[D14, MA] prayer (open)

[Agasha Yuna]

In the end, what was there left for the pious to do but to pray that Heaven would send a sign and resolve the succession question?

Asahina-san had mentioned an experience at the shrine of Hamanri - Fortune of Regency and Stability.

Otomo Hamanri had once been a mortal scribe, a tireless and dedicated worker. Yuna found in that a connection to Tenjin, Fortune of Scribes and the written word.

She earnestly knelt in prayer before Hamanri's shrine, in the larger temple complex.

She had prepared calligraphy of the name of each candidate and set that before the shrine, to specifically honor scribal work and the written word, and the candidates themselves.

She had invited others to join, and welcomed anyone who happened upon the public prayer.

She prayed that Heaven watched over each of the candidates and gave sign - as Heaven chose - to the entire court, for the sake of Rokugan.

[Jihen]

Jihen returned to the temple after court at Yuna’s invitation. He bowed his head in reverence as he approached the shrine and found the young Agasha woman in her preparations.

[Agasha Yuna]

She bowed to him.

"Jihen-san, it is good to see you. With court over for today, I thought ... this is not about persuasion or research. It should be in Heaven's hands. Perhaps if enough of us sincerely ask, showing Heaven that we know it is Heaven to whom we should turn..."

"Has your meditation, prayer, and research brought you any further insight?"

"Is there anything you hoped to accomplish that is not yet done? I think I heard at the event for Musubi-no-Kama a congratulations for you? I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was just circulating, keeping an eye on all my guests. But allow me to offer my congratulations and curiosity both."

[Jihen]

“Agasha-sama is consistent in her benevolence and care. The humility you express in your desire to understand the Heavens’ will be a blessing to you throughout your life.” He said with a deep bow.

“My efforts provide guidance, but probably most of it is corrective insight for me in my own path. I’m lucky if I get to any other topic than the many ways I may be messing things up.” He offered with a soft smile.

“It is not my place perhaps to speak of that which is not under my control, but it appears that after this winter I will be on assignment as an advisor in the capital for a time.” He replied to her later comment.

“I’m honored if it so be that I have an opportunity to assist the empire in such a capacity. The Seppun family had been a benefactor of mine and the Temples for nearly all of my life, and it would be an honor to repay the debts incurred to the Lady Seppun in her service.”

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled at his kind words.

"An advisory role will be a boon to whomever you advise. Is there a particular role you will fill?"

"I know there has been some conversation about the need for spiritual advice to the court. That the role of the Seppun Guard to protect against immediate and impending spiritual threat is an incredibly important one. But there is a need also to look at doing good, rather than solely preventing harm. Advice as to the actions that lead to spiritual growth and healing and restoration. Addressing past harm. Creating future good. Advice about decision-making that may be occurring without regard to the spiritual impact to the Empire."

"Is that related to your new role? I'd be glad to hear it was."

[Shiba Ryusei]

And along came a Phoenix.

Having long had a feeling that the next day wouldn't be seeing much direct political input from him, the idea of prayer with the woman he loved and his favorite monk actually seemed as productive as it did therapeutic...

He arrived in time to hear of Jihen's appointment, and... nodded in satisfaction, before clearing his throat.

"Good afternoon."

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled to see Shiba-san.

"Thank you for coming. I think the best thing to do is spend some time in prayer today that Heaven makes a clear choice. To let Heaven know we are listening. To pray that Heaven chooses, and makes that choice clear."

"This is the shrine of Hamanri, the Fortune of Regency and Stability. Asahina-san said that she saw something while looking into Doji-sama's heart while at this shrine. But no one else witnessed it. I am not sure what to make of that."

"But it seemed a good place to pray."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Stability is definitely a desirable result... even if it never lasts forever."

Real boats rock.

[Jihen]

She smiled at his kind words.

"An advisory role will be a boon to whomever you advise. Is there a particular role you will fill?"

"I know there has been some conversation about the need for spiritual advice to the court. That the role of the Seppun Guard to protect against immediate and impending spiritual threat is an incredibly important one. But there is a need also to look at doing good, rather than solely preventing harm. Advice as to the actions that lead to spiritual growth and healing and restoration. Addressing past harm. Creating future good. Advice about decision-making that may be occurring without regard to the spiritual impact to the Empire."

"Is that related to your new role? I'd be glad to hear it was."

"I will be serving the Lady Seppun herself. She has taken an interest in some of the teachings of my sect, which I will be sharing with her as I help in whatever capacity she may see fit. Members of my order often spend time as advisors to various samurai throughout the empire. She was kind enough to ask for my services specifically, which I am more than happy to render."

He nodded, "The Seppun are some of the most important actors in preserving the imperial ritual calendar and physical well-being of the Emperor and the education of the imperial families. Seeing to the proper rites, practices, and teachings of the future imperial scions is a task that is difficult to bear on one's own. I hope to be able to help bring my knowledge to bear and support the Lady Seppun in her important responsibilities."

[Agasha Yuna]

"I am glad to hear that your wise voice will be so positioned."

"That actually relates to a conversation I had this morning with Asahina-san about the role of spiritual advisors to the imperial court and Emperor, or Empress. All that has happened with Hantei Ningi reinforces that there is a need for spiritual guidance, a need for spiritual education, a need to look at the spiritual consequences of past and present and future decisions."

"That it is unfair to the Emperor or Empress to assume that they need no support, spiritually, when they receive support in every other domain, surrounded by advisors on the law and the military and politics."

"It sounds like you are poised to assist in that space."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"At the very least, I think it fitting that the Brotherhood have a voice... if not in government, because that's a bit worldly, at least close to it."

[Jihen]

"I am glad to hear that your wise voice will be so positioned."

"That actually relates to a conversation I had this morning with Asahina-san about the role of spiritual advisors to the imperial court and Emperor, or Empress. All that has happened with Hantei Ningi reinforces that there is a need for spiritual guidance, a need for spiritual education, a need to look at the spiritual consequences of past and present and future decisions."

"That it is unfair to the Emperor or Empress to assume that they need no support, spiritually, when they receive support in every other domain, surrounded by advisors on the law and the military and politics."

"It sounds like you are poised to assist in that space."

Jihen smiled but shook his head, "As of yet my voice is not meant to reach the emperor's ears... That the Emperor will have guidance from those around them on such spiritual matters is truly a great thing to hope for. For now I am overwhelmed at the opportunity to serve at the Lady Seppun's side as the Seppun serve the Emperor at his side as they always have."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"It's still a position of more influence than I ever aspired to."

[Jihen]

“Influence is a tricky thing. Fleeting as the wind.” He replies.

“Not always the best thing to aspire to in the first place… But when granted, something to be treated with the utmost care. Whether that influence be great or small, proper conduct is imperative.”

He smiles softly, “The people back home will depend on your influence on their lives. It will mean more to them than some monk living hundreds of li away in the capital. You have more influence than almost anyone else in your sphere… and that is a promising idea.”

[Agasha Yuna]

"All of us serve as duty and assignment permit. But I am glad to think your wisdom will have an ear with Seppun-ue. She certainly has an important role to play."

"And I think Shiba-san will be very good for House Shigi."

"Both of you have kind compassionate pious hearts. I can only pray that others who are like minded continue to rise so there is more kindness, compassion, and piety in Rokugan."

She smiled, thinking of Seppun Tomaru-sama.

If only Heaven would surround him in radiant light. A reflection of his goodness. If only it was impossible for others to miss.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"The wind never truly stops, Jihen-san. It just changes direction. Even a calm fleeting."

As Yuna spoke, Ryusei found himself smiling, as usual.

"When it comes to kindness, compassion, and piety, Yuna-san, you leave many of us in the shade."

Was it a slip that he used her name in front of someone else? He didn't act like he'd slipped.

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled at his words. A little blush.

"Thank you."

"And yet I often find myself unsure how to navigate the complex water of these courts. I will be glad to return to a simpler duty. I have tried to do right by the Dragon. But I could not get the economic proposal through. At least the proposal was more reasonable than that rice not be accepted and only gold. A conversation started and not already over."

"Still, there is more to court than kindness and piety. Perhaps that is why it is so hard to know what is right to do."

[Jihen]

"Always more learning to be done. Wisdom to be gained through trial and error. I've been impressed with your efforts during this Winter Court. You have done your family proud, and I'm sure you will return home a more shrewd and capable version of yourself." He smiled.

"I feel that each of our meetings have been auspicious occasions. I look forward to seeing how the winds direct both of your paths in the future. I hope they push your paths to intersect with mine when the time is right."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"You did your duty, Yuna-san. You did it without flinching, and without much meaningful support."

Maybe he was just indulging himself. Her name was so lovely, after all.

"No one can expect more of a samurai than that. Ah, Jihen-san, about that, uhm... it's quite likely that your new position will intervene, but I trust Yuna-sana would agree that if you were to make it to our wedding, we'd be pleased to have you."

[Jihen]

"That is quite the generous offering." He replied with a deep bow.

"If it is in my power, I would be honored to attend. Do you know when you are planning to conduct the ceremony?"