[Day 3 - Early Morning] Brand New Day

[Ide Samai]

"It is a shame... the markets I've seen in some places." She sighed wistfully. Good times.

"Well, perhaps after the miai we should go on a small shopping spree Bayushi-san? If you are up for it?" Woot, potential girlfriend!

"What kind of temple do you serve at, can I ask?"

[Bayushi Hotaru]

She smiled eagerly at the idea. "I probably have a few days to juggle around when it comes to returning home. I don't see why not if Ide-san is willing to come with me to the next town south of here! I think I did see one where a few merchants congregate. Mostly food for the northern provinces...but they must have something of interest, ne?"

"I serve at the Shining Retreat," she nodded proudly at the question. "It's a small temple found in my hometown of Tengoku's Path, which is a pilgrimage town for travellers making their way to Hotei Seido. The temple I serve gives those wary travellers and visitors a place to rest their soul and renew their devotions to the Fortunes so that they have the strength to continue on their devout journey. It is there where I do my best to aid them and give them spiritual direction. I also provide charms and divinations."

"In a sense...I work to maintain the Retreat to keep it shining, so to speak," she giggled on a silly note.

[Ide Samai]

She smiled eagerly at the idea. "I probably have a few days to juggle around when it comes to returning home. I don't see why not if Ide-san is willing to come with me to the next town south of here! I think I did see one where a few merchants congregate. Mostly food for the northern provinces...but they must have something of interest, ne?"

"I serve at the Shining Retreat," she nodded proudly at the question. "It's a small temple found in my hometown of Tengoku's Path, which is a pilgrimage town for travellers making their way to Hotei Seido. The temple I serve gives those wary travellers and visitors a place to rest their soul and renew their devotions to the Fortunes so that they have the strength to continue on their devout journey. It is there where I do my best to aid them and give them spiritual direction. I also provide charms and divinations."

"In a sense...I work to maintain the Retreat to keep it shining, so to speak," she giggled on a silly note.

"That sounds wonderful Bayushi-san. I would be happy to accompany you there. The miai is wonderful, but the pressure and the environment sometimes impedes proper time between samurai-ko to talk about the important topics of the Empire." She smiled widely and brightly at the thought. She was far too busy lately, but she still recalled the wonderful feeling of walking down the merchant stalls in the Burning Sands.

"It sounds like a lovely place. Perhaps I will visit some day, if time permits. Making a plilgrimage to the sites of the Empire sounds like something a proper samurai should do."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

She nodded in wholehearted agreement. "Oh, Ide-sama is quite right about that. The miai has given many young samurai here great purpose, which is good. You are right to say that much pressure is found here to be able to properly relax. It would be good to take some time for ourselves before returning to our respective duties to our Clan."

"It would be great to have you pass by my town someday. I know that I've already suggested the idea to a few of your kin, perhaps you might even make it a group pilgrimage. Now that you've returned, I'd almost think you could make a live long journey by just visiting the Empire, if you're inclined to."

[Ide Samai]

"Well, that is something I am looking forward to then Bayushi-san. Let us talk about it when the miai is over, neh?" She beamed like the tiniest sun.... this was going to be fun!

"Oh, hai! I cold be making pilgrimages till I retiree, and still not catch up on everything. Still, hopefully I can visit your town, it sounds wonderful. Any other sites that you would suggest to visit?"

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"If you're going to be going south to the Scorpion lands to see Tengoku's Path, I'd suggest you could consider passing through Beiden while you're at it. I've only been there a few times, but it is one of the merchant centres of the Scorpion Clan. My eldest brother actually owns a few businesses there himself and I think he would be more than willing to help a friendly Unicorn such as yourself around!" I just wish he was more willing to give deals...

[Ide Samai]

"If you're going to be going south to the Scorpion lands to see Tengoku's Path, I'd suggest you could consider passing through Beiden while you're at it. I've only been there a few times, but it is one of the merchant centres of the Scorpion Clan. My eldest brother actually owns a few businesses there himself and I think he would be more than willing to help a friendly Unicorn such as yourself around!" I just wish he was more willing to give deals...

"Oh? That does sound interesting. It sounds wonderful, and I will be sure to greet your brother. Perhaps you could join me as a guide, Bayushi-san?" She asked with a smile.

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Big brother probably won't like it, but should I care? "Actually, that sounds like a very lovely idea, Ide-sama! It has been a while since I've stepped foot in the City of Beiden but I know my way to his place, at least. It can be pretty overwhelming there. It is only the northern gateway to the Scorpion lands and one of busiest roads in the Empire!"

[Ide Samai]

"Well, then, I will appreciate a beautiful and skilled guide." She smiled, then stretched slowly. "It might be time for us to start the day, Bayushi-san."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"Oh, of course, Ide-sama. Don't let me delay you any further. You've been a wonderful delight to speak to and I think the monks will be grateful for your most generous donation! Carry the Fortunes," she said, bowing deeply to show her gratitude.