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Who: Cho Hakkai and Lux Crownguard
Where: The Temple of Ixtab
When: Evening, June 28
What: Tea, exchanging souvenirs, Hakkai trying not to melt down on the perfectly nice young lady on their second meeting like he did on their first... this will go well.
Warnings: Creepy hanging grove, possible narrative mention of violence or self-harm in the context of the earlier prayer Hakkai and Yuri answered.

[The lanterns had lit themselves again, Hakkai notes as he heads along the winding forest path. They tended to do that, just after the last rays of sunlight died and long after darkness had settled under the trees. Their flickering light does more to emphasize the darkness than to pierce it, and casts long shadows from the nooses that dangle from the trees above.

It really isn't the sort of place he'd force people to walk through on their own, unless, of course, he thought it would be funny.

As he turns the last corner of the path to spot Lux lingering at the edge of the forest, he raises one hand in cheerful greeting.]

Hello! I'm sorry, I hope I haven't kept you waiting?

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[ There were probably those who might have found the forest that led to his temple hauntingly beautiful, but standing there at the edge of the copse of winding trees, adorned as they were with nooses, almost like how a lady might wear a favorite piece of jewelry, Lux felt a bit... uncomfortable, we'll say.

The handle of a bag held in front of her with both hands, one far too large to hold just a canister or two of tea, the slight blond slowly sidled away from the edge of the wood, doing her best to not physically fidget. It's fine, this was his god's choice, and she should be polite to– ]

!!

[ Jumping a bit when he called, Lux turned, wincing a smile. ]

Ah, Hakkai, hello.

[ Be polite and not do that... whoops. ]

Good evening!

[She looks as though she may at any moment jump out of her skin. Hakkai waves at the equally creepy, lantern-lit path with its jumping shadows.]

Shall we? Ha ha, I apologize for the decor. There's...

[He glances up at the trees. He really is going to have to do something about those nooses soon. There seem to be more every time he looks.]

... there's no helping it, I'm afraid.

[ Hakkai, she would never call your character into question for something so ridiculous, but that he could be so congenial and almost cheery about the whole thing, well...

She had questions. For both him and his god.

But this was not the time, and trying to push any discomfort from her countenance, she followed his gaze. ]

Your god's influence?

[ ...what kind of god were you partnered with, Hakkai?! ]

Her domain. Yuri has taken the role of a goddess of suicide.

[He looks up at the nooses again, manufacturing a put-upon little sigh, and starts along the path towards the house beyond.]

I believe the name translates to "Rope Woman." At least these trees are healthy!

[His last god, after all, had been a deity of destruction, with an equally unpleasant and dilapidated temple, dead trees and flocks of hungry carrion crows.

Hakkai might be forced to wonder at some point what it says about him.]

A goddess of suicide...

[ As if repeating it somehow made it less intimidating and sad, yet only seemed to do the opposite. It made sense that such a thing existed, but at the same time... Ah, perhaps sad wasn't entirely correct, because at least those souls who felt so lost and alone in life had someone to watch over them in death...

She suddenly wondered what sort of woman Yuri was. And, for that matter, the character of the man in front of her, that he served someone whose domain was so intrinsically sad.

...And could apparently make comments. She smiled sheepishly, a hand resting on her cheek. ]

Ahaha... well, I suppose that is something, isn't it?

[ Hakkai...

Still, nooses aside (yes, let's not dwell on those), the lantern lights noticeably caught her eye. ]

What sort of person is she? Yuri.

Edited 2017-03-31 05:01 (UTC)

Not nearly so humorless as her job would lead you to suspect.

[There's a faint teasing glint in his eyes, but it doesn't last for long. It's... nice to have visitors. Of course it is: better than sitting alone staring out at the darkness through the windows, but he's still shaken from the prayer he and Yuri had done, shaken enough for it to show, just a little, when he falls silent.]

Of course, her humor can be a little morbid!

[This might not be the best way to describe his goddess.

It is true, though, so he's feeling no guilt.

The path winds, making it seem longer than it is, but it doesn't take long before a dilapidated two-story house comes into view. Some of the shutters are askew, the railing up to the porch is twisted and a step is cracked. It looks abandoned, except for the lights glimmering in some of the windows.]

That's a relief?

[ It was hard to say whether that was an attempt at matching his somewhat dark sense of humor or not. But regardless, the other shinki followed closely behind, holding the bag in front of her all the while. And while she could appreciate the lanterns—it gave her something of a distraction from the other... decorations adorning the trees there, once they reached Yuri's temple, Lux couldn't help but stop.

It was hard to say if she paled at all in the dim light, but she certainly looked at least somewhat taken aback. Because to live in a place like that, to be the caretaker of a temple that looked as much like an abandoned and dilapidated and perhaps haunted house... ]

This is...

[ What could she even say? ]

It's much nicer on the inside!

[Which isn't, actually, an attempt to lure her into a creepy haunted house alone at night, in a dark forest. It's just the truth: despite the external appearance, Yuri's temple is surprisingly homey and comfortable inside.

He knows how it sounds, though, and so he can't resist innocently continuing.]

Don't worry, the only dead people in the house are shinki.

[He stepped up onto the porch, pulling the door open. Despite the state of the hinges, it doesn't creak; he's oiled it.] After you.

[ Ahaha, busted. Lux looked at the taller shinki quickly with a fluttered blink before finally settling into something of an embarrassed half-smile and a brief laugh.

Sorry, that was a bit rude, wasn't it? ]

...Do you get worshipers here often?

[ It was a genuine curiosity, considering, well—it did look more than a bit haunted. Even still, his joke didn't go unnoticed, and she was admittedly thankful for it, immediately falling into step. An overly dramatic heaved sigh, her shoulders rising and falling; she looked positively disappointed despite the almost mischievous smile subtly pulling at the corners of her mouth. ]

Oh, that's a shame, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a ghost or two.

[ Still, even as he opened the door, she was somewhat cautious, poking her head in slightly before beginning to walk inside. ]

[The front hallway is warm and cozy, with hardwood floors and a rug. The ceilings are arched and well-lit, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee hangs in the air, spiced with a hint of Chinese cooking from the dinner Hakkai has just finished clearing away: star anise, orange peel and soy sauce.

It really is nicer.

He flashes her a smile in return, following her inside and letting the door swing quietly shut behind them.]

Technically, I suppose, we're ghosts, but not the exciting kind.

[The smile lingers for a second or two before fading from his face.

No, they don't get worshippers here often: those who call on Yuri usually do it in extremis, and those who die... don't come here.

Hakkai isn't, honestly, sure what happens to their souls. He's avoided asking.]

No, those who pray to Yuri aren't...

[He clears his throat, thumb skimming the bandage on his palm. Yuri endures that sort of thing every day, and he's usually not too badly unsettled by it.

Today has been a little more difficult.]

... that is, we are on call.

[ It's warm...

With smells she both recognized and some that she did not floating in the air, it seemed much more hospitable than it looked on the outside. Clearly lived in and well taken care of, it felt more like a home than she imagined. And while she might normally toss a bit of a tease back at him (he might not be the exciting kind, perhaps), she was too focused on what was around her.

After all, this was the first time she had been inside a temple that was not her own. Was there a way she should be according herself?

But that thought was quickly pushed aside because the sudden implication, that those that prayed to his goddess... Lux turned to look at him then, the gentle smile draining slowly from her face.

(He was fidgeting at something. Bandages? ...An injury he received while taking care of a prayer?) ]

...I see.

[ Ah, that was a terrible thing to ask, she really should have been mindful. Her hands gripped tighter around the handle of her bag. ]

Something like that must be difficult, I imagine.

Sometimes, yes.

[His tone is carefully neutral, and he doesn't let the admission sit for long before he deliberately brightens and brushes by her to lead the way.]

The kitchen is this way -- I know I promised you a cup of good Japanese tea, didn't I? Do you like green tea?

[It's not far down the hallway, past the sitting room with its big flagstone fireplace, and while the smell of fresh coffee isn't any stronger in the kitchen the underlying spices are.

He politely pulls out a chair at the kitchen table for her, and moves to the stove to fill the kettle and set it to heat.]

Please make yourself at home.

[ It was abrupt, and while she regretted the question almost as soon as she asked it, Lux was grateful for how quickly the other shinki seemed to pivot. Keeping the wince from her face (although something did seem to flicker in her eyes, a sort of deep-seeded regret and apologetic glance away), she followed his cue.

A few steps behind, he might not see her fluttered blink. ]

I'm not sure I've ever had it.

[ She saw a few cans, hot and cold, in vending machines, but hadn't gotten a chance to try. But at the suggestion of sitting and making herself at home... ]

Please, let me help at least. I feel awkward sitting around and doing nothing.

[ She set the bag on the kitchen table, making her way over. ]

Oh my, but I'm supposed to be your host, aren't I?

[Still, he nods to one of the cabinets.]

If you'd like to get down a few teacups, though, they're over there.

[Meanwhile, he'll be taking his teapot down from the shelf and filling it with the rather nice sencha blend he snapped up on sale last week. He keeps an eye on the kettle, picking it up to pour over the leaves as soon as steam curls across the top of the water and a few bubbles form.]

How did your trip go?

I know, my manners are simply terrible, aren't they?

[ Her tone light and playful, the smaller blond set to work right away, making her way to one of the cabinets and taking down two teacups. Bringing them to the table, a nearly silent hum on her lips, she turned it upward as he asked–

Oh, right! The trip. Her expression subdued as she brought the teacups to the table, her smile lacked the same light. ]

It was a whirlwind. We had a new shinki with us, and Allen insisted we not be away longer than necessary.

[ The night they arrived back, Aneterasu's shrine erupted in flames. And the day after...

Lux sat down, holding her cup between her hands. ]

I'm glad to be home, although I would have liked more time to take everything in.

It's a good thing that you didn't stay too long. That was a ... busy night.

[He sets the kettle back on the burner, and carries the pot over to the table as well, pouring the two cups full with short, alternating gestures to ensure that the tea in each cup is equally strong.]

Although I felt the same about Yuri's home temple. It seems there's a lot we have to learn about our gods' position, still.

[He raises his eyebrows at her, sets down the empty kettle, and settles into the seat across the table.]

I hadn't realized Allen had a second shinki already. Who is it?

[ While that certainly was something that interested her, she was more focused on his immediate reaction. Reluctant to go, quick to leave; and it didn't just seem to be because of his discomfort with being considered an angel or a god. It was almost as if there was something else at play, another factor that made him uncomfortable and less inclined to stay.

Sitting down as well, the younger blond smiled in a way that didn't quite catch in her eyes. ]

Howard Link. A somewhat severe but well-meaning gentleman. He seems very committed to his duty as a shinki.

I do hope that works out for you.

[Severe and committed to his duty as a shinki? That's a type that Hakkai has had a little difficulty with himself, although, to be fair, Neji's grievances are also entirely legitimate.

He smiles at her, a little ironically, before hiding the expression behind the cup of tea he lifts and sips.]

But it's certainly better than having a troublemaker in the household!

[Like, just for example, himself.]

[ "I do hope that works out for you."

A small smile that doesn't quite catch in her eyes pulls at her lips. It might be better to have a troublemaker here, so long as he wasn't related to her partner's past. It just makes things more complicated, forces the young god to lose a little more of himself along the way.

Throws all of them into a further state of flux.

But she promised that she would keep moving forward. That they would keep moving forward. One foot in front of the other, walking on this path together toward the horizon; not just for him, but for her, as well.

And it would be silly of her to think that they would be without road blocks.

Still... ]

I would like to see someone try to cause trouble under my watch.

[ A strained smile as she tries to continue the light mood. Ah, that might have been a little too intense. ]

[It's about the right amount of intense, judging by the light laugh Hakkai responds with. He settles back into his chair, teacup cradled in both hands, and smiles at her.]

Spoken like a true exemplar. Your tea should be cool enough to drink, by the way.

[He takes a sip of his own, just to check, and nods.]

[ Hearing him laugh like that puts her at ease at least, and as she brings her own cup to her lips, Lux has to stop. That comment, Hakkai... ]

Not you too.

[ Said with something of a dry half-laugh. Exemplar... you and Allen are going to kill her (again) with that. Even still, mood successfully lightened and, taking a sip, the younger blond pauses. That's not quite the flavor she expects; that much is clear in the look on her face. ]

Ha ha, you are his exemplar, though -- aren't you?

[There's an amused glint in his eye as he watches her reaction.]

It is a little different from English tea.

[ Ok let's take a step back from tea tea reactions here, because Hakkai what are you even ]

...you're picking on me now, aren't you?

[ Said with eyebrows slightly raised and cup still near her lips. Wow it's kind of dry in here all of a sudden. ]

[He's definitely picking on her. Can he be blamed, when it's so easy?]

I can't imagine why you'd think that! It's the proper name for a god's most senior shinki.

And I'm sure Allen needs quite a bit of looking after.

[ Hakkai stop, that's not—! He'll earn himself a small sputter at that first bit, and perhaps a hint of color dusting her cheeks, because seriously why! That's not—!

Please don't call her that, it's embarrassing!!

But even still... She blinks a few times, in an almost owlish flutter. To put it so frankly... ]

Well yes, he can be a bit of a handful at times—

[ Like when he comes home hanging off someone else's shoulder, blighted to hell and back. Allen and Lavi are lucky she's a saint. And she takes another sip. ]

Edited 2017-05-02 19:06 (UTC)

[ Before lowering her cup and looking down at the tea within. And at her own reflection. Sighing quietly from her nose, her smile becomes a bit cloudy around the edges. Not quite bittersweet, but hard to read in its nuances. ]

I don't want that kind of relationship, with Allen, Link— [ She pauses briefly. ] Or with anyone else, for that matter. Other shinki, other gods, it makes no difference to me. They're our comrades.

Allen is my partner, and it is my responsibility to look out for anyone who fights alongside us in any way that I can. And if that means keeping them out of trouble by any means necessary, then that is what I will do. I don't think that makes me an exemplar—I'm just doing what I can to help in the only way I know how.

[ She takes a sip, pauses, then raises her eyebrows again, a curious, almost winsome smirk spreading over her lips. ]

That goes for you too, you know, should you ever fight alongside either of us.

Oh, I'm a very troublesome shinki. I wouldn't want to inconvenience either of you so badly.

[He flashes her a wry smile before taking another delicate sip.

No, he's not about to do something like that. What he's doing to Yuri is bad enough: he'll find himself someone worthy of a shinki like him if he loses her, for whatever reason, and survives it.]

What an exemplar does depends on the god's needs and the shinki's strengths. To be his partner and look out for him and your other friends may be your style.

[His smile turns faintly wistful as he keeps watching her face.]

Other gods may not work closely with their exemplar at all. So it's up to you what kind of relationship it represents.

[ A very troublesome shinki? That earns him a small, extremely unsurprised smirk. Hakkai, she already made some assumptions to that effect. ]

[ But her smile tempers itself slightly as he continues to speak, to elaborate on his previous statement. His idea on what an exemplar is and does... it isn't as unbecoming as she made it out to be, and for tat she smiles somewhat apologetically. But Hakkai, to put a name to something like that; to classify it in a way that made it seem like it had to be, even if just for his benefit...

Softly then, with a bit of a resigned sign. ]

Maybe. But the kind of relationship we have, the sort of path we both walk, it feels strange defining things that way. Or at all, really. I'll admit, it's a bit unorthodox, but–

[ But. ]

Thinking of myself in that way, thinking of other people seeing me as something like an exemplar feels a bit uncomfortable. I'm just trying to exist in this world in the only way I know how–just like everyone else. So I could never see myself that way.

To me, it just seems like part of our responsibility as shinki. Our gods make their own decisions, and we support them, but sometimes we also need to correct them if they're doing wrong.

[It's something he's failed in too many times, himself, and there's a silent acknowledgment of that in the wistful look in his eyes as he watches her through the steam from his tea. Believing that you're just walking side by side towards your goals is nice, of course, but there can be no denying the bond between god and shinki regardless.

And while it's possible to deny the responsibilities that come with it, it's hardly recommended.]

Don't think of it as an honorific.

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Sorry my tagging motivation for most things died so hard

no worries! <3

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tosses this dumb shounen under the bus tbh [1/2]

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