D4 EM (open): Giving Thanks, the Daikoku Way

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

She couldn't help but laugh at that, one hand covering her mouth. "Stretchy. Well, this is the end that keeps moving and keeps growing, so that fits."

After that though, she's silent a moment, thinking. "I think that ties in a bit to what it's actually like to grow up on Rokugan, and why I think everyone should visit once. Then you can *see* the remnants of the wall, the reconstructed watchtower, and the solid, solid bulk of Kyuden Hida. The Shadowlands have still not entirely recovered from the damage created by the pit, so you can look at that messed up land."

"Otosan Uchi is...full of echoes and ghosts. Some literal ghosts, of course. But mostly re-enactors. I spent some time in my youngest years dressed in the colors of the Dragon, in some very fine fabrics to represent a child of a highly ranked Dragon diplomat." She grins. "Kids aren't expected to be historically accurate, we just add some lively window dressing to the place."

"And it's all a bit like that. Sparrow--mostly Sparrow--playing parts as they ply crafts, re-enact famous court moments, and surreptitiously maintain all the ancient buildings and infrastructure as pilgrims and tourists come through. The tourists make it feel at least a bit closer to how busy it must have been."

"Then you go to Toshi Ranbo and feel the energy of a modern, living capital, with a humming Imperial bureaucracy and the Emperor's court in full swing. You can feel how one connects to the other, you know? And go back to the relic and better appreciate how much happened there. Sometimes it feels profound, and sometimes it feels like listening to your grandfather's stories about some great thing he and his friends did when you're aching to run outside and play with *your* friends." She smiles softly, "and that lesson is all around you, every day."

"I guess it may be harder to connect to those ancient Hiruma. But there are still dangers to the Empire, and I imagine scouting is important in fighting that." She gestures around "And here the Yasuki are, still striving to give you the best financial base to work from. All very different, and not different at all."

Ducking her head, she rubs at the back of her neck. "Sorry, I can go on a bit. Little bit of Sparrow Storyteller in me, after all."

[Hiruma Akiro]

snip

"I couldn't think of a better word." Akiro said, both embarrassed and sharing her amusement. "I suppose it did well enough."

Once again, Akiro listened, actively and closely, as Hitomi spoke, a faint look of wonder on his handsome features. "I would say that you make it sound like a magical place. But I think it is a magical place, and you're just describing it." He smiled faintly. "Perhaps better than I would, but nevertheless."

His gaze went distant again. "I did have the opportunity to visit the new capital once." A pause, then; if he had thoughts about it, it seemed he didn't mean to share them. "Hmmm. I should visit old Rokugan. I shall make it happen." He nodded, apparently confident in his ability to do so. "If I surround myself with modern things, perhaps it's no surprise that I feel more connected to it than anything else."

Turning back the way they came, Akiro nodded. "It is. At least as much. Although the nature of scouting has changed, too." He tilted his head. "Although in some ways, remaining unseen hasn't changed so much. Hmm. Something to think on, I suppose."

[Suzume Hitomi]

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All the blessings have been requested. As always, there was no knowing which might be granted as they thread their way back out of the shrines and carts.

"It can be magical if people allow it to be," she agrees. "I think that desire for connection is definitely something I try to offer. Sometimes just...doing old fashioned calligraphy, grinding ink as people have done for centuries upon centuries can do that for me. My hands are no different from the ones that wrote then. Next time you're in the shopping district, feel free to stop in and see if something speaks to you."

She looks at him a bit more sharply at the silence around that trip to Toshi Ranbo. The city has sprawled to fill its own province, so it's certainly an experience. Perhaps that's a question for another time. "Evading human eyes seems like it wouldn't change much, since our eyes haven't. Same for avoiding the notice of the kami, or other spirits."

[Hiruma Akiro]

Gravely, Akiro nodded. "I think I understand." He was silent for a few moments. "The soul of the samurai is in the sword, is it not?" He did wear his at his belt. "Or so it was once said. And I do still train with mine."

They had made their way back to the entrance. Turning to face Hitomi, he bowed, as crisp as ever. "I shall. Whether I have need of more gifts..." he smiled, just a little, "-or perhaps just listen for a while."

He straightened. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Suzume-san. Until we meet again." He would wait a few moments before departing, letting her say her own goodbye.

But then he would /exit!

[Suzume Hitomi]

snip

She nods. "So it's said. Many souls were certainly involved in making it, and using it if it's been handed down."

At the entrance, she returns his bow with a courtier's grace and slight smile. "And a pleasure to meet you as well, Hiruma-sama. I look forward to seeing you in the future."

/exit
thanks!