It's a long and winding walk back to her room, and poor Nimah's butt itches the /entire way. Kitsunes and their pranks; how the Japanese put up with them this long ... and revere as divine beings ... is probably one of the great mysteries of the universe. But at least the itching keeps her from freaking out /too/ much that she intends to speak with an actual /Goddess/. The door to her room opens and everything looks exactly as it did from earlier.
Niamh looks at the neatly folded miko uniform, and realizes she needs Miyuki's help to get ready. Trying not to scratch too much (she doesn't want to tear her nightgown) she goes to the next room over and.. doesn't knock. The doors are made of paper after all! So she scratches on the edge instead. "Miyuki?" she whispers. The Miko is probably already awake, she reasons.
"You don't pronounce my name right you know; the emphasis is all wrong," Miyuki answers on the other side. There's some small noise, then the door draws back and a yawning human looks out. Her hair is loose and flowing down to her waist, save for her slightly shorter bangs, including that one white streak. Green and blue eyes look her up and down, then she comments, "You seem concerned."
"I need help to get ready to see Lady Inari," Niamh notes. "Nobody pronounces my name correctly either. Also.. how dangerous is your brother's former mate? She tried to lure me into the forest."
"Kasumi? She is extremely powerful, almost as strong as our parents are. She is also very wild; what she would do with you ... I cannot say," Miyuki explains as she opens the door the rest of the way. She steps back in, but only so she can roll her head and get her hair all behind her shoulders. She reaches over to her own table and retrieves an ornate comb, which she uses to brush out and collect her hair, then hold it all together. Another moment and she takes two sticks and then entwines them into her hair around the comb, holding it, and her hair, our of the way.
"My hair won't behave that well," Niamh notes with a bit of jealousy. "So, I should avoid her then. I don't know how she found out about me or why she thinks I'm going to be Noboru's new mate."
"You could shave your head, if your hair is too troublesome," Miyuki notes as she leaves her room and closes the door behind herself. "Powerful Yokai just ... know things. It's hard to explain. I can't say if you should avoid her or not. She isn't evil, she's wild. Those are quite different."
"Wild like an angry boar or wild like a nature spirit?" Niamh asks and heads towards her room, hoping Miyuki is going to follow. "I get along fine with nature spirits, generally. Animal spirits too, since my initiation with the Horned God."
"I would not go comparing a kitsune with a boar, that's just rude," Miyuki comments as she follows after Niamh. "Kitsune are kitsune; I am not sure you can define us into another category."
"So.. unpredictable then?" Niamh asks as she pulls her nightshirt off over her head. "Do I have a tail?" she asks Miyuki, not willing to look back over her shoulder just yet. If it's big enough to see by doing that, it would be pretty big.
"You have a bump. It might be a start of a tail. Why? What did you do to possibly get one?" Miyuki asks. "Also, you have a very pale backside," she adds, right before her hands feel it. "Decent musculature, at least."
That makes Niamh go up on her toes briefly. "What did I do?" she asks. "I stood still too long, and probably didn't protest enough. I think Noboru will keep doing things like this until he gets the reaction he wants."
"I've also been at sea for a long time and not gotten enough sun or moonlight," the foreigner laments.
"Ahh, so you're trying to be a challenge to keep his attention, then," Miyuki comments and lets go, but not before she puts her finger on something and wiggles it ... which feels odd. "See? Bump," she explains.
"I can't see it," Niamh says, trying to twist around. "I'm not that flexible. I'll.. feel it later," she says. "Is my hair going to be a problem? Being just sort of curly isn't going to offend Inari is it?"
Miyuki drops her hand then cups Niamh's rump, drawing her hand up and then over the bump slightly above it. Thankfully, she steps away, then around to face Niamh. "Why would curly hair be offensive?" she asks. "Is it normally offensive in your land?"
"Red heads are not looked on.. favorably, no," Niamh admits. "I haven't seen any hair like mine since arriving. Or on the voyage for that matter. Even my mother has straighter hair."
"Are you going to help me get dressed?" she then asks, in case Miyuki is going to feel up anything else first.
Miyuki runs her fingertips up Niamh's stomach. "Why? Am I making you uncomfortable," she asks moving in closer to the pale foreigner. Her lips draw back in an amused and slightly predatory sort of smile, and my, does she have some sharp-looking teeth. Miyuki also exhales slightly, a fait blushing flow wisping around in her breath.
"Are you.. using a glamor on me?" Niamh asks. "You want me to be uncomfortable, don't you? I learned about sex from a dryad and a satyr.. and the Horned God. You don't have to play games. But.. uh.. I'm not sure you can help it, can you? And I don't think seeing Inari after getting all flushed would be respectful, especially if she's still got a hangover. But, if she lets me do my renewal ritual.. well, then I can maybe surprise you." She doesn't have a predatory grin to go with that offer-and-or-threat however.
This makes Miyuki laugh softly. She leans in and licks Niamh's lips before drawing back. "You're babbling," she notes, "So young and nervous. It is cute." She lifts her right arm and then traces a finger along one of those doe-ears. "It's nice to have someone here younger than me that I get to tease," she notes and lowers her hand. "Come, let us get you dressed. You can put your own lower pants on, I hope?"
"Lower pants?" Niamh asks in confusion, reaching up to touch her new ears after Miyuki does. "Do you mean underwear?"
"No I mean your lower pants. As in your leg coverings," Miyuki explains in the tone one might use in talking to a child. "Just .. stand over there for a moment."
Niamh stands where indicated. "I'm not that familiar with pants," she admits.
Miyuki shakes her head slightly, then goes to collect the miko garment. The pants she brings over first and sets them on the floor, spread a bit so that Nimah can step into them. "Step in, please," she requests.
Niamh does so. "How many different parts are there to the pants?" she asks.
Miyuki pulls them up, which means more rubbing of her butt, and even slight touches to the front as she adjusts the position before she starts pulling the ties together and tying them. "Just two," the kitsune-as-human answers.
"I have a dress with about five layers it seems," Niamh notes. "This is more like having a skirt for each leg though. Why not have them all one sewn-together garment?" she asks.
"Different colors, which are easier to clean separately," Miyuki comments and leaves her there to fetch the second layer, which is the red overpants. This she wraps around Niamh's waist and starts tying it. It's now that Niamh realizes the weight of the garments just makes that 'tail' itch more.
"I'm glad I'll be kneeling, otherwise I'd be squirming from this itch," Niamh sighs. "It's just going to pop out like a flower blossoming I imagine."
"Tails don't pop," Miyuki notes as she leaves Niamh again to fetch the overshirt, which is long and flow-y, almost like a blanket. This gets draped over her shoulders and the kitsune goes about tying the shirt here and there to make it slowly take shape.
"How are you able to tie all these binds on yourself?" Niamh asks in wonder. It certainly seems like you'd need a second pair of hands at least. "I've never grown a tail before, how do I know it won't just pop out?"
"Kitsune know tails," Miyuki points out rather matter-of-factly. With the first set of ties done, Miyuki goes about checking the fit. Or it might be an excuse to grope Niamh, because a lot of feeling is involved.
"See, you need an extra pair of hands to do all this," Niamh concludes.
"That's what all the tails are for," Miyuki notes and then steps back. "There, you are dressed. I hope you don't need to relieve yourself. Try not to think about such things."
"I did that already," Niamh claims. "So.. I look presentable now?"
Miyuki steps back. She tilts her head from side to side a view times and purses her lips in thought. "You look like a human," she concludes, somehow sounding like an apology in the process.
"I have doe ears," Niamh points out. "I don't look like any of the local humans."
"Yes, and those help you considerably," Miyuki points out. She hakes her head a little and two fluffy ears pop out and swivel. "But mine are prettier."
"Are they softer though?" Niamh asks, and reaches for them. Miyuki got to feel her ears after all.
Miyuki flicks her ears forward. And yes, they are softer to the touch. They feel like fluffy silk, somehow. And warm.
"Noboru wouldn't let me touch his ears," Niamh notes as she feels them. "They must not be as nice as yours."
"Because you wanted to, and he likes frustrating you," Miyuki points out. "And of course mince are softer; I'm a girl."
"I didn't realize that made a difference," Niamh admits, and wonders if Miyuki is teasing her again. But she does stop stroking the ears. Then, oddly, she asks, "What do Inari's ears feel like?"
"I cannot tell you that; such are the mysteries of the universe." Miyuki claims with a straight face.
"But you've felt them, haven't you?" Niamh probes, leaning forward a bit and smiling.
"Of course," Miyuki answers.
"Then how is it a great mystery if you actually know?" Niamh questions. "You just don't want to tell me."
"Because such things cannot be conveyed in simple human words," Miyuki answers simply. She flicks her own ears again, and then pulls them down until they disappear.
"Hmm," Niamh grunts, conceding the point for now. "Where do I meet her? Is it a special shrine? Do I need to make an offering for her to show up?"
"It is the largest building on the upper level," Miyuki explains. "As for if she will show up, that is entirely up to her own whims. You cannot force her to."
"But.. what am I supposed to do to.. let her know I'm there at least?" Niamh asks. "Just sit and meditate?"
"Oh, she will know you are there," Miyuki notes. "She knows where everyone is within her temple at all times."
"That is.. slightly disturbing, but I can't really pinpoint why," Niamh says. "The largest building then. And I don't have to bring any rice, or sake, or.. things made from rice?"
"You can, but it is not required," Miyuki notes. "Plus, it is probably best if you do not look like you are trying to bribe her."
"You can bribe a deity in this country?" Niamh asks in shock. "That's cheating."
"Of course. It is no different anywhere. Is not praying and heaping praise simply another form of bribing?" Miyuki points out.
"That's not how my gods work," Niamh claims. "But.. they also aren't the sort you'd pray to. I'd better go then, in case I have to just wait until she wants to talk to me."
"I shall hope you do not get eaten. Good luck," Miyuki says and bows deeply.
"I.. hope I do not get eaten as well," Niamh replies, feeling a bit pale at the suggestion. But she takes a deep breath, and heads out to find the main temple. She's met a god before, so this should be fine, she thinks to herself.
It's a far longer walk that she remembers; but that could be because she's nervous, and her butt itches. After many sets of stairs, she finds what seems like the largest building and it is flanked by two stone fox statues ... that look like they're wearing bibs.
She does have to pause and look at the statues. She doesn't remember any of the kitsune family members wearing them. But they do make her realize that hadn't had any breakfast. Maybe that will make her seem less appetizing though. She heads between them to what she thinks must be the entrance.
The entrance is surprisingly not very grand, and the inside is fairly simple and open. Wood floors, walls with paper coverings, and a shrine against the far wall surrounded by what looks like watercolor paintings of foxes frolicking, and fields of rice. There's also a slatted box before it and beneath the slats appear to be coins. A donation box?
It doesn't seem to be the sort of place one would expect to meet a god, and it certainly looked bigger from the outside. So Niamh tries to see if there is another room hidden behind the simple shrine.
Nope, nothing that looks like a door to another room.
So, Niamh kneels before the donation box. She's been inside of churches before, and thought the stained-glass was nice, but even through couldn't match the forest cathedrals. This place seems a lot cozier as a result, so she hopes Inari will also be cozier.
"You have the ears of a deer," comments an old voice that's familiar, save for it wasn't speaking in English the last time she heard it ... and right behind her. "They are a troublesome lot, are they not? Very devoted, even if they don't show it in conventional ways."
Her ears flicking involuntarily, Niamh turns to look if it's the woman from the kitchen (that was also Inari). "Their devotion is.. not easily understood by me," she replies.
It is indeed the old woman, and she's sweeping the floor behind her (with the broom that had the big eye). "Of course not. You are a foreigner, and part human. It must be very difficult," she says. The odd part is her mouth moves, but now it seems like her voice is coming from /everywhere/. "/And I believe you were expecting something more grand in appearance, hmm?"
"I'm not used to gods who look like humans," Niamh admits, and twists around so she's facing the woman. "I apologize for not making a very good first impression in the kitchen."
"You made exactly the impression I expected a scared and lost foreigner to make. This is not a bad thing," the old woman comments. "But .. perhaps this will be easier for you." She sets aside the broom and then taps one crooked finger in the center of Niamh's forehead. The world disappears in a bright flash. When it returns, she finds herself sitting on a silken pillow in a field of waving flowers. All around her soft cherry blossom petals float on the wind. Before her sits ... a woman who manages to look incredibly young and beautiful, yet somehow ancient. Perhaps it is her eyes, where the pupils are like looking into a starlight sky. Behind her nine fluffy-white tails float and flick lazily in the air. She's draped in long silken robes, and every inch of her seems to glow slightly. "Now, is this more as you expected?" she asks in a melodically lilting voice. "Tea?"
Niamh smiles. "I excepted to find you in a rice field, to be honest," she admits, and then nods. "Tea would be welcome. I haven't learned the proper way to make it here yet. Have you met may scared, lost foreigners?"
"A fair number in the endless centuries," Inari notes as she waves her hand slightly. The flower petals coalesce into a coup and teapot in front of Niamh, and the pot pours itself into the cup, almost to the top before it dissipates back into floating petals. "Do my children frustrate and annoy you?" she asks, "Or are you enjoying it, in spite of your protestations? You seem to like the ears now, after all."
Before replying, Niamh has a sip of tea. "I'm not at my best, so.. I may be more frustrated than I should be. I need their help, after all. I came to ask your permission to perform a renewal ceremony. Now that I know about the nature of the yokai, I would need one of the kitsune for protection."
"And you believe this ritual would help you, why?" Inari asks as she sits almost motionless; though her robes and hair float as if she's floating under water. "Things do not work as they would in your home land. What you get may not be what you wish."
"The moon is the same everywhere," Niamh says. "I just need to call it down, and.. fill myself from it. So that I do not feel so weak and ill-tempered."
"It is not the same everywhere. Perhaps you should read the tale of Princess Kaguya," Inari notes, kindly. "There are beings that dwell there, and you might summon them down on the great ark Yamoto instead of calling your Gods."
Niamh blinks at that. "They would be drawn to a dance?" she asks. "Are they pleasant beings?"
"They are yokai. Many are rabbits," Inari notes, as if that should explain everything.
"Would Miyuki be able to fend them off?" Niamh asks, beginning to despair a bit.
"Perhaps. One of their princes does favor her. He sends letters now and then. I think she burns them," Inari admits.
"That does make it sound like she would want to deal with them, then," Niamh notes. "I don't suppose Noboru also has admirers among the moon-spirits?"
"No. Most likely he would find it entertaining and watch," Inari notes. "It is not like it is dangerous. The worst that could happen to you is you are wed to a rabbit and have a few dozen children."
"That seems to be a recurring hazard here," Niamh notes, and sips her tea to try and cheer herself up. "I'm not having anyone's children while I'm here."
"You are a woman; while you are here it would be your duty," Inari points out.
"My duty to whom?" Niamh asks.
"To yourself as a woman," Inari notes. "I have had countless children."
"It takes 100 days to travel from here back to my home," Niamh notes. "I couldn't subject myself to that while pregnant. And I don't have the energy for it anyway. I may be flesh and blood, but I can still feel.. insubstantial at times."
"Then you would simply have to stay, or return to the moon kingdom with your new husband," Inari points out.
"I can't marry a rabbit," Niamh says. "I have a family obligation to deal with, and I couldn't do it from the moon."
"Do you feel rabbits are beneath you? Even a prince?" Inari asks. "I suppose Noboru is also beneath you?"
"What.. no.." Niamh stammers. "I don't want a husband right now is all. I'm not secure or comfortable enough."
"But having one would help with both," Inari points out. "My dear, if you wish to do this ritual, you will have to be prepared to deal with amorous rabbits, if you happen to catch their attention."
"And hungry yokai," Niamh adds. "If I seek renewal from the forest, what price would be expected then? Is it always the same, be eaten or bear yokai babies?"
"That is a question of the forest lord, I cannot say what he would wish of you," Inari notes.
"If I approach him as I am now, I certainly wouldn't have any strength to bargain or resist," Niamh admits. "Do lunar rabbit princes handle rejection well?"
"It depends on how you reject them," Inari notes. "Politeness matters."
"I'm a forest Yosei, so they'll have to understand my needs," Niamh says. "I would think rabbit princes already have plenty of wives though. But, so long as I deal with the consequences, I can call down the moon on the shrine grounds?"
Inari rubs her chin. "Hmmm," she muses. "That depends."
Raising an eyebrow, Niamh explains, "It is a dance. No prayers or sacrifices or even calling on a goddess by name."
"That is good. However, I do have one requirement," Inari comments and holds up one finger. "You must pledge that if anything happens that makes you into a full Yokai during your stay in Nippon, that you will serve me as one of mine."
"What.. what do you mean by a full Yokai?" Niamh asks, and then reaches up to touch her doe-ears.
"You lose your human self permanently," Inari explains, "And become a being of spirit."
"Wouldn't I have to die for that?" Niamh asks nervously.
"No, not necessarily," Inari says, "But it is one path."
"If I'm a spirit, I don't think I could return home anyway," Niamh says, and stares down into her tea. "I don't think I will be able to get any of my strength renewed, either through moonlight or the forest, without some extremely personal demand being made upon me."
"Everything has a price. You simply have to decide which price you would pay. Think of Miyuki and Noboru, and what he gave up to save her, for example," Inari points out gently.
"I don't have anything to give up though," Niamh notes. "Other than my flesh. I have no power to bargain with."
"Then perhaps the point is you sometimes have to accept you don't have control and have to deal with what you must," Inari points out.
"I need the moon," Niamh says firmly. "That much is certain. I refuse to feel completely disconnected and just fade away. So I agree to your terms, but I have a condition of my own: none of your followers she try to make me a full yokai."
"Not even if you ask them to?" Inari inquires. "And remember I have no control over the Forest Lord and his."
"I have to return home at some point, and become the Curator for my family," Niamh explains. "I don't know what being a full Yokai entails, but I need to at least pass for human, and not be tied to a single region."
"What if you were to die otherwise?" Inari asks. "Your absolute request may have unintended consequences."
"So if I die, I would be bound to return here as a Yokai?" Niahm asks. "Specifically one of your Yokai."
"If you request it," Inari says.
"I will have to think on it," Niamh says, a bit numbly. "Miyuki should know more about the moon rabbits."