[D0 MM] Barbarian at the Gates?

[Moto Mitsuki]

"As in a pilgrimage? Is Shika home to a noticeable shrine to the Water Dragon? I'm not exactly familiar with this region spiritual history either."

[Kaito Oubaihime]

"More in search of a nice partner. That is what the miai is for. A blessing of Musabi... and where better than in one of the most renown temples exists than in Kyuden Shika." She halted and looked at the Unicorn. "Musabi is the fortune of Marriage, Moto sama... I guess one to be aid by Benten."

[Kitsu Murato]

"Musabi and our ancestors... Both watching to make sure we get a good match," he said with a smirk. " At least I hope and offer prayers to that end."

[Kaito Oubaihime]

"I just hope all prayers would be answered by both... maybe the three... ancestors, Benten and Musabi." She picked a chamomile.

[Moto Mitsuki]

"The Ujik – the desert people – have simplified the equation: Their ancestors are their gods. More precisely, a few especially important ancestors rule over dominion that the Fortunes are usually associated with in this side of the world. So they always pay homage to all at once in their daily prayers.

Are the temple priests going to cast a big spell and bam, the Kami will decide who will be our spouse and that's it? Or will it be politics as usual?"

[Kitsu Murato]

"Not really. They will seek the guidance and blessings of the ancestors and the fortunes. If those honored beings decide to help then options, decisions and paths will be presented and make the path forward clearer," he replied, picking some dandelions he found nearby. "Signs and omens sent to diviners, revelations given during prayers."

[Kaito Oubaihime]

The Kaito looked at the flower then to the Moto. The Kitsu explained it quite well. She nodded to the Kitsu. "Some say that there is a unspoken spell between to souls that are intertwined by destiny be it one of good fortune or bad." She placed the flower in her obi. "We that get to choose are lucky, those who are pre destined by their parents then are at the mercy of the fortunes that the chosen spouse is one honorable and caring."

[Moto Mitsuki]

"I'm reasonably confident that if my soul was that untangled with destiny, seers at home would have noticed it. So I have some hope for the divinities to show some clemency in the choice of my spouse.

Of the matchmakers of the Deer clan however, I know nothing and thus prepare for the worst."

[Kitsu Murato]

"Well, if those seers didn't trust the Deer they would not have allowed you to come, right? Perhaps they saw that the best path was to entrust your betrothal to the Deer matchmakers."

[Kaito Oubaihime]

Oubaihime nodded. "True, Lion sama..." She picked another flower. "Your lords wouldn't send you here if there wasn't any trust." She looked at the Moto. "It is a great strategy to prepare for the worse and expect a better outcome." She nodded at the flower.