[D7 - LM] To Pitch a Tent [Open to All]

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"Ah yes. I suppose it is ... zealous in performing its purpose. It has to be," she said, still a touch distant before closing her eyes and speaking with a fair amount of conviction. "But I know with absolute certainty that my soul will never be claimed by Toshigoku. Still, I thank you for the thoughts and precautions."

( Fluff Sincerity Roll - 24

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki thinks she is being a bit foolish, but ignores it. Or maybe she is a seer and knows how she will die? "I am glad to hear that." Tamaki was rather good at faking sincerity herself. "If you need any advice, or if you learn anything you find unusual. Please let me know. I am a reseacher and I know much of the subject. And I am always willing to hear about others accounts."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"I would appreciate any help you can offer, the closer to the time of battle we come," she said. Whether it was prophecy, braggadocio or something else, it was hard to say. "It is good that the people of this place have an expert. It's... a very specialized field of study, would you not agree?"

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki gives a soft laugh with just a trace of bitterness. "Well, as far as the Asako go, not as much as one might think."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

She quirked an eyebrow. "Forgive me I sound unaware, -sama... but what do you mean, if you don't mind me asking?" While she was aware of some of the more recent events, relying on word of mouth from the peasantry and other ronin had a way of leaving one with somewhat mixed comprehension of history.

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki blinks. Sure, a ronin might not be up to date, but this lack of knowledge was surprising. "During the last war with the Lion, they used a nemuari to tear a portal to Toshigoku in Kyuden Asako. This is where the current army is coming from."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

The truth was that where she'd come from had been... sheltered and off of the main track, and they had been so busy dealing with other major world-shattering events that she hadn't picked up all the business north of Beiden. She'd also never been that much one to pay attention. A habit she was changing more recently, but it still took time to catch up.

"Ah. I knew that there was a rent in the fabric of Ningen-do to admit so many, but I wasn't aware of the details. Thank you, -sama. I confess that I've been a bit sheltered by the standards of many ronin, at least until more recently."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki nods. "It is alright." Not knowing is not an insult. Tamaki is Phoenix after all. What Phoenix doesn't like to enlighten people with knowledge. Though of course, her curiosity was sparked? How could a ronin be so sheltered? "May I ask where you come from?" Though Tamaki did worry this was some sort of insult by ronin standards.

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"..." A sigh and she took a sip of her tea, closing her eyes. "I... would not like to speak too much of my past, -sama. For many of us, we walk with secrets, with pains, with troubles that we don't want to share with others. I am on a musha shugyo, and one does not begin the pilgrimage lightly usually... but I will say I am from a small village south of the beiden pass, in the lower half of the empire. We are remote because none come to bother with us save at tax season. The heimin would chop their wood and we would see the rest come to visit only when it was required of them. It was, for my whole childhood and my first years as an adult, a very quiet life of one who served a gokenin."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki decides to change the subject. "A pilgrimage? Do you have specific location in mind, or is the journey you seek?"

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

She was very obviously grateful for the change of subject. It wasn't something she wanted to talk much about. "It is a pilgrimage seeking after ... I would not call it enlightenment, for if I did it would have been better to retire early into the orders. I seek after that which will ultimately allow me to fulfill my role in Ningen-do more fittingly. I found that my role in this life had reached an impasse and my lord agreed with the judgment, so I seek to become better what I am meant to be. Only when that task is fulfilled can I return." She reached up and scratched her head. "When I say it, it sounds a little strange, but it makes sense to me and my former lord."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

Tamaki makes a note. Rather than a born ronin or cast out, she is pilgrimage ronin. Makes sense why she is so sensible. "It makes sense. I am a Phoenix. Such a pilgrimage sounds like a worthy thing I wish you well on it."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

On the surface, there was no difference between a musha shugyo and a regular ronin. Both were ronin. Only to one's former lord did it ever truly matter, should the pilgrim return, which so many did not. "I thank you. One never knows when such a pilgrimage will truly end, but the journey is as much a part as the destination."

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

"Do you know what lands you plan on visiting next after the war? I have done little traveling, but things go well, I will probably visit my husband's family in the Mantis Isles."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"I had thought to visit Dragon lands for a time, when I had the funds to know that I was cared for for a time. I had thought, perhaps, to see if some of their insight and wisdom could rub off on a traveler." It might have sounded silly, but both the Dragon and their neighbors the Phoenix were known for their wisdom, were they not?

Asako Tamaki · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 12:17 am **Posts:** 167

"I have been to the Dragon lands. They are an interesting place and worthy of such a pilgrimage."

Mari · **Joined:** Sun Apr 12, 2020 4:43 am **Posts:** 702

"I should imagine so. I wonder if they are like the mountains of the spine of the world. I have only ever seen those from a distance. They are beautiful. Ah, but first I suppose we all have to survive to have the chance to see what we wish, yes?"

[D7 - LM] To Pitch a Tent [Open to All]

Who is online