[D2LM] Men of Letters

[Jihen]

"I have been exceptionally blessed to learn from the best sources." He replies with a warm tone and a nod of gratitude.

"Is there anyone else you have met that sticks out?"

[Seppun Tomaru]

"Well," Tomaru says, "one Shiba Ryushi was part of my conversation with Agasha-san. Many of his ideas were of similar kind to hers, so eminently suitable, and he's got a certain cheek I found engaging."

He leans in, the crooked smile lifting the corner of his moustache. "I think he is already quite fond of her, too," he says, almost whispering.

[Jihen]

Jihen smiles and matches his volume, "Is that so? It is the season for those kinds of arrangements. Your influence could perhaps nudge things along as they should, no?"

He looked at the joy on the face of the older man at even the mention of such romance. Something that would not... and could not happen in regards to him. No old men and women smiling and whispering with excitement about young romance. Wondering who would marry him...

A tinge of Desire picked at the corner of his heart. A desire to know that feeling... He would have to ask someone about it one day. Learn wisdom from one who knows what he doesn't... As Shinsei says.

His smiled continued through, masking the internal dialogue.

"It so happens that the Crane delegation has just asked me to prepare a piece of artwork for a temporary shrine to Benten-no-kami in their encampment... I will have to think upon the young people of this court like Agasha-sama and Shiba-sama as I make my preparations."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"Look at you, making so many friends!" Tomaru says. "Your Abbot made a fine decision, having you accompany him."

He nods. "A fine decision, indeed."

[Jihen]

"That is very kind of you to say Seppun-sama. I hope to not disappoint that trust which has been given me." He replied.

"I spoke briefly with Sadako-sama last night but did not have opportunity to inquire about much in depth... is there anything that I can do that would be of help to the Seppun while I am here?"

[Seppun Tomaru]

"The usual," Tomaru says, "which is quite enough, as it ever is.

"Although," he adds, "if you do happen to be out at night, bringing water or a small snack to those on watch is always appreciated. The Lion do tend to take care of their guards, so the kitchens seem to be open late."

[Jihen]

"I'll make a mental note of that." He said with a nod.

"If there is anything that I can do to help with the 'usual' please do let me know. 'Two men can brave what one man cannot'."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"I shall, brother," Tomaru says. "But for now, I'll not keep you longer. You have tasks!"

He bows.

"Until we meet again."

[Jihen]

"That I do." He bows deeply in deference.

"Take care Honored Elder."

Watching Tomaru depart, Jihen then turns to gather the materials he came to assemble.

----

D2 LM Gathering Library Materials, Lore: Theology, 2 Raises for more about Gobai and Lion views on Balance | 9k6 ⇒ 52 (TN: 30)

[Fukurokujin]

Three large scrolls present themselves to Jihen, each of which appears to treat the matter of balance, as embodied by the Fortune, in detail.

[Jihen]

Jihen would spend what time he could going over them before court, and ask for them to be put aside to be accessed on the following day.

[Fukurokujin]

Jihen would spend what time he could going over them before court, and ask for them to be put aside to be accessed on the following day.

"Of course, monk-sama," says the attendant, a soon-to-be man with a lanky step and chirruping voice.

[Jihen]

He nods his head in gratitude to the young man, "I am called Jihen. What is your name fine sir?"

[Fukurokujin]

"I am called Kamoshita Taro, Jiren-sama!" he says, bowing. "But probably not for much longer."

[Jihen]

"Is that so? Do you have a name already picked out?" He asked warmly.

[Fukurokujin]

"I've got a couple of ideas," Taro replies. "I can't talk about them, though. It's bad fortune."

[Jihen]

He smiled and shook his head, "Of course not."

He then gestured to the scrolls, "Well... man-who-will-soon-not-be-Taro, please let the other attendants know... That if one Agasha Yuna comes asking about these works, she is to be permitted to read them in my place."

[Fukurokujin]

"I'll pass the word along, Jihen-sama," Taro says, bowing.

"Anything else I can help with?"

Damn, but he's cheery.

[Jihen]

"Nothing currently. Thank you again." He bows to the young man before turning to head to his quarters to prepare for the oncoming court.

[Fukurokujin]

Taro bows and withdraws, doubtlessly to help another library patron.