Junseo's regular morning routine was interrupted twice. The first messenger brought an elegantly phrased note from Lady Go. He smiled as he noticed closely it resembled the exercises his Grandmother had set for his sister. His Uncle was curious about the communication from such a senior member of the court but Junseo did not feel like sharing anything beyond the barest facts. He was rescued by the second interruption. A pair of Monks came to accompany him to the Sun Temple.

"Best you help them get on with their investigations, we need to have it settled before the Crown Prince catches wind of anything out of square with the qualifying matches." His uncle's loud pronouncement in front of the servants was not in keeping with the discretion the temple expected and the Monks did not hide their disapproval. Junseo hurriedly gathered his practice cloths and sent a note to palace to let them know he would be delayed.

As they wound through the streets and across the broad park beside the temple Junseo let his steps fall into the same rhythm as his escort. He stayed alert but could not help letting some of his worries take over. What would the investigation entail? Could they really read crystal energies? Would they be looking into the situation he left behind in Ilidan?

Junseo had allowed himself to wear a headband anchored with moonstones near his temples. He could only hope these would boost his serenity as he made is way through the outer gates of the temple. His escort left him waiting under an arch at the top of a split path. One route circled around to broad terraces where he could just make out a group of monks running a pattern dance. The other route followed closer to the edge of the building before twisting away under some trees. 

A guide took him to the edge of the first terrace where the Master he had met at the matches stood waiting. Junseo thanked his silent guide before offering a formal greeting to his host.

"I enjoyed yesterday's matches," the Master tried to put Junseo at ease. "I imagine it was quite a different experience for you."

"A bit since I did not quite know what to expect. It was interesting."

"I could tell you worked hard to stay in the prescribed forms."

"I guess not quite hard enough." Junseo's disappointment in himself had not reduced.

"Seeing the forms you are more comfortable using should help us get a clearer idea of what happened. I see you brought your kit. Why don't you get changed and join the second terrace?" It was not really a request. 

Before he went to get ready Junseo tried to explain how his practice set drew from different traditions so was a bit unconventional. The Master shrugged and pointed to the practice area. Junseo winced when he realized it sounded like he was making excuses so hurried away.

Once he got to the terrace, Junseo made is way to what he hoped was an inobtrusive spot. The arrangement of novices and adepts felt familiar enough that he was quickly able to center himself with the first of the sun salutations. One of the other masters gave him a grin and gestured for Junseo to continue.

At first, he felt a bit self-conscious. His regular movements worked like a counterpoint to the patterns the Sun Temple members were using. It did not take long, however, for the flows of his regular patterns to absorb his focus. As he notched up the speed and intensity of his moves his awareness of his surrounding sharpened.

His attention and reflexes were soon tested when the other students on the yard started tossing wooden balls around. He sensed one heading for his back so twisted to catch it and pass it along the circle. This was a game he had tried a few times at the Moon Temple but the speed of this one was less forgiving. As he started to tire, he stopped passing the balls that came his way back. He successfully juggled four before setting them on ground one at a time. Then he bowed like a player.

One of the students ran over to get the balls. "Please tell me you're staying. I haven't seen the masters laugh so hard in ages."

"I hope to visit and learn more from you. That's a wicked game." Junseo grinned and boy nodded back.

Junseo's guide appeared beside him and led him to guest quarters where he could change for what he was told would be a more formal interview. Junseo had to remind himself there was no reason to worry. If there was wrongdoing at the matches, he was the victim, not the perpetrator.