[Day 1 - Late Evening] Not-So-Smooth Getaway

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"We have been told that our forefathers could talk with the kami, to call upon them and indeed, hear them. Alas, we have lost the ability to do so. Hence, still." he shrugged, seeming a bit lost. "Why it is like that, I do not know." Dong-Ha brought up one of his brooches again. "And yes, that is to say that there are no kami in the lands beyond. The legends specify this is why Iuchi-shiryo gleamed the magic of meishodo from the City of Sorcerers, to give us something to defend yourself with. And with his lessons, we have managed." He was kind of curious to figure out how different their magics actually were.

Seeing her interest in the topic, he continued. "Our understanding is that, the kami are intermediaries between the living and the elements. However, without kami, one cannot command the elements. That is, unless one has access to the wisdom of meishodo. Or that's how I have been taught." He let the brooch he had been holding fall from his fingers.

"As for the others, I cannot tell. I haven't heard of anyone who'd started hearing voices." Well, there was actually one uncle, but Dong-Ha was rather certain that the voices that prompted the man howl at trees were not the sacred kami Hotaru was talking about.

He picked up the piece of amber she had mentioned. "This is made from a fragment of a larger chunk my father traded from the Yodotai. I think he gave them two wolf skins in return?" He had no idea what that meant in koku. "This one lets me touch an object... and see who it belongs to... to see its history. Convenient when you find a something in a camp and don't know who it belongs to."

A slight concerned frown crept on his face as she chuckled. "You are not feeling sick, are you?"

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Hotaru was already lost to begin with, now this was starting to head to a strange place. She had thought at first that this meishodo was a variety of communing with the kami but the mention of a 'City of Sorcerer' was beginning to show the divergence that she could scarcely overlook. "...I-I see..." Not really. "That's something entirely different than what we're used to. I almost assumed that you merely managed to bottle the kami and take them with you wherever went. But I get the feeling that the principles are something like that, if I'm following correctly?"

She nodded at the amber she had her interest on, now a little more cautious about possessing such a thing if there was supposedly a foreign bit of magic imbued in it. "So, was this amber always magical and your friend gave you a good deal?
Two skins seem rather insignificant to something like your gem, if it could do just that! He must have been a very cold man. Does that mean you have to go around hunting for objects that might have these powers for you to use? I don't know if they'll take furs..."

Pressing her lips together, she looked at Dong-Ha, as if to assess if he was worthy to know this immediate secret she was keeping to herself at the moment. She was going to take her chances with the medicine kit she kept with her tent, likely to take something that would allow her to sleep soundly than cure her currently ailment. Sleep sounded like a very good idea at the moment. However, if this man could help, perhaps all the better that she attack her problem from the root. She merely gave him a pained nod, rather than voicing out her weakness out in the open.

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Well, the kami are not involved. As far as we have been taught, at least. What travels with us are the words, meisho. The words themselves have power, and anyone can learn to use them." He tried to keep the explanation as simple as he could. "I know it's very different from what you are used to." Asako he had met earlier had been keen about that. "Nonetheless, we command the elements much as you do. The only difference is the means." Calloused fingers flicked one of the dangling amulets, causing it to sway gently.

"No, the amber was... just amber. Then I took a chunk of it, polished it down and carved these small marks on it." He drew one of his fingers over the minute scribbling that covered much of the trinket's surface. "While... well, working our magic on it." He didn't feel quite like detailing the whole ritual. "It's a time consuming process, but in theory I could make another, if I wanted."

"Two skins might seem insignificant, I guess. He had several such chunks, so I guess he was just happy to get something he could sell when he got back home? Those were fine pelts mind you, pale grey and white. Someone could make a warm coat from them." For nomads furs held more value than precious stones. "Can't keep yourself warm with a chunk of stone, can you?" Value of items was relevant to one's needs after all. "Luckily my family's relatively... wealthy, so we've never had any problems buying what we need." Services of a healer were always welcome and Dong-Ha's mother commanded a healthy respect among their group.

"You think it's the food?" Dong-Ha asked a specifying question. There were some ailments he could not help with.

[Bayushi Hotaru]

Hotaru frowned pensively, as this was starting to sound more and more dubious. It probably didn't help that she was a little more devout than the average shugenja when it came to the kami and how spiritual worked as she knew it, to accept such a new method of spell casting. If anyone could use it, it sort of diminished the gifted blessing someone like herself.

"Oooh..." she said in understanding, even if she didn't. "Maybe it's just something I'll have to see to understand first. It seems like a very useful skill if anyone can use it, why doesn't everyone in the Unicorn take up this skill?"

"Wealthy?" she chuckled. "I suppose I could say the same of my family." You might have to be really wealthy to not have any problem buying what you'll need, unless you're easily pleased... "Do you think you'll trade a tent for property now your in the Empire?"

"Not just the food itself," she fibbed. "Just perhaps a combination of an exhausting day, along with the food clashing together that might have an effect. Something to do with the food, perhaps."

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Because it takes a lot of time and dedication, I guess. A lot of works goes into crafting the charms. Even when you know what you are doing." Dong-Ha tried to explain, somewhat flustered. "But in theory anyone could learn to command the elements, had they the time and a sensei available. I believe some of the Ide have done exactly that. " Being able to torch a man at will had its perks, even for traders.

Alas, most Unicorn were easily pleased and Dong-Ha was not an exception. Nomads had little use for wealth beyond necessities. "Well, for our standards at least." He shrugged. "I'm sure there are far wealthier families in the Empire." Owning land seemed to do that to the people. If you owned land and could force heimin to work for you in exchange for being allowed to live, it was hard to avoid profit. "As for the tents, I do not know. I guess that would depend on whom I marry, if I marry, and if I join their clan or not. I cannot see us living as nomads... we only have so much land here." Dong-Ha chuckled softly, imaging the Unicorn wandering around their territories. "Maybe there eventually will be Unicorn cities."

No the food, but something to do with the food. This was second time she contradicted herself. Dong-Ha found himself wondering if this was something the Scorpion did, or if it was only Hotaru. For the time being he was leaning towards the latter option. "Well.. if you don't mind, I could probably make you feel better and show you how meishodo works." His smile was two steps away from a grin.

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"It'll be only a matter of time, I imagine!" she said in regard to the Unicorn cities. "Now that you've rejoined the Empire, I doubt that you'll be leaving anytime soon. I hope!"

She looked questioningly at the offer. What's the worst that could happen? He could be a fraud and nothing would happen or she could be vaporized, at least she wouldn't have to deal with her ailment. "Um, sure, Iuchi-san. This seems as good of a time as any to show your brand of...mastery."

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"With your permission then." Dong-Ha reached within his robes and pulled out a multifaceted green-grey stone. He handed it over to Hotaru. "Please hold this Bayushi-san, and place it on your belly." Dong-Ha instructed the priestess. "Don't worry, it won't hurt." A shy smile followed the reassuring words. Having freed his hands of the first stone, Dong-Ha reached for a dark grey stone wrapped in thin copper wire that dangled from his obi. "Just to be sure, neh." This amulet the man kept to himself. "

"Yammana." Uttering a single word, he activated the the first stone, causing it to glow in in soft orange hues. "Oh... and I'll have to touch you." Still smiling, he reached to gently touch her should. As soon as Dong-Ha's fingers touched her sleeve Hotaru could feel the elemental energies flowing into her, emboldening her spirits even if she could still feel the nagging illness. "Tahhara." Dong-Ha uttered a second word, causing the stone Hotaru was holding to glow in a dull green light, the elemental energies of the spell washing over her body.


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OOC: If you want to retcon, we can. I know there is unwarranted touching but I figured you'd want to get this out of the way before you try the event. If you are fine with how the thread has gone, you can roll Stamina against the TN 15, but adding +2k0 from Jurojin's Balm and +3 from Never alone.

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"Oh, alright then," she said with a touch of anxiety, unsure how this was going to go already. Handling the stone would put more agency on her if she knew what was happening. She could already see a downside with this sort of magic if she was required to act in concern in order to make it work. The kami weren't constrained to objects or even the wills of other people. She took the offered stone easily enough and placed it on her stomach ad instructed.

"You do?" She would retort back when it came to touching, even less sure of where this was going. A part of her wanted to flinch away but she was glad he only touched her sleeve, rather than her actually hand or anywhere else. The glowing stone set some alarm bells in her head but she managed to keep composed throughout. The effects of his strange magic were perhaps the most convincing part of the argument and she found herself to be in much better health after he was finished. The show of lights was pretty, and the foreign words gave it a special touch to make it truly foreign. At this point, she was unsure if the stones did all of the work or she just coincidentally got better.

She straightened slightly in her posture, no longer plagued by the cramp that was weighing her down. "I do feel better, Iuchi-san, much. Thank you very much for your assistance." Handing back the object, she bowed deeply to articulate her thanks in gesture.

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"You are welcome, Bayushi-san." He reached to grab the stone and pocketed it within his robes. "I am glad I could help." the same faint smile still lingered on his lips. "Not too bad, eh." The smile slowly deepened into a grin as he looked down to her. It bothered Dong-Ha ever so slightly that he had to look downwards when talking with the Scorpion. Even if she had some exotic cuteness in her.

Looking around for a moment, as if trying to locate something, Dong-Ha continued. "Now, should we try to find that tent of yours?"

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"Not too bad at all," she chuckled in return, almost as an automatic response. It did get her pondering as to what happened just now exactly. Normally, she didn't look too deeply into the workings of the kami, merely that more so that they were an element that needed appeasing than how they worked. However, this got thinking in such an alternative realm of magic was even possible. However, she was still stuck thinking in her traditional method to fathom where to begin.

"Oh, of course!" She smiled, just remembering where they left off on their walk. It did help that she was no longer worried about clutching her stomach whenever the cramp would rear its ugly head. Pulling her haori closed once more, she walked on.

Still, there was some curiosity that was bugging her. If she didn't understand their magic, she could ask about things she did understand. "...If I may ask, do the Unicorn still consider you a priest or something of that function? In your Clan, who leads ceremonial or religious functions?"

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

Dong-Ha followed Hotaru, figuring it'd make more sense if she lead the way. Firstly, she'd hopefully recognize their tent when they passed it, and secondly, he could see over her while the opposite wasn't possible. So small.. he mused, dark eyes resting on her form. Dong-Ha knew he was supposed to help her finding her tent, but she hadn't been able to point any landmarks, there was precious little he could do to actually help her.

"Umm. In a way, yes. We still study the Celestial Order and pay our respects to the Kami. I have sacred incense that will carry my words to the Heavens." Or so he had been taught. Actually the young mystic might have not agreed with all the traditional ways of thinking, but was smart enough to keep that tidbit to himself.

Recalling that she had mentioned tending to a shrine, he added. "We are... were nomadic people. There were no shrines to tend to nor particular rituals to perform, if that's what you mean. However, we do try to look after our kinsmen who come to us." Not that that happened often. Few were willing to admit they had ailments of spiritual sort. "We bless marriages and the newborn, if asked to... and perform the last rites for the dead." Dong-Ha paused for a moment to briefly greet an Ide he happened to know. Returning his attention to Hotaru, he continued. "Sometimes we also craft them charms to ward of misfortunes and for example, to ensure safe returns... or perform rituals to the same effect."

[Bayushi Hotaru]

At this point, this was probably considered to be more of a stroll out than a hunt for her tent. It was more important before, considering she was wanting to seek a place to sleep off her stomach ache than enduring any more waking moments with this cramp. Seeing as Dong-Ha was the first Unicorn male she had a chance to speak with, and a shugenja at that, it wasn't an opportunity she should toss aside so easily.

"Naturally everyone should know the Celestial Order and respect the Kami," she said as a matter of fact. "Does that mean that everyone in the Unicorn is equally devout? I'm just curious on who's shoulders it falls upon to lead the people when it comes to honouring such practices. It sounds to me like you ultimately do the same functions from the sounds of it."

She stopped in her steps for a moment and looked back at him. "Have you performed many of these important spiritual functions for your kin? I've aided in a few weddings but I mostly specialize in divining readings from the Fortunes and the Heavens. People typically come to me when they want good wishes or luck for such an opportunity to happen."

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

Dong-Ha has an unfinished book in his tent, but he figured that the Scorpion girl was probably more interesting than the book he had read already once, and so he was particularly opposed to the 'tent hunt' turning into a stroll. One could not sneer at the chance to learn more about the Empire and its sorcerer-priests.

"Uhh... I'd say that there are people who are more devout, and people who are less devout. The Moto aren't particularly interested in such matters, even if they have their own beliefs. Meanwhile, the Otaku.. are pious in their own way." Dong-Ha struggled to explain. "But it's hard to tell as many keep such matters to themselves. But none of are blasphemers, I assure you." He added hastily, as if not to leave an impression that some of the Unicorn disregarded the Celestial Order. Even if there were sentiments to the effect.

"I've assisted my father during funerals. Sometimes there were... quite a few bodies to prepare." Iuchi's tone was distraught as he recalled the occasions when he had been called to assist with the final rites. "And sometimes there were no bodies." The last words sounded oddly hollow.

Shaking of the gloomy mood, Dong-Ha forced a smile on he face. "Been to several weddings of course, but always as guest. Not that the we have that large of a role during nuptials." What exactly occurred during the festivities was left to Hotaru's imagination.

"Hhmm, divinations. Some of us do that to, but my family cannot claim expertise. I mean, within my family, we craft charms to ensure good luck, but we won't try to divine the future." Dong-Ha licked his lips carefully, turning his gaze towards the petite Scorpion. "I've always been curious about the art, though."

"Perhaps Bayushi-san could give me a demonstration sometime?"

[Bayushi Hotaru]

"Hai..." She said with some strain. Her earlier encounter with a non-player character Moto left her on the wrong side when it came to the Moto's general beliefs when it came to the Lords of Death. Perhaps she could try inquiring about them here but the topic was probably still too hot in her thoughts to handle properly. It was better to broach the topic another time when the Unicorn's general opinions were less unfavourable. "The Moto can be a peculiar lot, I've found. It will take some time to understand each of the quirks of your families. No two Unicorn families are the same, which I'm sure you'll learn from my Clan and any others."

"In that case, I'm wondering how will your Clan take to the temples, once you choose to build your own or visit ours." She smiled eagerly. "I've noticed from Iuchi Sakusaha that her Rokugani is rather perfect, well-preserved that it is perhaps more formal than most of our Rokugani. I was wondering if it was the same when it came to the worship of the Fortunes? It's a shame there are no temples here, but it would be wonderful to make a place of worship and run a service to honour them, finally giving your Clan a place to dedicate their respects."

"Oooh..." Hotaru said with a tinge of disappointment when he revealed that he had to tend to funerals and bodies involved. It was a dour topic and made her wonder if they were handling funeral rites properly, at least in the way they were done now. Perhaps they took to the old methods, and are clueless to the potential harm an old body might pose.

"It'd be more than willing to demonstrate my skills to you!" She smiled brightly on cue, once more.

"Perhaps not tonight, but in another occasion where we aren't wandering in the darkness. I've dabbled in all forms in divination, but I prefer the Fortunes and the Heavens to speak their fates through coins or sticks. While it may be mistaken for luck, there is little luck involved in true destiny when it comes to the red string of fate," she said as her fingers brush against the hint of crimson in her hair. "The coins speak, bounding off such strings that are tied to all, giving us a rough estimation of what may cross your path or others."

[Iuchi Dong-Ha]

"Well... you know the Moto used to be a tribe called Ujik-Hai until Shinjo-kami made them join us." He wasn't actually sure she knew this. "They had their own beliefs... and some of them still do. Yet we learned much from them." They had had huge impact on Unicorn culture. "Legends say they taught us how to ride... and how to survive."

"I hope there will be some of both. Now that we have returned, I could see us erecting a shrine to Shinjo-kami at least... bit I am sure that some of us will roam the Empire as well." Some of his kin just didn't seem to be able to settle down. "Mhhmm... perhaps. I met Asako Sayuri-san of the Phoenix and she allowed me to observe dome of her supplications. They were quite a bit different from ours even if the basic form is the same." There had been a lot of flourish, more than he had expected. He also did not bother to correct Saksaha's name. Hotaru's pronunciation was close enough and that was good enough for him. Most Unicorn didn't bother to fuss about grammar or accents. Many of them even had no idea what those words meant.

"No, I understand, it's getting late." Yet there was a slight tone of disappointment in Dong-Ha's tone. He followed the movements of her hands with his eyes taking finally note of the red of her hair, dismissing it as a Scorpion thing. Hair dyes were not unknown among the Unicorn even if most never bothered with them.

"Perhaps tomorrow, or day after that. In return, I'll gladly answer to any questions you might have about my kin."