Heroes and legends (Day 6, LA)

[Moto Khulun]

“Anyway, your actions are appreciated against the serpent monster. You had the honor to fight alongside Otaku-nikutai, she is missed,” she responds to the silence.

[Otaku Imane]

"Soshi-san is correct Sayedda, the expression of courtesy does not equate to a lack of passion. We are in the Empire now and the Moto must learn to understand the ways of Bushido, just as the Empire must adjust to the Moto."

She nodded at the compliment and point about Chi-Pu being missed.

[Moto Khulun]

She wanted to says she understood it fine but there was no cause to bicker in front of the Scorpion, she simply nods and says to Imane, “As you say.”

[Soshi Taira]

"She died well."

Taira gave a little shrug, as if to say, obviously, but continued. "In that battle she fought with the strength and courage of a dozen, and without her, we would not have triumphed. Her spirit doubtless dines with her ancestors."

[Otaku Imane]

"That sounds like the Otaku Chi-Pu I knew, thank you Soshi-san. I was about to offer some prayers for her before you...dropped in."

She looked up at the torii arch and back at Khulun and the Scorpion.

"Which brings me to ask: what were you doing up on this arch? I thought this was a sacred place. I apologise if I am misunderstanding some Scorpion clan tradition."

[Soshi Taira]

Taira sighed.

"It is not any sort of... tradition."

He shrugged. "I was simply placing myself a little closer to the heavens, and I find isolated perches, where I can think, sometimes hard to find."

[Moto Khulun]

“So you just climb things like cat?” she asks looking at the arch.

[Soshi Taira]

"Sometimes."

He chuckled. "Don't tell me you never go for rides, out alone. In a city, however, sometimes the only solitude is up. It has become a habit, of sorts."

[Moto Khulun]

“I understand needing to be alone, sometimes people are worst thing to be around, too much noise and stupid words. Just never thought to climb things,” she says in response.

“Did you find your thoughts settled or should we leave you to your high spaces?”

[Soshi Taira]

With a small shrug, he responded, "It is fair point that it is a holy place, I wouldn't wish to give offense. I've figured the kami don't care if I appreciate their gate, though I wouldn't wish to insult my hosts."

[Moto Khulun]

“If Gods are angry they simply curse you or kill you, not our place to judge,” she says looking at the heavens.

“Don’t bother me.”

[Otaku Imane]

Imane pondered that for a while.

"I certainly understand the need for solitude as well. Hmm, not counting Almatar of course. People can be very tiresome. I like your concept of getting closer to the heavens."

She gave her companions a polite smile.

"I take no offense either Soshi-san. It is as Sayedda Khulun says." The Shiotome looked to the Heavens. "There is no sign of impending retribution. Yet."

[Soshi Taira]

"Hai, and I don't doubt if they wanted, they could inflict it."

Taira offered a small bow toward the shrine.

"Though I admit not everyone will share that view."

[Moto Khulun]

"We are not everyone," she replies.

[Otaku Imane]

It was good that Taira had offered that bow as it suggested a degree of sincerity. She looked up at the arch and then back at her companions.

"This is a shrine to Kakita, and I have heard his tale from a Crane. Perhaps you would tell us about a hero of the Scorpion Soshi-san? I am curious."