Agasha Inoshishi wrote: ↑Mon Aug 16, 2021 7:18 am
She too is crying, soft, pretty tears rolling down her face unimpeded. She's smiling too, like she's in the presence of something holy, perhaps the kami themselves are touching this story.
To think I was planning something so vile as to seduce her here and now... Fortunes, I am a fool. A monster like myself cannot touch someone this... this...D-div
ine?
It's little time before the Mourner's tears fall freely. Only years of trauma and extensive bard training prevent a deep blush and puff of the cheeks that normally comes from such emotions. It is more like a statue weeping, or a bridge with a villain buried alive under it.
Agasha Inoshishi wrote: ↑Mon Aug 16, 2021 7:18 am
"There are few words that would accurately convey what I'm feeling, Kitsu-san. I don't even know that there are many words that would convey it either! Such sacrifice! I didn't know the Sparrow were prone to such heroics. I knew they lived on a hard land, equal to our highest peaks in arability. But to think that they gave the life of one of their only shugenja! Is this something that's happened more than once, do you know? Or is this the rarity, the noble self rising above the mundane?"
This time, he doesn't answer between her breaths. He just... can't. He's having a hard enough time retaining control as it is. He tries and starts, but he fumbles at the first hurdle.
"The kami..." he breathes. "The kami never asked him for his life. No one did. I remember speaking to his father... he said the Shiro tried his best to listen to all of their complaints, but it was too much. They each wanted separate things, and he couldn't find a solution. He took the initiative, and..."
A gasp he didn't realize he was holding, and then a sob. He took a breath to control his breathing.
"There have been others who have given their life to demand the world of the kami - especially within the Crab lands - but usually it has been a sacrifice of life force to fulfil a prayer. This was one of the first cases I'd seen of simply offering one's life to the kami. I... I think because of how they reacted, it was the first time they had as well."
A deep, bitter laugh choked its way from the Kitsu.
"Fortunes, look at me - I came here thinking to share a sensual afternoon with you and now I think we've both found Megumi-no-kami instead." It was rare that Moshu allowed himself to usher the fortune of Heroic Sacrifices' name, but Shiro's story always demanded it.
His smile is bittersweet, a tale of triumph and self loathing.
"Forgive me - in my enthusiasm to please I'm not sure if I appear more a fool or a monster. None would blame you for either - I am sorry."
- - - -
Kitsu Moshumaru wrote: ↑Mon Aug 16, 2021 8:41 am
”In the years following his gempuku, he became well loved not just by visitors to Kyuden Suzume, but by the kami of the Sparrow lands. He would traverse the lands between courts, visiting villages and appeasing spirits for the minor clan. During the court season, he would use high talents to delight guests, such as Emerald Magistrate Shingo Sho."
((Editor's note: This was supposed to be Shinjo Sho, not Shingo. However, remembering a tale like this is hard, causing Moshu to mispronounce the family name.))