Bearclaw Valley Green, green thunder and the loud, loud rain

The children busied themselves around the woman who, to Keiko’s surprise, regurgitated meat! The young woman veiled her disgust behind a wan smile, unfamiliar with such primitive maternal behavior. Still, she did her best to keep an open mind.

For the most part, Keiko's courteous invitation was largely ignored. Again, it unsettled the Miko who only knew formal, ceremonial hospitality. The young kodomo-tachi vied for slop and the dark woman gave no perceivable response.

Her spirit began to doubt itself, but when the man stepped forward Keiko’s smile regained its strength.

“Hai,” she agreed with a small bow. Though she couldn’t parse his language, she understood the gesture. “Kochiradesu.”

Keiko led @Ancelin away toward the river, adjacent to her cypress temple, where strips of rabbit meat dried in the sun. With a generous spirit, she would provide him with as much as much food from her humble stores as he wanted. Before departing, Keiko blessed his journey with a small prayer and then returned to the riverside to contemplate the encounter.

Going to have Keiko exit here, if it's okay with you all! Ebony, please let me know if this assumption isn’t ok! Happy to do anything else BTS if you want.