faithfulflame | Seventh Prayer: A Raging Bonfire [Action/Voice]

[The last few weeks had been a fairly frustrating affair for Rei, and so she'd thrown herself into her studies and practices. Tsukino Shrine had been prepared for winter, summer shrine trappings exchanged for winter, and wood had been pre-chopped so the sacred fire could keep the honden warm for visitors. Still, there were marked signs of annoyance all around the temple, most notably the area where Rei practiced her magic being scorched fairly badly. People who might have seen her around would definitely notice that she looked more tired and overworked than usual, with dark rings under her eyes.

Anyone visiting the shrine today, or even in the general vicinity can clearly hear roaring flames and a series of minor explosions coming from the outdoor workspace. After one particularly deafening blast, the crows around the shrine took off, all save for the two largest. Phobos and Deimos watch as the miko keeps at it, drawing deeply and chanting words Helios had taught her. Onlookers or visitors might notice her hands weaving together, like sewing together a tapestry made out of fire. And then it's released with a rush of heat and a pealing cry. A phoenix shaped fireball rips through the targets she had set up, the heat incinerating them before the fiery construct exploded and sent shards of wood in all directions.

Rei turns up to the crows with an excited gleam in her eye!]

I did it!

[She keeps practicing the spell a few more times before she heads into the village proper, deciding to reward herself with something nice for lunch. As irritated as she was, she did feel somewhat accomplished, like she'd turned that anger into something positive. It didn't really help alleviate the frustration, but it did at least lessen the tension a bit.

For part of the afternoon, Rei can be found at either the bakery or the tea shop, trying to enjoy herself. She looks tired and annoyed, but she's not overly hostile if someone approaches.

Late in the afternoon she returns to the shrine and settles in, deciding that it'd be better to stay here tonight. She stokes altar flame to a golden blaze, and opens her journal to broadcast, and hopefully clear her head with some conversation.]

Voice

Good evening everyone. For those of you who are new, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rei Hino, and I maintain the shrine here in the village. If you need assistance, even if it's just a peaceful place to meditate. I perform flame readings, and I'll be here all night tonight and any day of the week from ten to four. If you would like a charm, I can provide those as well.

But, I've got a question, too. How do you deal with anger? What do you, personally, do to control your temper when you get frustrated? Do you repress it, or do you turn it into something positive? I'm curious, it's just something that's been on my mind lately.

Thank you for your time, and have a pleasant evening.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Of course not. Please, come to the shrine and I'll do it. It's across from Community House 2, on the riverbank.

Sure. I'll be glad to. Is now okay or would another time be preferable?

That's fine, I'll be at the shrine late tonight.

Sure. I'll be around.

[He arrives an hour or so later, looking around a little awkwardly. he's not given the shrine more than a cursory glance before.]

[Rei spots him pretty immediately, and slides open the doorway to the little shrine building, waving him over]

Clint-san, yes?

[He approached the shrine, smiling warmly up at the young woman who opens the door.]

Yeah, that's me. Pleased to meet you.

[She bows politely and beckons him inside, gesturing that he should remove his shoes]

And you as well. Please, come in.

[He pauses outside the shrine to pull off his boots and then steps inside, moving silently on socked feet.]

Thanks. Not really looked around here much. it's nice.

Thank you. I try and make it a peaceful place for people to come. Please, have a seat by the fire if you're cold.

[She pulls out some floor cushions and sets them near the fire, sliding the door shut behind her]

[He#s not entirely sure how it's appropriate to sit. Is he supposed to kneel or... he settles with sitting cross legged on the cushions, so at least he's polite even if he's not sure of the customs.]

Thanks. I wasn't really sure what to expect.

Of course. It's what this is hear for.

[She stokes the flame with a wave of her hand, bringing it roaring to life]

So, you'd like a flame reading, yes? I'll need you to give me a single hair.

[The sudden flare of the fire makes him stare for a moment, eyes widening. Magic? Or something like it. It's becoming an increasingly common part of his life.]

Yeah, I think I'd like to hear what it has to say.

[He reaches up, plucking a hair and holding it out.]

This okay?

[He's not really sure why, but he isn't going to argue.]

It's just great. Please, have a seat and wait.

[Rei takes the hair and walks over to the fire. She claps twice, bows, and then tosses it into the brazier. She claps once more, and then kneels in a meditative posture before the heat, her eyes staring into the flickering flames]

Okay.

[He seats himself a little more comfortably, going almost unnaturally still as he settles into a calmer mindset. He's used to watching and waiting. This is no different, and oh, he is watching, fascinated, by what she does.]

[After a few moments, she pulls back, her eyes never wavering and reaches out to touch Clint gently on the hand. The instant contact is made, his mind is flooded with images, a flickering slideshow of places and faces.

First is the skyline of New York, and a great battle. And then Luceti, and several other places. Indications of conflict. And then the faces begin. People from his world, and people he's met here. A steady stream of people, and then the image cuts away to a sunny hill where this group of people stands beside Clint. Friendship.

And then she breaks contact, ending the vision]

Well.

[It's a shock when she touches him and he started when the visions begin, clear and vivid and fast enough to leave him breathless.

There's New York, the Chitauri, and this must be what they meant when they spoke about it. Six of them, standing together.

There's more; conflict, there's always conflict, but there's people too, Luceti and home, standing with him.

It leaves a lump in his throat and he blinks furiously when the visions end, looking away, to hide the effect that the vision had on him.]

I... thankyou.

[Rei nods gently, noting his reaction. Clearly he hadn't expected to see what he'd seen. It wasn't too bad compared to most visions she'd had lately, and she didn't mind remembering it.]

Of course. It's a good fate.

[He takes a shuddering breath, dragging himself together. He... the conflict he'd expected. It was nothing new. He'd spent most of his life fighting; doubted that was gonna change any time soon.

But the rest of it, people, allies, friends, that was nothing he'd considered. There'd been himself, and then Coulson and then Natasha. And the thought of having more...

He manages a smile for Rei.]

Yeah, it really is. More than I thought I'd get.

Hai. [She dips her head once more]

I hope that this helps you in some way. I'm afraid I cannot really give you a charm to protect you from...whatever those things were, but knowing what you know now I think you should take pride in your hard work.

I... it helps. [It really did. Maybe it wasn't inevitable, but it was possible and that was something worth fighting for.]

I think you're right. And it's something I can work for. I think they deserve it.

I think so too.

[She stands up and bows again]

I'm glad I could help. And...you're welcome to come to the shrine at any time. It's open to anyone, and warded against evil.

[Clint pushes himself to his feet, offering an awkward bow in return.]

I might take you up on that. It's a nice place. Pretty calm. Don't get that many other places.

Seventh Prayer: A Raging Bonfire [Action/Voice]

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