(Day 5, LM) Theological Introductions

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"It's going well. I've made my offering to the shrine and just introduced Kakita Nanami-san and Iuchi Saksaha-san to each other for some priestly discussions, which I'm looking forward to observing. Right now they're offering their own prayers, but I'm sure they would not mind another present," he says with a pleasant tone and a smile.

[Miya Mei]

Mei looks to the two offering prayers and nods.

"That sounds quite intruiging, I am certainly interested to hear their thoughts, especially Iuchi-sans"

She looks back the Monkhbaatar.

"Have you heard the importance of this Shrine, Shinjo-san?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I have. It honors Kakita-no-Shiryo and the Emerald Champions. The tournament used to be held here," he replies.

[Miya Mei]

Mei nods

"It was a grand tournament. It is still talked about to thos day in some circles."

She gives the Shinjo a questioning look.

"Do the Unicorn have any heroes such as Kakita-sama?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"No two heroes are really alike except in the fact that they are heroes. But Moto proved himself a strong warrior and pledged his strength and loyalty to Shinjo-kami and the Unicorn after his defeat, showing rare humility for a proud group of strong warriors. His fealty and the fealty of those that followed him to join us have made us stronger and introduced many traditions that have had significant effects on our clan's way of life over the centuries."

[Miya Mei]

"I met a Moto when I rode in this morning. He looked quite different than I was expecting. Now I know why. What caused his people to join the Unicorn?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"When the Unicorn and the Ujik-hai first made contact they fought each other. They were each the strongest opponents the other had faced, but Shijo-kami led the Unicorn to victory. When one of the leaders of the Ujik-hai came to her to swear fealty out of respect for her strength she gave him the name Moto and many Ujik-hai followed him," he explains.

[Miya Mei]

"That is quite the tale. I would be careful who you tell it to though. Much like telling the glory of Kakita-sama's triumph to certain individuals, there might be some in the Empire who take grave offense to the story of the Moto"

Mei smiles softly.

"Luckily, I am not one. It is always pleasing to hear how mortal man can impress the gods, and Shinjo-Kami giving the Moto her blessing is quite impressive."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I don't see why it would be all that offensive. One hundred years before Shinjo Kami left the empire, the Ujik-hai were no more or less enlightened than the other tribes of the Empire. They simply happened to be outside the area claimed by the kami at the time. Plenty of mortal's earned the respect of the kami and were given the right to lead families," he says with a shrug. "What's wrong with Moto's tale?"

[Miya Mei]

"Historocally speaking, the Empire does not trust gaijin. Their ways and customs are often a threat to our society, if not their direct hostility. And, they fall outside the celestial order. Many would find that gravely upsetting."

Mei waves a hand

"But as I said, luckily that is not me. I personally welcome outsiders, new beliefs, foreign customs. It is how society grows."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Those people can feel how they wish to. Shinjo-kami accepted them, so they are our brothers and sisters," he replies with a shrug. "Strong and loyal ones as we are to them."

[Miya Mei]

Mei nods.

"That is good to hear. Unity is important. Some would say the most important, outside of Bushido. It makes me glad to hear the Unicorn find it so."

"So tell me, Shinjo-san, what have the days since your return been like? Are you finding the Empire welcoming?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Before the Miai, interaction was minimal. Some diplomats that visited, sometimes observing our training. But the Miai itself has been very pleasant and enjoyable," he says with a nod. "Hopefully you have been and will continue enjoying it yourself."

[Miya Mei]

"I only just arrived this morning. My steed sprained an ankle on the ride in and I was forced to wait for him to heal before continuing. Please forgive my lateness."

Mei glances around the shrine.

"What all has been happening of note so far with the Miai?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"We've already had events run by the Ide and the Shinjo. Today and tomorrow will be the Otaku run events," he says. "Several feasts and parties, a music event tonight... all sorts of stuff. There was also apparently some big creature that fell from the sky that some of the folks here fought and killed, though one of my clan lost their life in the fighting."