Anzai sat at an outdoor table of a small tea house, slowly sippung from the steaming cup. The evening felt crisp, and refreshing. The heat from the liquid bringing a small smile to his face. He was dressed in his traditional extravagent clothes, the blood scarlet of his kimono a stark contrast to his pale skin.

He was wondering if this was the city comfort he would miss most, lost in his own thoughts.

The time was drawing near. Soon, the ships in the harbour would be sailing out to an unknown destination, with many sailors both experienced and not. Suihime classed herself firmly between the two - she had sailed, and she was very well-read on the subject, but she was hardly an expert. She thought on the future, all that time at sea, as she walked. It made her curious; so many new arrivals in the city, new faces. Were they all here to sail? Did they know what was in store?

She passed a tea house, and a face caught her attention. Or rather, a mask on the face. The Scorpion seemed very familiar... and she was sure she knew the mask. She paused, looking to the man. "Shosuro-san?" she said, curiously, to see if he recognised her. She bowed as well.

Anzai looked about for a moment, his name being called waking him from his thoughts. Seeing the woman bow, hr stood, and did the same, and then realized who it was. "Miya-sama! Good to see you again!" His smile was subdued, yet warm.

"Seems we won't be needed to wait too long between letters now." He chuckled slightly, extending an arm to the seat across from him. "Do you have time to join me for tea? I know you must be quite busy."

"My letter to you containing my apology for the upcoming delay to communications was to be sent this evening. I guess I can deliver this in person" Suihime laughed, smiling and moving over "I would be delighted to join you. I hope you are well?" She sat at the offered seat. "I wouldn't have expected to see you here."

"I an in person delivery. A most gracious honor." He laughed at his own joke, watching the famed 'Princess of the Navy' as she joined him. Taking his seat again after her, he nodded. "I have been. Getting ready for my latest assignment."

So, she hadn't heard... this actually pleased him. "I will be joining the expedition. Representing my clan, of course. I'm eager to see what we find."

"A Miya herald delivering mail directly is quite an honour you know" Suihime grinned, taking the offered seat with a nod of thanks. There was a momentary look of surprise. "The expedition? Truly? How wonderful! I didn't have you down as the sailing type though Shosuro-san, did my many compliments of the open ocean convince you to view it for yourself?"

"This is very true. Something for me to record, Miya-sama." He awaited the arrival of her tea, before sipping from his again. His mis colored eyes focusing on her, regarding her question.

"It certainly helped to spur my actions to earn the commission from my daimyo. I was chosen from my clan because I took the time to learn the Merenaese language." He nodded succinctly, rather pleased at that.

"I haven't really been on a ship yet."

"Merenaese? A good language to pick" Suihime nodded approvingly "I have leaned on my brothers knowledge of the language while I focused on others, so my Merenease is sadly lacking. It's on my list to learn and study as a priority. A long voyage will certainly help with this" a small chuckle "you are one of many that have arrived eager and inexperienced. I'm sure myself and the other Imperial Explorers will be happy to assist you in learning the ways of the ocean. She is an unforgiving maiden after all."

Suihime looked to the tea.

"What blend is this?"

"I would be most honored to learn from you and the other explorer's, Miya-sama." Anzai bowed his head slightly. He had heard that it was going to be a long voyage, but was curious about how long, possibly. "Any estimates on how long we would be at sea? Adventure is thrilling and all, but planning for those events should be prudent." He smiled briefly, watching her looking to the tea.

"Just a blend of ocha. Nothing too terribly special, but still delicious and warming to the core. Especially given the cooling of the seasons."

"Ah, hoping for some hints about the voyage from one of the original Explorers?" Suihime gave him a shake of the head "sadly, I'm no more clued in than you. Looking at how my brother has been preparing the ships though, it will be a long voyage. A month at sea perhaps? Maybe more? I would get ready to spend a lot of time in close quarters with many different people from many different clans Shosuro-san" she gave him a smirk "I assume this is no issue for a charming man like yourself."

"Certainly not. It'll be like court. Just... smaller. More... intimate." He smirked back at her, before chuckling slightly. So, all the details weren't known to the original explorer's yet. Most interesting. Not that he was looking for secret information, but as a student of Bayushi, it was his instinct to seek out details that weren't always privy to himself. Setting his cup of tea on the table, he mused for a moment, thinking on the information as presented.

"Though I'm sure there'll be need for me to help with shipboard duties other than smile politely and say the right things. Do you have any insights on what we delegates will be expected to assist with once aboard? Simply wanting to make sure I do my part."

"Hm..." Suihime mused for a few moments, turning her cup on the plate a few times as she thought "I can't imagine inexperienced Explorers being given too many duties on the ships. Cleaning, or rigging perhaps. Other than that...maybe spotting."

"We shall see where my talents are most useful, Miya-sama." Slender fingers danced at the table edge, the young courtier watching the princess with friendly interest. Seems he was going to have much to learn aboard the ship.

"May I ask, have you learned what your responsibilities shall be, Miya-sama?"

"I don't" Suihime shook her head "much is still to be decided. I'm not sure we are aware of who will captain the ships yet, nor what the Explorers will be performing on board. I've captained a ship previously, although it was a much smaller vessel, but hopefully I will be considered for it again. I know Moshi-dono and Hantei-denka are aware of my skills."

Ah, so we have no Captains yet... There may still be a chance to gain some status...

He smiled knowingly, "Yes, you're last letter is partially what got me excited for this expedition. I'm sure with what you've already displayed, your name would be near the top of the list, if not there already, Miya-sama." He was sincere with his flattery, the smile remaining before he picked up his cup of tea again. "The adventure surely will be something that courts will talk about for years to come, and what we find, can only benefit the Empire." He was hopeful, if perhaps overeager, about the chance to see more of the world.

To make his own claims.

"I'm happy to be an inspiration, it's what all of us original Explorers should be" Suihime accepted the praise with a smile and a nod of thanks "there are plenty of other talented sailors, some already having their own ships, so I take nothing for granted. I'll be happy to document the voyage from whichever role is deemed appropriate for me. Seeing the world outside with my own eyes..." she sighed gently "and perhaps, one day, seeing the legendary Jewel of the desert myself. I can but hope this comes to pass. Ah, forgive me, I'm rambling a little" she chuckled, taking a moment to sip her tea and calm her racing thoughts.