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

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

"Much depends on how long Suzume-dono was able to hold. He may have bought us tomorrow, but the next day may be too much to hope for."

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

(I assume you mean Shimizu)

"Hai, or perhaps, if he is stubborn enough, the enemy will simply circumnavigate the city. Speed is a great advantage for the usurper, one I suspect he would be loathe to give up, just for one city."

Nodding toward the horizon, she added, "I believe we will be seeing the enemy soon - not today, but soon."

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

[That's precisely what I meant! Oops!]

And then Koushi embroidered the subject.
"Suzume-sama...are you familiar with the legend of these shrines?"

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

"I am not."

A simple response, which invited either more or less information, it was hard to tell.

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

"Hmm. Well, I am sure one of the monks here would be happy to share it with you, if you have an interest."

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

She raised an eyebrow. "Do you know it, Doji-san?"

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

Koushi blinked. "Of course, but I wouldn't want to impose. I am no great storyteller, in any case."

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

"It is no imposition, and obviously the tale behind these shrines had some relevance to you."

She nodded, "Please, indulge me."

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

"These shrines were built to honor the establishment of the alliance between the Crane and the Phoenix when it was first inked. It was said then that our commitment to each other would only break when these temples were no more."

He tilted his head. "In spite of the cold that has grown between our clans, I have always hoped for a thaw. As long as these two stood."

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

"I see."

She gazed at the two buildings, and then turned her contemplation to the horizon.

"And now... that future is in jeopardy."

Arms crossed, she seemed lost in thought, letting a silence fall between them.

Finally, after a long break, she stated, simply, "These temples are symbols of an old friendship. When you create a new one, you will build new temples, to honor it - and with any luck, they might be built alongside these."

If these are still standing...

Kayou · **Joined:** Wed Apr 01, 2020 2:51 pm **Posts:** 419

In the background. Kayou lights another incense stick to the Kami of Redemption and continues her prays and chants, seeking guidance.

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

"I hope that the new owners will permit it." Koushi sighed. "Still, your words give me some hope, and I thank you for it, Suzume-sama."

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

Chihaya just nodded.

"Do not forget that the kami entrusted the empire to the living - it is the way of the Empire that all generations eventually pass the duty of conservation, but also creation, to those who follow them."

She gestured to the two temples with her left hand, adding, "When something is unmade, we choose how to make it anew."

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

Koushi smiled.

"Wise words, Suzume-sama." He bowed slowly. "And with them, I ought to take my leave. The immediate future takes precedence, and my sword arm needs to be a little quicker if I am to serve in the way my clan needs at the moment."

"Carry the Fortunes, Suzume-sama."

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

Chihaya pondered that response, giving a small bow of parting, "Carry the fortunes, Doji-san."

Sword arm a bit quicker... to deal with the spirits... or the offended living?

A mystery for another time, perhaps.

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

/exit.

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

Another came to the temple, clad in crimson and black of the Scorpion, a white fox mask over their face revealed as soon as they were inside to remove their wide straw hat.

A bow was given to the other samurai there, but it wouldn't surprise Kitamaru to be unnoticed, walking to the shrine proper silently.

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

Chihaya, it seemed, had a sensitivity toward Scorpion slinking nearby, and turned to the man as he entered and bowed, nodding a greeting but otherwise giving him a quick scan.

She hadn't met this one before.

Best to be cautious.

Shosuro Kitamaru · **Joined:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:12 pm **Posts:** 265

The polite greeting of a Sparrow at a shrine did not appear to be the greatest danger Kitamaru had faced. The nod was noted.

"Come to pray, Sparrow? Join this one called Kitamaru of the Shosuro, if it please you."

Now it was his turn to nod, and he continued to attend the shrine, thankful that some monk was already there lighting devotions. A short bow of thanks to Kayou followed.

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

Surprisingly rude, this one.

"I had come to offer devotions, yes."

Expression neutral, she strode over to the Scorpion.

"This one is Suzume Chihaya, clan Shoi and Sensei."

An interesting contrast to the other Scorpion she had recently met. It seemed they were truly a clan of eccentrics.

"Does the day find you well, Shosuro-san?"

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

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