thenearshore | [Closed] Some truths can save us, some take our lives.

Who: Ebisu, Ginia/Jitsumi, and Daikokuten
When: May 4th
Where: Daikokuten's temple
What: Ginia meets with Daikokuten to try to learn more about Heaven's history. Ebisu is along to catch up with a friend and to keep his shinki in line.

A certain degree of nervousness rolls internally as Ginia approaches Daikokuten's temple. One hand holds onto Ebisu's while the other carries a present wrapped in a green cloth. There's fresh squid inside (she'll take Ebisu's word squid is good food for May) as well as some fresh vegetables for Daikokuten's rabbits. Ebisu and Daikokuten are friends, Daikokuten is supportive and believes Ebisu was wrongly executed, he's willing to speak with the new generation. By all accounts, this should be a nice, civil meeting.

There is nothing will stop Ginia from overthinking. Without knowing a broader view of Heaven's history and politics, it's hard to tell whether she'll stumble into a forbidden topic or a delicate subject. That's also why Ebisu is there. He may not personally remember things, but he's still her god and can guide her. Assuming her stubbornness doesn't get in the way.

There's another spike of nervousness as they reach the entrance. Whether it's the god greeting him personally or his shinki, Ginia puts on her best polite smile.

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In direct contrast to the way Ginia's nerves are all upended, Ebisu seems utterly delighted to be here. This isn't too different from his general mood, granted, considering he's seemed relieved and fascinated in everything ever since he was first able to find enough time to even leave his temple. However, this is a particularly special occasion. Gods are often preoccupied with their own business, sometimes leading them to be distant and unknown to one another. The Gods of Fortune are somewhat better, but that doesn't mean they all haven't been busy anyway. Ebisu himself, especially.

So it's good to go see the other god for once on an off time, something he's managed to pick up wasn't something his past incarnations often did for one reason or another. As soon as the gate is inside, he perks up from his spot attached to Ginia's hand. "Hello!"

[ The way that Daikokuten's temple looks, since he's technically incarnated as Ookuninushi, has a few outbuildings that resemble Daikokuten shrines but the Big House is more along the lines of Inaba Taisho. The shinki that greets them at the door is dressed in a similar manner as the god himself and speaks with a close approximation of the god's dialect too, although it's clear it doesn't come as naturally to this shinki. ]

Ah, Ebisu! Right on time for yer meeting, aren'tcha! Right this way, you two...

[ And she leads them on a brief walk through the temple to an antechamber. The shinki stands outside the door, sitting down outside the sliding paper door in seiza style. She waits for the other two to join him - only then will she knock on the doorframe... That was the plan. She turns to Ebisu, but looks at Ginia too out of the corner of her eye - speaking a little softer: ]

What's the name of this one you brought along, again?

[Honestly, it's a little silly to Ebisu that Daikokuten's shinki try to be so similar to their god... thinks the tiny child who dresses in businesswear all the time and whose own temple is basically office worker central. Regardless, he nods politely at the greeting.]

Since this was something requested on our end, so it's only proper.

[It's why he does his best to keep up and, with Ginia's help, manages to keep from losing his balance for a faceplant right onto the floor despite his hurry. Once he settles down contentedly enough with Ginia besides him, he gestures to her.]

This is Jitsumi. She's a recent hire with great talent and a lot of promise. I hope the two of you get along.

[The nerves haven't settled any, but at least keeping an eye on Ebisu is something to focus on. It's funny in a way how shouting at Suijin was less stressful, though in hindsight, she really could have brushed up on her etiquette. That's why she's doing her best here.

Ginia makes sure Ebisu is situated before she sits. Seiza-style is still a little uncomfortable, but she can weather through any discomfort without complaint. The gifts are placed in front of her and she inclines her head toward the shinki as Ebisu introduces her. Only then does she take out her phone, keeping her hands low as she types and plays a message.]

It is an honor to meet you. I bring an offering of squid for the temple as well as fresh vegetables for Daikokuten-sama's rabbits, I hope it is enjoyable.

[ The shinki nods to the both of them, then knocks once before opening the sliding wall a bit. ]

My lord, the God of Fortune Ebisu and his shinki Jitsumi have arrived.

[ Daikokuten's voice sounds from within. ]

Aa. Send them in.

[ The shinki pulls the sliding wall open and scoots to the side while gesturing to let them in. It's a rather common antechamber, with Daikokuten sitting to one side of a low table and two pillows ready for Ebisu and Ginia to sit on.

The shinki accepts the gifts so that the meeting can begin in earnest. ]

The offering is appreciated.

[ Daikokuten grins with some fondness, while also hinting at how much trouble he knows Ebisu gets into. ]

Well, Ebisu... been a little while. Sounds like you finally found a question your own shinki won't answer for you.

[If there's any hesitation to be had, Ebisu has approximately none of it as he immediately and happily goes over to the seat. Once you've been carried on someone's shoulders, politeness becomes a slightly fuzzier concept instead of so rigidly black and white.]

That's not a problem, is it? After all, it can be often so much more interesting and enlightening to look for that answer on my own.

[Ah. There it is. The kind of trouble that Ebisu gets into. At least it hasn't killed this incarnation yet, despite that worrying shine to his eyes. He catches himself after a moment and gestures to Ginia.]

Also, this is my newest shinki, the first one I've been able to name since I've reincarnated. Jitsumi is very talented.

[Ginia smiles a little at Ebisu's praise, inclining her head respectfully as she looks at him. She keeps her phone flat on the table, hands visible as she types and plays her message.]

My god honors me with his praise.

In truth, I am the one who wishes to speak with you. There are questions about the history of the Near and Far Shore I wish to better understand and the resources available have proven unreliable.

[Is she getting straight to the point? She sure is. There's a brief glance Ebisu's way before she continues.]

As you may know, the cult seeking to undermine the Heavens have proven quite troublesome over the last year. Have there been other such acts you can think of? Particularly involving powerful magic on the side of humans?

Hmph.

[ Daikokuten folds his hands into his jacket sleeves. This isn't what he was told the meeting would be about, but on the other hand it's a safer subject to talk about around a newly-incarnated Ebisu too. So now he has to wonder if the young god even knows why this meeting was called at all. Talented indeed. ]

Acts? Other than everything they've done to target Amaterasu, you mean? No. There's been onmyoji or similar over the ages, some of them even become enshrined on their death and becoming local kami.

[There are all sorts of questions Ginia wants to get into, but this felt like the safest one to start with. She'll press her luck with asking about the Ten Clan if things seem like they're going well.]

Is there a reliable list of notable onmyoji in Heaven's records? I've wondered if some of the higher ranking humans in the cult might be descendants, but the library has proven unreliable for information.

Similarly, would they have any record of humans that have managed to travel to Takamagahara?

It's theoretically possible, isn't it?

[Whether he knew beforehand or not almost doesn't seem like it might matter, because Ebisu is leaning forward with that same shine either way. It's really a good idea that this is a safer subject, with him around. Apparently some gods are the same no matter how many times they get reincarnated.]

[Closed] Some truths can save us, some take our lives.

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