March Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: October 25th
Where: Outside the Meeting Hall, the Far Shore
Summary: Training and informational sessions for newly arrived gods and shinki



Gods and shinki arriving at heaven's meeting hall are, should they allow it, guided to the Meeting Hall, where a traditionally styled dojo and training ground have been made available for the day. The gods and shinki are free to take their time during this day to learn about the details of their new life from Amaterasu's shinki or from the many veteran new god and shinki volunteers.




God Training

Newly arrived gods are escorted into what looks like an old, large warehouse behind the Meeting Hall for an informational meeting covering the basics of proper god behavior. Several chairs have been moved in, but they're squeezed together between packed shelves and boxes of old ritual clothing, scrolls and rusty or chipped household goods. A minor deity is giving the speech, and none of the white-robed shinki enter. They are encouraged to discuss the information with each other and ask questions of more experienced gods, as well as instructed to guide their new shinki appropriately.

Shinki Training

Various shinki in the white-and-gold of Amaterasu's hosuehold are stationed around the dojo, passing out helpful informational pamphlets. They will be happy to instruct the newcomers in the use of the borderline as well as offering an explanation of what is expected of a shinki and the importance of teamwork with other shinki and with gods. Shinki are encouraged to work together to practice what they've learned and discuss their perspectives.

Back copies of the "From Ama" magazine, including puff pieces about new or rising gods or successful shinki, advice columns for resolving problems between gods and shinki, temple photographs and other articles of interest to gods and shinki, have been brought out in boxes and piled up next to a table holding a few remaining copies of the shinki questionnaire for any new shinki who want to keep one around until they can answer the included questions.


What is your name?

What is your god's name?

How do you see your duties as a shinki?

What is your favorite part of life with your god?

What is your least favorite part of life with your god?

What advice would you like to give your god?

Do you wish to be assigned to a different god? []Y []N

Physical Training

The dojo is stocked with a wide variety of practice weapons, traditional and modern, to offer some practice opportunity to gods who, for example, find themselves with a sword shinki but are at risk of cutting off their own toes. It's also useful for veteran new gods wishing to train with their current partner shinki. Several magically animated straw-stuffed training dummies, many of which have been carefully mended and patched with neat black stitching, are set up on the lawn with a white-robed shinki hovering nearby to watch over them. They make good training partners, although anyone who comes too close risks being targeted for a sparring match whether they wanted one or not.

The white-robed shinki are still busy cleaning and preparing the Meeting Hall for the big annual meeting of the gods. They'll recruit anyone who looks as though they're not too busy in order to help scrub floors, weed, sweep paths and walkways, and shoo away any unwelcome little spirits that are hiding away in dark corners of the hall. Heavy lifting is good exercise... right?

Rest and Refreshments

There are casks of fresh, cold water near the dojo to make sure no one gets dehydrated, but for those who've finished working, hot tea and enough seasonal treats are available to make it look as though the Heavens bought out an entire sweet shop. They're being distributed by a few shinki in indigo-blue and plain brown robes with the sleeves tied back, who aren't above teasing the newcomers a bit.

Young shinki are playing in the nicely manicured garden, trying to catch crayfish at the lake edge, dashing around playing tag and hide-and-seek. Just be careful you don't get caught in the middle of a game of "Kagome"! If you do, you'll really be stuck until you guess someone's name.

In Summary:

• Get all the information you can handle
• Veteran new gods and shinki are welcome to volunteer showing the ropes
• Get in some training
• Enjoy a traditional tea
• Spectate if you want
• Have fun~

Comments

[untodeath]

You mean to say, it would be for that reason alone, hm?

[ A disheartening thought, and one that Grell can't bring herself to hide her disappointment in. Eyes drifting back to the children, there's a certain sadness in her eyes, and yet, a corner of her mouth pulls into a smile. ]

[death_glare]

I never had much of a desire for a family.

[ Pausing, he watches as Grell's gaze returns to the field where the young shinki are playing. ]

Or I suppose I should say, I didn't realize it was something I would want until the opportunity presented itself.

[untodeath]

[ Such earns a breathy chuckle from Grell. ]

In contrast, I've never had family, and so desperately craved for it - but could never hope for such a thing. Funny how that is, isn't it?

[death_glare]

At least you're a step closer, in this life.

[untodeath]

[ Simple as that, her smile fades.

What William has said sounds dangerously close to understanding. It's something that she never expected of him, let alone to hear him express it. She's grateful beyond words, which is precisely why she'll slip her hand over his, instead. ]

Yes, well. Won't mean much, if you've different ideas about the future.

[death_glare]

Regardless, adoption would be the only option available.

[ But he'll drop listing off all the other reasons Grell would have an issue getting a child, that extends beyond her sex. The mood is already threading a thin line, and he's trying not to completely ruin her hopes. It's the least he can do with all the sympathy she's given him over the past months. ]

For now, I suppose I will have to be sufficient enough for you.

[untodeath]

[ Ah, the biting truth-- however, his words that follow do more than well enough to soothe her wounds.

With an endeared swell of her chest, she throws her arms about his shoulders, nuzzling her face into his cheek! ]

You're always enough, William.

[death_glare]

[ Although he brought the affections upon himself with his own words, he can't help but grimace at Grell's sudden clinging. It's mainly a reflex, at this point. But eventually his arms find their way to settling loosely around Grell's lower back. ]

I'm certain some prayers must exist that involve caring for children.

[untodeath]

[ Grell gradually eases her head down to rest on his shoulder, contemplating over that for a moment. ]

Well, yes. I'll admit, I've already sought some of those out... [ A sigh. ] But there's always this-- yearning. A hesitance to get too attached.

[death_glare]

Hmm.

[ He's almost proud of her for having that self control. There may not be any real solution to this for her, but he has a second suggestion. ]

Perhaps some of the younger shinki are without gods.

[untodeath]

[ For a moment, Grell quiets with a breathy hum. Idly draws circles over William's shoulder. ]

I'll consider it. For the future. I wouldn't want to be a single mother, after all.

[death_glare]

[ He's not even going to comment on that. He already feels like they've been married for a century. Instead, he silently shakes his head. ]