[D8, LM] To Those That Have Gone Before Us

[Miya Mei]

Mei and her puppy walked to the shrine slowly. She gave a half smile at the collection of idols to the various fortunes that had popped up.

"The more mortal man we can elevate to worship, the better I say."

She speaks down to her puppy and then kneels down in the center of the shrine, closing her eyes.

[Moto Khulun]

The sound of hooves on dirt and stone announced her arrival. She was never overly religious but her kin would need all the help she could get and it was good practice for Nintoku who was… somewhere.

She could hear his yips and barks as he played nearby, stupid dog.

She rests a hand on her blade and looks at this Imperial who dared to presume she was the equal of the Unicorn. She dismounts smoothly and hard boots thud on the earth as she walks forward and says, “Morning, Imperial.”

[Miya Mei]

Mei opens her eyes and stands. She turns to Khulun and bows.

"Good morning to you as well, Moto-san."

Her puppy runs back from wherever he had been roaming to and barks.

"The dog says hello too, I think."

[Moto Khulun]

“Come to ask forgiveness or pray for favor in the trials ahead,” she says looking down at the dog.

[Miya Mei]

"Neither, actually. I was saying a few words to Kakita, thanking him for passing down his techniques so I could learn them."

"And you? What brings you to the shrine this morning? I know the Moto recognize Shinjo-Kami, but what of the other gods Rokugan has to offer?"

She motions to the various idols.

[Moto Khulun]

“If they are good enough for the Mother of Unicorns then they are good enough for the Moto. You trained with the Kakita then?” she says looking at the woman.

“There are many gods in the world some are worthy of respect others only to be feared.”

[Miya Mei]

"I did. My family owed a debt to the Crane and I repaid it by being their pupil."

Mei looks to the idols for a moment before looking back to Khulun.

"Well spoken, though I would add more to the sentence. There are also mortals who should be feared equally. After all, it took the Mortal Thunders and not the Kami to defeat the 9th."

[Moto Khulun]

“You asked about the Gods,” she says with a shrug.

[Miya Mei]

"I think learning you and your families stance on them is important. The Empire will have many questions. After all, were it not for Shinjo-Kami sponsoring you, from my understanding the Empire would not allow any Moto here at all. The Son of Heaven declared long ago gaijin are forbidden from entering Rokugan."

She motions to the sword on Khulun's hip.

"Luckily, you are Samurai, and not gaijin. My addition after your answer is still speaking of gods by the way. Mortals who achieve great things can be elevated into the status of godhood, as the Fortunes here are."

[Moto Khulun]

She rolls her eyes at the response, “As you say, Imperial.”

“Thank you for the gracious education for this near-gaijin,” she spits after saying the word.

“We are Moto, no one speaks ill of Moto.”

OOC: This seems suitable for the tension in the air.

[Miya Mei]

Mei narrows her eyes.

"You know, it does not need to be this way. There is much you and the Unicorn do not know."

Mei turns her palms up to the sky.

"I am trying to help with that manner however, if you would let me."

[Moto Khulun]

“You started this Imperial when you went after my sister in battle,” she says dismissively.

[Miya Mei]

"And that matter will be finished this afternoon, one way or another."

She shrugs

"But the matter of the Unicorn and the Empire, or even the Moto and the Empire, will not be settled so easily. There is much that needs to be done."

Her eyes flash for a moment with mischief.

"Or...there are other ways."

[Moto Khulun]

“Get to your point if you have something of value,” she says.

[Miya Mei]

"Why let the Empire think less of you because of your heritage. Shinjo-kami thought you were enough to be accepted into her family."

She points to the fields.

"It is summer, Moto-san. The creeks flow with blood usually during this time of year. Clan fights clan for petty grievances and power struggles."

She puts her hand back to her hips.

"I'm not saying the Unicorn should do the same, but if acceptance is not given, take it for yourself. Fortune favors the bold, so it is said."