[Day 7, Late Morning] The Way We Were...

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Nikesake was bound to stir up some mixed feelings for any Crane, given the way relations with the Phoenix clan had sunk in the past few years. And to think, the spirits of Toshigoku would be here all too soon, and, outside the walls, these shrines could only be doomed.

Koushi payed his respects to the monk on duty at the Crane shrine and sought out the shrine to the Fortune of Redemption, where he began to pray, beseeching the Fortune to take this troubled Empire well in hand.

After a few moments, he closed out his connection with the shrine and stepped back on his heels, the lines of worry beginning to appear around his eyes.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

After a time, he heard steps behind him.

They stopped a few paces away, as if the person was willing to wait for him to finish his thoughts before approaching the shrine.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

A few moments more, and Koushi rose to his feet. As the serenity of prayer slipped away and he became more aware of his surroundings, he found himself bowing automatically to the Sparrow he had encountered the day before.

"Fortune's blessings, Suzume-sama," he said quietly in greeting.

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

Chihaya offered a bow in turn.

"And you as well, Doji-san. Have you had rice?"

She was dressed simply, in a white kimono with black sleeves and trim, which slowly faded upward, the dark ink narrowing into the form of tree branches painted over a snowy landscape. On one branche, over her left breast, a sparrow mon perched on a branch, with a single cherry blossom.

It was pretty, if a little rough, and marred by a handful of small patches around joins and hems, where time and rough living had taken their toll.

Her gaze seemed to be largely focused on the temple, with a somewhat mournful expression.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi inclined his head in the negative.

"I have not, Suzume-sama. I had responsibilities and memories to attend to first."

His gentle smile started to return. "I see you take an interest in the temple. Is this your first vicit?"

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Indeed."

She gazed at it, taking in the sight.

"I pray it isn't my last."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi's sad, dreamy look returned.

"Hai...it seems we will have to prepare to suffer wounds of many kinds before this is over."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Indeed, and they are likely to fall on those who least deserve it."

She looked at the monks, who doubtless would remain with their temple.

Turning her gaze back to the crane, she inquired, "You were part of the group which brought the refugees and letters to the port... yet instead are here... I can only assume something went very wrong."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi nodded slowly.

"Hai, the port was sacked before our arrival. They scuttled all of the vessels. Togashi Tsukimi led the refugees here while the rest of us returned to Toshi no Omoidasu to fight."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"I see."

She looked thoughtful. "Do we know who sacked the port? I hadn't been aware of the enemy branching out into multiple units."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

"Moto Baatar did some scouting, but it seems that whoever did it had gone some time before our arrival."

He hesitated. "I was surprised that we had not heard or seen anything from the city. The port was not so far removed from the town, and the refugees were as surprised as we were."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Indeed."

She pondered that in silence.

The unspoken worry that it wasn't spirits to blame... well, she'd best keep that to herself.

"Well, we shall have to adapt. It would've been better had these people been able to leave the path of the army, but at least here there is a fortification to hold them."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

This led to a new issue. His lips pursed a little.

"How...how well do you know the governor of Nikesake, Suzume-sama?"

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"I do not know her at all."

A simple response as she took in his reaction.

"You are concerned."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

"I am. Perhaps it is nothing, but I have heard of interesting public statements having been made. It has created a somewhat different atmosphere than that cultivated by Shimizu Kendo."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"I see."

Chihaya understood that much.

"There are many who are not certain what path they should take - not having seen what we have seen."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

"Just so. And, of course, the way in which these...alternate opinions are presented have a tendency to encourage others to go along with them. Fortifications are defended in the heart first, after all."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Yes, but I suspect this city will change their minds when they see what is coming, yet if everyone waits until the army is on their doorstep, then we will not organize a worthwhile response."

She sighed.

"I'm not sure we could evacuate this city as well."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi shook his head slowly. "No, I think not. This is a rather different animal than Toshi no Omoidoso."

Suzume Chihaya · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 3:29 pm **Posts:** 850

"Indeed... more defensible... and also less... dispensable."

Tucking her hands into her sleeves, feeling the cold fabric on her skin, she added, "While I want to believe this rain will slow our enemy, I doubt they will pause long."

[Day 7, Late Morning] The Way We Were...

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