Illuminated 2

[20:14] Rindou Sakamoto says, "... Now, Lady Reito."
[20:15] Rindou Sakamoto asks, "What were you saying about the Illuminated and how one would not defend those they care about?"
[20:15] Reito Shimasu exclaims, "Oh, I didn't say that!"
[20:15] Reito Shimasu says, "I simply said you should not go back to Gehenna and fight that woman. That's all."
[20:26] Rindou looked up towards the Kitsune for a few moments, trying to understand what she meant by all of that. Silence settled as the lack of tea began bothering her. Amber eyes shifted towards the pot, then back to pink hues.

"I cannot allow her to insult you like that, Lady Reito. Why would I not defend your honor?"
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[20:27] Rindou Sakamoto asks, "Why would an Illuminated sit back and watch it happen?"
[20:34] The tea was summarily poured. Enough time had been spent waiting that it was properly heated and ready. Into two cups it was poured, the Kitsune setting one in front of Rindou as she settled back on the cushion.

"... Insult?" She questioned, seeming surprised, "Calling me a glowing fox bitch doesn't pertain to an insult. She was asking a question, as crude as it could be. Sometimes, people don't know how else to speak, Rindou. There's no need for that all," She explained.

"This is from me, Rindou. I was not offended by the comment."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[20:42] Rindou watches the tea being poured and placed before her with a crack in her heart. The lack of lemon would make it not as great as it could be, but she would live with it. She reached out for the cup, pulling it closer to sip from it silently before a nod is offered to Reito.

"It is not proper. If she does not know better and refuses to apologize, then it is an insult at this point. I believe something should be done; an act of kindness towards you, as the Illuminated instructs us to."
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[20:46] * You have been awarded 2 Roleplay Points! *
[20:50] She shook her head,

"It isn't that big of a deal, Rindou," She said again, "Truthfully? Just ignore it. There's no reason for you to go and cause trouble just because you were offended for me. Do you see? There are more important things in life to worry about, than petty insults."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[20:51] Rindou Sakamoto says, "... But..."
[20:52] Rindou shook her head a bit, looking down to her tea for a few moments before she looked back up to Reito, asking a question.

"Were you always like this or were the trials what made you this way?" She asked.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[20:54] She thought for a bit over that question as she sipped at her tea.

"... No," Finally came the answer, "Sometimes I was quick to anger... Sometimes I still am. I was judgmental, and sometimes doubted Jiuweihu. The trials helped that last bit, but life as a whole helped the other bits."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[20:55] Rindou Sakamoto says, "... I want to know about it."
[20:55] Reito Shimasu asks, "Which part?"
[20:55] Rindou reached down, pulling her cup higher and drinking from it, a sip. A lemonless sip. How sad. She took some time to breathe in, questionning herself after Reito's own question. Eventually a smile appeared on her lips, the cup was put down and amber eyes met pink ones.

"All of it, Chancellor."
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[20:55] Reito Shimasu says, "Ah - that's... Quite a long story, Rindou."
[21:01] Rindou Sakamoto says, "All the parts pertaining to becoming a better Illuminated, then."
[21:01] Rindou Sakamoto says, "The rest can come later."
[21:16] She nodded, setting the teacup down now as she shut her eyes,

"... Mm. I initially joined the Fourfold, simply because I wanted to help Huangzhou - anyway I could. I failed in a raid, a fight where I thought Jiuweihu was watching over me. Protecting me. I lost my leg in the process, and suddenly I was angry. I was angry at Her, because I thought she had failed me in my ultimate time of need," She explained patiently. A finger slid around the tea cup idly, as she continued,

"It wasn't until my second trial, that I realized it was not Her that failed me, but the policies of man. I had my break through then, beginning to tap into the power the Sun itself. My beliefs in Her were more firm, after that. Closer. I walked with purpose. During the last ritual, we cleansed the mountain where it was to take place, killing Nethradin and even a giant snake... Afterwards, I was made Chancellor."

She grew quiet before offering a simple shrug,

"That's the jist of it. I'm not sure how else to explain it."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[21:38] From one story to another and skipping many vital steps. The way Reito explained it made it sound so attainable and simple. Was this really how the Illuminated trials were? A few fights, some anger, a lesson learned and... boom? This couldn't be it, could it? Rather than push the subject Rindou shifted it a bit.

"When do you think I should start my training, then?"
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[21:41] She offered a small shrug,

"Whenever you think you're ready. We can do your first trial now if you wish," She offered with a small smile.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[21:45] "T-The one where I have to... undress?" She asked, looking off to the side and growing more red than ever before. She didn't want to do this. Definitely not. What if someone came by? What if someone saw her? No... this couldn't happen.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[21:45] Reito Shimasu says, "Not all the way."
[21:46] Reito Shimasu says, "I recommend a light shirt and shorts."
[21:53] Reito Shimasu asks, "But did you wish to start now?"
[21:57] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[21:57] Rindou Sakamoto asks, "The sooner the better, no?"
[21:57] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Even if..."
[21:57] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[21:57] Rindou shook her head a bit, looking down towards her cup.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[21:57] Rindou Sakamoto says, "It's hard to do alone."
[21:59] Reito Shimasu says, "It'll be fine. Come along."
[21:59] She rose from the table after finishing her own tea, motioning.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[22:01] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[22:01] Rindou Sakamoto says, "You're sort of a bully yourself, Lady Reito."
[22:01] Rindou Sakamoto says, "It's hard to say no to you."
[22:03] Reito Shimasu says, "Here."
[22:07] The Chancellor took a knelt position by the small lake, gesturing to Rindou.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[22:10] Rindou approached the lake quietly, step by step, getting closer to the body of water. Her eyes shifted down towards it, staring. Was this really happening? What if someone came by? What if Ardith of all people came by? Her honor and pride would be ruined. She looked towards Reito, more nervous than she had been before.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[22:14] Rindou Sakamoto says, "... I'm scared."
[22:15] Rindou Sakamoto says, "People will make fun of me if they pass by."
[22:15] Rindou Sakamoto says, "And rightfully so."
[22:16] She continued to kneel there, back straight before she shook her head,

"No, they won't. There were plenty of people who watched Emiri and I's ritual. This is the only way for you to begin to learn how to connect and harmonize with Jiuweihu's warmth, Rindou."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[22:19] Rindou shook her head a bit. She didn't like it at all, but... she obliged. She wanted to be appreciated. To be loved. It may be shallow, but it was true. As desperate as she was for Reito's approval she ended up following her lead to the ground, nervous as all hell.

"B.. But..." She muttered, now kneeling with her rear sitting at the ball of her feet.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[22:25] She shook her head,

"No one will laugh at you. I did this the same as you will, and I was younger than you are now, Rindou. So please."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[22:30] Rindou breathed out, bringing both her hands to her arms and across her chest, holding onto herself preciously as she thought of everything that was being said. Amber eyes fell to the ground once again.

"... Do I have to?"
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[22:36] She held up a finger, reciting something from memory:

"Followers are expected to meditate in the center of a small pond built specifically for that purpose - or simply near a body of water if that isn't possible, from high noon until dusk on a summer day. This is to help one grow familiar with the Sun's radiance. For this reason, followers are expected to wear only what they must - both due to the heat and the fact it would defeat the purpose if their skin was entirely shielded from the divining light of the sun."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[22:37] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[22:37] Rindou Sakamoto says, "C.."
[22:37] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[22:37] Rindou Sakamoto asks, "Can you join me?"
[22:37] Rindou Sakamoto says, "It'll be less embarassing...."
[22:38] Rindou's eyes shifted off to the side a bit. The long this would go on, the more embarassing it would get. She looked up to the skies above, judging that the sun was nearing noon and that... it would be the right time to start. A deep breath is taken before the young woman's hands begin pulling on her heavier robes.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[22:43] She smiled, and then shook her head,

"I can't!" She said cheerfully. "It'll be alright. I'm here anyway."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:01] "Why not? You've done it already and I-..." She went silent, breathing out and allowing herself to undress bit by bit, revealing more and more skin. She was looking like some Kitsune street worker by the end of it all, left in a blue shirt and stockings. Thankfully enough no one but Reito would lay an eye upon her gifted form with no fluffy robes to hide it all.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[23:01] Reito Shimasu asks, "Now... Do you know how to meditate, Rindou?"
[23:02] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[23:02] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Yes..."
[23:03] Reito Shimasu says, "Then go ahead. I'll remain silent."
[23:15] Rindou took in a deep breath, once again, bringing her legs to cross over one another as she took a meditative stance, ensuring that her thoughts were pure and undisturbed, clearing her mind and trying to avoid the shame digging deep into her from looking like a harlot in the middle of the wild. A light frown was on her features.

This was difficult.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[23:21] She was silent, gazing out over the water in silence with a small smile on her face. She glanced upwards to the sun casually and then to Rindou. The frown was noted, but she said nothing quite yet.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:23] The young woman's frown grew deeper as she tried to forget the shame that was plaguing her. How could she? Anyone could pass by and see this and say that...

... what would they say? That they saw her wearing something a bit skimpy? That they saw more of her skin? That she was meditating with Reito? Accepting it bit by bit allowed Rindou to cross over that step, eventually focusing on the feeling of the sunlight on her skin. A deep breath was drawn in... then let out.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[23:24] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Hm..."
[23:32] As the deep breath was inhaled and then exhaled, she smiled, tail shifting back and forth idly as she waited.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[23:34] Rindou remained calm, finally, taking in the beauty of the moment. The world was peaceful despite the war. The sound of the water crashing against the coast of the river was nice. The feeling of fresh air coursing through her lungs made it better. And the sun.

The sun was... warm. Welcoming. Gentle. She had been ashamed of it but now? She was starting to appreciate it. Perhaps this was the reason Reito enjoyed Gehenna: The sun.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[23:42] The Kitsune closed her eyes, enjoying the moment herself. The gentle flowing water relaxed her, and then sun shining down on them did much to calm her own nerves. She tilted her face upwards towards it, inhaling sharply as she relaxed clearing her own mind out.

How long had it been since she meditated herself? Too long, it felt.
(Reito Shimasu)
[00:04] This warmth was reaching deep into her heart. It alligned with her holy might, too. It spoke to her, told her that it was fine to be... like this. To be herself. To admit that she had weaknesses. To admit that she had friend. Jiuweihu's light was embracing her and accepting her like a motherly figure. The young noble felt that warm reach deep, deep into her.

... and a small smile appeared.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[00:12] As that smile appeared, she knew it was working. Rindou was becoming more relaxed, more... In tune with the Sun itself, and it's harmony. It was a good thing. Quickly, the Kitsune closed her eyes back and resumed her relaxed position, posture straight. Her thoughts drifted to Kane - how she had taught him how to meditate right within the shrine... Or even Quincy, and how she taught him how to meditate upon the beach of Huangzhou.

Sometimes, she had her doubts about her methods...

But then those two shining examples come through.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[00:20] This is what she actually wanted, wasn't it? It felt... wrong to even think that she'd befriend someone like that, but then again that person was the only one who seemed interested in being friends with her - for real. She muttered a few things under her breath, allowing Jiuweihu's warmth to guide her.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[00:30] She allowed a few more moments to pass by serenely, before she clapped her hands together suddenly,

"Water break!" She said, most likely knocking Rindou out of her own meditative state. "It's very important to stay hydrated during this process, as sitting out in the heat without moving can dehydrate you," She said. She removed a small thermos of water, holding out it to the girl now.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[00:39] Rindou was knocked right out of that meditation when Reito spoke, almost making her jump before she looked around. Her hand reached out for the thermos, a small nod offered in the woman's way before she silently sipped. She had completely forgotten she was wearing the bare minimum at this point!
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[00:41] She allowed Rindou a few moments of break, to drink and to collect herself before she'd eventually take the thermos back, nodding. It was a clear indicator for her to go right back to meditating, after all.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[00:43] Rindou took a few moments to breathe, returning the thermos and moving back in the proper position to meditate and thing, to resolve her own issues as Jiuweihu's wisdom crashed onto her skin, guarding her, watching her, advising her. A question is asked eventually.

".. Is it bad to make friends with people you should not be friends with?"
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[00:43] Reito Shimasu asks, "Mmm.... What do you mean, people you should not be friends with? In that way?"
[00:45] She'd ask this quietly.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[00:47] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Commoners."
[00:47] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Gehennans..."
[00:47] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Dirty miners."
[00:50] Reito Shimasu asks, "Why should you not be friends with them, Rindou?"
[00:50] Reito Shimasu says, "I was friends with Gehennans."
[00:50] Reito Shimasu says, "Still am."
[01:37] Rindou shook her head a bit, giving the honest truth as her meditation took a short break for a more... verbal type of relaxing, of learning.

"They're not of the same class. They're not noble, and while they make money, they..."

She didn't know, did she?

"... It's just not right."
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[01:38] She inclined her head now,

"Why is it not right, though?"
(Reito Shimasu)
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[01:39] Rindou Sakamoto says, "I don't know."
[01:39] Rindou Sakamoto says, "It just doesn't feel right."
[01:40] Reito Shimasu says, "Explain the feelings."
[01:42] Rindou took a moment to think about this. It was confusing in its own way, but she tried her best to explain.

"It's like I know I should not speak to her. She showed herself unwashed, dirty, and covered in soot. She bullied me, but... she apologized. When I asked for an apology that had meaning she didn't say no, instead she asked me what kind. I should hate her.

I want to, but I can't. I... don't even know if we're friends."
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[01:44] The Kitsune shook her head,

"If you want to be her friend, then be her friend, Rindou," She said, "No one will look down upon you, if you befriend the masses... Look at me."
(Reito Shimasu)
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[01:45] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[01:45] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Even with what you've done some people called you names."
[01:46] Rindou Sakamoto says, "It's not right."
[01:52] Reito Shimasu says, "Those people don't know me."
[01:53] Rindou Sakamoto says, "Few people know me across the world."
[01:54] Reito Shimasu says, "... You're getting off track."
[01:54] Reito Shimasu says, "Just be their friend, Rindou. It isn't a big deal."
[01:54] Reito Shimasu asks, "Also, it's getting late.... Have you learned from this ritual?"
[01:55] Rindou Sakamoto says, "I think so."
[01:59] The young girl looked up to the skies that had grown dark by now. Her lips parted before thoughts spilled out of her, revealing what she thought she knew.

"Jiuweihu's light is warm. And just like you, it's kind, generous, helping, and wants me to be happy. I... It felt like the sun was telling me that I should just be who I am and not be afraid of being weak. It's still crazy to me." She said, shaking her head.

"... I don't know where to start."
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[02:02] She stood up now, as Rindou explained what she had learned over the course of the ritual. A small smile graced her lips as she nodded,

"Perfect." She said simply. "Be who you are, don't be afraid. Because strength comes from devotion, it doesn't always come in physical strength." Words that Satsuki had spoken to her when she was still young, and when the Kitsune had decided for her to be her successor. It was something she had never forgotten.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[02:03] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[02:03] Rindou Sakamoto says, "I'll try."
[02:03] Rindou Sakamoto asks, "Can I get dressed now?"
[02:03] Reito Shimasu exclaims, "Of course!"
[02:05] Rindou Sakamoto says, ".. Let's go back."
[02:05] Reito Shimasu says, "Okay."