Mio's coughs we're getting worse and she was running low on opium. It was the only thing to calm them long enough to function for the day and she needed to get more. But, she couldn't ask the servants to go because then Shiori would know and that could spell all sorts of things. Telling one of the maids she was going for a walk, Mio stepped out and headed to the Machi.

Shiori has gone to see that maid returned so now was the perfect opportunity to explore unhindered. Such a bustling place, she thought as she walked among the various buyers there running their errands or, just like her, merely looking about for the next item to save up for. Mio was very grateful for the things she was gifted on her first day in her new home, so she was determined to see it all repaid.

While so many wonderful things caught her eye, Mio found a particular merchant that stated they bring in all kinds of goods from the West. The White Crane Trading Co. seemed like a likely place to get what she needed. She had asked around for the local opium dens, but she would rather avoid those places altogether. She had to keep some sense of personal standards. Entering the shop, it was like getting a taste of other places she's never been. Exotic spices filled the air and all manner of wears were on display, shiny and new and just waiting for someone to take them home. No one was around at the moment so Mio just looked around, a graceful finger running along a counter.

She stopped at a counter containing hair pins when something moved out of the corner of her eye. Was it a ghost? It was as if a shadow had peeled out from behind somewhere. Not sure what to do, she remained still until a pair of bright yellow green eyes looked up at her from behind the corner of the display. It's fur was black as night and it was the tiniest animal she's ever seen since her travels to this place. "Hello, little one," Mio addressed the tiny creature as it slowly creeped out to investigate who she was. Mio was about to bend down to let it sniff her hand when a violent cough took hold. Her very soul could be shaking from it as she reached for her kerchief. This cause the tiny shadow to scurry back to its hiding place.

"I'm so sorry," said a voice from somewhere. "I was in the back and-" Seeing the woman taking ill, he quickly rushed to her aid. "Please, sit," he said, indicating the crate that was not far from her. "Let me get you some tea."

Mio was too taken by the coughing to say much, but she let the man help her sit. She tried to wave off the tea, but it wasn't long after she sat down that he was gone. So was her cough, the kerchief covered in bright red blood. "Damn it," she muttered to herself. This certainly wasn't the way she wanted to do business.

Peeking from its hiding place, the tiny shadow with the bright eyes slowly made its approach towards the woman. Seeing the fabrics she wore, it pawed at it then began its ascent. Soon, it was on her lap, claws holding onto the slick fabric. A tiny mew left it before it settled on its new perch and looked as if it made itself home.

"Here we are," the man returned with a tray set in fine China and steaming tea. A small dish with odd looking sweets sat with them. All were in the European style of pottery and she couldn't help but desire a set. "Ah ha, so that's where you went, Seba."

"Meeew," said the shadow before lying his head down and closing his eyes on the lady's lap.

"That's a first," The man said curiously as he filled a cup with tea.

It sat on a saucer and it felt even more European to have tea this way as Mio quickly tucked the kerchief in her sleeve and accepted it. The steam was a true blessing as it filled her lungs before taking a sip. "What's a first, if I may ask?" Sipping the contents, it was like having the best restorative. It was a foreign flavor, though. One she didn't recognize yet it wasn't exactly bold either. It wasn't altogether displeasing.

"Sebastian taking to a stranger on the first meeting. You must be special." The gentleman smiled with a wink as he looked the image over and chuckled a bit. "Well then, you've met Sebastian the curiously terrible. I'm Ryoichi, owner and operator of this place and the ship it's named after." He began looking for something while he spoke. "Once you've been restored, you can tell me what brought you here. No rush at all." He took a moment to look around before returning his gaze to the lady. "By the way, how do you like the tea? Earl Grey is one of the top teas in England."

Mio couldn't help smiling into her tea. "My, aren't you courteous? Thank you for the hospitality. I don't wish to be a bother anymore than I've already become..." She looked into her cup, feeling at odds with the situation. On the one hand, she could very well use it to her advantage. On the other, Ryoichi just seemed too kind to do that to. She looked to her cup at the question and sipped it again, savoring the flavors on her tongue. "It's very interesting. I've never had anything more than what could be grown locally..." Mio was at ease knowing she was having a casual conversation with nothing more expected of her. She began to get lost in the sights of the shop.

Ryoichi was looking at an inventory log when he spoke. "You never told me your name. Where you from, if I may ask?" He glances up to see the little dust devil was still on the lady's lap. Chuckling inwardly, his eyes drew back to the list at hand.

The ship captain's casual tone took her by surprise somehow, drawing her attention to him. It wasn't often a man spoke so to her given her profession. Casual conversation wasn't exactly required when you're paid to sleep with a client. It was so refreshing to see someone not know what she was, Mio hesitated a moment in telling him the truth.

Her hesitation didn't go unnoticed. "Hey," Ryoichi said in a reassuring tone, "If I stepped out of bounds, I'm sorry. Your business is your own. I just like getting to know my customers to better serve is all. No need to tell me anything if it bothers you." He looked concerned that he might have said something offensive.

A light chuckle floated in the air as Mio gently stroked the kitten's soft fur. "No offense taken. My name is Mio and I work at the Gentle Lotus. Some might not find it decent work, but it is still work and work I enjoy."

"As long as you can enjoy it, that's all that matters," replied the ship's captain with a grin. "Can't always be glamorous, now can we? Though, I'm pretty sure your work is much more so than mine. A fine lady like yourself shouldn't be stuck with a group of rough necked, sea worn men."

This comment was followed by a few jesting objections from a group of his crew bringing in a crate from their recent shipment. The exchange brought amusement to the woman who laughed lightly behind her sleeve. Unfortunately, this caused her to start coughing again, setting the tea down and quickly reaching for her kerchief within her sleeve. As Ryoichi refilled her cup, he couldn't help but notice the red stains on the white cloth and frown. "Can I assume that that is the reason you're here?" He gestured slightly with his chin towards the kerchief.

Mio finally gained control again and sighed. "I'm afraid so. I have heard there are some opium dens here, but I would rather avoid them at all costs. You see, the person I care about the most doesn't know. Right now, I prefer it stay that way..." She glanced to the side slightly forlornly.

Ryoichi nodded solemnly. "Understandable. You don't want him to worry about you. Discretion is part of my business." He closed his ledger and came around to walk to the other side of the room. "Normally, I don't ask what a person's business is with the items I sell them. But a little detail helps. No worries, Miss Mio, I got it," he began huffing as he lifted a heavy box out of the way, "a fresh shipment from China. The guy I usually sell to won't miss a parcel or two. How much do you actually need?"

Mio looked concerned. "I don't wish to trouble your client if it means taking from his order. I'll merely go elsewhere." She was thinking about leaving when she remembered the tiny ball of fluff on her lap. Sighing quietly, she remained where she was, tea in hand.

"Not at all. The supplier sometimes only sends half a shipment so the buyer is used to partial orders. Besides, as you said before, a lady like yourself shouldn't be seen in a den of a different iniquity." Ryoichi found what he was looking for and grinned. "Now then..." He began unloading parcels to see which ones would be of good size for her.

The courtesan watched him, endearment in her heart for the captain's generosity and kindness. It was quite a lot of opium in that order. The den must either be big or sell a lot to their clients. "Truly your kindness is quite..." Mio couldn't figure out the right word.

"Something? I've been called many things, good and bad." He laughed a bit as he took a couple manageable bundles and tied them together in a simple cloth. "There we go. This is yours."

"Oh my." Mio was taken aback. That was much more than she could have gotten in the last place she called home. She was so surprised, she stood up, causing Sebastian to do quick thinking and cling to her robes. The kitten then climbed as best he could to the lady's shoulder. This was followed by a series of yowls and nudges and laughter.

"Well, it seems you're his new favorite human." Ryoichi wiped the tears from his eyes with a sigh. "You know what this means?"

"What," asked Mio as she rubbed the little one's chin.

"You have to come by more often. If you need something or just happen to be in the area. Hell, just tea. Whaddya say?" The ship's captain wore his best grin in Hope his proposal was captivating. It wasn't really much, though. Sometimes he just sucked at negotiations when it came to the social elements.

The courtesan stifled laughter behind her sleeve and nodded, a vagrant cough escaping her. "When you put it like that, how can a lady refuse? Especially when you have such a charmer among your crew." She rubbed Sebastian's tiny head once more as the captain reached to take the black puff of fur.

There was a bit of a struggle and Sebastian refused to let go, a growl was followed by loud purring when Ryoichi let go and the kitten settled on that very graceful shoulder. "Damn it, man. She has to go home..." The man pouted a bit as the kitten simply ignored him.

"How about another cup of tea and you tell me more about the man behind the generosity?" Mio smiled gently as she sat back down, feeling the kitten really relax. She never felt such calm in so long, she didn't have the heart to disturb the little one right away.

Ryoichi smiles with a nod, refreshed her cup and proceeded to talk about himself and the love of the business.