offense Ikeda-san, but I didn't take you for one that had a habit of cooking."

"Honestly I'll admit to not doing much of it either. Not That I'll burn water or anything if I ret though."

"You can burn water?" she asked quizzically.

"Well, kind of?" He said with a chuckle. "Have you ever left a kettle over the fire too long? The water disappears and all you are left with is nothing."

"Its not really the same as burning food but it's close."

"I... remember preparing tea a few times in training but I have never done so on my own," she said laughing politely into her sleeve.

"Me either." Shouji replied with a chuckle. "My navigator Minari though...." He shook his head. "Let's just say if she offers you something to drink, hope it's sake."

"I will remember that," she said seriously.

That brought a chuckle from the Mantis. "That's a wise choice." He replied with a grin.

He looked down towards the documents on her desk. "Is that what I think they are?"

"I would not presume, but they are mostly letters to members of importance to my lady," she responded.

"Ah." Shouji nodded at that. "I didn't know if they were some of those we collected yesterday."

He paused a moment looking pensive. "If it's not too much, could I get your opinion on the words of the Scorpion earlier today at court?"

"Bayushi Ijihime? She's... she is a mystery to me even when we worked together I could never get a handle on her. She has known Otomo Yusuke for a long time and we have a good working relationship but otherwise she is a Scorpion," she responded.

"I suppose that was not helpful, are you concerned?"

"It seemed an odd time for one so close to Yusuke to propose marriage to his young protégé." Shouji admitted. "I wondered if the old man could be involved."

His lips twitched into a slight frown. "I don't know her to well myself, other then she seemed to wish to be a friend, and that she has a child. One I assume she left back in the Capital."