(D1 MA) In the Web

[Taiguno]

Taiguno entered the embassy, observing his surroundings, curious what the setup was like. He felt comfortable here, sort of like returning home. Not because he was a former Spider, but rather because the aesthetic matched what he was used to in the temples of Dark Fortunes. Not that he exclusively followed the Dark Fortunes, but his patron was among their number so it was what he tended towards.

He wandered the public areas for guests of the Spider, appreciating the place, wondering when those watching would send someone to speak with him. Because the spider was always watching their web.

[Susumu Yakumo]

Following her meeting, Yakumo did spend some time at the embassy. Talking to the ones working there so she'd know the 'friendly' faces and names, who to trust, who not to trust, where to get a good drink... the usual. And for some too it also included signing autographs for someone's relative. Why did they so rarely ask for themselves? It was a strange thing.

Strolling through the common area and giving a critical eye to the interior decoration, or lack of thereof, her path crossed with the monk's. "Ah." She stopped in her tracks, removing her gloved hands from her pockets to bow, showing reverence to what she believed was one of the monks working with the embassy. "Good afternoon, monk-san."

[Taiguno]

"Good afternoon, Susumu-sama. It's a pleasure to meet you. This one is Taiguno, devotee of Uzuki the Immaculate. I hope that your day is going well," he says with a warm smile.

[Susumu Yakumo]

"The day is fine, Taiguno-san. An honor to meet a servant of Uzuki-no-Kami." She wasn't sure if it was some sort of irony or serendipity afoot, as she had long considered Uzuki her most important spiritual guide, and she seemed to elude her these days.

"Are you one of the monks who live and work in this embassy? Or is there a shrine to Uzuki-no-Kami in the city...?"

[Taiguno]

"Alas, I am not. I am a transplant hereon the planet. But I am hoping to encourage a greater following for her here, particularly among the Shosuro. Their actors are known to be dedicated to the perfection of their craft."

"I imagine that if you were asking, yo probably are not part of the staff here? I'm going to guess that you must be a performer. Being a follower of Uzuki-no-kami, carrying yourself with such confidence and being beautiful enough to make the heavens jealous, I assume you are a famous personality."

[Susumu Yakumo]

"I'm newly arrived on the World of Dreams..." she explained without any trepidation.

Of course, the Shosuro were great actors. Like Hashinako. Probably why it was mentioned as a good idea to her to be on a Scorpion world... study the actors supposedly.

Now, it was a good thing for Taiguno that Yakumo was a dedicated worshipper of Taiguno, and overall appriciated monks. Because it took a lot of effort to keep her reaction to just a clenched fist as she crossed her arms over her chest.

You assume I'm famous??
He is mocking us...
Kill him. He's just a monk.
Guess you're not that famous if someone has to "assume" you're famous, little one.

"And I assume the monestaries don't get Imperial News Network. I am Susumu Yakumo. You may have heard of me." Yes, she was miffed.

[Taiguno]

"Ah, I have heard your music, yes!" he says cheerfully with a smile and begins humming one of her more popular early songs.

"I must apologize for not recognizing your voice. I don't actually watch non-traditional media... like ever. I have heard your music at plenty of events and gatherings however. I guess the answer is that most monasteries have access to Imperial News Network, but many monks simply avoid watching in favor of different pursuits. Time I might have spent enjoying your performances was instead spent on physical, spiritual, and mental exercises, so please forgive me my ignorance." He bows his head, and while the apology is heartfelt, it certainly didn't diminish his mood.

[Susumu Yakumo]

She took a breath and nodded. "You are forgiven, Taiguno-san." She didn't have it in her to stay mad long now, even if the voices in her head disagreed and were screeching up a racket.

"I didn't expect my music to be played in monestaries, I suppose." Yakumo just had to acknowledge that Jissai had probably been an outlier there in being a music-loving monk who listened to pop, and performed in shady dives.

[Taiguno]

"Your music and others' is played from time to time during social events, as I mentioned. And there are some monks that keep a close eye on the outside world through news and entertainment. I've always just been more apt to go to live performances and appreciate the artistic expressions in person. Between my meditations and exercises of course. Unfortunately, there was never an opportunity for me to see you perform in person. I have been a fan of your music for a while. I think that my lifestyle likely just limits my opportunities to appreciate it, though not my level of appreciation. But I am extremely fortunate I've gotten this chance to meet you and put a face to the music," he says offering a low bow.

[Susumu Yakumo]

"Well, I don't imagine it's easy to get concert-tickets for someone living an ascetic's life," she offered gently, making sure that there was no failing of his to not be at one of her concerts.

"I was a bit too harsh at first, so I apologise, Taiguno-san. I am happy to meet another fan, even more so to know my music reaches far and wide, and especially to a servant of Uzuki-no-kami whom I hold very dear in my heart. Is there a shrine to her on this world? I was told about the Shrine of Passion..."

[Taiguno]

"It's certainly not easy for us to get tickets, but you could always invite a lucky monk or two to your show to offer prayers and ask for the fortune's blessings for the show. A monk wouldn't need tickets if they were there for duty," he replies with a grin, a happy and playful grin. Taiguno wonders how many monks have hinted at getting backstage passes to her shows like that... or if it's an original plot on his part.

[Susumu Yakumo]

"Don't be surprised if I do, Taiguno-san," she smirked. "I happen to have a great deal of respect for the work of the various orders."

Yakumo glanced around them, realising she had probably occupied the poor man's time with her favorite topic: herself. "So, since you're visiting the embassy, is there anything I can do for you? I may not be a local, but I am here to represent the Spider for the winter court."

[Taiguno]

"I was actually curious if the clan was interested in any additional help in maintaining the shrines here in the embassy. I wasn't sure what the manpower situation looked like," he explains.

"I am at the embassy's disposal if I can be of help in religious matters. Although, I extend the same offer to you personally as well. I would be glad to provide whatever support or comfort I can to you or the Spider."

[Susumu Yakumo]

"I could not speak on the matter of the shrines here or manpower, but I will bring your name to Susumu Yuji-sama. He is the aide to the ambassador, so he is more approachable to speak with on the matter." And probably less busy even if he was too a very busy man. "But if you can keep eyes and ears open for the Spider, I am certain that would be appriciated, and appriciation would be rewarded."

Though it would be improper to ask a monk to do dirty work. Even one who was a former Spider.

"As for myself... I would not object to have a chance to listen to some prayers recited for Uzuki-no-kami. Travelling around so much, I've not had much chance to spend time visiting shrines or temples to the Dark Fortunes, or listen to her priests recite sutras."

[Taiguno]

"I certainly wouldn't betray any promise of confidentiality with someone coming to me for guidance, but I would also have no issue sharing non-confidential conversations or observations I've made. Not that I expect many of my observations to be overly useful, but I suppose aggregation of all such observations from a lot of individuals would be able to provide images that aren't readily obvious," he says, starting down a rabbit hole of how to use information before catching himself.

"Sorry, I sidetrack myself sometimes. But absolutely, I am glad to recite prayers for and with you if you like. It's my pleasure as much as it's my duty to do so."

[Susumu Yakumo]

"Thank you," she bowed, grateful for his offer of assistance. "Perhaps we should find a quiet spot by a shrine here then?"

[Taiguno]

"Lead the way. It's my first time visiting here so I'm not sure where they are," he agrees with a nod.