(D1, LM, Open) Prayers for Those Behind Us

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Having gone to the castle, stabled her horse, washed up, and put on fresh clothes after her ride into the city earlier that morning, Poemu's first stop was the Temple to the Seven Dragons. She gave her prayers at one of the shrines, praying that those still fleeing would make it safely to Shiro no Omoidoso.

Once she finished, she decided to talk a walk around the temple to see how it was. There were others praying, whom she did her best to not interrupt, but a lot of her time was spent looking at the architecture.

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

"There are many dragons perched on the Phoenix temple that has been swallowed by the Lion," a nearby monk comments as Poemu looks at one of the dragons in the architecture.

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu paused at that. It took her a moment to realize who had spoken, but she finally gave a respectful bow to the monk and resumed looking around as she spoke. "Do you mean to say there used to be more? Or that the dragon here used to be something else?"

She wasn't a highly spiritual woman, but came from a highly spiritual clan and family, so she was quite honest in her interest.

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

"The dragons here used to be something else in the same way that you were once someone else: a child. This one wanted to draw your attention to the fact that you are examining parts of the whole, and the whole is one. One temple, forged by many hands that were still one hand, guided by the way. Do not look too long at the parts or you may lose sight of the whole."

The monk smiles.

"Perhaps, though, this one was simply looking for conversation, and that is all that was meant."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu thought on the words a moment before giving an honest smile. "Perhaps, but that doesn't mean I can't learn all the same. This one is Agasha Poemu of the Dragon clan, so perhaps it was only natural for me to come here and stare. I am not certain any other way than to see what I can as I go along."

After a pause, she was a bit more serious, though only in a conversational way. "I cannot say when this temple changed hands. Perhaps you have been here long enough to have seen that change sensei?"

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

A broad grin breaks out on the monk's face.

"You do not know it, but you pay this one a compliment," she bows. "This city was in Phoenix hands less than a decade ago, and this one is not so young as all that."

She bows again, more deeply. "This one is known as Kioka. Welcome to this august temple."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

"I have only been in Lion lands less than a year, and all of that has been in Morikage Toshi, so I fear I have had little opportunity to learn of the history of Toshi no Omoidoso, let alone this temple. Still, you have answered my question, but only made me all the more curious Kioka-sensei. What was it like to see the city trade hands? How did each clan treat you and the other monks serving here?"

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

"Do you know of the Asako monks? They were, in some ways, like your Togashi... as much as any could be. This temple was run by the Asako monks.

"When the Lion took over, the temple also changed from an Asako temple to a Brotherhood temple."

There is a subtle shift of Kioka's robes. "It was not so much of a change. The calling of this temple is an important one that goes beyond who controls the city."

"So things continue on. Most of the original monks remain, as did this one."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

The monk's words left Poemu thoughtful a long moment. She was one to think before she spoke, and choose her words carefully. "...I see Kioka-sensei. If you were here before the Lion took charge of the city and temple then... ah, but one should not ask too deeply into a past life, or so I was taught. I will merely ask if there were Brotherhood monks here before the Henshin were replaced."

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

"Some, but rarely for long. This place holds great importance, but its significance is not felt as profoundly by some."

She closes her eyes a moment as if remembering.

"This one is glad to be able to serve such an important duty to the temple, to the Oracles, to the Elemental Dragons, and to man."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Her head tilted in thoughtful curiosity. "Important duty Kioka-sensei? I don't believe you mentioned your role here. Not that I don't believe any role would-be important. We all serve in our way after all."

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

"This one, as many before more, serve this temple as sojo. A sojo cares for the temple and all the monks within in, aiding those within and without. As this city has a governor, so this temple has a sojo, as there is an order to things."

She speaks matter-of-factly, without any trace of ego.

"Is there a way this temple can aid you?"

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu nodded softly. "Sojo, I see. A fine responsibility. As to needs... that is always answered yes I believe. While I have my duties to my lord here in Ningen-do, I have spiritual needs as well, as all samurai do. I already offered my prayers, but... Ano, perhaps Kioka-sensei could aid this one to know what is the right thing to do. She had heard of what has transpired in Morikage Toshi?"

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

She nods in agreement that she does.

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

"Ah... Then you know what is likely on the way. Does the Ta--" Poemu paused, flushing softly. "S-sumimasen, I had forgotten to ask. I suppose with the Seven Dragons being worshipped, this must be a Fortunist sect? Perhaps asking of the tap isn't right? I don't visit many temples I fear."

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

Kioka smiles gently.

"You may ask whatever you wish. This temple is made for people because of people: those who became Oracles. We worship the Fortunes and study the Tao. Our primary care is to knowledge of the Oracles.

"So you may ask away."

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

Poemu gave a small, grateful nod before continuing. "Arigato. I suppose I am curious what the Tap, or the dragons, or Fortune's... what any might say in the face of such an... unprecedented situation. It seems many are confused in the face of a returned Emperor, let alone a... m-murdered one."

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

"The Fortunes are numerous, all with different opinions. What pleases one might not please another. It is beyond this one's wisdom to know. Some might guess, however, the few are pleased with the confusion and precedent of our predicament."

She takes a few steps toward another dragon statue.

"The little teacher says many things, much of which is vague to let those who are learning draw their own conclusions. To provide answers often misses the Way itself. We must all find our own path..."

She admires the nearby dragon statue. "Though, it seems unlikely that such betrayal was born of the Tao, and this temple does not condone it."

She looks like she is about to say more but catches herself and stops.

Agasha Poemu · **Joined:** Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:47 pm **Posts:** 896

There was certainly a part of Poemu that wanted to hear that caught continuation. but she was an honorable woman, and respected the monk's discretion. After it was quite clear that all had been said, the Dragon girl nodded softly.

"Your answers, Kioka-sensei, are about what I expected. Certainly, it isn't so strange that strange times would not be things spoken of directly in teachings of the Fortunes or Shinsei." She paused, murmuring a bit softer. "I believe I knew from the start though that the Tao would not likely condone such things. Shinsei helped to save the Empire, and the Emperor, through the power of men and women. Perhaps mortals must help protect it again."

Kioka · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:21 pm **Posts:** 86

Kioka inclines her head at the woman's words.

"You speak truly. Mortals are often the agents of change and must be in control of their own destiny. We are greater than we seem, though few know it."

(D1, LM, Open) Prayers for Those Behind Us

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