The temples in the late morning filled with music, for Ryushi decided to bring music to the fortunes. The man thought that the tribute to the fortunes is to fill the temples with the notes og a shamisen instead of prayers to them. There may not be a shrine to Sadahako but Agashiko may enjoy the simplicity of the tune.


//D9 LM Perform to the fortunes some shamisen because they are probably bored of prayers | 7k4 ⇒ 44

"What's the song you're playing, Phoenix-san?"

The Abbot of the Four Temples, Chou-sin, bows.

The Shiba looked up from his shamisen. "This piece is call Shuuhou." Ryushi answered.

"It is a pleasing piece," Chou-sin says. "Is there more to it?"

He seats himself and looks at the Shiba expectantly.

"No, sorry, but I can play something else" The Shiba nodded to the monk. "What would you think it would please the fortunes?"

"Music performed sincerely pleases them," Chou-sin says. "And it helps a person center themselves, that they may more smoothly follow the Way.

"But as to what would please them most? I have to think that that would depend on the Fortune in question. Fukurokujin, for example, might like something with more intricate fingerwork, while Bishamon might prefer a heavier beat."

He gives a slight shrug. "For walking the Way, a slower tempo might serve, helping to ease the heart's thudding."

Ryushi pondered for a moment. The man nodded and starter to play. The finger work was intricate and the beat was probably heavy to please both fortunes, the style of complexion may be more for Hotei but it has simple parts that could please Agashiko.

"That is certainly technically adept," Chou-sin says. "I do not know that I am familiar with the aesthetic, however. Could Shiba-san say more of it?"

"The piece is called the Metal Ningyo. The fast beat of the comb states the artist of the doll trying to mold it to the shape and the fast notes express the fire of a forge. The slow down process of cooling then the upbeat of heating and molding and the cycle continues until you get the metal doll." The Shiba explained.

Chou-sin nods.

"I take it this is popular among the Phoenix," he says, something like a question but not quite. "It has been some time since I walked those roads."

"Not quite but who knows." Ryushi expressed. "It is not a road to travel now in the winter month. Too much snow and one might find a Yuki no Onna if one is not careful."

"I have heard of the Snow Maidens," Chou-sin says. "None have been seen at the Four Temples in centuries, if ever, but there are enough reports of them that I believe their truth."

"I think that they hide in the mountains and come down during winter months." Ryushi nodded. "I don't know if they'll visit temples just to find a prey "

Chou-sin chuckles.

"They are not likely to find many who will follow a maiden out into the wild there, no," he agrees. "It's not a temple to Benten, after all."

"Just a lost soul like me that may wander and wonder why things are the way they are." Ryushi sighed. "I would probably trigger their anger towards the ningen."

"Oh?" Chou-sin asks. "And why do you say that?"

"Spirits of certain places tend to hate me." The Shiba confessed. "Other spirits attach to me like glue... others want me to suffer slowly." The Shiba sighed. "I sometimes wonder and as I wonder I wander into places like these. Temples, shrines and even memorials."

"For seeking the spirits," Chou-sin says, "that's likely a good thing. Better than a brewery, at least."

He chuckles a little at his own joke.

"Has your Clan not helped you with your problem? One would think the Phoenix would have much to say on the subject."

"No..." The man just shook his head. "It is my burden to bear and a sacrifice I must endure until I am to visit Emma-O "

"Have you asked them?" Chou-sin asks. "It would seem that family would help family."