A Bird Without Its Feathers (D3, LA, Open)

[Doji Tsubaki]

The woman ponders for a moment, "Well one would hope he is a mortal man otherwise it completely undermines his own teachings."

[Kuu]

"Unless of course he was once a mortal man that ascended to the heavens as the Fortune of Mortals, and now returns to ningen-do to teach mortals about what it means to be such?" Kuu says with a smirk. "I think it would be in line with his teachings in that one particular, specific and incredibly unlikely case."

[Doji Tsubaki]

She laughs, "That would be quite the chain of events but I suppose anything is possible."

[Kuu]

"I believe so as well. The infinite potential of the future is one of the greatest gifts of life," he says with a warm smile. "We may find ourselves enjoying something we never expected, or struggling through difficulties... which I consider more of a learning opportunity than a purely negative occurrence."

[Doji Tsubaki]

"A very optimistic mindset, Brother Kuu, I hope it serves you well."

[Kuu]

"So, where do you call home, if not here?" he asks curious.

[Doji Tsubaki]

"I dwell near my original Camellia House near to Lady Doji's palace. It sounds like you call no one place home any longer but from where do you originally hail?"

[Kuu]

"I do not know, actually," he admits. "I was too young to have retained any of that when I was orphaned. And I don't think that my guardian was familiar enough with the area to have known. All I can remember from that time is being very sad, and a good deal of violence around me. So I suppose I come from violence and sorrow originally, but I've ended up calling contentment and purpose home."

[Doji Tsubaki]

She nods, "An unfortunate start but I suppose if you are happy with the end of the path then the first steps are of less importance."

[Kuu]

"One of the things that I was taught was that it doesn't matter where you've been or even where you are. The important thing is having good intent and acting on it for the benefit of the future, both yours and others. It is easier to help and serve other's needs when you have seen to your own first. And so I've tried to make a life following some of my passions while serving other people's needs."

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki nods and smiles, "And here I thought the monastic sort avoided such things. I always thought that seemed a little far fetched in reality. A goal, perhaps, but not a lived experience. So, then, brother Kuu tell me of these passions. What is it that you desire?"


(Etiquette (Courtesy)/Awareness versus TN43 to avoid revealing a want or need)

[Kuu]

"It is more about resisting worldly things to avoid overindulgence. Material goods, I have lived without for my entire life and have no desire for anything that isn't actually a need. But I have been trained in social interaction more than my brothers and sisters. So if I have a weakness then it is people. I like to be liked, I like other people, and I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I have had more romantic encounters than most members of my order," he admits with a bit of a blush, and a nervous smile.

----

D3 LA, Etiquette/Awareness, TN 43: 6d10o10k3 23

[Doji Tsubaki]

Tsubaki feigns a shocked expression behind a raised hand, "Oh ho! Is that why you're in the baths, brother Kuu? To sneak a glance at the young maidens? How disappointing to only find me instead." It is clear from her voice that the statement is joke as opposed to true accusation.

[Kuu]

"I wouldn't dream of trying to violate the modesty of any woman," he replies. "I much prefer a pleasant and trusting interaction. And I've found age plays less into attraction for me. A healthy body and spirit, as well as a bit of curiosity, are things I have found myself drawn to in the past. Surprisingly, not uncommon among fellow monks."

[Doji Tsubaki]

Another laugh, "Brother Kuu, scourge of the temples! This has been an unexpected pleasure then."

[Kuu]

"Well, I'm no tomcat, but I don't shy away from experiencing life either. And people are what make life interesting," he says with a shrug. "And I'm always glad when someone finds my conversation a pleasure. Particularly when I feel the same about them."

[Doji Tsubaki]

"Well I'm glad I could provide a pleasure this day."

[Kuu]

"And I appreciate it. I am always glad to share a stimulating conversation with anyone interested," he says with a nod.

[Doji Tsubaki]

The Crane stretches a little, "As am I. I do hope we get to share such again before the winter is over. Sadly I fear that I do still have other engagements today so should be getting ready for those. Thank you for this enlightening time brother Kuu."

There is no haste or attempt to conceal or hide anything as the woman departs the bath, moves to her belongings, and casually gets dressed.

[Kuu]

Nodding to the Doji, he joins her as she is leaving. "Well, I am glad to share more time with you. I will be around, not leaving immediately after the snows melt either. So even if others keep you busy, we may be able to spend time after most have left if you are not rushing home."

Kuu sees but does not leer or let his eyes linger. As the joking but conspiratorial tone suggested earlier suggested, it would not be proper. But he had also been in long enough so he moves to get dressed as well. He is similarly relaxed and unhurried. But then, he has been naked in front of so many brothers and sisters of the order that such things had zero effect on him. They did not have a lot of resources or facilities so all of them were shared.