The group heads to the temple, in hopes of gaining approval from Kunchen on a couple recruits. They find him slowly strolling through the garden, by himself, as he often does.
Jin approaches Sifu Kunchen announcing himself with a low ow and voices his standard greeting, " Good morning Sifu, I see you are quite active today. If it does not inconvenience you , I, Jin Hebimoto would like to ask something of you. "
Kunchen affords the slightest of nods to his students, then addresses the inquiry. "I had a feeling you would be by." He pauses a moment as he reaches out to prop up a pedal. "What is it I can do for you."
" As you are aware, our group has traveled through the lowlands and.. survived. Doing such for an important cause. However as we have returned our strength has lessened with the loss of two members who no longer could accompany us. I wanted to ask you if there were any others you deemed fit to travel to the lowlands once again with our group 'The Hunting Party' ? " Jin explained curtly and to the point.
"There is one we could afford whom I believe would be of good assistance to you, Brother Hawkeye. Seek him out. If it is his wish to join you, bring him to me."
Jin seems most pleased that the Sifu could recommend someone so readily. He gave a bow once more and thanks the Kunchen, " I graciously thank you Sifu. We shall go and converse with this Brother Hawkeye at your suggestion. Hopefully we will return with good news. " Jin pivoted and left at that indication. On to find Hawkeye.
Zaralastra continues following Jin. He has always been somewhat more "arm's length" from the temple than Jin and prefers to let Jin do the talking where the temple is involved.
You find Brother Hawkeye carrying out his daily tasks, currently mopping the mess hall.
A bald man in his early twenties clutches a simple mop meticulously going at what many would take as a common task. However unlike many others in the mess hall he had the lithe corded frame that seemed to have steam rise from the barred flesh of his torso.
This man with deep grey eyes did not even look up from his task. He bore a few scars and a set of bruises only a couple of days old. He was here doing simple chores to better ponder 'the why' of his defeat.Unlike the others here who are training Brother Hawkeye sought not the powers of the mind, or of the fist but that of the elegant and deadly bow. It is this that he is skilled at, other pupils scoffed at it. Hawkeye found the Way of the Bow far superior to the mere mastery of melee.
Jin called out to the man his words strong but a bit loud. " Brother Hawkeye, is that you? I hear from Sifu you may be a talented individual in a.. different way. Why do you currently mop this corridor? "
Lan has remained quiet, and has done nothing to draw attention to himself during the proceedings. He watched the others as impassively as always.
The three dots beneath his eye glowed, showing that he was using and reusing empathy, but he wasn't focusing it on any individuals.
Elisa quietly followed like the others not a huge fan of the Temple or with a stranger joining them, she let Jin do the talking.
Still not looking up from his work Hawkeye speaks."I am doing self penance for my actions.I choose poorly and got into a ego brawl with my fellow pupils. I was victorious but it was hollow. I thus came here to reflect on my actions and contemplate the actions."
Hawkeye stops and looks up with a wide smile."Besides such simple tasks are truly rewarding"He slips the mop back into the bucket and than puts back on his shirt.
"My Apologies, I am Brother Hawkeye of the Temple.What do you need of me?" He asks as he humbly bows as is customary for the orphans of the temple to do to guests.
"What is rewarding about them?" Lan asked of the monk, face not particularly registering his curiosity
"Ah these tasks allow one time to let the mind expand, to ponder the great possibilities.To focus ones mind while your body works to do something else. its a simple task one can do to allow the body to work while the mind strategizes. For what I do it helps me hit my target while my mind focuses on the next shot" Hawkeye says as he buttons up his shirt.
"Then it is a way to stay busy while you mentally train. It is a way to avoid simply waiting." Lan nods, returning to his practiced inattention.
" I do such when I create elixirs or hunt to secure constant sustenance to the village. You always seemed to be an odd one among the orphans here Brother Hawkeye. " Jin reflects on the memories he had of the Temple, waving away the times as they would take a backseat to his request.
" More importantly, the reason we have approached you is important. Would you say you are.. quite capable with your bow? If you had a chance to prove yourself to the person's here and the Council, would you take it? "
I am reminded of a saying, "where the broom does not go, the floor will not sweep itself," though I cannot recall where I heard it. I am sure that Hawkeye's talents are suitable to the mission or the Sifu would not have recommended him.
"It is a good expression"He says looking at the group cocking a brow in curiosity. So it was the Council and the Sifu himself who thought his talents of use.
"Its strange to call on my talents, as I am not a master of the mind, or one to use those hideous guns" he says his voice dripping with disgust."But if the council wills it I have I shall go. As for My Bow skills I am not yet to the level of mastery I wish to be, but i can hit a target like no other, even slay a minor rabbit or two'
Jin claps his hands together as if to seal the proclamation. " Well then it is a good omen for you to believe so. We shall inform you of the details at a later time, but more importantly, we need to visit Sifu once more. We need his acceptance for this trip. " placing his hand out to Brother Hawkeye as if inviting him, " At least unofficially.. Welcome to 'The Hunting Party' "
"I am honored. And Yes I want to see Sifu once more before I leave as he has supported me in my endeavors. Many thought the bow insignificant but by encouraging me in the ancient Zen Way of the Bow I can show the others the true beauty that is Archery" Hawkeye says with a light chuckle.
"True I have been called an odd duck by many, I do believe in the Way and its correlation to all things. I here you follow a similar path Jin" he says as he turns and looks to the others. "Shall we be off then?"
Elisa didn't question hawkeye and instead silently sized him up, she didn't like the idea of adding more people to their group and this was only furthered by the fact Jin didn't ask the groups opinion on it.
Jin gives brother hawkeye a nod and start back to Sifu, he comments on the way to the esteemed individual on Hawkeye's insinuation. " Unity is something I discovered in reflection. The Way and Unity may have some similarities, perhaps they are different aspects, i cannot be certain but I am sure we will find a common ground as like-minded individuals. So.. let us hope Sifu has good praise of you for what we intend to do is perilous and multiple levels. "
Jin mused as they eventually met up with their Temple Guidance and master, Kunchen.
"It is true, this unifying belief is one that each individual must see, and apply to the basic principles taught here in the Temple. But I feel our philosophies will not conflict much. As for peril I have no qualms at meeting my death. For we all must die at some point." Hawkeye says as he follows along ready to face whatever he needed to get out there and test his skill better then we ever could here.
" If it is possible that should not be a reality, I have grown and have figured out ways to prevent such a thing. I should die first. Your ranged capability should reduce such instances if you would like my personal opinion. The mission and our lives are most important. "
Lan found it strange that these two spoke of directions and paths, when, for the most part, everything was written in stone, already. Every action had a reaction, and every reaction was itself an action. Everything was simply a pattern. Were they speaking of the tapestry when they spoke of 'the way' and of 'unity'? Perhaps when there was less to do, Lan would ask about their personal beliefs. Probably not, though. Much could be discerned simply by listening with a questioning mind.
As only a short time has passed, Sifu is once again found in the garden. He addresses you as you approach. "I see you found him. Come Brother Hawkeye". He gestures with a hand for Hawkeye to come closer. "This group does good things for our people. I believe you capable of aid to them. Tell me Hawkeye, is this something you desire?"