[ Startling him was a little unavoidable, given how things were between the living and Far Shore people. From what she learned, you almost always had to jolt them into being aware of you- this first time on the Near Shore only seemed to prove such.

It seems her curiosity doesn't go so far as to wonder how long the monk had been practicing and serving at this temple. If he was here now, and looked to be meditating, all that mattered was that he took this seriously enough. For that meant he should be able to help out right away. ]

I'd say it's almost the exact reverse to what people would hope to get with these charms. You'll want to have these properly dealt with as thoroughly and quickly as possible.

[ Maybe with help from a good fire? That's what she's thinking. ]