Dark Edge Village

Yuki was busy cleaning the shrines like a busy little miko, securing the chains used to hold prayers, swiping away the leaves, emptying the incense burners, restocking the the oil in the lamps. Wiping her forehead, the work complete, Yuki lit a stick of incense and knelt down before the tiny wooden statue of Benten, where the young Phoenix maiden began to whisper prayers with fervency to the Goddess of Love.

It was unusual to find Daisuke at the shrine, he wasn't much given to prayer, and usually only came for cleansing rituals after one of the Unicorn touched him in some form. Still he had found himself there this evening, and approaching the statue to Benten, seeing it occupied though he changed his destination.

Hotei seemed like he would work just as well, and potentially be less embarrassing. Lighting a stick of incense he knelt down, his own quiet prayers blending in with those of the Phoenix as he prayed.

Yuki prayed for a long time before finally getting to her feet with a small sigh. She looked around and seemed to notice the badger for the first time. Not wanting to disturb him, Yuki stepped aside and went back to worry cleaning the shrine.

Daisuke wasn't long being her, his prayers ending a few minutes after here. Still he found her behavior a little odd so stopped to watch her for a few moments. His quiet attention unlikely to be noticed until he spoke.

"I believe that's the third time you swept there, I don't think it will get any cleaner Asako-sama."

Yuki stopped. "Hai, maybe. But I do want the Fortunes to be happy." She smiled, her usually warm and full smile looked a little frail.

"I may not be a expert on these things, but I'm not sure working yourself to exhaustion would please Benten-no-kami." He offered after a few moments.

Yuki paused at that, looking down at the fan she'd been using to dust. "Hai, hai, maybe you are right." She paused and started to put the cleaning supplies away again, still a little fidgety.

His lips curled into something of a half smile, it was good that she had stopped, at least in his mind. The actions made her look nervous, and nervousness could be caused by fear. Which could upset the fortunes if they thought that was the source of her devotion.

"Perhaps you could show your devotion to what Benten-no-kami represents in another way though?" He paused thoughtfully. "Maybe by crafting a token for the one you have these feelings for?"

Yuki paused at that thought. "Ah, hai. Maybe." She thought for a long moment, then seemed to realize something. "Oh! My apologies Ichiro-san. I am Asako Yuki." She bowed to him.

"I know." He responded simply as he rose to his feet. "We met on our first day here, though if I recall it was very briefly." She had bundled herself in enough furs to drown in. Offering her a bow he Introduced himself anyways. "You may have not gotten my name though. I'm Ichiro Daisuke."

Trying to shift the topic away from something that might embarrass her, he pushed along with his earlier comment. "Are there any of the arts you are skilled in?"

Yuki paused for a moment then blushed a bit in embarrassment. "Ah, yes, of course. My apologies Ichiro-san." She bowed to him again.

"Poetry, mostly. Though I've some skill with Calligraphy as well. I suppose I could offer up a sacrifice for Benten-no-kami." She nodded.

"Its nothing you need to worry about Asako-sama, we've all been so busy lately. So it's understandable."

"I think she would be appreciative of such a sacrifice." He said with a smile, at the very least it might be better then cleaning. Poetry might help the woman settle down as well.

Yuki nodded at the idea. "What about you Ichiro-san? Here to pray for the favor of the fortunes tomorrow as well?" She smiled a little, and it wasn't quite as fragile.

"Yes, though I sought out Hotei this evening." He dipped his head to indicate the statue ofor that fortune. "There is a women I met here that I would like to be matched with, but if such does not come to pass, I'd like to find contentment with whoever the Ide introduce me to."

Yuki paused for a long moment at that and nodded. "Hai, not a bad strategy, Ichiro-san."

Yuki sat down and pulled a sheet of paper, ink, and a brush out of the small storage unit that was used to keep supplies safe and dry for the shrine. Quietly, the Phoenix maiden composed her piece with a steady hand.

Once she was done, the woman nodded some and looked back at Ichiro. "Do you expect you will be returning home, then?"