"You ought to greet the morning sun, child."
"It's only a little meditation, granny. Centering oneself is essential before starting the day."
"Is it now? And here I thought you were trying to sleep in."
Ryouka sighed deeply as she threw off her blanket, hoping to save herself some nagging. In all fairness, she was in a mediative position, and there were few greater opportunities for her mind to be still than when it slipped into a restful state.
The monotony of her morning routine passes by in a blur. Only the finer detail of her hair and makeup are enough to hold her attention. Her 'face' is too important to neglect, even if all she wanted to be was herself. What her clan saw, what those who sought to bring them ruin saw, what her peers in Institute saw, and what her fellow exorcists saw were only similar on the surface. All they could fathom was the Ryouka they dreamed up; all she could do was strive to portray herself.
However, there was another role she'd be playing soon enough. At the request of Lady Iku, she was to put on a play for this year's festival. Thus, she would need to be both writer and director. She was ready to finance the show as well, if need be. And there was little reason why the most outstanding performer of this age shouldn't take the stage in her work.
"आकार"
Several sheets of paper and a pen manifest on her desk as she makes her way over. Before anything else, she'd need to take stock of her potential cast. The current lack of a script meant it could be tailored to them. It wasn't exactly orthodox, but there was no point in writing roles that couldn't be filled.
Exorcists
Iku
A tad surly, but she feels like an old friend despite us having been born in different eras. My forebearers certainly have plenty of interesting stories about her. As the head priestess, it would do well to give her a prominent role. The only wrinkle in that plan is that she suffers from a similar condition as my cousin. Although history shows that the youth are no less capable of attaining enlightenment than their elders, the audience may take umbrage. Of course, that could always be the lesson of our show.
Miko
Rather boring as she is now, but if the fearsome necromancer of ages past can be coaxed out, she'll make an excellent demon for our heroes to slay. Otherwise, she'll serve best as a stagehand. It's no slight against her — she simply lacks the presence required on the stage. A mysterious guide may be a suitable part for her, but even that requires a little more than I'm confident she can give. As acquainted with offering wisdom as she is, she is ill-suited for a role of authority.
Senguru-no-Sumire
Some say we're alike. I say she has more in common with the beasts created by my kin. What is she without that demon inside of her? Nothing, and she doesn't seem to care. Oh, how pleased she is to be used and discarded... Does such a creature even deserve a role? I suppose she's another candidate for our villain, but I fear she'll take the wrong lesson away. Let her be a wayward child in need of guidance if she must be included.
Waffu
The shade he provides is most welcoming for a midday nap, and he's yet to refuse my invitations to the theatre. I appreciate his pragmatism, even if he could stand to be a tad more ambitious. With a modest incentive, he should be put on a passable performance. However, his physical form limits him. Any great actor should be capable of convincing the audience of their role regardless of their physical appearance, but he is no great actor, and it's best not to ask too much of our audience.
Tsukurō
Who would not seek to escape the confines of this system when those who decide our fates demand bribes? Iku's attendant has my respect for daring to stay true to the vision he holds for his role; it's terribly easy to let others direct you. If our production requires a noble warrior, he's an easy choice.
Uriel
His claims of angelic nature are interesting, and I'll need to take him aside to probe his soul a tad, but their veracity matters little for our purposes. His conviction pigeonholes him while also allowing for a most convincing performance. Who won't feel for a conflicted hero? However, we'll need to do a test run to ensure he understands enough of this world to connect with the audience emotionally. If need be, I'll tutor him myself.
Chitragupta Kumai
Lady Iku is not lacking in criticisms of "Her Holiness," but I'm far more reserved in this regard. Yes, her wrath is unsightly, but she's quite easy to deal with if you pay her ego some mind. If her power grows to match her claims, then a few words of veneration is a cheap price for the aid of an excellent spirit. As for the matter of our play, I don't expect her to agree to participate. Certainly not unless she's the star of the show. I'm more inclined to cast her as a wrathful god whose anger must be tamed.
Institute Apprentices
Kouki Kamiya
This little fool thinks he can steal my act. It's nonsense, of course, but I've made a point of keeping my performances as dreary as they can be when in his presence. Should he wish to see me take the stage, I'll have him thrown out of the venue and let my abilities be known to him only through whispers. It should go without saying that he won't be given the opportunity to view this show either.
Yuki Yuri
Completely lacking in talent for this sort of thing, or at all, really. I'm not unfamiliar with material that dabbles in matters of love and intimacy, but she has no understanding of what makes for a compelling plot. When I noticed her interest in literature, I thought we might be kindred spirits, but I found myself sorely disappointed. Her tastes are unsophisticated, and all she cares for is whether the male leads adore each other. Allowing her somewhere near the festival will lead to ruin.
Kenshin Go
Aki disagrees with his disruptive nature, but I immensely enjoy the presence of another artist at the Institute. It's always a joy to discuss which chords best move the heart. At first, it may seem inappropriate to use his for this style of theatre, but the ordinary people of Youdu greatly enjoy the commodities of the Mortal World. Any old show will enjoy the traditional sounds, but if we are to put on a performance that speaks to our audience, we must do more.
Yoichi Muto
Unreliable. His value as a player is irrelevant when he's likely to pass out on stage. If not that, then he's bound to fail to show up at all. He'll surely be too busy doing whatever it is he does when he disappears. Frankly, I don't care. He won't be allowed to disrupt my play with his absenteeism. I'm only willing to consider him for a spare stagehand; if even that proves too much for him, the loss won't be felt.
Overseers
Mika Mori
I have doubts that she would be satisfied with staged fights and that she would show proper restraint if she were. Her liberal applications of force could not only maim her co-stars and damage the stage but endanger the audience. As much as I value reality in action, it must be controlled. Priests splattering their audience with blood simply won't send the right message. However, a gruff warrior with an honest heart would make a fine addition to our hero's party, and she's capable of taking quite a beating in return.