Elemental Currents (D1, EE)

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

“I hear many speak of ‘greatness’ but it remains a concept I find difficult to describe... What is greatnesses to you Lady Suzume?”

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya was surprised by the question, but answered simply. "To achieve one's potential, is it not? To excel in the ways in which you are fit to excel?"

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

“Then what of things in which you do not excel? Does it detract from your greatness?”

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Where they things at which I could excel, had I simply given greater effort, or made more prudent decisions?"

Chihaya shrugged. "I suppose I am not much of a philosopher, I simply wonder whether, well, my younger self would have expected to bear so many scars - to have learned so many lessons only by finding herself on death's door, time and again. To have fought in several wars and seen moments of turmoil across the Empire."

With a small chuckle she added, "I suppose none of us, as children, know who we will grow up to be."

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

She nodded, “You know... for me... greatness isn’t anything like one’s potential. If I had to say anything was ‘great’... I’d say it was the lessons taught by those scars you mentioned... Maybe baby-you needed those scars. Maybe scarred you can do things ‘great’ you can’t. The you that exists is the one that still is alive for some reason. Maybe to teach something... or maybe to learn something. But the one thing I know is there’s a reason. Always a reason.”

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya nodded thoughtfully.

"That's an interesting perspective - they say pain is the greatest teacher, and you learn much from failure, it is true."

With a chuckle, she added, casually, "It just sounds less impressive, talking about the litany of failures - but then, life and legend don't always overlap, now do they?"

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

She smiled, “They do and don’t.”

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Now you sound more like a Togashi than an Akodo." Chihaya jested.

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

“I am an aren’t.” She said with a chuckle.

“The world my Lady is full of grey. So little black and white as to be fairly confident in saying it doesn’t occur naturally in this world. Finding that right shade of grey that you can feel most comfortable in is really what’s most important. If you can be proud of yourself despite the ‘litany’ of unsuccessful tries... that will lead you to where you can progress into your next life.”

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Fair."

She shrugged, and then concluded. "I suppose when Emma-O ever chooses not to kick me back out, I will see how I am to be judged."

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

“Stay away from obviously evil stuff... and one day you’ll get another shot.” She said with a positive energy that would not usually be attached to such a topic.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Words to live by, Akodo-san."

With a glance around the temple, she added, "Might one ask what duties in particular brought you here?"

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

“Broadly? You could say tax collection.” She replied.

“More specifically? Translating Lion-ese to peasants who for generations have experienced Phoenix rule.”

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Ah."

Chihaya understood without further explanation.

"Well, one hopes you will be able to return to such peaceful endeavors soon... it is good to know that someone is aiding the heimen in the transition between lords."

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

She nodded, “That is not to say that the Lion do not care for the people. Their care is merely expressed with a different vocabulary than the Phoenix.”

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"I imagine so."

Chihaya smiled faintly, "I've seen proof enough of their concern today - taking in as many as they did."

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

“We all serve the Empire in our own ways. The people make the Empire... it is our duty to take care of them.” She bowed.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Indeed it is."

Chihaya chuckled.

"So, Akodo-san, how do you find life as a Lion? I can only imagine the clan is quite a change from Phoenix culture."

Akodo Ren · **Joined:** Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:10 am **Posts:** 380

She tilted her head, “It’s been an adjustment. But I am rather adaptable I think. I soon was with child, which brought notoriety and praise... and I have the companionship of a man I value and respect who treats me with the same in return.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya didn't know *anything* about being with child early in marriage...

Riiiiiight.

"Well, I'm glad you have adapted well - it's a blessing to have a spouse you can respect and rely upon."

Her own thoughts turned to her home, and nagging concerns, which she tried to push aside. Her husband was a dutiful and brave samurai... even if he did seem to be... distant... at times.

"I will offer a prayer for good health for your child, Akodo-san. In this time, it is good to see the next generation, to remind us that the future is not all grim, but also brings with it hope."

Elemental Currents (D1, EE)

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