[Day 6 - EA] Reflection

[Oturi Yuahime]

Yuahime had come to the beach to reflect on so any things, the loss of her mother, the betrayals of her family, and the fact she was now positioned to succeed her mother. A position she never sought, or even considered and now she bore the burden.

She watched the waves crash against the red-brown sands.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

Hifumi stood with her. Dango had scampered off to play in the sand.

"I am sorry, Oturi-sama. I know this must weigh heavily on you."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"It isn't how I expected my warrior's journey to end," she said solemnly.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"A new journey begins." she nodded. "I would like to accompany you for part of it, if I may. There are still challenges ahead and I wish to see you overcome them."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"Do you simply wished to witness, Fuzake-san?" she asked.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

She shook her head. "What I have foreseen predicts a grim future for the Empire. No samurai should simply watch that happen. It also suggests that sides will be chosen. I will side with you, Oturi-sama."

[Oturi Yuahime]

Yuahime said to the Monkey samurai, “I will have to get used to always looking to the next danger. I am glad you have chosen to side with me, once the marriage is done I will have to move quickly to hopefully head off any complications. Best if my brother does not get time to consolidate whatever victory he thinks he has made.”

“This road may be bloody, but I will strive to minimize barbarism. There has already been too much conflict.”

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"That is why you were chosen." she nodded. "But, we will do what we must. You have my sight and my sword."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"Chosen," she repeated as she looked off at the sea.

"It is a bit overwhelming to have so much happen so quickly, it seems silly but I had hoped to see my mother again when I returned to show her how much I had grown. It is a bit hard for one to be both Empress and parent I think."

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"I cannot imagine how difficult either might be." she agreed. "I suspect they offer a unique perspective of things, the needs of your Empire and the capabilities of your family. The Empress believed in you, as do others here."

[Oturi Yuahime]

She chuckled and said, "I do not suddenly feel any different but maybe that will come with time. It does give me a bit of Courage to know that others feel as you do. We have a come a long way from the lands of Sparrow in so short a time, Fuzake-san, and I must thank you gain if not for your visions things would very different for me, for the Empire I guess."

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"I warned you then, that changing destiny is not easy. I fear there are still many dangers ahead for you and the Empire." she cautioned. "If you were targeted for death, then its likely that the decision to name you heir was known by others who did not like that choice."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"I was thinking the same, would be well to have someone at my side who I can rely on as friend and seer?" she said turning her gaze back to her friend.

"Would you be willing to join me at the Capitol?"

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"Hai." she nodded. "I will stand with you for as long as you need me."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"That could be a long time, Fuzake-san," she said to the woman.

"Good folks that one can trust are a rare species of being in the Capitol. It's a beautiful and treacherous place."

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"For as long as you need." she repeated. "It would please me. If the Capitol is so treacherous, however, it may be wise to bring more friends with you."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"I was thinking that, have any suggestions?" she asked.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"I have not had much interaction with the others." she admitted. "Ikoma-san seemed quite concerned with your safety, as did Bayushi-san. But, I have only seen either in passing, since our arrival. The ronin, Yoko? She seemed concerned for you to, but I've not really talked to her. Everything that happened with the local curse became the main topic of most gatherings I attended over the last few days."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"Who gave their aid to fighting the Curse?" she asked.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"The meeting I attended yesterday was organized by Kakita Konohamaru." she explained. "Another Crane was there, an Asahina. Yoko-san was there, as well, and another ronin, Yue. There was a Bayushi, too, and Kitsuki Naida. The meeting was primarily to gather information, however. I believe it was Kakita Konohamaru-sama who was involved in the actual resolution of the curse."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"I recall seeing him there with Ikoma-san," she said thoughtfully.

"Otomo Saisei made a great sacrifice at the end, but the others acted above and beyond what is expected of them."

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"Agreed." she nodded. "They are true heroes."

[Oturi Yuahime]

"The Empire needs heroes," she said with a nod.

[Fuzake Hifumi]

"As do you." she added. After a moment of thought she said, "Would you like me to perform a reading of my yarrow stalks?"

[Oturi Yuahime]

"As do you." she added. After a moment of thought she said, "Would you like me to perform a reading of my yarrow stalks?"

"I would be honored," she responded.