Ichi - Heaven's Tears

[ManWithDoor]

Kusa presses his palms together and bows to those assembled. "It is an honour to be in your company, -samas. May the kami be with us in this endeavor."

[Vardaen]

Goto bows to the others, and pays special heed to show his own sensei the respect the man deserves. When they are given an hour he comments, "I believe the Fudo Myoo group is ready to depart at once Sama." He bows again and when the time is there leads off to the North Gate so the group can be ready to depart at once.

OOC

I want to make sure we are supplied. I'm assuming we are given supplies for this, like food, water, tenting, etc.

[TetNak]

Kawajiri Akabe nods to everyone, his own pack ready, and his group standing at attention. "Today we travel to the shrines of the kami and budha. Let us pray for a safe journey." He looks to the monk Sohu. The man says a quick prayer for safe passage to the shrines, and once he has finished, the group of sixteen departs for the first shrine. The way outside of town seems like nothing more than gardens, fields of rice, and finally woods. There has not been a reported issues this close to Kurisawa for many years. Everyone starts the first leg of the journey in good spirts.

[Muskrat]

Indeed, even the normally grouchy Kayoko is in good spirits once they set out. She had earnestly wanted to become a nun, but has found herself feeling restless, rebelling against being confined in the monastery. She is grateful to have a chance to wander around the island and learn more of it by direct experience. She hopes this trip will get some of her restless spirit out of her system and allow her to settle down when she returns.

[ManWithDoor]

Since there doesn't seem to be any established marching order, Kusa finds his way next to the other monk of the group, the leader Sohu. Having spent much more time amongst the peasantry than the townsfolk, he doesn't think he's met the man. But since they are the only two monks in the group, he makes the assumption that they likely have something in common. "Sohu-san, I do not think we have met before. I am Kusa, of the Order of Fujin, kami of the wind."

[Vardaen]

Goto takes a place along the flanks, scouting as he moves. He keeps his word respectful for those in charge, but is eager to help and show his abilities. He travels without much chit chat except to reply to Tohu who is attempts to keep on task.

[TetNak]

Sohu nods to Kusa, "Many greetings, Kusa-san," he says with a smile. "May the fortunes give us safety on our trip."

And so for the first day that is the case. There are no dangers or issues whatsoever. The Shrine of Jizo can be seen on a hill over looking the road. A massive flower bed surrounds the statue, mostly filled with summer flowers and various shrugs that can withstand the winter. Birds perch about the statue and the trees nearby, chirping as the group climbs the hill toward the shrine. There is also a small building set off to the side where the nuns live that take care of the shrine. The banner of Kawajiri flaps in the breeze from the rooftop.

As the group comes close, two samurai, likely the guardians of the shrine, bow and escort everyone up the hill. The group hears one say, "There won't be places to stay indoors here, but you can make camp ..."

Jizo Shrine

[Vardaen]

Goto looks up at the shrine, he very much likes this place, and has ventured this far in the past. It is a safe distance from town, yet still away from the hustle and bustle. He hears the talk of camp and realizes he will need to help set that up, gathering fire wood, and water and other such duties.

[Muskrat]

Kayoko goes up the shrine and prostrates herself before the statue of the bodhisattva Jizo, as she offers up brief prayers to him. She then stands, brushing the leaves from her knees, looking around to see if there is anyway she can make herself useful. She has little experience with camping or the outdoors, having been sheltered inside most of her life.

[ManWithDoor]

The monk nods in acceptance. Such are the winds and waves of life. Comfort is a pleasure, not a necessity, and he has slept outdoors many times before without coming to harm by it. He is here to offer prayers and sacrifices to the kami, and he goes about that before taking care of such temporal needs as making camp.