A Personal Reward (Parade Grounds)

[Togashi Dao]

After wolfing down his midday meal, Dao had retreated to the parade ground to search for a new stone for his go set. In accordance with his personal rules, following his defeat of his fellow student in this morning's exercises he was on the hunt to expand his collection.

Walking around the grounds with his eyes down, he was scrutinizing every pebble and rock on the prowl for the perfect addition to his set.

[Iuchi Prashant]

Curiously, another student also seems to be walking, slowly and calmly, through the grounds, looking at the ground and sometimes kneeling down to look at a pebble or rock. As he moves closer to the Dragon boy, he raises his gaze a bit and recognises the young Togashi from some days ago.

"Togashi-san!", he says in a friendly voice, bowing and smiling. "So we meet again here in Hirosaka! Also greeting the kin of the Chi no kami and looking for one of them as a companion this fine afternoon?"

[Togashi Dao]

Knowing that his etiquette was found lacking earlier today, Dao bowed extra deeply in acknowledging the Unicorn. Just in case any sensei were paying attention.

"The Chi-no-who now, Iuchi-sama?" He replied, entirely confused. "I'm just looking for another stone for my go board."

[Iuchi Prashant]

"Oh", Prash gives a short, friendly laugh. "I just slipped to using Shugenja jargon, Togashi-san I meant the Earth spirits. But so, Togashi-san plays go? I hear it is quite an interesting and profound game! I'm also looking for a suitable stone, although not for a go board. Mind if we speak as we search?"

[Togashi Dao]

"If the earth spirits don't mind, then why should I?" Dao answers as he pokes at a few rocks with his toes.

"How have you found your first day here so far Iuchi-sama?"

[Iuchi Prashant]

"I don't think they'll mind, Togashi-san. As long as we pay them proper respect when choosing our stone", he says, smiling.

"Well, I'll have to get the hang of some of the chores we have to do here, as I'm more used to smaller settlements or the open fields. But it's been good and interesting so far! How did you like our morning kata? Was it the type of training you were expecting of the Ruby Dojo?"

[Togashi Dao]

"If you show me how to pay them respect, I'll try my best. I can honestly say it's not something I've ever done before, talking to a rock. Do they talk back to you, Iuchi-sama?" Dao asks curiously as he picked up, then discarded a couple of potential rocks.

"I think my isolated training might have done me no favours in front of the more courtly sensei, but I think I showed well enough why I was sent here. I think you held up alright too."

[Iuchi Prashant]

The Unicorn answers as he also lowers to take a closer inspection at some rocks - he seems to be looking for something not perfectly smooth, but also not so rough that it would hurt one's hands when holding it.

"They sometimes do, but they mostly keep to themselves. The Earth spirits are usually quiet and contemplative. Even serious, sometimes, although they do have their own type of humour", he says with a happy smile, his eyes looking up as if remembering something.

"But you don't have to talk to them to pay them respect, Togashi-san! It's just a matter of being mindful and gentle, and thanking them for their time with us. The stone you pick up will be keeping you company in your go set after all, won't it?" He says, smiling friendly at the boy.

"Most of the students I've observed have done quite well, I think! I hope we can keep up the pace!"

"You mentioned you were looking forward to the martial training?"

[Togashi Dao]

"Hmmm, I hope they don't mind losing sometimes then." Dao starts to muse to himself as he picks up and dusts off a rock, a little large for his purposes but nice and smooth. "But perhaps the fact they get to play at all will please them? It can't be too much fun just being walked all over and stepped on all the time."

There is a moment of sadness in Dao's voice before he returns to his chipper self. "Yes, the martial events are where I hope to impress, is there an event in particular you are looking forward to?"

[Iuchi Prashant]

"I don't think they'll mind losing. They tend to be quite persistent! It might get a bit frustrated if you give up easily, though"

He kneels down again, looking at another rock. It crumbles to dust when he tried to pick it up, and he looks down for a moment, muttering a few words in prayer.

"But you're right! It will probably like to play if you take it seriously. In my experience Earth spirits like quiet and stability, but they do roll around from time to time. A change of pace might be welcomed if it's gentle, I think!"

"As for me... Well, I'm excited about a number of things, I guess...but I particularly hope to learn more about different clans and people's views and understandings of Shinsei and the Tao", he says, smiling.

[Togashi Dao]

"Well I hope that the ones that inhabit my go stones are less active than most. It would be most disconcerting if they starting making their own moves." He comments with a laugh and a grin before calming himself.

"I'm sure that there will be an opportunity to learn more of the wisdom of the Little Teacher, both here and in the future. I think my Clan has a sensei here on that subject in fact Kitsuki.....something or other. I can't recall the name."

[Iuchi Prashant]

"Oh, I don't think they will do that!" he says, laughing as well. "For them to do that you'd really have to take them out of their element!", He says, grinning, then recomposing himself as well.

"Oh... I think I may have seen her in the morning training. Maybe I'll try to talk to her later! Thanks, Togashi-san!"

He kneels down again and takes a look at another stone, feeling it in his hand and concentrating for a bit before he respectfully put it back on the ground.

OOC

Day 1 Horse - Inv/Per 1 raise, looking for stone for an Earth amulet: 1d10k1 4

[Vutall]

Prashant does not manage to find a stone that would be suitable enough to make a meishodo talisman out of.

[Togashi Dao]

"I'd offer to introduce you Iuchi-sama, but I don't think the word of a child would carry much weight. Besides, I think they're expecting us to approach them from the way they were watching us so intently this morning."

Dao watches Prashant intently then asks the question burning in his brain.

"So what sorta rock are you looking for?"

[Iuchi Prashant]

" I think you're right, Togashi-san. I will probably try to talk to her later. But thanks!"

He gets up, apparently giving up on his search for now.

"Oh! I'm looking for one that is strong, but not too rough, so it can keep me company as an amulet and talk to me from time to time... or maybe call other of its friends to help".

[Togashi Dao]

Dao had little luck finding his own stone; but looking around, and thinking he was just joking, he picked up a fine specimen and held it up to Prashant.

"This one looks friendly and has a nice heft to it."

FInding Prashant's rock TN6: 1d10 8

[Vutall]

Dao finds a rock suitable to be used as a meishodo talisman for Earth.

[Iuchi Prashant]

"Oh!", the Iuchi says, then gets closer to the boy to examine the stone he extended. "This one looks perfect, in fact! It should make a really fine friend for you", he says, smiling.

[Togashi Dao]

Dao offers a small bow, and extends his hands forward, offering the gift a second time.

"I was thinking maybe it would be what you were seeking Iuchi-sama. It is a little large for my purposes and I would hate to offend it by wearing down its size and majesty to fit my selfish need."

[Iuchi Prashant]

The Unicorn offers a small bow of his own, still smiling.

"But Togashi-san, you were the one to find and befriend this stone! I wouldn't wish to get in the way of your blossoming friendship"