Children's Stories [Day 3, Early Morning, Open]

[Suki]

"Quite the compliment. And that you know what you don't know certainly suggests you've found your center. As for enlightened, this one cannot say. We've only just met, after all," her tone suggested a smile.

[Tonbo Misa]

"I feel at peace, but I wouldn't ever say I am for certain or not. All I can do is keep exploring this world, and learning all I can... from monks and children too." She nodded firmly.

[Suki]

"Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water," she offered in agreement.

[Tonbo Misa]

"Mmm, mostly, yes. I fear the destruction I would cause trying to chop wood though! Probably lose a toe!" The Tonbo gave Suki a cheeky grin.

[Suki]

Suki chuckled. "This one never underestimates the capabilities of samurai, but she will take your word for it."

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa looked, in her own way, toward the children. "What about you minna? Who wants to blindfold themselves before helping their father chop wood? I'm sure you'd miss supper for a week!" She grinned playfully.

[Suki]

While a couple of the kids playfully cry out "me!" raising their hands, most of them either laugh amongst themselves, or silently consider the danger of using an axe blindfolded.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa leaned over to Suki. "Any sticks by this tree Suki-sensei? I wish to borrow one..."

[Suki]

"Just a moment, Tonbo-sama." Suki searched the ground and found a good-sized stick. Returning to the Dragon, she pressed it to the woman's hand, careful not to touch her. "Here." The branch was relatively smooth, any offshoots along its length already broken off.

[Tonbo Misa]

Any accidental brushed touches didn't seem to bother the samurai in the least... any more than it bothered her dignity to start chasing heimin children around with a stick. "Rawr, I'm a woodsman! I hear a lot of piles of wood around here!"

Even those children she could hear well enough to whack got purposefully missed, making a bit of a show and game of it, laughing.

[Suki]

Suki joined the children in their laughter, her own ringing out joyously as she watched the spectacle unfold.

"Look out, Hiro," she teased, watching the boy bound away from Misa. "Shh..." she hushed another whose tactic of choice was to freeze in place, and try to stay silent. Of course, as Misa got close to him, he couldn't help but laugh and join the others in running.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa most certainly wasn't fast. Without Sanmi to help her (and Sanmi was leaving this up to her mistress), Misa was left with small steps and feeling around to make certain she didn't bump into anything or trip. The stilted movements would be more noticeable likely to Suki than the children, who would be busily avoiding that comparatively sure stick. All the same, none of that peaceful happiness left Misa's features, even as she stumbled over a root and had to catch herself against the trunk of the tree, stopping to just laugh.

"Alas! You've avoided me for now logs, but I will be back to chop wood another day soon!"

[Suki]

Despite the "threat", several of the children cheered, apparently all too happy to have the Tonbo drop in on their lessons again.

"This one makes time to read with the children when she can. Perhaps Tonbo-sama would join us again sometime?" she kept the question low, just in case duties were going to keep Misa from dropping in again for a good amount of time. No need to disappoint the children.

[Tonbo Misa]

Misa gave a reverent bow toward Suki at the quiet question, keeping her own tone gentle and low. "I walk the path not knowing where I might end up. Perhaps mine will cross yours again soon Suki-sensei."

[Suki]

"If that comes to pass, know that this one will enjoy the company. As will the children." Suki returned the bow in kind, the kids doing the same. While they knew Misa wouldn't see, she was certain her servant would convey the showing of respect.