[D1 ME] This Beach is Fire

[Miya Akari]

Akari nods at that, looking at her hair, appreciating it. "I think I would definitely like to learn a bit about it from you. That would be appreciated. I just brush and let mine go. Might tie it up quickly when I'm about to do something physical, but otherwise I don't pay much attention to it."

[Shiba Yukari]

"It seems the least I can do."

Yukari made a face.

"One of my sensei spent about a month on just how to brush it, to be perfectly honest. I think I'll give you the abridged version..."

[Miya Akari]

Akari smiled at that. "That's greatly appreciated. I'm not certain that if we spent a month on it I would even be able to approach your skill level. The very basics will probably be more than enough for me."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Well, I'll focus on hairstyles, and leave the swordplay to you, how does that sound?"

[Miya Akari]

"I think that's fair," the Miya replied with a nod. "I look forward to the lesson. Perhaps I can provide lessons in some of the safer aspects of exploration? I enjoy fishing, mostly because I can watch the clouds roll by while sitting and relaxing."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Oh, that sounds nice... fishing, I mean. As you say, it leaves time to appreciate your surroundings. And I really ought to see as much of the island as I can..."

[Miya Akari]

"I'll show you some fishing spots then. I planned to showing others around to those spots as well, so I could bring you as well just so that you know. But we can spend free time catching something and then have one of the triplets prepare it for us," she suggests. "Things taste a bit better when you have to work for it yourself first, I've found. The effort of the hunt adds an appreciation for the meal."

[Shiba Yukari]

"I think I'd like being able to thank the fish, too... before its life is ended."

[Miya Akari]

She nods at that. "It's definitely a more revealing and wholesome way to appreciate one's meal, if certainly slightly more violent than one is used to with just accepting things as they come to you. But you can learn the ways in which the entire process is respectful and avoids being wasteful. Parts of the fish that are cleaned get used as bait to catch larger fish and crabs. The preparation provides the meal, and when one is finished, the bones can be used for a nice broth or soup," she explains.

"One creature providing so much for the people of this island. It's only right that we show appreciation for the sacrifice."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Very much so."

Yukari smiled- more of her normal radiant sort than the shy ones she'd been engaged in.

"I think that some of the difficulties that have been experienced in exploring this island might be down to, well... a matter of spiritual respect."

[Miya Akari]

"There is definitely more to it. Most people heed Asako-san's words. It may play a significant role, but I firmly believe that something is stymying the groups efforts intentionally."

[Shiba Yukari]

"People seem to forget that everything has a spirit... it could be one thing, it could be dozens- or even thousands- of things. I hear that even well-equipped bushi have vanished?"

[Miya Akari]

"It is an assignment that comes with burdens and threats we did not anticipate. But we will make it work. But I want you to be safe, so don't go running around the forest without me or another guard."

[Shiba Yukari]

"Oh, perish the thought! But the same goes for you bushi- don't run risks without a shugenja at least nearby, hm? I may be from a school accused of only doing parlor tricks, but I can still speak to the kami."

[Miya Akari]

"Of course. I don't like being without a priest nearby as is. Sakkaku has a bone to pick with me in general.". She chuckled at that.

[Shiba Yukari]

Yukari quirked an eyebrow.

"Sakkaku? What did you do?"

She sounded more amused than accusatory.

[Miya Akari]

"I was born," she says with a shrug. "Probably not me that did something, but a former me or an ancestor. Regardless, it's not uncommon that things go a little wrong. Occasionally they go a lot wrong."

[Shiba Yukari]

"That's... unfortunate. But I suppose you've learned to live with it by now..."

[Miya Akari]

"Well, learned to accept it. Still annoying when I wake up to find a kimono stained a different color or all my footwear missing, or black ink put into my teapot so that it stains my teeth black for a few days," she says with a shrug.

[Shiba Yukari]

"Look at this way, if you're ever responsible for children, you'll be well prepared..."