Chou-king on your Ambitions (D11, MA)

[Jihen]

"Heroism takes many forms Master... Do not sell yourself short." He replied warmly.

"I am not sure there are any heroes here as in the great tales." He said as his eyes turn back to the mural.

"But I have seen some heroic deeds... Things which I admire."

[Chou-sin]

"Oh?"

It is an invitation from Chou-sin to elaborate.

[Jihen]

"A number of good examples... The sincerity and diligence of the Lady Seppun. The earnest seeking of knowledge of Agasha Yuna. The devotion of Asahina Hoshiko to a misunderstood Fortune. The determination to return from a state of fall from Shiba Ryusei. The humble forbearance of Duty of Seppun Tomaru. The heraldry of Soshi Eiji. The generosity of Doji Noriko. The courage of those who ran to aid the ronin last night. The elegance of Doji Hikaru's verses last night."

He nodded as to pause.

"I've seen a great many examples of what makes the Empire great... The beauty which surrounds us even as the Sun as gone down for a time."

[Chou-sin]

"The Lady Seppun is a wonder, truly," Chou-sin says. "And a benefactor, as well, though that is no wonder."

[Jihen]

"No wonder?" He asked.

[Chou-sin]

"The Seppun have long been friends of the Four Temples," Chou-sin says. "And their heads have ever been kind to those who walk the Way."

[Jihen]

"Indeed... Though in one sense... that too is wondrous." He replied.

"I would not be who I am without the friendship of my Master with the Lords and Ladies of the Seppun."

[Chou-sin]

"Nor would he," Chou-sin replies. Which is certainly true.

[Jihen]

"Every man's life is a story." He replied with a nod.

"How did your story begin master?"

[Chou-sin]

"Much as do many others', I think," Chou-sin says. "But then, to make a dumpling from scratch, first you must create the world."

He smiles gently.

"I paraphrase, and badly, from a scholar of some renown. More locally, I was raised in the Temples, not at all unlike yourself. I do not know who gave me to them, however."

[Jihen]

“Is that so?” He asked rhetorically.

“So the Four Temples are the only home you remember?”

[Chou-sin]

"The only place I remember as home, yes," Chou-sin says. "I've traveled, of course, and not only in this capacity. I've spent time as a mendicant, crossing the Empire by grace of alms. I've washed the feet of the lowly, knelt in prayer with the mighty. But the Four have been and remain home."

[Jihen]

“How was your time as a mendicant?” He asked sincerely.

[Chou-sin]

"Eye-opening," Chou-sin says. "Instructive."

He grins.

"Hard on sandals."

[Jihen]

“Perhaps my sandals have had it too easy.” He replied in a slightly contemplative tone.

[Chou-sin]

"I think you've had enough challenge even if you can keep your shoes in good repair," Chou-sin replies. "I sometimes think it easier not to know what I know I do not know than it would be to know it."

[Jihen]

Jihen’s mind worked that for a good second before asking, “Master?”

[Chou-sin]

"Yes, Brother?"

[Jihen]

“I’m not sure I understand your meaning.” He replied.

[Chou-sin]

"Ah."

Chou-sin nods.

"Not knowing what I had, I do not miss it," he says. "It is harder to desire a thing when you do not know what the thing is, and thus easier to resist that temptation."