thenearshore | Closed

"He wrote you an invitation because he would really like to see you, sir!" Romeo grinned from where he was still scratching Hachi's belly.

The man sat carefully and leaned forwards to start pouring tea. "Well since he sent you two all the way out here, I best read that letter."

He handed Ginia a cup and put another on the table, he smiled kindly at Romeo. I'd let that cool down young man, I know how impatient small boys can be." He seemed lost in thought for a moment before he picked up the letter and began to read.

Edited 2019-05-10 05:11 (UTC)

The letter isn't a long one, only half a page long. What it lacks in length, it makes up for in sincerity. A letter from a grandson to his grandfather, of the current head priest to the former head priest, a request for his support.

Ginia lightly blows on her tea, alternating between watching Romeo and Hachi, and the former priest. The man lightly dabs at his eyes as he folds the letter up and sets it on the table.

"Ahh, Ryosuke... he was always a good boy. Very shy, very sensitive, I worried about him. Managing a shrine is difficult work, especially one with such a long history. Tell me, what do young people, especially foreigners, know about Ebisu-sama these days?"

Romeo was also watching the man out of the corner of his eye as he sat playing with Hachi. He wondered if it was a sad letter to make the man cry. Invitations weren't meant to make people cry...

"What's a foreigner? Ebisu-sama is really kind and a really hard worker! Even though he's just little he's really brave and wants to make everyone happy!"

He scratches Hachi's ears as he speaks but then stops. Because he's not sure he's meant to have said so much! He glances at Ginia.

It's a lot to have said and Ginia isn't sure how the old man will take it. He may have been a priest for Ebisu's shrine, but that doesn't necessarily mean the two ever met. However, she wouldn't say anything Romeo was said was wrong either.

She's relieved when the man gives a sudden laugh, face crinkling up as he smiles at Romeo.

"A foreigner is someone from a different country, though ah, maybe I shouldn't be so quick to judge. Yes, that's right, Ebisu-sama is all of that." He passes one of the wrapped snacks over to Romeo before turning to look at Ginia. "And your thoughts?"

It takes Ginia a bit longer to choose and type out her words, hoping her answer will suffice when she plays it. There's quite a lot she could say about her god, but there's still a divide between the Near and Far Shores.

"Ebisu-sama is a caring, joyous god who wishes for the best and does everything he can for everyone. We can all learn from his determination and joy. I don't think anyone can doubt Ebisu-sama loves humans."

The former priest smiles and nods, also handing a snack over.

"I'll have to speak to Hanako, but I think there's one trip left in these old bones."

"Oh! Yes sir me and miss Ginia are from a different place!" The heavens was definitely a different country and before that they came from a different world! So they were foreigners. New word learned. "Thank you sir!" He takes the wrapped snack and carefully unwrapped it so he could eat it as Ginia played her message on her phone.

Then the man spoke and Romeo's grin grew so wide! "You'll go to the festival sir? Mister Ryosuke is going to be so happy!"

The man chuckled again, "How could I deny him when he has taken such care to invite me?"

Edited 2019-05-11 09:05 (UTC)

The kinds of people that can easily notice those of the Far Shore are the ones spiritually attuned, children, and those close to death. Ginia hopes the reason he's noticed them so easily is because of the first category, but with his age and words... she bows her head to him and smiles, keeping her thoughts to herself.

"He will be very happy to hear that. Do you want to write a reply for us to bring back? I have paper and pens on me."

"Prepared, aren't you." Ginia gives an acknowledging nod and a slight smile as she pulls out a folder from her briefcase and pulls out a crisp piece of paper and matching envelope. An assortment of brush pens follow.

The man chooses a pen and aligns the piece of paper on the table, hand poised as he considers his words. His writing is beautiful; compact, but with sharp lines and round curves. Each character flows into each other as he writes, smiling to himself. When he finishes, he sets the letter aside so it can fully dry.

"What are your names? I want to write something for each of you."

Romeo leaned forwards slightly, not enough to get in the way but close enough to watch the man write. He has never seen anyone write things that look so pretty before! It's almost like drawing rather than writing! He's even doing it with a brush, which is much trickier than writing with a pen!

But then again he is so old that he must have practised a lot to get this good!

"I'm Romeo sir!" He grinned, waiting to let Ginia introduce herself.

"Romeo...Ah, like Shakespeare. A good name."

"I'm Jitsumi." Ginia traces out the kanji on the tabletop with her finger. She considered giving her real name, but it felt more fitting giving the name Ebisu gave her.

"Truth, a good meaning. Let me think of what to write."

Ginia offers two more pieces of paper as the former priest decides what to write. He begins with Romeo, writing his name in katakana, then the message with a bit more of a sweeping style. It's a wish that Romeo will remain kind and cheerful as he grows up.

For Ginia, he writes a wish for her to remain kind and to be a role model to younger people.

Given the flourishing style and usage of kanji, it's understandable if Romeo can't immediately read the message. Secretly, Ginia is stuck on a word or two on her own as she accepts the message with a bow.

Oh was he meant to have given his shinki name? No matter, the man seemed to like Romeo's name anyways and he grinned. He bowed too as he accepted the message, he can read his name but he has no idea what the rest says at all... He doesn't want to be rude though.

"Thank you very much sir! I hope you really enjoy the festival!"

"I'm sure I will. Ah, are you two returning to Kyoto today? I don't want to keep you if you two have to go, but I can prepare lunch if you two have time."

There is plenty of work Ginia has to get back to even after delivering the second letter, but what good is their work if they don't take the time to connect with people on the Near Shore? She can't bring herself to say no, and staying for lunch wouldn't hurt.

"I think we have time to spare. Romeo, do you want to stay?"

Romeo glanced at Ginia and grinned widely! He would love to stay and have dinner with this man! He was really kind and it would be nice to stay and get to know him better.

"I would like that a lot, miss Ginia, sir!" They still had another letter to deliver but they would have time! They had set off nice and early to make sure they got everything done!

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