Ryoji performs a morning ceremony, lighting incense to the Fortunes and ancestors, performing his own personal prayers. Soon though he is looking at the shrine smiling, after several days of work, he is rather satisfied how things look.

He spends the rest of the morning moving around the shrine inside and out with parchment and charcoal making notes, occasionally taking out a cloth to clean a small bit here or there.

A new morning gives Mirumoto Yotogi the chance to further explore his new surroundings. Finding the shrine, the Dragon steps inside and kneels before the altar. Lighting a stick of incense, he begins to pray.

Fuji starts to enter the shrine and stops abrubtly at seeing the Mirumoto. Her eyes narrow as she stares at his back. After a moment she moves into the shrine, places herself to the left of the Dragon samurai, and begins her prayers.


Fuji

The Dragon doesn't move as the Crane enters the shrine. Either he is unconcerned or just that absorbed in his own prayers to react to her presence. He continues to pray for a few minutes longer before rising. Noticing the new arrival for the first time, he bows deeply to the Crane and turns to leave the shrine.

Fuji does not react to the Dragon's actions, apparently absorbed in her prayer. But as he goes through the door her head turns, just a little.


Fuji

Teika pauses in the doorway the Shrine, bowing the Crane as he leaves. He then proceeds inside, bowing deeply to the altar, then leaning on his staff and lowering himself to his knees. He tries to remain unobtrusive, so as not to disturb those present.

Fuji concludes her devotions and gets up to leave. She bows to any clergy present and departs.


Fuji

Ryoji watches the Dragon enter out of the coner of his eye, and when Fuji enters as well he decides to review some of the items inside the shrine to watch over the pair.

After the Dragon leaves the shrine he goes back outside to look over things there.

He smiles at Fuji with a short bow as she leaves, though she probably doesn't notice him working outside.

Fuji stops, smiles, and bows in return. "Good morning, Ryoji-san! I will need your prayers today--I must learn how to use a tetsubo." She grimaces, leaving no doubt what she thinks of that weapon.


Fuji

“Oh my. I have been doing my best to avoid such a thing myself, perhaps I can hide you here and say I needed you to clean for some offense to your ancestors.”

He smiles and winks at Fuji, trying to offer her some comfort.

Fuji laughs. "That's no good--what if Hochkie borrows a page from Kiku and insists that I use the tetsubo to clean with?"


Fuji

“Hmmm, good point, perhaps that isn’t the best plan. I will pray for you then, and for your sake I hope Crab training is much like Matsu training, but I’d bet I’m wrong. If you get too many injuries from practice, you are welcome to return to see if we can piece you back together.”

He gives her another playful wink.

Fuji runs her hand through her hair and laughs. "I will keep that offer in mind," she says. Then she bows, says good bye, and sets off towards the parade grounds.

/exit


Fuji