Tsukaisute smiles.

I hope they're able to be happy, he thinks.

And maybe I should see about finding some happiness of my onw.

Tsukaisute carries a paper lantern with him, threading through the crowd and thinking on matters. Not the worst of things, as things go. An ally secured, and another likely--and of diverse sorts. Yes, but also failures. Or what do you call your supposed efforts yesterday? Not what I had hoped for, I...

Thanks for hosting!

"I think he shall."

Having gotten word that the Moshi are attempting something to ease the burdens on their land and wanting to help, Kasuga Tsukaisute endeavors to make his way up to a shrine on the mountaintop. He is stopped by the Lion guards, however, and, despite his efforts, he is unable to sway them. When they b...

Tsukaisute stirs uneasily in his sleep.

Whatever happens, it seems to him only a dream.

Mechanics:
Challenge, Failed with a 19, here: http://orokos.com/roll/670043

Tsukaisute sighs in obvious relief.

"I am glad I have not erred, then. It was something I grew concerned about after our outing yesterday."

He sips at the tea and nods. "A question had presented itself to me, and I wish to determine if I answered it correctly. And it is of a matter of forgiveness, which seems to me to be a thing of the soul. So I shall lay it before you, and I shall trust to your wisdom in seeing if I said well or ill. ...

He nods. "You did not ask, and I am glad to do it for a friend."

Is this a gifting thing? I did not think it was, he thinks.

The other voice thinks Of course it's a gift, Baka! Unless you think this little slip of a woman will give you something in return. But why would she?

Tsukaisute bows. "Tea would be a lovely thing, indeed, Moshi-miko--and fitting for so lovely a place as this.

"And I am pleased to be a source of happiness for my esteemed hostess. I may be able to add to that, I hope."

Dressed neatly and cleaned up from his earlier exertions, Tsukaisute presents himself at what he has been informed is the appropriate wing of the palace and asks for "the priestess Moshi Fuyumi, with whom I would consult on a spiritual matter, if her duties permit it."

After asking around a bit and finding a certain woodcutter who had been noted to him the previous evening, Tsukaisute makes his way up into the foothills of those mountains that make a valley of Tani Senshio. Soon enough, he finds a footpath that seems promising, and he follows it, coming in time to...

Tsukaisute nods.

"I might have to take a walk up in the high places, then."

He finishes his bowl of noodles and adds "If Mo-san should come this way, give him a bowl of noodles--on me." The Tortoise then slides some coins across to the vendor before he makes his /exit.

Tsukaisute sees the eyebrow and offers a tight little smile. He slurps at his noodles before saying in a low voice " There are some who had been here before who are interested in knowing how such a man might fare. They cannot look about so freely or devotedly as they might hope to do under the light...

"Hm. That would be...interesting to see. The Lion are noted for their devotion to their ancestors, are they not?"

There is a glance towards the chaperones, but only that.

Tsukaisute lowers his voice.

"It's enough that one might wonder if anything is being done to aid those who are in straitened circumstances. Perhaps such a man as Hitaro, for whom there has been some searching."

Tsukaisute nods in agreement.

"Moshi-miko knows more of such than I, to be sure. And I will keep the name in mind; there are other ears that have heard it, other lips that might speak it."

He has a dumpling, himself.

"I take it that such food as this is not normally on offer in the temples."

"I receive it humbly" says Tsukaisute as he accepts the bowl. After he slurps his first noodles down, he asks "There's been a lot of that going on, hasn't there? Lots of folks lost things, lots of others...less than sympathetic to them.

"Damned shame, really."

Tsukaisute will keep something of a weather eye on the Lion as he approaches the noodle cart. As he orders, he'll put on his most sympathetic face and ask "Who's the old man, there? He seems to be having a hard time of it." Mechanics: Awareness / Sincerity to demonstrate concern for the old man to t...

Kasuga Tsukaisute heads back out into the town, looking for something. He's not sure what, actually, although he knows it will be the kind of thing that does not much admit of full daylight. He could likely do better, but there's always a chance, right?

"My dear Moshi-miko, I'd have it no other way!"

He bows in return.

"But I'll not keep you; I know that duties demand."

Having received the kind invitation from the priestess, Tsukaisute gladly joins her little walkabout. As he does so, she notes to him her desire to find out a bit more about an old friend who had been in the area, and Tsukaisute, knowing that the heimin see and hear everything, asks around a bit. Hi...

Tsukaisute bows with a flourish and a smile.

"Morning, afternoon, evening, or night, I am at your disposal."

"Well, Moshi-miko, if it is from the work of our bellies that our bodies draw life, then it is in what feeds those bellies that a province draws life. But if it is sad that your duties do not often allow you to leave the premises, well, surely showing a guest about might be part of your duties--and ...

With a murmured "I accept it humbly," Tsukaisute eats happily. He's done enough to know that every place has its charms, but a good meal is ever to be appreciated. And he says as much to the vendor, putting on a winning smile and praising the meal. "I've not had dumplings like these before, friend, ...