Tenth Prayer: Fanning the Flames [Action/Video]

[faithfulflame]

[What a week! Rei couldn't remember a time she'd been more exhausted in her life. The minute she made it in the door of House 3 she'd just dropped into bed like a wilting flower. And she'd slept. For days. When she finally managed to get up and feel...human...again, though, she had things to address. Lots of things.

And the first thing on that list? The shrine. And preparations for a trap she planned to lay on two unwary wizards. After that, she had promises to keep and work to do. This was going to be a long day...]

Action

[Rei spends the early part of the day around Tsukino Shrine. She's been gone for more than a week, and the whole thing needs a bit of tending, just basic chores. While she works, Phobos and Deimos play around the small courtyard, flapping around merrily in the spring breeze. It's a pretty nice time, a far cry from the insane battle the week before. Anyone's welcome to come by and help out with chores, or setting up for her foray into forced match-making.

Midmorning, before she sits down to have lunch she opens her journal and sends out a broadcast. Phobos and Deimos are probably pawing around the camera, being nosy birds as usual.]

Video

Good afternoon, Luceti. This is Rei Hino. I would like to inform you that fortune telling at Tsukino Shrine will resume today as normal. I'd also like to express my sincerest condolences to anyone who was injured on the draft last week, and even more to those who lost someone in battle. Words...fail me at the moment, but if you are in need of a place to pray or find a peaceful place to think, you are welcome to use the shrine here for that. I hope you are able to find some measure of solace, however you choose to seek it. If you need me for anything, I will be here until six this evening for fortune telling or prayer services.

Additionally, I would like to ask a question. What are ways that you've learned to relieve stress? Particularly after a battle. How would you go about creating an atmosphere to help people relax? I have a small project that I'm working on down this vein, and I could use some suggestions. I would appreciate it a lot.

[A little later she sends out 3 more filtered broadcasts]

Locked to Max Woodville

Max-san, can we talk?


Locked to Okita Souji

Souji-san, if you have time, I would like to make good on my promise.


Locked to Helios Sprensonne
Helios-san, can you visit the shrine tonight at around seven? There is something very important I need to discuss with you. I'll prepare dinner, so please come hungry. This may take some time, as well. And it's a sensitive issue, so I'd appreciate it if you could leave your journal at home.

(OOC: Feel free to just drop by the shrine instead of responding to the broadcast if that suits your character better.)

Comments

[action]

[yourhatred]

[The ninja nods to her, taking a few steps further in. It's a pleasant enough place. Peaceful.]

Good day. I hope you've been well.

[action]

[faithfulflame]

[Hopefully he had the sense to remove his shoes. If not, he gets a raised eyebrow. If he did, she dips her head]

As well as can be expected. The draft was less than pleasant, but I survived. And you?

[action]

[yourhatred]

[Some traditions span from world to world, and this is one of them. He has sense enough to leave his shoes behind.]

They are rarely pleasant. It's difficult to fight for a cause you aren't sure of.

But I too am little worse for wear.

[action]

[faithfulflame]

This is true. But our lives were on the line. But I am glad you're well. I did manage to sleep for two days at least.

[She gestures to a cushion, if he'd like to sit.]

Would you like tea?

[action]

[yourhatred]

I admit to sleeping more than I usually would upon my return also.

[He nods at her offer and takes a seat where she gestures. Itachi is rarely one to turn down a polite offer of tea.]

[action]

[faithfulflame]

[From a kettle next to the fire, she starts pouring hot water and adding the leaves]

I hope it was not too stressful. I don't really like fighting, personally.

[action]

[yourhatred]

I am used to combat.

...I don't prefer it, but it comes easily.

[action]

[faithfulflame]

Are you a soldier, then?

[action]

[yourhatred]

I am a ninja.

[Similar, to some.]

[action]

[faithfulflame]

Ah. I...suppose that makes sense.

[There's only a small pause in her voice. She's never met a real ninja before. They aren't really...around anymore.]

[action]

[yourhatred]

[He nods, not expecting everyone to have the same mental image when it comes to this sort of thing.]

Is it peaceful where you come from?

[action]

[faithfulflame]

At times. At others...there is trouble.

[What she means to say is no. But...she can't really admit that openly, not with how secretive the Senshi are]

And your world?

[action]

[yourhatred]

It has it's pockets of peacefulness, but also sees its fair share of warfare.

It would be nice to see that end.

[action]

[faithfulflame]

I can imagine. War is...unfortunate.

[action]

[yourhatred]

...Unfortunate. Yes.

To put it lightly.

[action]

[faithfulflame]

Did you come to pray? Or just for a visit?

[action]

[yourhatred]

To pay my respects.

...And to visit.

[He can't say he'd exactly call it prayer.]

[action]

[faithfulflame]

Well, I thank you.

[She takes a sip from her teacup, turning to look at the fire]

It's after battle that I get the most visitors, but it's been quiet this time. Hopefully that means there were less deaths.

[action]

[yourhatred]

One would hope.

I actually meant to visit sooner, and I apologize that it took this long.

...How many tend the shrine with you?

[action]

[faithfulflame]

It's no trouble. You came when you could.

As for that. Three others. But only I am here every day.

[action]

[yourhatred]

Ah. Well, this place is in good hands, then.

[He attempts a friendly, genuine smile.]

[action]

[faithfulflame]

I appreciate you saying so.

[action]

[yourhatred]

[He nods at her.]

Do you mind if I take a walk around the grounds?

[action]

[faithfulflame]

Of course not. You're more than welcome to.

[action]

[yourhatred]

Thank you.

[He stands, but doesn't ask her if she wants to come with him. He won't turn her away if she does, but he also doesn't want it to appear as though he's coming on to her.]