D0EM, Devotions (Open)

[Shika Nesshin]

"Forgive me," Nesshin says. "Idle talk, was all. It's of no moment."

[Seppun Unsei]

Unsei's left eye twitched as this damned deer kept trying to wiggle out of actually answering the question.

"Shika-san. I say this with what respect I can give you, but if you don't actually answer the question, I will throw a rock at you. It might not hurt a lot, but it will be a rock. Or I'll kiss you right on the lips and embarrass everyone here." They thought they were half decent at giving not terrible, but mostly annoying threats.

[Shika Nesshin]

"Dare I hope for the latter?" Nesshin says, quirking a wry grin for a moment.

It fades, though, and he says "But since you've asked flatly: you'd expressed some...unconventional attitude toward your schooling. I but wondered why."

[Seppun Unsei]

"I mean, you can, but my kisses are nothing to be talked about honestly. It's why I use them as threats. Though, I don't think I have any issues with my school. If you meant how I said it earlier, with the loger of the astro, it was to get back at you doing the whole 'dancer of the spears'."

[Shika Nesshin]

"I could help you with your technique," Nesshin says. "Romance and other things don't necessarily line up, as you say."

The bird chirps again, somewhere. And Nesshin grins. "So, what all does an astrologer for the Seppun do, if I might ask?"

[Seppun Unsei]

Fuck you, bird. You aren't my mom.

"Oh, I know. Don't get me wrong, I am by no means a pure virgin or whatever. Just kissing isn't a strong suit but that's fine because I'm good in other places."

Then they paused, tilting their head some. Perhaps it was because Unsei was a self-centered brat that they never thought that someone wouldn't know what any school of the Seppun did, or it could've been because they thought that everyone knew what every glorious school of the mighty Imperials did. Either they, they were obviously confused that someone didn't know.

"The Astrologers are shugenja that use astrology, divination, and other fortune-telling to react, anticipate, and preempt threats to the Emperor. We are also trained in warding and such in order to better protect the Emperor and guard against intrusion in the Forbidden City. As such, we work side-by-side with the Miharu."

[Shika Nesshin]

"I'd love a demonstration sometime," Nesshin replies. Of what, he specifically does not say.

"But the work sounds worthwhile, certainly. And it'd make sense that the heavens would work to protect the Throne."

[Seppun Unsei]

Unsei's face split into a perfect, mischievous smirk. "I must warn you that I am used to living a life of being spoiled and pampered in certain ways, but if you wish, I can always give you a hands on lesson tonight in doing so. And trust me, I always spoil and pamper those who do the same to me." It was a line they had practiced so perfectly before as it totally wasn't the same line they'd be using for three years now no matter what that damned Scorpion thought... It had only been a year.

Unfortunately, during the entire line they had been trying to say, there was a bird nearby screaming its head off.

"The work is fun and it leaves me able to do my favorite thing. Staring at the stars for hours on end and getting to call it work. At the end, it always is work though, but it's something I enjoy. Not too many can say that about their job."

[Shika Nesshin]

Nesshin nods. "I lodge in the castle, and would be eager for your instruction."

He continues. "But you're right about many not being able to say truly that they enjoy their work. I'm fortunate to call myself among those who can, though. Meeting people and getting to go out into the woods, take in what nature offers...it's a good service."

[Seppun Unsei]

"Where then, so that I might visit you this evening?" They asked smoothly, smirk still dancing upon their lips.

"Sounds as if it has its high moments, though I'm sure you get up to a lot more than just simply taking people into the woods if our last few sentences have been anything to go by."