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.

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.

"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."

"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."

"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.

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."

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

"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."

"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.

"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?"

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."

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

"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."

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?"

"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."

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.

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."

"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."

"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."

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