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[i]Shikkaaaa...[/i] The rattle of acorns filled the forest paths as Itsuki wandered them feeling the flecks of sunlight break through the treetops. [i]Shikkaaaa...[/i] The small doll nestled on the back of his sash shook with every few steps. The acorns were particularly special to Itsuki, as they were gathered at the base of several sacred trees in the mumbling woods. He’d found them there after leaving his monthly offering to the kodama; something he’d done since he was young. It was only expected, of course. The kodama had saved his life when he was a babe. Though he’d never encountered a yokai as a young man, he took these small things; acorns, leaves landing on his head, or simply the cool breeze of the wind on a warm summer's day as proof that the spirits of the woods acknowledged him in some aspect. 

The winter had proven fruitful for Takao’s family. The village needed wood for fires, and with the forecast of the cold remaining, it meant work would be continuing its pace for the next few months. Itsuki was never fond of his family’s profession; how could someone saved by the [i]Kodama[/i] of all things be tasked with the felling of trees? It was why he took the important rituals of woodcutting; the ceremony, the planting of new trees and the offerings to the spirits so important. What if he cut into the home of the kodama that had saved him so many winters ago? What kind of cruel irony would that be!? 

[i]Shi...Shi...Shikaaaaa...[/i] 

Itsuki froze. That was not from his doll. He turned slowly, to gaze at the treetops that slowly swayed in the leaves. Was that…[i]a shadow of a yokai?[/i] Or simply a trick of the light? Regardless, Itsuki felt a great wave of electricity rise through him. Excitement. The tree that had moved lacked any important signage that a Kodama lived inside, but still, Itsuki knelt down in reverence, burying a small trinket near the roots of the tree. Soon it would be spring, the time of new life in the natural world. Perhaps the Kodama were preparing for its arrival just as the villagers were. 

[i]Shikaaaa…[/i] The sound was fainter now as the cold breeze dissipated into the morning. Itsuki got back to his feet and began his walk through the paths towards the village. There was much to be done today, especially concerning the morning deliveries. He held up the small scroll detailing the rounds his father had given him: [i]The Takamori Estate. The Signkeeper’s Tower. The Blacksmith. The Shrine.[/i] 

Itsuki sighed. [i]Of course his father had given him the important rounds today.[/i] As he walked down the path towards the village, he stopped by a small hut. [i]His family’s hut.[/i] He’d set out his basket and supplies early, long before the sun rose so he could pay his respects to the Kodama. But now, as morning truly broke, there were expectations to be met. And important villagers to deliver to. 

He hefted the basket, filled to the brim with firewood, onto his back, as if he was caring a small pack over his shoulder. Years of working with his family had built his strength up, at the very least. He began walking down the path into the village proper. 

[i]No time to dawdle now…[/i] 

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