"Not magic exactly. More a realignment of my body's energy. I don't speak with spirits or kami for it," he says with a smile. "The truth is with time and focused training any person can do such things. It is a gift of being human rather than a gift from unknown powers."

Kuu listens attentively, then speaks after. "I am Kuu, of the Order of Heroes. From the stories I am aware of, they sound like the creatures that killed the hero Taochusu. They were called ogres, but that is all I have heard about them, a description and name. I am glad that you are alive to carry o...

"I'm actually here to discuss logistics, diplomacy and philosophy. As well as to record the happenings of my time here for our records. But I have told a few stories. Tomorrow evening, I have set aside time in the dining hall to allow others to tell stories of heroes they know, so that the order can...

"Ah, yeah... I suppose it is their moment or something." She had already dropped the much less interesting subject of the wedding. It was boring and stuffy anyway. And she hoped this would be the last one to attend in a long time. "Tomorrow then for demonstrations. Did you have any aptitude or know...

"And deprive them of the truth of you? There are times to speak, times to act, and times to stand aside. They have invited us to share with them this day, to speak your heart to them. Do not avoid being who you are. You are you and you are here because you are you," Kuu says with a smile. "Embrace i...

"I was not aware of her current location ors status, but a hero need not die in service to be respected as such. I am glad to hear she has found a home, and hope that she lives a long and rewarding life. Hopefully there won't be need for the empire to call on her in similarly drastic circumstances, ...

"You know what I do when I don't want to embarrass myself?" he asks rhetorically. "I take the risk anyway. Stories that are passed down about the fortunes tend to show that they favor the bold. Just speak from your passion and experience." "Benten is surely one we hope to bless us when it comes to s...

Now that was much more interesting. "That is quite fascinating. I've heard that the Order of Heroes have begun to develop a higher mystical understanding of the balance of one's internal elements, achieving feats before unheard of for someone not a priest... or a Kami. Some of my father's disciples...

"Maybe. Though that makes it sound like only those who have the chance to read can be knowledgeable. I've met people who haven't read much who have much knowledge." She spoke with a sense of certainity. "Well, reading isn't the only way to gather it. A lot of people learn from teachers, stories and...

"I see," he replies with a nod. Frost was beginning to form on Kuu's hair, short as it may be. But rather than rinsing it out with the hot spring water he closes his eyes for a moment and focuses on his chi, rerouting the flow. His body flushes red and begins to warm. For about a minute the water ar...

Out of curiosity, where do the monks sleep? Are we put up in one of the temples or are there rooms set aside in the guest area for monks?

"We hold people as masters of certain skills, but that is only because of our relative abilities. Mastery is a pursuit, not a result, and so mastery is practice," he says with a smile, his form never failing. He is moving at a leisurely but not slow pace, one that requires more focus on balance than...

"Hmmm, I suppose that is true," she agreed. "I've heard many think of it like that before. But! I also believe that we can't find all the knowledge in scrolls and texts even if it was all written down; sometimes you have to experience the world around you instead to understand." "It's a difference ...

"I suppose there are also transportation concerns too. When you came into the empire I imagine you entered in Stag lands. Did you then go overland through Scorpion lands to arrive here? Or did you take the coast through Crane lands? If trade happens with the capital, the route would probably be thro...

"Arun sounds like a great hero. He likely did much for even the people outside of the Ivory Kingdom by removing his enemy from power. It's a story that I would like to record if you would be willing to share it more fully. I am hosting a meeting of people tomorrow for the purposes of sharing such st...

Approaching the Spider, Kuu greets Kuni. "I hope that Benten blesses you today. I'm no fortune, but is there anything I can help you with?"

"Monk," Kuu corrects. "I am Kuu. And I often find that form can be it's own substance. Even if you don't practice the art that created this kata, it is still an exercise that brings health and calm. Beneficial for anyone." He smiles at her without breaking his stride in conversation or kata.

"Perhaps we could arrange for someone from my order to visit your lands. Some of the heroes we honor are from the Nezumi empire. I imagine we might find heroes or stories of heroes in your land."

"I think worship, support, and peace of mind is also growth. You can't grow without those things," she sounded very sure of herself as she spoke. "But if you see them as libraries... what about the Imperial libraries?" "There cannot be too many libraries. There is more knowledge in the world than c...

"The right family, in any measure, would be the family of the Son of Heaven. When the Crab and the Nezumi were in conflict, the Emperor ended it and had the Crab relocate their entire clan. If he or his representatives were to agree to a trade route then even if someone didn't wish to trade they wou...