Birds, Bees, and Phoenixes (Day 5, LM, Yuki's Yurt)

[Asako Hirase]

"That is always a wise intention." The older Phoenix knew all too well that what the mind decided and what the heart wanted were all too often in opposition. "Continue to meet with other Unicorn. It may help you to keep to it if you remind yourself of the other options before you."

[Asako Yuki]

"Hai... I... I guess I should. Shinjo Hanashi and Shinjo Akil seemed quite nice." She paused. "Have you met any of the men that you would recommend, Hirase-san?"

[Asako Hirase]

"I haven't met that many of the men here, I'm afraid." The man thought back through those he'd encountered. "And most of those aren't Unicorn. Akil seems like a nice enough young man, though I suspect he might have his eye on one of the Crane based on the interaction I saw. I've seen an Iuchi around but haven't talked to him...he might be a good idea, however. Goodness knows our superiors would be delighted to have blood ties to one of their priests, in the hopes of maybe learning how their powers work."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki considered that, but shook her head about the Iuchi. "Ano, I was speaking to this very nice Bayushi the other day. She has her eye on him." She paused. "Oh! That reminds me! She was wanting to work on revitalizing the shrine to the Emerald Champion. She was going to speak to the Governor and was hoping for some assistance in collecting donations or work on it."

[Asako Hirase]

"Strange. It's an Imperial shrine, You'd think if anyone was to start such a project it would be them."

Then he thought of the resident Seppun shugenja and grimaced.

"...ah. Not such a surprise, then," Smiling by force of will, Hirase asked, "What does she have in mind? Any particulars yet?"

[Asako Yuki]

"Well she is a shrine maiden." Yuki responded with a smile. "So I expect that played a part as well. Her name was Bayushi Hotaru, by the way." Yuki shook her head. "We didn't really get into too many specifics. But lodging for monks and a small temple were what she suggested."

[Asako Hirase]

"A worthy goal, at least, even if I question her choice of target." The older Asako chuckled. "A Scorpion miko, of all things. Truly, this is a place full of wonders."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki cocked her head slightly to the side at that. "Ano... what do you mean, Hirase-san? Do they not normally have miko in Scorpion lands?"

[Asako Hirase]

"Oh, I'm certain they must. It's just strange to see a samurai-ko filling that role. Generally, it's reserved for monks. Or shugenja." One brow went up. "If she is one, I'll retract that, but my understanding was that there were very few shugenja here for the miai."

[Asako Yuki]

"I think she was a shugenja." Yuki said. "It never really came up but she looked like one to me." Yuki smiled. "She seemed very excited that I agreed with her idea."

[Asako Hirase]

"Well, if she needs hands to do Ebisu's work, I'm happy to assist. And I'll bring the boy. It would be good for him to burn off energy that way and it would help teach him that even samurai must bow when it is a Fortune on the receiving end."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki nodded at that. "Hai, a good idea Hirase-san. I'll be sure to let her know, the next time I see her, that she can count on you and Ichiro-kun."

[Asako Hirase]

Time was passing and Hirase's stomach reminded him that lunch was due any time.

"Did you have anything else you needed to ask me, Cousin? While we've got the time, we may as well use it well."

[Asako Yuki]

Yuki shook her head. "No, no. Thank you, Hirase-san." She looked down. "For, well, all the information." Yuki still looked tired and a little forlorn at her own perceived stupidity.

[Asako Hirase]

"It is hardly your fault that you were not taught these things, Yuki-san." Hirase leaned over and patted her nearest hand, echoing a gesture he'd adopted from the Unicorn. "Ignorance isn't a sin. We all suffer from it, to various degrees."