Another day dawns and again Mirumoto Yotogi can be found kneeling before the shrine at first light. His kimono is deep green with gold trim, but no mon are present at all...

Kiku scratched at the side of her neck as she approached the shrine. Squinting, she could make out Yotogi within, and waited outside with her no-dachi leaning against her shoulder, the end of the saya in her hand like a stirrup. Evidently, she saw fit to greet the dawn and her ancestors in armor. Maybe her ancestors didn't mind the rattling of the black lacquered plates... although they don't rattle as much as they should. Not nearly enough.

Ryoji beams a smile at Kiku when he sees her as he walks up to the shrine.

"Good morning, Kiku-san, it is good to see you on this fine morning. May I be of service to you today?"

"I lost my broom."

After a few seconds to let the terrible joke linger, she grinned and shook her head. "I'm Just waiting for something, Ryoji-san."

"Oh?"

Ryoji looked past Kiku into the shrine to see who was praying there.

"Oh."

He rubs his chin a bit, he didn't like people feeling they can't properly pray but he was certain kicking Dragons out of his shrine every time a Lion or Crane wished to pray would probably go over poorly with Himoto. He decides to change the subject and turns back to Kiku.

"How has training been going? Getting the recruits up to your standards?"

The Dragon rises from his knees, his prayers done for the morning. After taking a moment to adjust his kimono, Yotogi turns to go. Noticing the two Lion standing outside, he stops and bows to them both. Good morning Kitsu-sama, Matsu-san.

Ryoji bows to the Mirumoto, smiling politely.

"Good morning, Mirumoto-san. I hope your prayers have gone well this morning."

Hai, they did Kitsu-sama. Thank you for asking. Yotogi responds, an easy smile forming to match the Lion's. I can only hope the rest of the day does the same. Has your day been at least satisfactory as well?

"My day goes well thus far, Mirumoto-san. Though I do feel a little bad you make it here first every day and are forced to pray in an uprepared shrine."

Ryoji grins.

"I've always had a weakness for large breakfasts though."

Do not let that trouble you. My days begin before Lady Hitomi slips from her place in the sky, and not all can rise as early as I do. Furthermore, the care you have shown this place carries on when you are not here Kitsu-sama. (As he is talking, it is clear the Dragon holds a great deal of reverence for Lady Moon.)

A twinkle appears in Yotogi's eyes as he nods at the priest.

Besides, there is nothing wrong with big breakfasts while you are at the comfort of home. They are a luxury, to be savored when you have the chance.

Ryoji bows to the Dragon.

"I am honored by your words, Mirumoto-san, I am glad I have been able to help insure that the Legion is able to have an adequate place to pray."

Ryoji smiles, then nods sagely.

"When one is unsure where they day may lead, a good breakfast is a way to increse your preparedness for what may come."

The Dragon nods to him. Wise words indeed Kitsu-sama. Preparation is the key to many things, and a full stomach is certainly helpful. Yotogi's tone grows stoic as he continues. I almost forgot what that sensation felt like during this past winter...

Ryoji nods, his tone turning a bit neutral, neither sounding agressive nor sympathetic.

"I imagine so, fortunately your allies the Scorpion are sharing some of their bounty given to them by the Crane, so some of your kinsman's stomachs will be eased this spring."

Hai, that was most helpful. Still, it will be a lean spring until the fields can be planted, and unfortunately I don't see that happening anytime soon...

Ryoji pauses, considering his response.

"There are many variables that will decide that still, Mirumoto-san."