The Day of Thunder

[Otomo Akutou]

Akutou, having done his bit, remains in the area.

Seems some strange things're afoot.

[Nanzi Ai]

Having purified herself she retired to the observation area and began setting up a tea ceremony.

[Otomo Akutou]

Having purified herself she retired to the observation area and began setting up a tea ceremony.

Akutou tips his hat to her.

"Ma'am," he says. "You eat yet?"

[Nanzi Ai]

“Yes, Otomo-san, I pray that you have eaten as well? I have never done such a ritual, but I feel… better having done it. Introspective even,” she said honestly.

“Can I interest you in tea?”

[Otomo Akutou]

“Can I interest you in tea?”

"Much obliged, ma'am," Akutou says and takes a seat opposite her.

[Nanzi Ai]

Ai nodded and set about the task of preparing tea just as her Mother had taught her all those years ago, every step performed with perfection and utmost reverence. She ended the near thirty minute affair by offering the Stag the first sip of tea as was customary.

OOC: Tea Ceremony Day 2 - EA | 4k3 ⇒ 35 (TN: 15) regain 1 Void.

[Otomo Akutou]

Ai nodded and set about the task of preparing tea just as her Mother had taught her all those years ago, every step performed with perfection and utmost reverence. She ended the near thirty minute affair by offering the Stag the first sip of tea as was customary.

OOC: Tea Ceremony Day 2 - EA | 4k3 ⇒ 35 (TN: 15) regain 1 Void.

Skilled in this, Akutou ain't. Still, he can appreciate seeing someone who *is* skilled working at it, and he recognizes the offer of a drink when he sees it.

It might be he takes more'n he ought, admittedly. But then, there ain't a lot of tea ceremonies out in the woods.

"It's a nice blend," he says. "Whereabouts it come from?"

[Nanzi Ai]

"It's a blend my elder sister favors, she is the tea specialist," she joked. "Please have as much as you wish, tea is best when shared."

She took her own practiced sip.

[Otomo Akutou]

"It's a blend my elder sister favors, she is the tea specialist," she joked. "Please have as much as you wish, tea is best when shared."

She took her own practiced sip.

Akutou takes another sip and asks "How're your sisters doin'?"

Just because his family doesn't talk to him doesn't mean he doesn't know the value of family.

[Nanzi Ai]

“I pray they are busy, I know the eldest, Dojihime, is running the clan while my Mother combats the Corruption through prayer and ritual. Ananzihime is taking care of her son, Hajime, a precious angel of a child. Meanwhile I am sure Kiyojima is simply attending mother when not focusing on her training,” she replied.

“And your family?”

[Otomo Akutou]

“And your family?”

Akutou chokes slightly at the question.

Clearing his throat noisily, he says "Not much t' tell, ma'am. Or I don't know it, anyway."

[Nanzi Ai]

"Surely you know your Honored Mother and Honored Father at least?" she offered.

[Otomo Akutou]

"Surely you know your Honored Mother and Honored Father at least?" she offered.

"Th' one's dead," Akutou says. "Never did know who t' other is."

He shrugs.

"But th' O-Iemoto took me in, an' that's good 'nough."

[Nanzi Ai]

"You have my condolences, it is good that someone else stepped in to raise you," she offered.

[Otomo Akutou]

"You have my condolences, it is good that someone else stepped in to raise you," she offered.

Akutou shrugs.

"'Tis what i' tis," he says. "An' some past me prob'ly did somethin' t' deserve it. Might could be next time 'round'll be better."

[Nanzi Ai]

"Or the world is simply unfair, Otomo-san, but you have your clan," she responded warmly.

[Otomo Akutou]

"Or the world is simply unfair, Otomo-san, but you have your clan," she responded warmly.

"I do have them," Akutou agrees.

He takes another sip of tea.

[Nanzi Ai]

"What did you think of the ritual?" she asked.

[Otomo Akutou]

"What did you think of the ritual?" she asked.

"It were cathartic," Akutou says. "I do feel better f'r havin' done it; I think I might could make it a reg'lar practice if'n I get back t' Stag lands.

"An' you?"

[Nanzi Ai]

"I felt... better," she said calmly. "I... believe if we do what we are meant to do, then many of us could survive. Those of us who are not Thunders at least."