Toshi no Omoidoso's walls are aesthetically pleasing, but that in no way diminishes their strength. The western gate still bears the design of a fiery phoenix printed upon its doors, a relic of the city's long history of Phoenix ownership, while the eastern gate has been repainted to show a roaring lion, engulfed in flames that do not harm it.

The lands beyond the gates are still covered with snow; though the new year has technically begun for the Empire, Toshi no Omoidoso remains in the grasp of winter. Some young Lion samurai tell stories of a snow maiden who haunts the area, stealing away young men from their intended brides, but the Phoenix insist that their lands were always prone to long winters (and that the snow maiden thing only happened "that one time").

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Angels in the hearts of men

As of Day 2 Early Evening, the city gates have been shut and barred. Hundreds of refugees still remain outside the city, begging to be let inside, shouting curses at the Lion for shutting them out, and pleading for food and shelter. The desperate shouts continue into the night as is grows colder and the voices become more hoarse and desperate.

_________________
Credulous at best
Your desire to believe in
Angels in the hearts of men

The western gates are opened on Day 3 in the Late Morning as hundreds of refugees are force-marched out of the city and and through the freezing rain, with the intent of guiding them to the port and the ships harbored there. Many more refugees, freezing and hungry in their makeshift camps outside the walls, join the procession.

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_________________
Credulous at best
Your desire to believe in
Angels in the hearts of men