Day 5, EE - The Crossroads at Sunset (open)

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane bows his head in thanks. He gently tosses the tree branch 'bokken' to his side, thinking for a moment that perhaps he should keep it, but he resists. Instead he sits in the grass and looks up at the Dragon.

"If Kitsuki-san wishes to answer, I would ask: What is it like to have traveled and seen things like the different styles? If it's not impolite to say, you seem more worldly than this simple soldier." It's clearly an earnest question, although it's a bit of a jump from dueling to... geography?

[Kitsuki Naida]

"Perhaps I am... though I always have trouble answering what something is like; For me to do that, I'd have to know what it's not like, and I don't remember any past lives, unfortunately. It's always interesting, to me, I can certainly say that much. Not always of course; There are a lot of quiet times just walking, and just as many being stuck at an inn or a checkpoint while proper papers are sorted out or gone over. But I wouldn't trade the freedom my lord allows me on my path for the world."

[Kakita Masao]

There's a look of envy in the Crane's eyes at her last words.

"Hmm," he says thoughtfully. "I had long thought I lived a life I would not trade. Freedom and choices were small things, and I was most comfortable in my duty." He sighs.

"Now some things have changed. I am... uncertain... what my life will come to be. And suddenly, the freedom of a choice sounds powerful."

[Kitsuki Naida]

"Powerful, yes. With choice comes responsibility for ones actions though. With a position, one has a reliable set of duties. I don't know from day to day what my lord will need from me next, which mean it can be unpredictable."

Finding a stump nearby, Naida at on it cross legged, tipping her hat up.



"You said you are not a yojimbo; Are your plans for now to advance in the armies of the Crane?"

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane grimaces, but he answers the question: "In short, I do not know the plan. Several months ago, I was third in line to inherit the governorship of Cold Wind City from my father. My eldest brother was to be there next governor. But he was killed by the Crab, and my other brother was seriously wounded in another battle. It could be, especially if my brother does not fully recover, that I will need to succeed my father. And, had I the choice, I would... pursue another path."

[Kitsuki Naida]

"I can understand that, given the circumstances. The Fortunes do not always bless us with freedom of circumstance though, and it seems they are forcing your hand."

[Kakita Masao]

The Crane chuckles sadly. "So it seems. But I pray the Fortunes every day four my brother to recover and live a long life as lord of Samui Kaze Toshi. I'm sure he had not planned for that possibility either: We were soldiers together." His voice is wistful. "Sango, the oldest of us, he would have been the best governor. Trained for it his whole life," he adds, with a bitter laugh.

[Kitsuki Naida]

"I'm sure everything that can be done will be. I will pray that it is enough; It seems you already have a lot to deal with as is, things getting worse would be a cruel fate."