D0EA, Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart (Open)

[Seppun Urusai]

The Seppun, even before the days of the Empire, venerated Lady Sun. Urusai is a true son of that line, and he holds to the traditions of his kin. So it is that, having cleaned himself from the road, he makes his way to the temple to the Sun Goddess, Mother of Gods and Emperors, there to give thanks for his safe travels, for the blessings of the Empire, for his Family, and for the opportunities provided him.

The monks do not disturb his prayers.

[Akodo Michi]

With light, precise steps, a Lion entered the temple grounds. Taller than average, in tell tale brown and gold, hair in a high tail and face marked clearly with both youth and determination, the young lady stopped short of the Seppun and knelt by the shrine venerating Amaterasu, offering quiet prayer.

She as well was at least initially undisturbed by the grounds keepers.

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai finishes his prayers. He will await his companion, almost eagerly. Not unseemly, of course, but samurai are stronger in company than alone.

[Akodo Michi]

When she was through greeting Amaterasu, the Lioness stood. A soft bow was granted to the shrine, as if to a friend's mother she had given a greeting to, but was truly in a hurry to see her friend. Turning toward the shrine to Bishamon she took a step in that direction, but the Seppun was in her way.

Stillness, deliberation, unbothered eye contact.

Then a bow.

"Good afternoon Scion of the honored Seppun house", she said in a voice with force and certainty. Slight melody touched it at the beginning and end. A proper courteous greeting. "I am Akodo Michi, daughter of Toranaga and Reiko."

[Seppun Urusai]

"Urusai, son of Tokaji," he replies, nodding. "May I join you in your devotions, daughter of the Lion?"

[Akodo Michi]

Further deliberation, yet her eyes did not leave the Seppun's. Large and black pools gazed for only a beat, but could seem much longer to the mind.

"I would be honored", she said with a gesture for him to walk on. When they arrived in Bishamon's realm of the temple, the Lion knelt quite properly, but without any ease. Perhaps it was the day's chill. Yet still, she doffed her hat now and fixed a lose lock of black hair before bowing her head.

Whatever she communicated to the Fortune of Strength, it seemed to warm her body, her face becoming softer and appearing more her age, rather than so sharp and determined.

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai, knowing his position and guessing at the girl's disposition--Lion being Lion--steps closer to the shrine to make his own prayers. He kneels with grace and ease, emboldened perhaps by communal prayer.

His litany is quiet, as it had been before Lady Sun, but solemn and correct.

[Akodo Michi]

It seemed that Michi had a great deal to go over with Bishamon. Her lip even quirked slightly, perhaps the ghost of a smile.

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai relaxes as he prays.

Until he doesn't.

He seems to start, as if hearing another speak. He goes rigid, bowing his head more deeply, almost as if he is being admonished.

But none speak to him that others can hear.

[Akodo Michi]

Undisturbed by the Seppun's movement, or perhaps simply unaware, Michi's face regained it's Lion stoicism and her dark eyes opened. Quietly she rose and stepped away to take in the view of the temple.

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai, for his part, appears to be responding to the unheard voice, looking almost like he is reporting adverse actions.

Almost.

He says nothing aloud, of course. But there is an aspect of rebuke in his carriage.

[Akodo Michi]

Certainly not one to interrupt, as Michi has a cousin who once admitted their ancestor had appeared in a dream once and had very unkind things to say about said cousin's training habits, she waited quietly.

Then eventually strode toward the statue of Fukurokujin, after offering Bishamon a deep bow.

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai hangs his head and says "It will be done."

Then he rises and continues his devotions, moving in tandem with the Akodo.

He does not have as much to say to Fukurokujin, as it happens. He does not scorn the Fortune of Wisdom, of course, but his inclinations are otherwise for now.

[Akodo Michi]

Michi was not praying, but observing the statue pensively. Her eyes drew toward the Seppun as he approached.

"I pray your devotion bore fruit, Seppun-sama."

[Seppun Urusai]

"And yours, of course," he replies, adding "I trust yiu traveled well."

[Akodo Michi]

A nod at that, her high pony tail bobbing slightly.

"It was conducted honorably", she replied plainly, face placid. "One takes their time in their host's lands, a march is unbecoming." She paused a slight moment. "For yourself, but so close, was it a privilege to travel? I hear the closer one comes to the capital, the more serene the land."

[Seppun Urusai]

"The journey was pleasant," Urusai replies. "Although the walk from Kyuden Seppun was long. Still, the body must be trained as well as the mind.

"Things grow quiet away from the Capital, however," he adds. "Fewer people, though still enough."

[Akodo Michi]

"I have yet to visit the Emperor's home city", she admitted. "There have been...too many matters for my family to see to in recent years. Though my father has gone, but did not wish to speak of it after." There was a tone of disappointment, but her eye contact did not waver. "Yet to say I know nothing is unsound, many speak of the Emperor's road above the streets, of the crowds of pilgrims and those subjects who make their homes there, as well as the varying flavors of the hub villages. Is it true the Imperial Library is larger than some castles?"

[Seppun Urusai]

"That is the report," Urusai answers. "I have not had the privilege of training there, however, having taken my schooling at Kyuden Seppun. An early pilgrimage and recent travel afforded no opportunity for perusal of the records, although the Guest Home inspires only a little less awe than the Palace."

[Akodo Michi]

"Seppun-sama's education and opportunities seem a rare privilege", the Lion maiden observed. "I pray such fortune continues to speed you through the competition in the coming days."