(Day 5, LM) Theological Introductions

[Kakita Nanami]

"Hai, Miya-sama." Nanami nods slightly, looking to the Shinjo, "I met Shinjo-san some days ago here at the shrine. He offered to introduce me to one of the Unicorn's priests, perhaps to answer some questions I had about the ways of the Unicorn - and I in return, of course."

[Miya Mei]

Mei motions to the other woman still praying.

"Is that her, Shinjo-san?"

[Iuchi Saksaha]

Saksaha, just now turning to descend the hill toward Monkhbataar and the others, raises an eyebrow at being so indicated. She tosses her head a little as she walks toward them, making the beads of her headdress rattle. I can speak for myself, you know...

Putting out her hand to the newcomer, she says, "Iuchi Saksaha... Miya-san, is it?"

[Miya Mei]

Mei looks at the hand and bows.

"Yes, Miya Mei. A pleasure to meet you. I hope our chatter did not disrupt your prayers"

[Iuchi Saksaha]

Saksaha shrugs and tucks her hand away in her skirts again, bowing briefly as well. "No. It would take more than this to disrupt a simple ritual."

[Miya Mei]

"Shinjo-san was just saying how he was interested in theology. Perhaps the two of you could explain your prayers, who they are to, and the methodology?"

[Iuchi Saksaha]

"Um, Kakita-shiryo," obviously. Saksaha shoots a slightly bewildered glance at Monkhbataar and Nanami, not quite sure where to begin under this sudden interrogation.

She'd come out this morning expecting a quiet, scholarly exchange with another Unicorn and a fellow priest, and now finds herself feeling rather like a horse that stumbles over its own hooves when asked to change gaits too abruptly. It might take her a bit to recover her social balance.

((edit to add: awkward nerd is awkward. Also trying to leave a good opening for the others!))

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

Watching the introductions, which the Miya seems quite intent on making herself, he stays mostly quiet. He's guessing that interrupting an Imperial would probably be bad form. When she brings up his interest to both of them... which they should both be fully aware of anyway, he smiles. "Thanks to Nanami-san I've already learned about the prayers they've just offered a few days ago. I was mostly interested in observing a theological exchange between them so as to understand differences in methods and practice used by the Unicorn and the rest of the Empire. Maybe throw in a question or two when I become lost so I can get back on track." He smiles pleasantly at all gathered.

[Iuchi Saksaha]

Saksaha listens to Monkhbataar and gets her hooves--err, feet--back under herself at least a little in the process. She nods. "Another friend told me about offering rituals in the Empire also. Though he was a bushi and had not a priest's way of looking at it, it seemed to me they are not very different at all. But it is true that this time I did not bring milk as the offering."

Yuuru's reaction had caused her to realize the ancient Emerald Champion's spirit might not be used to such a gift....

[Kakita Nanami]

"Hmm," the Crane said, nodding. "I am sure Lord Kakita would likely accept the gift for the... curious wonder it is, Iuchi-san. Most samurai offer rice, sake, or other small gifts from the bounty of the Empire." She smiled politely then stopped.

"Oh, my apologies, Miya-sama, this one forgets herself." She bowed again, a little deeper than necessary in apology, "This one is Kakita Nanami."

[Miya Mei]

Mei nods at the bow.

"No need to an appology, Kakita-san".

Mei looks to Saksaha.

"Milk? As Kakita-san said, that is a different offering than those in the Empire would give. I am also curious, did the Unicorn worship who this shrine is to during your long depaeture, or are you here to pay respects as a means to relearn who we pray to?"

[Iuchi Saksaha]

"Yes, Soshi Yuuru-san also said these things are often given," Saksaha replies to Nanami. "I asked him which may be best for Kakita-shiryo, but he did not know, so today I bring some fruit. Not as strong an offering as milk, but maybe it is... more familiar," she explains with a small smile.

"We know Kakita, Miya-san, but he is not our ancestor," she adds. "However, now we are at camp near his sacred place, of course we pay respects."

[Miya Mei]

Mei nods and looks to the Kakita.

"Well, Kakita-san, what would you say your founder would prefer? Fruit seems a good choice."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

Monkhbaatar does what he originally intended for most of the conversation and just listens.

[Kakita Nanami]

The Kakita ponders for a long moment, looking for the best answer.

"I believe Lord Kakita, practical man as he was, would welcome any gift given freely and with good intention."