[EV-F22] A Night of Offerings

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

To reach Ariel's estate players have to make their way from Coral(F22) following the crowned lion sign toward the Forest of Memories. Pass the Lake of Reflection and either walk the marked forest path (watch for white tree markings) or take the small boat upstream to the dock. As they see the entrance of the Shirajishi Valley,a torii arched over the path like an oath—massive, lacquered red, its crossbeam strung with paper lanterns and fox masks that blinked in the lanternlight. Ropes of shimenawa braided with tiny bells hung from the lintel; their white shide caught the last of the dusk and flashed like small, patient teeth. Pumpkins sat in neat rows along the approach, not carved into leers but brushed with careful kanji—祓 (purify), 祝 (blessing), 守 (protect)—each one lit from inside with a warm, golden flame. The path that led away from the gate wound between sakura trees, lanterns swinging in their boughs, and the river’s surface held flickers of light as the valley exhaled into night.

Ariel stood to one side of the gate, the long blue kimono simple against the riot of lanterns, white haori tied with scarlet cords. Her hair was gathered with a neat ribbon; she wore the miko’s red hakama as much from habit as for the ritual tonight—form and function braided. Beside her Claudia, a flaming redhead with a sharp gaze, moved with brighter, quicker motions, bowing and offering blooms of courtesy to each arriving player. Claudia’s smile was practiced and warm; where Ariel’s presence folded the space into quiet, Claudia filled it with welcome.

Ariel nodded once at the first arrivals. “Welcome to the Shirajishi Valley,” she said, voice low and precise. “Tonight, instead of ghouls and monsters, I'd like us to honor Inari-sama that watches over this estate. Similar to a matsuri, if you would like to pay respect at the Inari shrine, follow the lantern path. Have your pick and then leave a small offering. It can be anything—food, an origami, a coin, a folded verse or even something immaterial: a gesture, a thought or speak a name aloud."
She then gestures at a table near them that displays various prepared offerings that players can use: paper and ink, plushies, vegetables, fruits, and sweets.

Claudia chimed in, hands folded politely. “Afterwards, return here. We will present your treats. The offerings helps Inari-sama watch over this estate.”

They stepped aside as the first newcomers passed beneath the gate into the valley’s hush. The lantern-lit route led past the sakura field, where paper cranes hung from branches and small wooden plaques—ema—bore wishes written in careful ink. Along the riverbank, strings of tiny fox masks bobbed over the water; soft wooden bridges were draped in translucent cloth and lit from below so the current itself seemed to hold fireflies. A gardener’s alcove offered seasonal tea and steamed chestnuts for pilgrims to warm their hands before they climbed.

Between the dojo’s semi-open training hall and the tailor’s annex, the path turned toward the "thousand torii" leading to the shrine. Each gate along the stone stair was tethered with a single ribbon and a paper charm; players paused there to leave folded offerings in shallow bowls and to tie prayers to the rails. At the crest, the small Inari shrine waited—a compact, lacquered building ringed by stone foxes and a shallow basin for cleansing. Lanterns circled the shrine like watchful stars; incense smoke braided with the river’s mist. [hr

Edited yesterday at 08:19 PM by Ariel - The Crowned Lion