[D9: EM: Open]Meditation by the shore

[Inga]

"No, they fear what my teacher might do to the village if they kicked me out." She shook her head. "She is a powerful spirit of the forest so... They fear her."

[Seidou Satone]

"What kind of spirit? I am still learning much about religious matters by listening to Haruyo. She speaks with the earth spirits mostly. Things that live in every rock around us, or as I understand it, some are great big spirits that take up an entire mountain, or plain."

[Inga]

"She is old lady that has lived many years in the forest. She has a house on the foot of the mountains... the people call her a forest hag." She sighed. "Just a misunderstood soul, she is not a bad person."

[Seidou Satone]

"A spirit that takes the form of a person? I have not seen such thing. Is she like the Kami then?"

[Inga]

"That is her form, an old lady who wanders around the forest." The girl chuckled. "Some call her a onibaba."

[Seidou Satone]

"Hm. I see. So she is friendly to you, but others fear her. Why?"

[Inga]

"I guess that is for her to know and me to find out." She looked at the waterfall. "Maybe I should make a divination to see what she wants from me."

[Seidou Satone]

"That may be a good idea. With there being gateways open to hell after all, you never know what these spirits may be. "

[Inga]

Inga nodded sagely. "I hope it is that I remind her of someone that treated her with respect and not fear."

[Seidou Satone]

"Respect is alwas more appreciated than fear. Speaking, what made you wish to come on this journey?"

[Inga]

Inga nodded. "Well, I heard about helping someone in need... And since well the village where I lived is so eager for me to move out and redeem myself I came. I know we are rescuing the brother of the Kami people so it is a noble thing. I would like to do the same for my brothers and sisters."

[Seidou Satone]

"Much the same reason as I then. Though, it would not matter if it were a Kami or a human. The tale told is something we should never wish on anyone and must try to assist each other to prevent it from happening. More unity between the tribes...or clans, now I suppose. You say you wish to do the same for your siblings, are they trapped somewhere and in danger?"

[Inga]

"Unless you think marriage is an entrapment and I should rescue them." Inga chuckled. "Are you married?"

[Seidou Satone]

“I am not. There is someone who I care very deeply for, but...”

She flushes a little

“I am not sure how they feel, or if appropriate “

[Inga]

"Sometimes is better to ask." Inga advised. "Emotions are better shared if they are true. Shouldn't be afraid of them, better to embrace them... that is what makes us human."

[Seidou Satone]

"Generally I agree, but I worry that it would be breaking a trust between us, or me 'abusing' my position with them. It's the one I bodyguard, Haruyo..."

[Inga]

Inga placed a hand on her chin. "That can be troublesome. This is a double edge knife. Sincerity and honesty can soothe one souls."

[Seidou Satone]

"But, we have been together as friends and so much more ever since we were young children. I am afraid that if I tell her, it could ruin our relationship that already exists."

[Inga]

Inga turned around and placed a hand on Satone shoulder. "The right time will come and you will be surprised or disappointed. I hope that if you are disappointed don't give up on your emotions."

[Seidou Satone]

Satone nods and closes her eyes, letting her head hang down.

"I hope you are right."