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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Aug 27, 2017 1:07:26 GMT 10
Not an update, just Majid in his shugenja gear with the meishodo
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Aug 28, 2017 1:37:35 GMT 10
They broke camp and left the same day, making steady progress towards Shiro Moto. The mood was sombre. Harun rode in the lead, Majid behind him leading Zetsubou’s horse, riderless. Zetsubou’s body had been secured safely in one of the ox carts, wrapped in blankets. Snow started to fall and an icy wind picked up as they rode west, which didn’t help the mood. Harun was grateful when Shiro Moto came in sight. As they proceeded through the camp, the riderless horse did not go unnoticed. A few people questioned them, but they didn’t stop, not until they reached the guest camp. A few people came out to meet them when they arrived, Kousuda, Kouta, Hokori. But they stopped, shocked. Kousuda looked stricken. “Harun, is it…” Harun nodded gravely. Majid carried Zetsubou’s body to the yurt that the Lion delegation shared. Ikoma Sesuke, his yojimbo, came out, his face grave. He bowed his head as Zetsubou was carried past. Kousuda started to walk towards him, but Harun rode off. He couldn’t face anyone, not tonight.
Harun passed a fretful night with little sleep. And when he did sleep, his dreams were troubled. He saw Zetsubou, sprawled out on the snow, lifeless. He saw Majid, his black and white face paint looking terrifying in the dawn light. And he saw his father, his face vanishing before Harun’s eyes. He woke with the grey dawn and dressed, pulling the hood of his cloak over heads head when he went outside into the whirling snow. Fighting through the icy wind, he sought shelter within the walls of the shiro. Inside the walls there was a little less wind, but there were few people about that day. The few that were heading for the tenshukaku or the tea house. Then he saw a lamp, a circle of light in the whirling snow. It was Gimu the monk, he looked indifferent to the weather, heading into the shrine as if it were any other day. Hikahime…he looked up to see name written on nobori flags outside the shrine, fluttering furiously in the wind. Harun went in. Inside, Gimu was making tea on a small brazier. He looked up. “Ah, Kakita-sama, will you join me?” “I don’t mean to intrude, Gimu-san,” said Harun. “Nonsense, the weather is called and your presence is no intrusion,” said the monk. “Then I will join you,” said Harun, sitting on the bare stone next to Gimu. The warmth of the brazier felt good. So did the tea which Gimu gave to him in plain earthenware cups. Strong and robust, like the Moto made it. “I’m worried that there’s something wrong, drinking tea inside a shrine,” said Harun. “If it was, this one doubts that she would mind,” said Gimu, nodding to the scroll of Hikahime hanging on the wall above the prayer sticks. Harun managed a small smile, remembering what she had said to him. How are you going to fight for the Legion way out here? she had said. How are you going to take Toshi Ranbo? Such big pronouncements, he hardly felt equal to them. “Did you know her, Gimu-san?” Harun asked, then remembered that such questions to a monk were rather impertinent. “My apologies, it’s just that…I met her yesterday, just before Zetsubou died.” “No apologies are needed, Kakita-sama,” said Gimu. “This one has known someone who has met her.” He smiled wistfully. “Knew her very well, he did.” He cleared his throat. “Tell me what happened.” Harun told the monk everything, far more than he had intended. But it felt good to talk about it. Made it more real and easier to deal with. Gimu listened patiently, filling Harun’s cup up. “That is quite a tale, Kakita-sama,” he said. “You came here on one wind, it appears that you will leave on another.” Harun nodded, sipping his tea. “It seems right, now, to leave,” he said. “I think I needed to hear it, but I didn’t think it would come from the shryo of my father.” He looked down into his cup. “I could have belonged out here, far away from everything.” “Duty,” said Gimu with a nod. “Duty is, not chosen. And sometimes in a way we don’t like.” “Zetsubou said that,” said Harun with a sad smile. “His duty…” He choked up…” “He knew his duty, Kakita-sama,” said Gimu. “And now you know yours, you would do the same no doubt.” Harun nodded, it was instilled in every samurai. To be an instrument of your lord’s will, to be ready to die. “Fighting with the legion,” said Gimu, looking at Hikahime’s picture. “You will do well, Kakita-sama. She knew best.”
Gimu’s words were a balm to Harun. He found he could look forward, as Zetsubou would have wanted. The weather broke, grew miler. Harun was able to go riding with Majid. They didn’t speak much, the silence served as solace to both of them. As the weather grew milder, the thaws began. And with the thaws came the first new shoots of spring green. Harun smiled through his tears. They had succeeded, the lands had been cleaned and Zetsubou’s death had not been in vain. The Kitsune and Morishita between them made the garden inside the shiro courtyard grow with maple trees, fir and a cherry blossom. It would not be long until they left now, court was winding up. He had managed to talk with Kousuda and Kouta about the ritual, but they were busy finalising the treaties with the Unicorn and Crane and had little time. “Come around on the last night,” Kousuda said. “We can talk before we leave.” There were a few things to be attended to before that. He went to the Utaku camp and asked after Asuna. When he arrived, he was told she wasn’t there. Harun sighed, he should have expected this. “Please convey my good wishes for her future,” said Harun. “And my apologies. I treated her badly, she deserves much better. And give her this.” He gave the Utaku a small sprig of maple, taken from the new tree. Maple for great blessings, Harun thought as he walked away, sometimes the Crane know how to say difficult things without words. He turned to look back just before he was out of sight. He could see her, peering out of one of the yurts. They met eyes for a brief moment, he made a slight bow towards her and then walked away.
The next morning a low mist hung over Shiro Moto, Harun was on his way to the dojo when he saw something that caused him to stop. Gimu, coming out of the walls of the Shiro, holding a lamp. On his other side he was supporting someone. Tall, bearded, and with a limp. Chinua, Harun realised. Should he approach? Moto Tengri came out, leading Chinua’s horse. He and Gimu helped Chinua to mount. They talked, no longer than a moment, then Gimu and Tengri bowed low. “Kuirichitai,” said Majid’s voice. He came to stand beside Harun. “The last ride.” Chinua rode off, disappearing into the morning mist. He did not look back.
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Post by Shinwa on Aug 28, 2017 9:44:54 GMT 10
I really enjoyed this chapter. Chinua riding off was particularly poignant. He had finished his great task at last.
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Aug 28, 2017 10:00:02 GMT 10
Thank Sean for that, he told me ages ago that was what Chinua would do when he could no longer lead the Unicorn. He did what he set out to do, then left the clan in the hands of a younger man.
And with Gimu/Taigo. That could have even been him there as Champion, but you can't choose your destiny
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Aug 28, 2017 19:47:51 GMT 10
The last days of court brought a lot of last minute activity. Packing to be done, farewells to be said. Last kumis passed around and dances around the fire. Harun knew he had to leave, but he was sorry to. One day, he promised himself, I will bring Arahime out here. She had as much Unicorn blood as I do, she will understand. One who was not leaving, and was quite happy not to be was Yukari. Now Moto Yukari, she would be joining the Khol alongside her husband and stepdaughter. “So, it’s going to be you rides to conquer the Unicorn lands,” Harun teased. Yukari gave him a friendly punch on the arm. She had fully embraced wearing the bare-armed leather tunics of the Moto and had tied her hair back in many braids. “As long as I get to ride and fight and drink kumis,” she said. “You’re an idiot for not staying, must have been that father of yours.” “Well, it was the Crane one at least,” said Harun. “You’re a damn fool for leaving, Harun,” she said. “But you’re as stubborn as your mother, so I will miss having you around.” Isanko and Janisha came to Harun’s yurt for tea. The girl was enthralled to finally be inside one, and listened intently as Harun told the story of the ritual. And of Zetsubou’s death. “I liked him,” she said simply. “He was kind to me, and had kind eyes.” Janisha had one more thing to reveal about Harun’s father Nakura. “There was something else that he promised, but he never managed to do,” she said. “Kitsune Mori was destroyed by the Kaiu during the war. Nakura made a vow before the entire Imperial Court that he would devote his retirement to its recovery and see that his heirs did as well.” “And that’s me,” said Harun. “That is, if I have any heirs or live to see retirement.” “You are the last of your bloodline, Harun,” said Janisha. “You need to make sure that happens.” When Isanko and Janisha left, Harun promised Isanko that he would write and visit when he could. And again, he marvelled that one day that that nine year old girl would one day be Empress of Rokugan. Perhaps another story for those heirs I don’t have yet, he thought.
On the last evening Harun went over to the guest camp, walking past the Lion yurt where he knew Zetsubou’s body was. He entered the Crane yurt where Kousuda received him. “Harun, it was good of you to come,” said Kousuda, shaking hands warmly. “I must apologise, the end of any court is always a rush to get things done.” “No need, oji-san,” said Harun. “We all have our duty.” “Indeed,” agreed Kousuda, noting Harun’s seriousness. They sat down, Kousuda provided generous but simple fare. Miso soup, yakitori chicken skewers, steamed nikumun buns filled with miso-flavoured rice. And finally, tea and daifuku. “I thought you would have wanted to have meat on the last night,” said Harun. Kousuda chuckled. “I got a supply of jerky that should tide me over for a while, but don’t tell anyone. Did you manage to try some at all?” “Yes, at Yukari’s wedding,” said Harun. “It seems so silly now, such a small thing after what has happened.” He looked into his cup. “I suppose you know now what has happened.” Kousuda nodded gravely. “Majid told me, he said you were with Zetsubou,” he said. “That must have been difficult, Harun.” “I was spared from…doing it myself,” said Harun. “Zetsubou had asked me, but I think was better.” He took a sip of tea. “He asked me to go to Lion lands. Take his body, see his brother.” “Majid also said that you saw Hikahime-no-fortune and your father Nakura,” said Kousuda. “Yes,” said Harun. “I didn’t expect that at all, it seems so strange…people have told me about him, but to meet him myself…” “Treasure it, Harun,” said Kousuda. “But don’t let it hold you back.” “I won’t, oji-san,” said Harun. “And yes, I did see Hikahime-no-fortune. You knew her, didn’t you?” “I did,” said Kousuda with a nod. “And I am very happy you have as well. I worked with her at the Winter Court at Shiro Mirumoto. So did your mother, Doji Arami-sama and Zetsubou’s brother Akodo Kibo. They drafted the treaties that secured the Shogunate and the Last Legion, what became the Emerald Legions.” “The Shogunate?” Harun asked. “You mean, Akodo Kano?” Kousuda nodded. “But why?” Harun asked, incredulously. “Politics,” answered Kousuda simply. “You understand what it was like then, Harun. It was a time of chaos and famine. The Onyx had taken much of the empire but there were those who had risen up to strike back. One of those was Akodo Kano, the other was the Last Legion. It’s unthinkable now that anything like this could happen, but the thing is they already had. We were fighting for our own survival, and so many were starving. So we had to use the tools we were given. That meant compromise, and that meant Kano.” “Did you know then what could happen?” Harun said. “That Kano would rebel?” “We knew it was a distinct possibility,” said Kousuda. “But again, we needed him and had to support him to get the Legion legitimised. Your mother spent a long night with Hikahime, putting all sorts of restrictions of what Kano could and couldn’t do. And to further safeguard things we, or rather your mother, put forward Karasu’s name to be Emerald Champion.” “He told me about that,” said Harun. “It was the day after my father was killed, but she still stood in front of the whole court and put his name forward.” Kousuda nodded. “She also saved Hikahime’s life, I supposed she didn’t tell you that when you saw her yourself.” Harun shook his head. “There was some sort of incident with the Onyx, one of their yojimbo had tried to assassinate the Jade Champion,” Kousuda said. “Hikahime just happened to be there and saved the Jade Champion’s life, killing the assassin. Then she was on trial because she killed him with a katana.” Kousuda took a sip of tea and then continued. “I remember, your mother was frantic, if Hikahime died there was a fair chance that the Legion would rebel. She eventually got us into the trial, before the Emperor himself.” Harun’s eyebrows shot up. “Before the Emperor? How?” “Through Chinua, I think,” Kousuda said. “But when we were there, we hardly had to say anything at all. Lord Mirumoto Shikei, he was Champion of the Dragon Clan then, basically said everything we had come to much better and with far more authority. So we just let him and sat there watching the show. Between Lord Shikei and the treaty, which had backdated the Legion to always being Imperial, Hikahime was set free.” He gave a small smile. “Yamada had never been to a court before, the Utaku avoid the courts. Yet with her as delegation head, we accomplished all our goals. She saw to her duties to the Unicorn clan, and to you…but she lost everything she gained for herself.” “Zetsubou told me that she wanted to return home,” Harun said. “Now that I have been here, I understand why.” “I do hope,” said Kousuda sadly, “that one day, when it is all over with Michio and the Black Hand, that she will.”
Before he left the guest camp, Harun went in to the Lion yurt. Zetsubou was lying on a futon, wrapped up with a blanket, his eyes closed and his face peaceful as if he were sleeping. Majid was also there. “I thought I might find you here,” said Harun. “I guess this is where we part?” “Not yet, not that easily,” said Majid. “You will see me at Shiro sano Ken Haya, no dount the Lion will turn out in force for the funeral of one of their heroes.” Harun looked down at Zetsubou’s peaceful face. “I hope so, his sacrifice shouldn’t be forgotten.” “We will remember,” said Majid. “And we can make sure that Zetsubou is not forgotten, by telling everyone about him. How he lived, how he died. Then they will know too and can tell others.” “Zetsubou would not have liked that,” Harun said slyly. “Well, we can’t always get what we want,” said Majid. “And we certainly can’t control how we are remembered.” He handed Harun a satchel full of letters. “Better for you to do that than me, I’m going to look very out of place in Lion lands. Not, that that won’t stop meeting you there.”
And so the next day, when the sky was clear and the first signs of grass were beginning to appear through the snow, Harun left Unicorn lands. He travelled with Ikoma Sesuke, the Lion riding in the ox cart where Zetsubou’s body was secured. They went east, following the river. At Sesuke’s request, they stopped at the place where Zetsubou had died. The torii arch and stone platform were still sanding. It was perfectly peaceful with no sign at all of what had happened there. The next day they continued on, crossing the river near Kaeru Toshi and entering the lands of the Lion Clan.
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Sept 3, 2017 14:51:30 GMT 10
Much of the Lion lands had been overrun by the Onyx hordes, but there were signs of recovery and repair. It took them a few days of heading north to get to Shiro sano Ken Haya—the Castle of the Swift Sword. They rested in inns when they could and beneath the wagon when they couldn’t. They arrived at the castle in the early afternoon, Shiro sano Ken Haya was impressive and size and majesty. Its tall white walls, the many different buildings, towers and yellow flags flurring in the wind. It was a sight to see. On the battlements, they could see sentries on patrol and alert. So alert that a party of bushi came out to meet them. They questioned Harun, but when they showed a little Zetsubou had written in the event of this, stamped with his chop, things were less tense. It not only got their attention, but a full escort to the castle. Once inside, the Kitsu took custody of Zetsubou’s body. Sesuke went with them and Harun was shown to guest quarters. He knew he probably should bathe and rest, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to relax until he had done what he had come to do. He asked a servant where he might find Akodo Kibo.
Harun was directed to the senseis’ chambers, small spartan rooms not far from the Swift Sword Dojo. Most of them were unoccupied as classes were currently in session, but lounging in the doorway of one of the rooms was a lioness. It was massive, with golden fur, powerful paws and sharp claws. It reminded Harun a little of the Kitsu he had seen at the ritual. It was sleeping, its head between its outstretched paws like a temple guardian. Had it seen him? Was it the right room? Harun tried to peep inside to see if the room was occupied, but a noren door curtain blocked it out. A woman’s voice hissed at him in a loud whisper. “Who are you, and what are you doing here?” Harun quickly turned, his hand instinctively going to his daisho. He was face to face with a young woman not that much older than he was. She wore the yellow kimono of the Lion Clan with the mons of the Akodo family and the Matsu beast master school in brown. And on her face, was the fury of a protective lioness. Fortunately, Harun was able to able to rely on his court training. It gave you a script when you didn’t know what to say. “I am Kakita Harun, Akodo-san,” he said, bowing a little deeper than perhaps was warranted. “I have come from Shiro Moto bearing the missives from Akodo Zetsubou-sama, Sodan Senzo and Jade Magistrate.” “What?” asked the woman, the lioness at their feet made a low growl, so for his own sake Harun decided to explain more. “I come on Akodo Zetsubou-sama’s instructions to bring you these,” he said, holding out the satchel to her. “That’s impossible, he is dead,” she said coldly. “I know, Akodo-san,” Harun said, looking into her eyes so she could see he was in earnest. “I was with him when he died.” She looked him up and down, looking from the satchel to him and back again. “You just arrived with his body, didn’t you?” Harun nodded. She looked at him again, confused. “What did you say your name was again?” “Kakita Harun, Akodo-san,” he said. “I am the son of Kakita Karasu.” There was a flash of recognition and surprise that went over her face. “Wait…no,” she said. “You’re Utaku Yamada’s son, aren’t you?” Now it was Harun’s turn to be surprised. “Yes…how did you know?”’ “My father knew your mother, he knew her very well. He told me about her, and you,” she said, all the anger and hostility disappearing from her. “My apologies, I am Akodo Miraiko, daughter of Akodo Kinbo.” “I am honoured to meet you, Akodo Miraiko-san,” said Harun with a bow. “It is your father I have come to see.” “My father cannot see anyone, Kakita-san,” said Miraiko defensively. “He has been taken ill and needs rest to recover, kami-willing.” “Nevertheless,” said Harun, a hint of steel entering his voice. “I am honour-bound to see him.” The two samurai stared at each other, like duellists who had reached an impasse that neither were willing to concede. We can bend of we can break, thought Harun. Fortunately, they didn’t need to do either. There was a stir inside the room, a low voice calling out. The lioness in the doorway rose to its feet, looking up at Miraiko. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply. “Wait here,” she said, going inside. Harun peered around the curtain. He could see Miraiko kneeling beside a futon, leaning over and speaking softly to someone lying on it. What surprised Harun was the gentleness she showed, a complete contrast to the barely restrained hostility she had shown to him. She returned, speaking to Harun in a low tone. “He says you can come in,” she said, sounding reluctant. “But not for long, not now.” “I understand,” Harun said, following her inside. Harun wasn’t sure what to expect to see when he entered the room. He had gotten to know Zetsubou well in his time at Shiro Moto, but the Sodan Senzo had not spoken of his brother. Would he see something like Zetsubou’s red hair and Lion eyes? Judging by his daughter, it was unlikely. Lying in that bed was a man that seemed to be in his forties, but looked much older. There were lines on his face, and grey in his hair. But these were from the stress of battle, the grief of losing men. Not age, not time. And there were the scars, far too many that should have been on a man still living. But that wasn’t all there was there, there was also the illness Miraiko had spoken of. There was a weakness in his right hand so that Miraiko had to help him left a cup to his mouth. When he spoke, the words seemed thick as if effort was needed to form them. Harun wanted to cry. He remembered Kibo, a little, he had been one of his father’s staff officers. And, he remembered now, he had led a handpicked squad of bushi on dangerous missions, the Golden Company. Such a mighty lion, brought so low. Harun knelt beside the futon and bowed low from the waist. “I am honoured that you were able to see me, Akodo-sama,” he said. “I have come on the instructions of your brother, Akodo Zetsubou-sama.” “Harun…” said Kibo, his voice was weak and low. “You were with…Zetsubou.” “Yes,” said Harun, “I was with him when he died. Miraiko flashed Harun a vicious look. Oh no, thought Harun, she hasn’t told him… “No need to…tell me,” Kibo said. “I knew, and I knew…you would come.” “He said it would you to see me,” Harun said. “You knew my mother, and he said you would need friends.” Kibo sighed. “Yamada…” His eyes glazed over. “Perhaps it’s…best she isn’t here.” He started coughing, Miraiko helped him drink some more water. “Father, you need to rest, I am sure this can all wait until the morning,” she said. “Of course,” said Harun, he put down the satchel. “I will leave these here. Thank you again for seeing me, Akodo-sama.” “No…” said Kibo. “Thank you, Harun.”
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Sept 12, 2017 14:29:17 GMT 10
Sorry for the lack of update, these past few days have been very busy. Things should quiet down after the weekend though
Shiro sano Ken Hayai was the ruling seat of the Kitsu family, built on the bones of the first five of the Kitsu race. However, it was the Akodo family that administered the castle and province, allowing the Kitsu family to fully dedicate themselves to their higher purpose as the guardians of the souls of the Lion Clan. And this was well needed, as the castle was in a strategic location for the deployment of the Lion armies. It was also the location of the largest and most prestigious Akodo dojo as well as the Akodo War College. Many renowned samurai had both trained and taught within its walls. Harun heard a lot of this and more when he went up onto the walls and found Akodo Takara, the same one that he had bested in the last round of the Topaz Championship the previous spring. It felt good to be up there, in the open air and to talk about more normal things. “I’ve been stationed here since then,” he told Harun. “But things will be moving once the summer begins, once the mustering.” “You’re going to see some action?” Harun asked. Takara nodded with a smile. “You told me you wanted to get in the Emerald Legion, perhaps we will see each other.” “Perhaps,” said Harun, returning his nod. Things were moving, always moving. Spring was arriving, and after that summer, the season of war.
The next morning a note was sent to Harun’s room. So, after a wash, and a light meal, Harun went to Akodo Kibo’s office. The room was small and sparsely furnished, but it did have a window that looked out onto the courtyard garden below. In front of it in a small vase on a small table was an ikebana arrangement: a small snowdrop, a white chrysanthemum and a small yellow daffodil. Kibo was seated behind the desk, propped up by kyusoku armrests. He looked slightly more alert than when Harun had seen him the previous day. Though there still the weakness in his right hand, apparent when he put down his calligraphy brush. “Harun-san, please, come-in,” he said, gesturing him to sit opposite. He sounded a little more confident today, but there was still the effort, the deliberateness. The surroundings reminded Harun very much of the Kakita Academy, like when he was summoned to the Master Sensei Kenshin’s office for discipline. Tradition surrounded them, unchanged no matter who occupied this room. And this was actually a little curious. How, amongst all this, did his mother Yamada fit? He knew the Unicorn had traditions, but they were their own and they also favoured practicality. Harun doubted that many Lion would agree with that. And then there was Zetsubou, different again. It was a tangle. Harun had many questions, but he knew that he would be the one providing the answers. At least, right now. Tea was brought, Kibo poured with his left hand, and with a little difficulty. “I have heard a little…about you,” the Lion said. “Kakita Academy…Topaz Champion. You…bested one of my students.” “Akodo Takara?” Harun said, “Yes, I was talking to her earlier.” “That must have taken…some skill,” Kibo said. “Perhaps I should see for myself before you leave. Miraiko could…certainly use some ‘humbling’.” “Did you spar with my mother, Akodo-sama?” Harun asked. Kibo nodded, sipping his tea with a little difficulty, but with more success than the previous day. “It was the day before court began,” he said. “Each of us had beaten twice…and in the final round we both refused to give in and…my bokken broke.” He smiled a little, remembering. “It sort of symbolised…the conflict between us. Two samurai unwilling to yield, but one of us had to.” “Do you mean the Legion?” Harun asked. “Akodo Kano?” Kibo frowned at the mention of the name. “ Yes, Kano,” he said quietly. “We had plans…frightening ones. But we weren’t the only ones with those…” He looked off into space. “Now the Legion…it might not still have existed now without Yamada…but how she did it, isn’t really a model for a courtier.” He managed a small smile. “Your father, Kakita Karasu, did he tell you of Hikahime-no-fortune?” Harun smiled. “He said,” he said, then added. “And, I met her.” Kibo stared at him. “Was this…with Zetsubou?” Harun nodded again. “She is in the Blessed Guard,” he said. “But she wasn’t one for veneration.” “That sounds like her,” said Kibo, nodding. For a moment there was a silence between them, but Harun knew what needed to be said. “I was with Zetsubou when…when he died,” Harun said. “Though, that is hardly the best way to say what happened.” “Tell me,” said Kibo. Harun told him, relating the best he could what had happened. He knew what we would say would pale in comparison to anything Majid said when he eventually arrived. Harun kept his eyes averted for the most part, but every so often he stole or look at the Lion sensei’s face. But it was blank, unreadable. When Harun was finished, Kibo was silent for a long time. ”Thank you, Harun-san,” Kino said at last. “No thanks are necessary, Akodo-sama,” said Harun. “I am only performing a duty as promised.” “Yes…you have,” said Kibo. “But…that is not all…you have done.” He looked tired now, tired and old. Harun politely excused himself, Kibo dismissed him with a nod. A servant came in to the room as Harun left.
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Post by Shinwa on Sept 13, 2017 2:23:55 GMT 10
I liked this chapter. Especially the interaction with Takara, actually, though the interaction with Kibo was good too.
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Post by Kasuga Naosuko on Sept 13, 2017 3:19:21 GMT 10
To me it speaks a lot about the differences between the generations. A generation that invested everything they were into the future. Many knowing that they probably wouldn't see the fruits of that investment, but confident that such a future would be better than the world they were given.
And now that future is manifesting for their descendants. That era is ending, and a new one is beginning. Not one of war and desperate sacrifice but one of peaceful reconstruction and quiet contemplation.
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Sept 13, 2017 11:07:21 GMT 10
That could be difficult though, we had not just one but two generations who grew up in the shadow of a war. That sort of legacy is hard to get rid of.
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Post by Kasuga Naosuko on Sept 13, 2017 21:40:15 GMT 10
It is, but at least Harun's generation will have the chance to emerge from that shadow. There is still some work to be done, the war is not over, but there is an end in sight.
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Sept 13, 2017 22:21:26 GMT 10
Jeanne and I have had many conversations about how the world will be after the war. I don't think we are going to get very far into it in-story. We will probably have sort of of summary at the conclusion of the stories. There will be two to follow this. One written by me, one jointly written.
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Post by Shinwa on Sept 14, 2017 0:02:12 GMT 10
What interests me is the wide variety of sacrifices that are necessary. It is not always easy or obvious, and some might consider the sacrifices of another not even much of a sacrifice, while to the one making the sacrifice, it could be everything. But yes, in Chasing the Wind, things are winding down. There is an end in sight. That gets closer in Ditched, and closer still in the other two stories.
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Post by Hida Tetsuko on Sept 14, 2017 0:27:40 GMT 10
And what must be sacrificed. Sometimes sacrificing your life is easier than living with the sacrifice you made.
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Post by Kasuga Naosuko on Sept 14, 2017 7:34:10 GMT 10
I think the quote was something like.. "Dying for a cause is easy. Living for one takes work."
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