[D4 EM Open]Another Day... Another Prayer

[Shiba Kuroneko]

The young Shiba came back to see the splendor of their efforts. He knew that everyone would have pitch in yet he felt empty. His hair was a mess and lined with leaves and the ribbon in his hair was about to fall. Kuroneko bowed to the abbot and went to the shrine of Inari offering his prayer to the Fortune of Rice like he had promised his mother he would.

[Seppun Urusai]

After having worked so hard on it yesterday--and the bump is better, thanks--Urusai makes his way to the Shrine. He claps, bows, and offers his own prayers, not wanting to disturb others, but clearly available to talk.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

Urusai would probably note the Shiba with random leaves on his hair being bothered by none. He didn't look right. He had just finished his prayers. Tori was atop the Shiba's head chittering.

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai does, and he makes his way thence.

With a bow, he says "Son of the Phoenix, is it well with you?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

His fame seemed doused when he speaks. "I am well... I hope Inari no kami has blessed you today Seppun sama." He couldn't give the appropriate bow yet he inclined slightly. He didn't want Tori to fall.

[Seppun Urusai]

"I am graced by the Fortunes' favor," Urusai agrees. "But your lamp seems shuttered. Was the night unkind to you?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"You can say that...I fell asleep in the garden last evening watching lord Onnotangu surrounded by the stars... I was pondering on a silly notion, my flame was doused. I just came to seek guidance for what is up next... My path is unclear." He sighed "I might consult the star even if I know it will not bring the answers that I seek." His voice was oddly stoic and soft.

[Seppun Urusai]

"What did watching the Heavens show you?" Urusai asks. "Though isn't watching the Kami-father...fraught?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"I didn't follow the ritual to get a read." He sighed "Some find the moon soothing others not so much. I guess last night it wasn't my turn to be soothed by it rather stressed." Tori started to preen Kuroneko.

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai nods and pivots.

"How did you come by your companions?" he asks, his mind thinking back to the Shinjo girl and her menagerie.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"Well... I was in Kitsune Mori... when we found this nest. There he was the cutest little guys. My friend took one and I took this one. Their mother had been killed by poachers." He explained.

[Seppun Urusai]

"I trust the culprits were apprehended?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"Sadly no... because many believe these guys are bad luck and use their nice fluffy tails as brush hairs." He could start to sense the ire coming up the young man. "I am glad I found Tori kun though even if it was in dire circumstances." The little had taken the leaves out of the Shiba's hair and made a happy trill.

[Seppun Urusai]

"That...makes no sense," Urusai says. "Why would you take and keep things from the unlucky?"

He shakes his head. "Detestable."

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"Maybe as a deterrent to the bad luck... who knows..." He took a breath to calm down as Kiba appeared to rub around his leg.

[Seppun Urusai]

"And that one?" Urusai asks, gesturing at Kiba.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"I was practicing in the temples and had to take a rest. He looked at me and I gave him some food. Now he follows me everywhere." He chuckled.

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai cocks an eyebrow.

"Which temple?" he asks.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"The Water Dragon temple where I went to study some of my arts and techniques in Divination rituals. It was quite the view." He smiled. "Many of the Kaito seem to make great teachers."

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai nods. "I believe you," he says. "Perhaps I will see them someday."