Sweeping away one's worries (D1 LA, Open)

[Suzume Senseki]

This was a curious temple, Senseki thought. Definitely a charming one - the nicely meshed built and natural elements somehow made him feel at ease, and the ancient spear and the talismans with knotted ropes were... curious. He imagined the talisman had something to do with relationships, as would be expected of the Deer... but he didn't know exactly how.

Not that he thought it mattered. After arriving, he kept looking at the beautiful cherry tree for a long time, then at the ground around. He expected, especially with a tree at the centre of the courtyard, sweeping would be an important part of the monks' duties... and while he wasn't exactly pious, this was a good chance and a pleasant place to relax while doing some quiet, simple work.

After some time of contemplation, he looked for one of the monks, wondering what kind of stories they would have to tell. For now, though, when he found one of the monks, he bowed respectfully and asked if they could use some help sweeping the yard while he... meditated.

[Saibankan]

A monk was easily found who bowed deeply.

"We would be honored to accept your aid and your devotion, Suzume-san." he said, fetching a broom.

[Suzume Senseki]

"Thank you very much, oboo-san", he said kindly, Boeing as well, then taking the broom.

A good five minutes after he's started gathering fallen leaves, he nods to the monk again with a soft smile.

"Such a beautiful place you have here! I wonder how many stories this Sakura has to tell."

OOC:
Using passion to recover strain at the end of the thread. Noting for reference!

[Saibankan]

The monk smiled.

"As many as there are leaves on the tree, Suzume-sama. From the founders of the Deer clan making their pledge here to those wondering about their fate at this very miai." he said.

[Suzume Senseki]

The monk smiled.

"As many as there are leaves on the tree, Suzume-sama. From the founders of the Deer clan making their pledge here to those wondering about their fate at this very miai." he said.

A smile back at the monk as he sweeps. "Would you mind sharing one of them, oboo-san?"

[Saibankan]

The monk shook his head.

"Of course not, Suzume-sama:

Once there was a young man of the Seppun family. He was a very idealistic young man, who firmly believed that the Empire was a stronger place when it's samurai were united. Unfortunately, he was posted to a rather rural Scorpion court where the local Scorpion delighted is attempting to smash his idealism. His offers to help were met with derision, isolation, ridicule and torment. While they never laid a hand on him, when he came here his heart was heavy and his spirt was crushed.

Around the same time, a young Lion of the Akodo came to the Kyuden. Her family was suffering from her parents missteps in court, and needed an influential match to stabilize their fortunes."

The monk paused with an appreciative nod towards the tree.

"They did not know it would happen, but they met for the first time here before the tree. Musubi blessed them both. They wed, and the Seppun's heart healed as he worked through the Akodo's troubles, while the Akodo's respect for the Seppun that she 'had' to marry grew every day."

He smiled a bit.

"A good match. One of many made here, but it crossed my mind at this particular moment."

[Suzume Senseki]

The man smiled as the story unfolded, and bowed respectfully to the monk when it was finished.

"A good match, and a good story. One I will ponder on and keep in mind during my time here, certainly. Thank you very much for telling it, oboo-san".

(/Scene, and sorry to take so long to answer! Will be returning for more monkly advice soon )