The Strength of the Elements [DI, EA]

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

Isawa Miwako sat in meditative prayer. The events of the morning had brought many questions and concerns to her mind. She had already come to the city to contemplate the fate of the masters and the future of the Phoenix. Now, it appeared the entire Empire would be in turmoil. Regardless of what was to come, she would need the elements.

Specifically, she would lean, as always, on the calmness and power of water.

Isawa Somgai · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:26 am **Posts:** 88

Outside the temple, entertaining himself with a young baby, was Isawa Somgai. He didn't seem interested in entering the temple... but he did seem to be enjoying the faces he was making at the child as much as she was enjoying seeing them.

Kodama · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:17 pm **Posts:** 404

Carefully Kodama walked to the Temple. It seemed the city was full of words today. It seemed a moment rife for heroic deeds or the like.

Which meant he should really continue his studies. It'd be more difficult to talk to lots of samurai of different clans about heroism, if he did not have good examples from their clans to mention.

There's a warmth to his eyes as he spies the child being played with on his way in. Made it feel a little more like an old home.

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

Miwako opened her eyes and rose. She wasn't ready yet for what she was intending. It was a bold idea. But, it was one she would need to execute carefully and calmly. At the present, she could not say she felt at peace.

Seeing the monk as she returned to her family, she offered a bow. "Good afternoon, sensei."

Isawa Somgai · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:26 am **Posts:** 88

Somgai looks up, for all the world looking like he hadn't realized other people existed a moment ago.

"Yes! Good afternoon," he says to the monk as he looks at Miwako and smiles broadly.

Kodama · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:17 pm **Posts:** 404

The monk bows deeply to both, and once to the child, straightening afterwards and leaning slightly on the bo staff.

"Afternoon, Phoenix-samas. I hope you find yourselves well during these momentous times."

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

She returned her husband's smile, before returning her attention to the monk. "We are well, thank you. As I hope you are. I am Isawa Miwako. This is my husband Isawa Somgai and our little one Wagikashi."

Kodama · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:17 pm **Posts:** 404

"May the Fortunes smile upon all of you Isawa-samas, especially little Wagikashi." He bows again, "I am Kodama, of the Order of Reichin, Fortune of Heroes."

Isawa Somgai · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:26 am **Posts:** 88

Somgai nods. "Kodama-san, thank you for your blessings. What brings you to this temple today?"

"We came to find some peace given the passions of the morning and those yet to come."

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

"I fear we may be in need of heroes." she said as she looked around at the dragons. "And, the guidance of the heavens."

Kodama · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:17 pm **Posts:** 404

"I come seeking guidance myself. I am not yet an expert on the histories of the many clans, and hope that the scrolls here might impart some wisdom, so I may be of better service to samurai such as yourselves in the coming days."

"As Reichin-no-kami was wont to say, it seems the time for setting down the sake jug and leaving the inn, so to speak." He looks to the Dragons of the Temple a moment, then back at the pair of Isawa.

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

"This temple is important to our clan, even if it is currently under the care of the Lion." her eyes remained on the dragons. "The elements, the heavens and heroes are all represented here."

Kodama · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:17 pm **Posts:** 404

A nod at that.

"Hopefully others will come then, to similarly seek the guidance of the heavens. Taking time to think before acting can often allow for better action, however much it appears that heroes dash in unknowing."

Isawa Somgai · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:26 am **Posts:** 88

Somgai nods as his wife speaks, and then he listens to Kodama.

"This is truly a special place. All things are connected, but in some places it is more apparent than others. Here, it is easier for some to see." He glances aside at Miwako before returning his eyes to the monk.

"What do you see? Surely a monk at a temple can see more than I!" He smiles broadly. "I would have some guidance. Perhaps it is a chance that we can become heroes."

Kodama · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:17 pm **Posts:** 404

A small gesture, to their little one. "In many ways, you are already heroes. Ensuring the future of your family and clan. My experience learning from Reichin-no-kami taught me that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference."

He shrugs slightly, looking to the Temple. "I'm not gifted with special sight, though it is clearly a place for reverence. Take the comfort in the connection to all things you feel here with you. Be vigilant for opportunity to act and prepare yourselves for the need to do so. Beyond that, seek out those who you can depend upon and decide what it is you are fighting for."

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

"I don't wish to fight. I am here to heal." Miwako explained. "To heal those in need. To heal my clan. To heal the Empire, if need be."

Isawa Somgai · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:26 am **Posts:** 88

Somgai smiles broadly at that.

"There are many ways to be a hero, after all!"

Kodama · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:17 pm **Posts:** 404

"There are, Isawa-sama. If the Hare clan had such a healer, Reichin-no-kami would have needed to wait to become a Fortune."

He raises his eyebrows then nods towards Miwako, "When you're healing someone, what is it you seek to prevent?"

Isawa Miwako · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 7:21 am **Posts:** 590

"I've seen what happens to those whose wounds torment them." she replied. "I know what awaits those who are weighed down by their regrets or cling to their desires. If I can help them find peace, in our world or in another, than I will."

Isawa Somgai · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:26 am **Posts:** 88

Something about the way Somgai shifts his weight feels like he is reaching out to his wife, almost as if to embrace her, but he has barely moved at all.

Their baby coos and Somgai looks down again and dances a finger in front of her face, which she reaches for.

The Strength of the Elements [DI, EA]

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