thebastion | A stroll through the gardens... ( Day 69 )

Who: Seimei and anyone/everyone else he happens across.
When: Day 69
Where: All about the Bastion.
What: Familiarizing himself with the denizens.
Format: Action
Warnings: None likely.

[ Having decided against taking up residence in the apartments and bowing out as gracefully as possible, Seimei had elected to sleep under a tree, leaning back against the bark, expression serene. He was untroubled, it seemed, by his plight and the plight of others. Just another obstacle to overcome. Rising early - so far as he could judge time - before anyone else appeared to be wandering about, the onmyoji decided to spend his time exploring, pacing the perimeter of the Bastion and fanning himself idly with his tessen as he hummed a nameless tune.

Without any particular purpose or direction, he eventually begins a spiraling path in towards the center, stopping on occasion to watch the horizon, inspect a plant or, if possible, gather an idle person to walk with him with the intention of learning about the Bastion, but more importantly, about them. He has a deep curiosity and need for knowledge, and while he would be loathe to admit it, he enjoyed socializing. Without the social stigmas of his birth and occupation that he faced in Heian Kyoto, it doesn't seem unlikely that he could make friends here.

That, and he wanted to distract himself from the inevitable need to accept that he would likely never again see Hiromasa, the only friend he had ever really known.

So it is, without any particular direction, Seimei sets to explore and socialize, unperturbed by race, gender or species. After all, at the end of the day, who was he to judge?

Each person he comes across is cordially greeted and invited to walk with him. ]

Anou, sumimasen.

[ He began every time, offering a polite bow and smiling behind the curve of his paper fan. ]

I am Abe no Seimei. I only arrived yesterday and was wondering if you would have a moment to speak.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We can try, though... right?

[Rin was still a little sheltered, and while she had a temper and often got in to fights before going to True Cross, she really didn't know how the rest of the world worked all that well. To her, the conflicts were with demons, and it was rare for her to see just how truly cruel humans could be to other humans.]

Of course we can, Lady Rin. All we -can- do is try, really. I promise to make my best effort, at any rate. And you - you promise to acknowledge that while you may not be as smart as some people in some things, you're likely smarter than other people in other things. You're certainly better at socializing than I am, that much is evident.

I am a pretty awesome cook! Not everyone can say that!

Very true. I can hardly cook at all, and I am a master of brewing potions and making poultices, so you would think the skill might come naturally. Alas, I usually have Mitsumushi or a shikigami cook for me. honestly, I haven't eaten much at all since arrivi--Ahem. Well, never mind that. At any rate, to have skill in culinary arts is certainly admirable.

[ The onmyoji cleared his throat, corrected himself and moved on. he had promise himself he wouldn't mention food. He was no one else's responsibility. And yet, he could not possibly ask for food, no matter how hungry he was. He would either provide for himself or go hungry, and so far it had been the latter, as he owned nothing in this place. ]

[Too late, Seimei. She caught that.]

Wait wait back up, why haven't you been eating?

[ Sighing softly, the onmyoji clears his throat and flicks his tessen open, fanning his face lightly to chase away the blush of embarrassment. ]

Because I did not bring any food with me, and it is not my right to ask for food from others, when they too must eat. To rely on the hospitality of others is dishonorable. I would be insulting others if I asked for food.

You need not worry, Lady Rin. I can subsist on a very light diet, or nothing at all, for a long time. When I was in training, I once meditated in the forest for a month with nothing but water to survive on. I assure you, I will be fine until I acquire food of my own.

... it's not hospitality if we're all in the same boat, though. We're supposed to look out for one another.

[ He really doesn't have much to say on the matter. It isn't a position he's used to being in, so he just falls silent for several moments before finally speaking. ]

It is...considered a severe breach of etiquette to ask for food, Lady Rin. If it is not offered, you do not receive it. It is, conversely, rude not to be offered food, but it is more inappropriate to ask for it so...I have not. Being in the same position does not necessarily mean hospitality is to be expected. Resources are limited and I am willing to accept that others may not want to spread them thinner than they already are.

Then... then next time I'm just gonna offer it to you! That's the right thing to do! Food brings people together and helps keep us strong and I'm not just gonna let you starve 'cause no one else has bothered to ask!

[Sorry, Seimei, you've hit on something she's passionate about, and she's not going to take no for an answer.]

[ All he could do was smile and chuckle in reply, shaking his head as he did. Stopping briefly, the onmyoji turned and bowed to Rin in gratitude. ]

Then I must gracefully accept your offer. I eagerly await an opportunity to dine with you, Lady Rin, and I am honored by the invitation.

[That seemed to cheer her up almost instantly, and any worry ran away from her.]

Good. Glad to hear it.

Well then. I should let you get back to your work and go in search of other people. There were several I saw yesterday and more, I'm sure. I still want to speak to the first survivors and get their take on matters. Most importantly, though, I want to tank you for your time and patience, Lady Rin. Thank you.

[ The onmyoji bows deeply at the waist, rising slowly and arching a brow with a smile. ]

I look forward to sharing a meal. Hopefully I will get to return the favor.

[Rin awkwardly returned the bow, but with a smile and a much calmer demeanor.]

I'm sure you'll get a chance, Seimei-san.

A stroll through the gardens... ( Day 69 )

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