Hidden 9 mos ago Post by Supermaxx
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Supermaxx dumbass

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As the sun rose across the western mountains of the Heiwadani Valley, a dove took flight from her nest. She soared above the treetops of the Mumbling Wood, where the Kodama were just beginning to shake themselves awake with the dawn. Frost covered their leaves, a final present from winter as it gave way to spring. Those tree spirits groaned out greetings to one another in a language more ancient than men. Other, smaller animals scurried from their dens to get an early start on the day's foraging. A pack of fūri- feline, monkey-like beasts with more arms than sense- leapt from branch to branch and cried out in voices eerily close to human speech if not for a certain, monstrous quality to them. The dove knew to keep well clear of the pack. It veered to north, where it joined briefly with a flock of other birds headed toward the mountains. There was safety in numbers, after all.

The dove broke off from the flock to crest the mountains, carried on wings that could not tire. It glimpsed the world beyond the valley, illuminated by the early morning light. The sight filled even its heart with an equal mix of awe and terror alike. It did not linger long to wonder at the world, however, for it saw something else that caught its attention. Far below it- where the mountains split and a pass descended into the valley- it saw movement. The dove descended to land on a nearby rock, watching with curiosity and apprehension alike.

"Finally." Ashida Katsuro muttered as he dismounted his horse. Hours of riding left his legs cramped and burning with exhaustion. He pulled off his helmet, his dark, sweat-slicked hair falling down the sides of his face. His jaw was covered in something too long to be stubble but too short to be a beard. His ears were bleary with a lack of sleep. It had been too long since he'd been to a proper barber, he noted with distaste. Too long since he'd slept. Too long since he'd been home. Katsuro let out a sigh and took a few moments to stretch on the cold, rocky surface of the mountain's 'road'- if one could even call it a road anymore. Its pavement was cracked and covered in holes deep enough to break a horse's leg if it misstep.

"Do you fair well, captain?" Another man asked as he walked up the road to stop beside Katsuro, who answered his concern with only a grunt. He was ten years Katsuro's junior, barely a man, yet their commander had insisted he ride with the company for this journey. He was Ogata Hotaru, a short, slender boy as pale as porcelain that might've been pretty if not for the horrific burn scar that covered the left side of his face. He looked away from the other man and down the pass, to the giant, red structure that dominated the pass. "This must be the gate of the gods..." He muttered, awestruck.

"The gates to hell, more like." A third voice rumbled as Onisawa Shigeru lumbered up beside them. He was an oxen of a man, taller than anyone else Katsuro had ever met and just as wide. His gut nearly burst out of his robes, and the leather straps of his hack-job plate armor looked ready to snap. He clutched a gargantuan war club in his right hand that no one else in the company could even lift, let alone swing. "I do not like this place, captain. Feels like my skin is crawlin' off my bones just standing here."

"I never knew you for a craven, Shigeru." Katsuro grinned up at the man. Despite the lightness in his tone, Katsuro understood what his second meant. Something about that gate made his heart leap up into his throat. There was power here, for a certainty. He took it as a sign that they were on the right track. With a heavy sigh he tied back his hair once again and slid his helmet into place. "Break the wards on that thing, Hotaru, and be quick about it. I want to make camp before midday. Half our warriors will be dead in their saddles soon enough."

The young Hotaru nodded solemnly and approached the gate, and the dove watched in abject horror as the boy's skin began to glow beneath his robes and the magical wards that had protected the valley for three hundred years dimmed for the first time. A column of mounted men in patchwork armor of leather lamellar and steel plates rode through the gate unopposed. The dove took flight with all haste away from that place, soaring through the pass and straight for the Mumbling Wood.

--

To the east of all this, in the center of the valley, the village of Heiseina began to awaken, slow and trepidatious as it was. Roosters call to one another at the coming of the sun. Villagers lit their lamps and rose from their beds to make breakfast. An old man, eyes still heavy and red, steps outside his door with a giant sack in his hands. Reaching within he produces a handful of roasted soybeans, tossing them out into the street in front of his house. A neighbor on the opposite side of the road chucks them from the safety of her window; perhaps never even leaving her bed at all. Just about everyone would join them soon enough- those with the common sense to understand the Yokai and the bad fortune they can bring down on the disrespectful.

"eight weeks," the old man grumbles, his voice like the rasp of rocks grinding against rocks, "eight more weeks of winter! Salt the shimmer, I told Takamori- told him that girl was no good."

A broom cracked him over the shoulder, causing him to shout in a mix of pain and surprise. His wife lowered it to the ground, still rubbing the sleep from her eye. "Pull the turds outta yer teeth. What if the lady heard ya gobbin' off? If she was willin' to do her own kin in-"

"Balderdash! T'was the hag that did them in. That dumb, poor girl couldn't get a tanuki to scratch its scrotum. We never had long winters when the shrine maiden was around. I remember this one autumn, perhaps twenty years ago, when..."

And on and on they went as Heiseina slowly, gradually dragged itself from its restful sleep and set about preparing for today's festivities. This marked the first day of a week long celebration of winter turning to spring, culminating in the Dance of the Serpent- when Miorochi is meant to awaken and take to the sky, tearing the cold from the air and begin the changing of the seasons. The week would see the village gathering to eat, dance, compete in games and go through all number of religious rituals to bring good fortune on the year to come. Broken relationships would be fixed, old enemies would make amends, and newborns would be blessed at Miorochi's shrine.

In honor of the occasion, all sorts of decorations were strung from roof to roof, up and around poles, or painted along the cobblestones of the road. Papers dragons were a common sight on top of other imagery of life and spring: colorful bundles of flowers were strung together, cornucopias of fruits and vegetables, and most common were the beans. Hundreds upon hundreds of roasted soybeans being scattered, eaten or spread to make crude shapes. Soybeans were thought to drive away the spirits that brought bad luck.

Unlit lanterns hang via strings running from nearby roofs to the radio tower in the town's central square. Inside them are some of the only electric lightbulbs in the entire valley, wired together and tracing down the tower's side and disappearing into a hole carved into the tinkerer's workshop. More unnatural light shines from behind the curtained windows and under the doorway. Keen watchers might have noticed a similar phenomena on their way home for the previous night's rest. It wasn't unheard of for Anayo to work all throughout the night, though never as often as over this last month.

Near to the shore of Kama's Lake, where the Takamori Estate stands tall and proud, its master meditates in the early morning light. Only one of his students managed to drag herself out here so early, though whether or not she was focused on her inner harmony or struggling to stay awake was yet to be seen. Kenji, despite his age, was as sharp and energized as either of his nephews or his niece. He'd already run the full length of the lake's walking path in the time it took most of the village to drag themselves from their beds. With slow, measured breaths, he took in the morning as he always did.

Yet Fumiko knew the old man well enough to know something was different today. There was an ever so slight tremble in his hands that he was trying and failing to calm. A deep furrow along his brow seemed to form and disperse every fifteen or so seconds, as if he had worries he could not quell. Kenji took a final exhale and let his eyes slide open so he could look to the horizon. Some imperceptible thing clouded his ordinarily cheery gaze, like a grey sky hours before a storm.

"How I wish I could remain in this moment forever." He muttered. His voice was a river, deep and meandering. "Time marches on, however, and there is much to do." He turned his head just so he could catch Fumiko's gaze. "And I'll be delegating a great deal of it to you, Fumiko. I hope you're up for it! Come, walk with me, and we shall talk." Kenji stood, beckoning her to follow him as he began to pace down the manor's steps and into the gardens that surrounded the estate.

"First we must ensure the noon performance is ready. I trust Miss Hayashi is prepared, but it is always best to double check." Kenji lifted a finger, wiggling it a bit- his usual sign to 'note that down' that he gave whenever he was delivering a lesson. "Head over to her abode and ensure everything is ready. Give her any help she needs setting up. She is the opening act of the day, so the tone must be just so. Even the slightest misstep could have disastrous consequences for the rest of the week's mood!" Perfection was impossible, yet always demanded- that was the Takamori code. Yet even as he spoke he seemed...distracted. His vision still clung to western mountains, where the sun rested atop those stony peaks.

Near silent paws patter up old stone steps. They stretch, turn and twist along the hill at the edge of town, passed small shrines covered in offerings, flowers and trinkets of all sorts. Those paws are quiet, yet they're quick-- quick as lightning. They bound up three steps at a time, nearly slipping on wet, broken stone in their hurry to reach the peak.

When the fox finally reached the hill's zenith, where an archway led into the shrine proper, it dropped what was in its mouth and began to make a racket. Its odd yips could almost be mistaken for language, but even as an animal the urgency in its noises could not be mistaken. When the shrine's cartaker finally emerged the creature nudged the object it had carried and dropped to the floor: a scroll case. Kitsune were said to be the messengers of the gods, yet...those were only stories for children. Myths passed down from the ages. In reality they were a bunch of aimless tricksters whose only purpose was to spread mischief...right?

But there was the scroll case. And inside, a message:

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Hidden 9 mos ago Post by Queen Arya
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Queen Arya Celestial Queen-in-Waiting

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Breathe in. Hold. Out. The young Takamori knew these very steps quite well, meditation practices she had learned from her Uncle, and very quickly had taken to performing herself every day. A path to her inner peace, one which she found helpful in preparing herself for the day after the nightmares so fond of taking her while she slept. The cold air against her skin helped her with finding this peace, in an odd way, as she found the crisp feeling rather refreshing. Certainly, after she had joined her Uncle for his morning run, though she feared the exercise made keeping her breathes even rather difficult. Still, even that obstacle was not the one which rode heaviest upon the girl's back and kept her from truly finding that peace she sought. Instead, it was that horrid feeling of unease and worry in her gut. One caused by the obvious signs she had noticed from her Uncle. He was worried. Something that her Uncle rarely showed, no matter what might've been happening. Last she remembered him seeming even remotely close to this state... it had been as her mother laid ill and continued to worsen.

"How I wish I could remain in this moment forever."

The sudden sound of her Uncle's voice cut clear through the sea of thoughts Fumiko was drifting upon, startling her slightly as Fumi let out a soft yelp of surprise. Her eyes flashed open as her face colored deeply from embarrassment. Turning her head to look over at her uncle, she hoped the man didn't particularly notice her previous outburst. Unfortunately for her, her uncle chuckled lightly before seeming to decide it was time to get back to work. As he immediately continued to address her, and beckon for her to walk with him. The girl got to her feet, straightening out her simple tunic as she nodded. A soft patter accompanied the smaller girl's hurried steps to catch up to her uncle, only slowing when she drew up by his side. She listened closely to everything her uncle had to tell her, nodding along as he assigned her the first task of her day. A simple enough one, and a task which gave her the chance to visit with Sumi-chan.

"Will Kozo-San and Yoshie-San be helping as well? I think they'd love to be helpful as well!" Fumiko said in response, the tone of her voice and expression worn across her features plainly betraying that the girl was just about as innocent in her asking as her words suggested. Though moments later, she would quickly reach a hand out to grab her uncle's own. Stopping where she was, Fumiko used what leverage she could to make her Kenji stop and face in her. Her features now wearing a plain display of concern for the man opposite her. "Ojisan? You keep staring off towards the mountains, and you're clearly distracted. I know something worries you, is it something I can help with?" She asked, releasing her uncle's hand as she took a step back. Her brows furrowed as she heard his response, clearly brushing off her worries as nothing to worry about. "Ojisan! Please! The last time I saw you acting anything like this, mother was ill. Let me help, please." She tried to argue, but was met with the same response as earlier. Letting out a dejected sigh, and knowing she wouldn't get it out of him now, Fumiko finally gave up. "I'll go check in with Hayashi-San, but when we have time I want to talk to you. I'm worried about you when you act like this. I'm sure it will all be okay in the end but... I still worry." She said softly, giving a little smile towards her Uncle before bowing respectfully and heading off on her task.

Around ten minutes later, Fumiko re-emerged from her home. Having changed from the tunic and pants that had been good for her run earlier into her standard Yukata. As she strode out of the estate, she was hard at work braiding a pink flower into her brunette hair. Overall, she knew it was less formal than would be needed for the festivities, but figured this manner of dress just fine for helping prepare. Humming a little tune, the youth was off to make her way to the Hayashi Estate. Humming a little tune to herself as she walked, Fumiko spread more roasted soybeans, from a little pouch she carried, on the street to help with the task that had already been started by many other villagers. Here and there, she gave friendly waves and greetings towards those who she passed. Though they were not always returned, some villagers being quite grumpy or unalert so soon after rousing from their slumber.

Occasionally, the Takamori would stop her progress to help out or briefly chat with some of the villagers. Mostly to check in whenever she saw one of the elderly she cared for or the families of those children she watched. She helped some of the residents hang their unlit lanterns, delivered some paper dragons to the children, and helped one youth with braiding her hair for the festival. Overall, her occasional stops added a few minutes onto her journey though Fumiko much doubted that her Uncle would have any sort of issue with why she was delayed. Certainly, there was still plenty of work to do around the village, and no doubt Sumi-chan would have something with which Fumiko could assist.

Arriving after an easy trek through the village, Fumiko wore a pleasant smile on her features as she approached the entrance to the estate. Knocking gently on the doorframe, Fumiko ensured there was only enough pressure applied to make the sound easily heard. "Sumi-Chan~" She called out, her tone playful as it always was whenever she visited her friend. "Takamori-San sent me by, he wants me to see if you're ready for the performance at noon! Need a hand getting set up?" She said, before taking a respectful step back as she waited for somebody to answer the door. It would either be Sumiko, or her elder sister answering. Though she liked to think the elder liked her well enough, Fumiko found herself rather hopeful it would be her friend who came to answer instead. After all, seeing a friendly face in the morning always seemed to brighten people's days!
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Hidden 9 mos ago Post by Yankee
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Yankee God of Typos

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"Hey, it's morning already."

The eldest Hayashi sibling had padded by Sumiko's room a couple of times already, going back and forth across the quiet estate. In the cool winter season the household was often quiet. Himiko had always been an early riser, but by now her sister would have left her room in search of breakfast. However, hardly a peep left Sumiko's room since last night.

"Sumiko?" Himiko rapped her knuckles on the wood frame outside of her sister's room. A muffled reply found it's way out of the room. Himiko sighed. "I'm coming in."

The door only made it half-way open, sliding to a halt in it's track. With her hand on the door, Himiko gave it a quick rattle, but it refused to budge. She poked her head inside, expecting to find Sumiko bundled up and asleep. Instead, their eyes met and Sumiko bounded over to the door draped in a lavish robe.

"Oops, I left a box there. Hold on," she said, kicking something out of the way of the track and opening the door all the way. Himiko stepped in, marveling at the state of the room. Piled up on one side were papers, tools, and boxes. Above them all a parchment was hung on the wall with Sumiko's handwritten notes. A little table with ink and brush was set nearby, miraculously balanced upright. On the other, props and costumes laid out gently. The opposite wall too hand some parchments hung, rough sketches of dresses and kimono on human models.

"Tell me you slept," Himiko sighed once she'd taken it all in. Her little sister gave her a toothy smile.

"Oh I did. Very well! I had an amazing dream. The gods of art must have big plans for me, I was woken up before dawn positively inspired, and I've been putting the perfect finishing touches on my act since!"

Although her hair was a mess and there were shallow bags under her eyes, Sumiko's gaze was as sharp as ever. The elder sister returned her smile. "Well, I'm glad. The sun's been up a long time ago though, you may want to get prepared for the day, hm?"

Sumiko opened her mouth, a retort on her lips, but a rapping outside cut her off. A friendly, familiar voice reached the sisters and Sumiko snapped her jaw closed, her eyes growing owlish.

"Even Fumiko-chan has come to check on you," Himiko laughed, Sumiko pushing her out of the room and shutting the door with a snap. A fluffy of motion started behind her. "I'll be ready in just a moment!"

It didn't take long for Himiko to reach the front of the estate, and she opened the door to greet Fumiko warmly.

"Good morning Ojou-chan," she said with a smile. "Please, come in. I'm sure Sumiko would appreciate your help." She motioned in the direction Sumiko's room was, though she trusted Fumiko knew the way. "I have to get going myself. Have a nice day."

The eldest Hayashi bowed to Fumiko before she shuffled out. More than likely they'd see each other again back at the Takamori estate that day. The hall leading to Sumiko's room echoed with every footstep, but before Fumiko could reach it the silvered haired Sumiko appeared around a corner. Unbeknownst to Fumiko her appearance was much more cleaned up than just a few minutes earlier. She had a comfortable morning robe on now, and gone were all traces of bags or blemish from her face, painted over with a soft layer of make-up.

"Hello Fumi-chan! Don't worry, everything's ready! There's just one more thing to decide before I move everything over to the performance area."

She led Fumiko the rest of the way to a quarters that were just a little more organized than when Himiko had found them earlier.

Sumiko breezed over a rack where two kimono and matching obi were hung. She plucked the garments and held them both out in from of Fumiko. Both were quality material of glistening, vibrant colors. One, a fresh spring green embroidered with silvered and gold patterns. Plant leaves, flower petals, and swirls. The other, a cool purple marked with thick and bold white thread depicting scales and fog, with a fading pink and red sunrise streaking across one sleeve.

"Different color schemes I know, but I think they're both fitting and have plenty of matching accessories to complete the look for either one." Sumiko looked appreciatively over each kimono, one in each hand. She looked like she could barely hold back talking about the meaning she could ascribe to the design of each garment. Her eyes flicked over to Fumiko, excited. "So? Which do you think?"
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Hidden 9 mos ago 9 mos ago Post by Kuro
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Kuro u're mom

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[[[[[[[
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"Takara."

Stab. Lift. Drop.

Steadfast in rhythm, Takara held the pitchfork with an iron grip as she shifted hay into troughs. Each motion was its own beat, creating a sort of tempo to the work.—the end result of doing the same task over and over for years on end.

Stab. Lift. Drop.

"TAKARA!"

Breaking free of her trance, Takara poked the pitchfork into a pile of hay, and looked around for whoever had been calling her name. No one to her left or right. No one behind her. Finally, Takara looked upwards, towards the second story of the Crane's Roost. Her home, in other words. There, she locked eyes with her father, who had been leaning out an upstairs window.

"Finally," Benjiro grumbled. He wondered if his daughter had always been this oblivious, or if she was simply distracted by today's festivities. "I need you to run over to the Akiyama's. The festival will drain our stores, so I want to make certain that we have an order in beforehand. Understood?"

Without skipping a beat, Takara waved her confirmation to her father. "On it, otou-san!"

Racing towards the stable, Takara walked past a series of stalls before coming to a stop next to one that was currently occupied. Inside the stall had been her own pride and joy, Masaru, a sleek, seal brown steed capable of running for hours.

"Here, boy." Takara spoke to the horse as she unlatched the stall gate. "We've got errands to run. You up for it?"

An adamant neigh came from Masaru.

"That's what I like to hear."

Walking over to a side fence where Masaru's saddle had been resting, Takara lifted it within her arms and placed the saddle upon the horse. It wouldn't take long for Takara to fit Masaru for riding, and before long, they were ready to leave.

As she rode through Heiseina, there had been many faces Takara noticed; some she knew, others she hadn't really known at all. Out of all of them, however, one group stuck out more than most: a group of women around her age, yet dressed up in clothing much fancier than her own.

Oh, yeah, that.

Biting her lip, Takara had been reminded that her father was bound to drag her kicking and screaming to their neighbor, Kudara-san, in preparation for the festival. On most days, her father hadn't been a stickler as to what Takara wore. But for some reason, during every week leading up to the Dance of the Serpent, he'd get a thorn in his side and force Takara to look the part.

It made her feel like a fish out of water, uncomfortable and out of place. Why did he care so much, Takara often wondered. Was it because of Yua, her mother? Did he think it would help bring her back? Takara didn't know. But... maybe, just maybe, she would play nice this year. She wasn't a kid anymore; perhaps it was time to finally grow up and stop throwing a temper-tantrum each time someone requested her to not look like "a dirty peasant."

Before she could dwell on it any further, a sudden Neiiiigh! came from Masaru, snapping Takara out of her thoughts. They had reached the edge of Heiseina, and further down the outskirts a familiar face skipped along the roadside as she tossed roasted soybeans across the ground. It seemed she didn't need to go all the way out to the farmland after all.

"Oiiiiiii, Haru-san!" Takara called out, waving a free hand at the girl in hopes to capture her attention.

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Interactions: Haruhi @Lemons
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Hidden 9 mos ago 9 mos ago Post by Feyblue
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Feyblue Lord of Floof

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Before the dawn had finished creeping over the horizon, and long before any of the other villagers had roused themselves from sleep, a lone figure clad in a blue kimono, a hooded white robe, and a woven mantle of tattered straw could be glimpsed walking upon the hillside road on the verge of the Mumbling Wood. She moved slowly, methodically, swaying slightly from side to side as she walked, and periodically rapping the dull butt of her shakujō staff against the path before her, causing the six rings and countless small bells trailing from its circular head to jingle in the morning breeze. The howling of the distant Yokai grew fainter, replaced by the serene chiming of bells, then by the song of birds as the maiden passed by in her walk.

It was important that Oyuki do her rounds thus, for a number of reasons. For one thing, her presence was a reminder to the Yokai of the pact, and that the village was to be protected. And, for another, it was her duty to greet the spirits in this auspicious time, and offer them gifts and her best wishes.

They still didn't trust her enough to speak with her directly, of course. After all, even though she had been doing this for almost three years now, that span of time was a mere moment in the eyes of those who had roamed these forests when the mountains were still young. Indeed, it would no doubt take another decade or more before they would tell her their names, as they had once done for the one who had taught her everything she now knew, and who had once led her by the hand and walked this very path down the mountainside so long ago, on a cold day much like this one.

While others might have resented the long winter, Oyuki found it reassuring. The snow always brought with it unpleasant memories -- but it also carried with it the reminder of something precious. How could she hate the very source of her own name? How could she grieve when she had been given so much? It was only on cold days that one could truly treasure the warmth they still had. The oft-mended robe she wore, the staff she carried, and the duty she proudly and gladly conducted were all treasures more precious still than the joy that had once been taken from her. And when she looked to the still-snowy peaks high overhead, she did so with a faint, melancholy smile.

She still had a long way to go -- but when she looked back at the path she had walked, she couldn't but give thanks for how far she had already come. The spirits had already stopped fleeing at the sound of her bells, and even now, she could almost spot a few eager eyes watching her from the other side of the trees. Silently, she stopped, then knelt by the roadside, reaching into her sleeve and withdrawing a few small rice cakes, wrapped in leaves, which she placed in a stone bowl before clapping her hands once.

"Please be sure to share them with everyone, if they're to your liking. I will bring by more in the afternoon, so please look forward to it."

Giving this address to the silent forest before her, the pale young woman smiled sheepishly under her hood, then bowed and began to walk away. As she did, she could already hear the rustling in the leaves behind her, but politely refused to look back. After all, they would show themselves when they wanted to be seen. This was what she was taught.

Her walk continued all along the perimeter of the forest, and included several other stops. Last night's frigid rainstorm had knocked over the stones piled before the old Jizo who watched over the roads, so she made sure to stack them neatly back up again. Seeing as the kindly old statue seemed terribly cold and forlorn, and the hat she had made him had blown away, she removed her own straw mantle and draped it over the guardian's shoulders, offering a prayer as she tied it securely onto him for his continued help in watching over the village and its children.

Of all the spirits, the guardian Jizo was one to whom she felt a particular sense of closeness. After all, she herself had once come down this road as a destitute orphan in need of shelter, and surely, he had been watching over her ever since. There was something in his kindly smile that seemed to tell her so, and so she always took special care to make sure he was warm and shielded from the rain.

"Please watch over me... over all of us, in the year to come. And thank you."

She thus diligently passed the remainder of her solitary walk, leaving an offering here, giving a prayer there, and everywhere showing that there was yet one in Heiseina who remembered the old contract. Truth be told, it was always a little sad, following this path alone, and when she would first set out in the morning retracing the footsteps of those who had gone before her, even after all these years it was hard not to cry. And yet, there was something about it that was liberating as well, reassuring her that her efforts weren't in vain -- that she wasn't alone, even if she couldn't see those who walked beside her. By the time she found herself back at the foot of the shrine's long staircase, shielding her eyes against the dawn shining through the torii gate, she would always be smiling, and she always did her best to take that smile with her through the rest of the day.

She put up her staff by the offering box, and went to draw water to cleanse her hands. After so doing, she set about her usual chores, sweeping the courtyard, cleaning the outside of the shrine, and them preparing breakfast both for herself and for any Yokai who might drop in to visit that morning. When she'd finished her own meal, she put out several extra trays by the back step, then headed to the outbuilding to take some lanterns out of storage. It was a little early, to be sure, but she'd feel more at ease once they were hung in preparation for the festival. Besides, if the shrine looked more welcoming, then maybe the villagers would feel less uneasy about the upcoming festival. Maybe... they'd trust that she could actually handle the responsibility, this time.

But such hopeful thoughts were swiftly turned to confusion as she heard the sound of skittering paws scrambling frantically up the steps. Turning to glance at the source of the sound, she found herself face to face(?) with a small white fox, which tossed down a small scroll at her feet, then began to yip and yelp with tremendous urgency. She nearly dropped the storehouse key that she was holding as it at last sank in what exactly she was looking at. Even for her dear Aunt, the once-beloved Miko of Miorochi's shrine, such a guest would be considered unfathomably rare. And though she'd have loved to call such a once-in-a-lifetime visit auspicious, judging by the creature's desperation, the circumstances were anything but.

"Please, stay a moment and rest, servant of Inari-sama. You've clearly come a long way. Erm... Then, I hope I'm not being presumptuous, but I'll look over your message at once." Giving this hasty offer of welcome - as she did not want to be disrespectful, but her guest's mannerisms clearly suggested that now was not the time for pleasantries - she wasted no time in bowing, then knelt to retrieve the scroll. Unfolding it, she cast her eyes over the message there contained... and felt a chill run up her spine. Her eyes went wide, and her blood ran cold as a chill wind swept through the shrine's courtyard like a forewarning of the storm yet to come.

"What... What is this?"
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Hidden 9 mos ago 9 mos ago Post by Lemons
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Lemons Resident Of The Bargain Bin

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Hff!

Chuck

Hff!

Chuck

Hff!

ChCLANK

Haruhi, breath still coming hard, stared at the suddenly bladeless hoe in her hand, and at the blade where it had bounced after striking the rock. She shook her hand out, wincing a bit at the ache where the reverberation had shot through her hand, and giggled nervously to herself.

Oops.

For a moment she wondered whether or not she could reattach it somehow--after all, she wasn't done yet!--but as she jogged over and picked up the blade, she saw that was...rather unlikely. If the whole socket had come off or the shaft had broken she could just stick it on a new one, but the blade had actually broken off of the socket, leaving a twisted jagged stump of steel that couldn't till if she put all the people in Heiseina behind it.

She glanced behind, to where she'd been hoeing a line to prepare for planting the leek and cabbage. It wasn't much all told, so she hadn't thought she'd need to get out the plough, but maaaaaybe it would've been a good idea. She idly twirled the now-headless shaft in her hand, rolling her stiff shoulders in the early morning chill and watching the faint vapor clouds from her breaths shiver away into the sky. It'd been quiet a while since she'd broken one of her tools. Maybe the shovel two years back? But the shaft had just fallen off that, so it was a snap to fix. Well, nothing for it, she supposed; she'd need to go visit the smith! Hopping up and down a bit to keep herself from getting too cold--she could feel the sweat on her skin starting to chill her, and a warning shiver ran through her--she hefted the blade in her left hand and kept on twirling the shaft in her right, occasionally dropping it, as she meandered through the farmland, passing by fallow fields and skirting the edges of winter barley not yet fully-grown.

Once she reached the road she tossed the shaft up, watched it spin, and snatched it out of the air, then started to skip along the road. Where her feet struck the dry hardened dirt, they sent up pale brown puffs of dust that dispersed away into the early spring winds. As she went, she flicked the shaft into the same hand as the blade, then dipped into her pocket and pulled out a handful of soybeans. She'd roasted them before going out in the field that morning, alongside the bowl of steaming rice that she'd topped with sesame seeds and a few slices of pickled daikon before carrying it out to the edge of the woods to offer. It wasn't exactly the greatest offering, but they didn't have a lot of variety right now; a few more weeks and some spring crops would start to come in, and then she could be a little bit more creative.

A grin popped onto her face as she scattered the beans off, followed by another handful, then another, twirling as she went and sending them soaring off into the trees and fields. “Demons out, luck in!” Her words were followed by a joyous laugh that echoed off into the still, quiet valley.

Though, it wasn't quiet for long. Even as the echo of her laugh faded, she heard another voice calling out:

"Oiiiiiii, Haru-san!"

With one more whirling flourish of the soybeans off into the woods and one more satisfying patter against the leaves, Haruhi came to a stop (stumbling a bit). The smile was set firmly on her face and only grew stronger now, turning into a huge grin as she waved back at the horseborne girl: “Heeeeey! Taka-chan! Mornin!'

Shaking her hair out to get her ponytail settled better against her back after her prolonged skip-twirling session, she bounded up to meet the other girl, tossing the shaft back to her right hand and twirling it again. She'd always gotten along with Takara. After all, their families tended to work somewhat closely together. Inn and farm always went hand in hand, and Haruhi was proud of the fruits of her labor. “Coming all the way out here, need somethin' from us?” She laughed lightly, making it clear she was joking when she added, “I dunno if we have enough on the farm right now to feed you!


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Warm, comforting water. Thick, billowing clouds of fragrant steam. Soaking away one's woes on a chilly spring morning was something most of Heiseina's residents would probably relish. Most of the working sorts didn't have the luxury of bathing in the comforts of their own homes. Most probably preferred to do it in public anyway, where they could unwind and discuss all the little happenings of their sleepy village among friends and peers. Maybe that was why, even steeping with the smell of sweet citrus in her private tub, Keiko could not find solace from her melancholy. The Dance of the Serpent was upon them, a time of merriment and new beginnings when the villagers would be gathering together to celebrate Miorochi's return. For Keiko, it was nothing to look forward to. Every year, the festival only saw her sink into a black mood in the days leading up to and during. Witnessing friends and family line the streets, joking and playing, enjoying each others' company—it all served as a poignant reminder. A reminder that such things were absent from her life. She wouldn't have anybody to hang lanterns or exchange gifts with. If she was lucky, maybe her mother would accompany her to the shrine to leave an offering.

That would be the extent of her celebration. It always was.

The sullen thoughts swirling through her mind were far more bitter than any stray orange blossom floating about the bath water, and it didn't seem like a prolonged stay in the tub would help clear them. It was a foolish idea in the first place. Keiko knew herself. She was the type to get stir-crazy without things to do, and while she liked to busy herself whenever she slumped into dejection, the festival week had left her with no matters to attend to. Her mother had insisted she take the week off to celebrate the holiday and enjoy herself, either a cruel joke or a vain attempt to force the mending of bridges long since burnt. There was always studying, but she couldn't bring herself to retain the bounty of old tomes and scrolls in her current state.

A sigh, half of which came out of bubbling water, announced her rise from the bath. She couldn't just mope around home all day and expect it to lighten her mood. At least getting outside would provide a distraction, something for her to hone her mind in on aside from the gloom that had overtaken her. The splattering of water on smooth, cold stone filled an otherwise silent chamber as she stepped out of the wooden tub. The air was chilly despite the hot moisture that hung heavy in it, but that was trivial enough for her to overcome. She extended a thin finger and traced familiar symbols before her, a pale glow at its tip as she marked the space before her with two kanji. The glow brightened, then faded, and in its place, a gentle stream of hot air flowed from her digits. A flow she wasted no time turning on herself, sending droplets and wild strands of damp hair every which way.

If only it was as easy to Sign away her other problems.

___________________________________


As cold as it was inside, it somehow managed to be even colder when Keiko stepped outside. There had been some vague hope that the sun would have banished some of the chill in its benevolence, but that hope was quickly dashed. It would surely warm up as the day went on, but that was of little comfort to the Signkeeper's apprentice as she descended the stairs of the tower and made her way around the side of the landmark she called home. There was one small treat waiting there for her—the fruits of her labor in seasons past, in the most literal sense. She had managed to convince her mother to plant a garden behind their illustrious home, ostensibly so that the many young farmers who came to practice their Growth signs had something to practice on. In truth, she simply wanted to have fresh fruit on hand to sate her sweet tooth whenever she wanted.

She had set about raising six trees in the year or two prior, and raise them she had. They were already taller than her, and producing fruit despite the unseasonably cold weather, a result of her daily tending as much as it was the valley's fertile soil. Even as she approached the largest of the bunch she could see fat, ocher fruits hanging from its many limbs. Big enough to be her breakfast, for sure. Maybe even big enough to be taken into the village on market day. She wanted for relatively little, but there was usually something interesting to bargain for, and if nothing else, she could always gloat at those sour-faced Moriyama about how much more productive her fledgling grove was compared to their own.

They would also make thoughtful gifts, she couldn't help but think as she plucked one, then another from its branches. Not that she had anybody, in particular, to hand them out to. But the matriarch of her little clan had been stressing in the months prior about turning over a new leaf. She wasn't a little girl anymore, she said. It was time to start making connections. To turn set down some real roots. She would be the village's Signkeeper eventually. Heiseina was her home.

"Tch."

Keiko couldn't contain her cynicism at the thought. An armful of oranges wasn't going to undo a lifetime of ostracism. If the villagers wanted to make friends with their would-be Signkeeper, they could do it on their own. Maybe if they were lucky she would forgive them.

Maybe.

Satisfied she had picked the ripest of the bunch, the girl tucked what extras she had into the folds of her kimono for safekeeping, holding the finest of their lot held between slim fingers. She tore into its unblemished exterior with them, peeling back the outside with just a deal more aggression than she had intended. The catharsis it provided, however mild, was enough to pull her from the downward spiral of her thoughts, and she feasted upon the pulpy flesh within, one wedge at a time, as she set off in the direction of the village. Perhaps the walk there would clear her head, and if not, well, at least she was in good company for the journey.

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CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

The bustle of the marketplace was just a low buzz, barely registering over the sound of iron meeting iron. After a few more hits, however, the world slowly started to permeate his senses: the buzz of the town got louder, the bite of the chilled air nipped at his cheeks, and the hammer in his hand regained its weight. Overall, Tsubasa was feeling the labor of his work drain him, but the finished product made everything worth it. As he placed his hammer down and cautiously lifted the iron structure up, he dipped the metal into the pool of water, watching the steam and leaving it there as he wiped his brow.

Even though it was cold out, the forge had a way to always make the boy feel like he was ready for a cold bath. Granted, it was natural--working with heat to mold metal into anything he wanted meant he was always going to be hot, and that was guaranteed even on the days he didn't bother using the heat sign. Once he deemed it had been long enough, he lifted the metallic structure out of the water and plopped it down some steps away, abandoning it to let it cool in the chilly air. Now all he needed to do was toss it in the cart with the slab of wood he had ordered and someone would come pick it up.

Exhaling, he watched his breath form a misty cloud and then dissipate, running a rag over his neck. Let's see, now that the table was finished, he supposed he could start on the iron gate that had been requested. It actually hadn't come as a request for him, but Tetsu always pawned off those projects onto him. Festivals and celebrations always meant that work piled up since Tetsu decided that he was more interested in drinking than...actually, he always found an excuse to drink, so Tsubasa should have known better. Not that he minded--busy hands were happy hands, and the kid actually liked working.

Tossing the rag aside, Tsubasa knelt down in front of a chest, gingerly plucking out the few iron bars that were left in there. At least Testu had left him everything he needed, so that was good! He placed the bars over the forge, lazily writing the Sign in the air. Once the metal glowed a bright red, Tsubaba carefully adjusted his hammer in his grip, taking a firm hold and lifting it into the air.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
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SEIMEI KEIKO
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The trip from the tower to the village proper wasn't long, but it was just scenic enough that Keiko sometimes wished it was, ignoring that she didn't tend to enjoy her time in town to begin with. Even from her place on the outskirts, she could see folks bustling back and forth, partaking in the aforementioned lantern hanging and bean scattering and all manner of festivity. She tried her best not to look sour about it, as if any of them particularly cared. After all, it was a bright, crisp morning. She had enough fruit to sate her all through the afternoon, and she had all the time in the world to do as she wished. It was just finding what she wanted to do with all of it that was the problem. Luckily enough, as she wandered the streets and pondered the issue, a distinct sound managed to snap her out of her contemplation.

Ting! Ting! Ting!

It was one relatively familiar to her. To everyone, in truth, as few in the valley knew how to work their metal. They all inevitably ended up at the town's smithy for all their needs, although ironwork was scarcely what brought Keiko to the humble little forge. The proprietor's nephew, Tsubasa, was something of an acquaintance of hers. She had been picking on him since his folks sent him waddling up the hill to learn how to Sign, and long after his time at the tower ended after an especially amusing incident involving an old tome and her mother's enduring wrath. To the lad's credit, if she even had the right to call him a lad, he had always taken her teasing in stride. An unfortunate thing, as it only encouraged her to keep doing it.

Before she knew it her feet had taken her towards the market square, and ever closer to the source of the sound. As she caught sight of the young man hard at work, she grinned wickedly. She had always prided herself on her light-footed nature, but it was so rare she even needed to sneak up on him. He always got so absorbed in his craft that she probably could have walked right on into the work area and he'd be none the wiser. It still didn't stop her from meticulously toeing her way towards the forge, careful to avoid his peripheral vision as approached from behind.

Only once she was within striking distance did she make her move. A quick pair of fingers reached up high to tap him on his right shoulder, just enough to get his attention. Then, nimble as could be, Keiko ducked to his left and hopped up onto the table beside his workspace, careful not to land her behind on any of the cooling works in the process.

"You lookin' for someone, pretty boy?" She asked cheekily as she kicked her legs back and forth, nonchalant as could be.

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Fumiko smiled sweetly towards Himiko, bowing her head lightly by way of a friendly, yet polite, greeting towards the other woman. Himiko had always been rather nice towards her, so the smile that Fumiko bore as Himiko let her in before shuffling out the door was rather genuine. "Have a good day as well, I hope to see you enjoying the festivities and not just working all day!" Fumiko called after the woman as she made her way off. Truly, she worried that some in the village would dedicate themselves so entirely to ensuring that the festivities went well, or to their everyday work, that they would forget to also enjoy themselves. It was a little strange how people did that to themselves, and she just hoped she'd be able to ensure they relaxed. Shaking her head from her thoughts, Fumiko turned on a heel and made her way towards Sumiko's room. She hummed softly to herself as she listened to the echo from every step that she took, wondering just what she might find when she reached her friend's room. Certainly, she knew well enough that whatever Sumi had planned was guaranteed to be a splendid event for later in the day.

As Sumiko appeared around the corner and greeted her, Fumiko quickly closed the distance between them and wrapped her friend in a tight hug before taking a step back with a warm smile adorning her features. "Goodmorning Sumi-chan~" She said with a hint of playfulness in her voice. "You better have gotten some sleep last night, I know how excitable you can get." Fumiko warned, just a hint of a stern tone in her voice as they walked towards Sumi's room. Though that tone was soon replaced with a light giggle from the Takamori. As expected, Sumiko's room was a bit of a mess. Not even half as much as Fumiko had been expecting, as Sumi had clearly organized things a bit, but Fumi could practically feel the inspiration Sumiko had been working with as she stepped into the room. Her gaze locked on the two kimonos she was being asked for an opinion regarding, and the girl took a long moment to consider her choices.

After about a minute of thought, interrupted only by the soft sounds of footsteps as Fumiko stepped forward to inspect the Kimono up close, she finally spoke up. Gesturing first to her own clothing, adorned with the typical flower petals she was rather known for at this point, the girl laughed lightly. "While we know I'm very biased towards anything involving flowers, I think this one..." She said, gesturing towards the green kimono with flowers adorning the fabric. Yet, after a moment she gestured towards the purple Kimono. "Though this would probably fit the whole purpose of the celebration better. That, and a girl can never go wrong with purple." She explained, the last comment added with a sly smile towards her friend. With that selection out of the way, Fumiko looked about the room to take in the various supplies scattered about from Sumiko's dutiful work in preparation.

This might take a while... She thought to herself, knowing that all they had remaining was to move everything over to the performance area. "Now we just need to get it all set up for you, correct? We could go ask Tsubasa-San for help..." Fumiko said, trailing off for a brief moment at the mention of the boy, moments before her features suddenly developed a deep blush as she realized she had trailed off like that. "B-because he's really strong and could help us carry everything! T-thats it!" She quickly protested, a desperate attempt to cover her tracks that likely only served to further give her thoughts away than before. "A-anyway that's even if moving everything and setting up is what we have to do next! S-sorry I was getting ahead of myself!" Fumiko added in quickly, her embarrassment causing her to stumble over her words as her frantic mind attempted to compensate for the blunder.
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CLANG! CLANG! CLANG--

The hammer would not rise too high as the touch on his shoulder alerted him that someone else was there. Safety first and foremost--that's what Tetsu would say before ordering him to fetch the bottle that had rolled away under a bench. While in practice it was disguised as being in complete control of his actions at any notice, realistically speaking it was so he didn't go swinging the very heavy, very metallic, and very hot hammer in surprise. The very last thing anyone wanted was to get hit, and since the village was so open with one another, it was common for anyone to come in at any time.

Once Tsubasa looked over his shoulder, however, the space behind him was empty. Had he imagined the touch? Blinking slowly, he nearly jumped out of his skin when Keiko spoke, whipping his neck so quick it was a shock it hadn't rolled off his head. Relieved that he wasn't just imagining things, he cautiously set side the hot metal far away, deciding now was a good time for a short break. He couldn't help but think that it was very nice of her to visit him, especially when she likely had better things to do.

Plucking his shirt from his skin, he took back his rag in his hand as he hastily wiped his face and neck. He was far from presentable, but he was sure she didn't mind. "Kei-chan, good morning," He greeted her, slightly out of breath. "I wasn't looking for anyone, but I'm glad you're here."

Taking a few seconds to regulate his breathing, as he smiled at the girl, something looked a little different. Her hair looked a little healthier, but that wasn't it. She looked more mature somehow, a little less like a girl and more...what was the word? Well, mature, but it was hard to say. She had always been on the thinner side, though he doubted Signkeeper Tomo would let her go hungry. It wasn't that she had gained weight in a bad way, though--aha! It was her chest! His stare lingered a little longer than he meant it to, eyes darting away as he became aware of his rudeness. Even if she did blossom into a woman, it was unbecoming of him to just ogle her like that.

"You look nice today," He decided to pay her a compliment as he fanned himself, leaning back against the bench. "It's nice to see you've grown up a little."
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SEIMEI KEIKO
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Keiko couldn't help but grin a little deviously as she watched Tsubasa jump at her little prank. It was a good reminder of why she bothered to come out this way as often as she did. He was as gullible as any of the yokels laboring out in the rice paddies, but a heck of a lot nicer when he found out he was being had. Despite her antics, she had been as well received as she ever was at the blacksmith's forge. There was the matter of that obnoxious nickname Tsubasa had always used for her as if she were some kind of child, but she had never managed to get him to stop for more than a day or two at a time. Another reason for her to continue picking on him whenever she had the opportunity.

"That makes one of us." She answered his pleasantries nonchalantly, dangling her feet off the side of his workshop as she did. For all his politeness, the blacksmith's apprentice seemed usually vigilant in his appraisal of her. She couldn't understand why, of course, and that only proved to vex her. She dressed more or less the same way every time they saw each other, and it wasn't like she prettied herself up before leaving home like a lot of the girls in town. Her natural curiosity caused her to trace the line of his eyes, just a few moments before he hastily looked away. Her eyebrows rose as she glanced down and found the source of his fascination.

It seemed as though there had been a misunderstanding. One which was wonderfully exploitable. Would that she could force a flush into her cheeks.

"I was wondering when you'd notice, honestly. It's kind of flattering that you did. Not many people pay that much attention to me..." Like flicking a switch, the smug little grin that constantly adorned her features had been replaced with something more... flirtatious.

She fluttered her eyelashes just a little like half the village girls did when they talked to Tsubasa. In truth, she didn't think he would so much as notice it. He always seemed a little oblivious to their gazes and flirtations, but that didn't matter. He would surely pay attention to the finger she trailed along the hem of her kimono, tugging enticingly on it as she continued.

"They just came in this spring. Bigger than I could have ever hoped, although I guess you've already noticed that," A giggle followed that one, airy and soft as she could make it, "Would you like to see them? I'd let you if you wanted. I'd even let you taste them before anyone else has the chance to."

She bit her lower lip at that point, excitement burning in her eyes as the incessant tugging she had been doing on her garment bore fruit. It began to pull away, the outer layer giving way to the cold air outside. She pulled and pulled until it all came spilling out for him, what Tsubasa's gaze had been on since he first laid eyes on her: a couple of oranges, which proceeded to roll down her chest and into her lap. Her expression returned to its vague disinterest just as they did, abandoning all pretense of seduction as slid her kimono back into its proper position. With her other hand, she seized one of the fruits and tossed it toward him.

"Itadakimasu."
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Tsubasa's stare was just a touch blank as Keiko spoke. What did she mean people didn't pay attention to her? He swore he often heard her name uttered every once in a while. Not in a positive way, mind you, but--oh, was that what she meant? It was a shame, he always thought they were a little harsh on her, but her pranks never did go over too well. It couldn't be helped; the village preferred its peace and day-by-day happenings to go on unimpeded, and Keiko was less than inclined to follow the rules. He supposed he should try to assure her. To him, she always seemed a little lonely, and he was more than happy to enjoy her company. Even now as she watched him and tugged on her kimono--what was she doing?

There was no hiding the gaze that followed her finger, albeit he did remember his second blunder as he immediately jerked his head back up as she spoke. See them? See...them. Here? Now? No, she couldn't possibly mean that. As rambunctious as she was, she was still a lady. He was hot, tired, sweaty, and--and here, in view of anyone, it was shameless! Why in the world had he jumped to such conclusions? His interpretation was just clouded.

Tsubasa wasn't sure why his throat was suddenly so dry, nor did he know why his eyes immediately snapped to attention at the movement of the kimono. He should say something. He should stop this. He should do a lot more than watch as the material revealed more and more of pale, soft-looking flesh. He'd be lying if he said his conscience wasn't screaming at him to say something as it got lower and lower until something sprang forth and--a pair of oranges came out.

"Wha..." It was barely a whisper but the confusion was plain on his face, albeit he did manage to catch the orange thrown at him. The warmth certainly didn't help things and he nearly dropped the fruit as that thought crossed his mind, his face already flushed with color as he tried to compose himself. Keiko was teasing him! And she got him good this time, goodness, he hadn't been this embarrassed in some time.

Said embarrassment turned to humor as Tsubasa couldn't help but laugh at himself. "Ah...thank you," He got that much out as he bit at the skin, pulling it away until the sweet scent filled the air. A welcome distraction, especially as the sweet taste cleared his mind.

"They really came in well," He added. "If you have a surplus, you should take them to the market. You'll sell out for sure."
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"You're welcome."

Keiko couldn't help but grin just a little devilishly as she watched Tsubasa try and shift the subject from her would-be seduction to the fruit before the two of them. It was almost kind of cute, how flustered a little bit of teasing had gotten him. She had expected him to be more resistant to such things—half the village's girls gave him doe eyes, after all—but it seemed she had been wrong in her assessment. She hefted up the other orange as he peeled away at his own, digging her fingers into the smooth flesh to peel away the rind until the soft flesh within was revealed.

"Bold of you to assume people would want to buy from me. I'm pretty sure half the village still thinks I'm some kind of yokai. Certainly wish I was, maybe I'd start getting offerings instead of rude gossip," She retorted, pulling a wedge from the fruit and popping it into her mouth, "Still, maybe I'll give it a try. It would piss old man Moriyama off something severe if people started buying their fruit from me instead of him."

The impish apprentice kicked her legs back and forth with just a little more force, chewing the juicy piece of citrus thoughtfully as her eyes danced from here to there, taking in the sights of the forge. It seemed Tsubasa had been rather busy despite the earliness of the morning. She was almost jealous of that, as absolutely bizarre as it sounded. He had plenty of matters to attend to, so he didn't have to deal with such consuming boredom all day as she did. Of course, he probably had an actual life to lead outside the forge, so maybe it was unfair to compare their situations, but acknowledging that didn't make her doldrums any easier to deal with.

"You get an awful lot of work during festival season, huh?" Keiko asked, making little more than idle conversation while she enjoyed her treat, "I would think people have better things to worry about than... fencing? During a time of celebration."
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"Oho? I got plenty of beauty sleep last night. Can you not tell?"

The white haired woman laughed, striking an exaggerated pose as best she could with the kimono in her arms. Otherwise she stayed quiet as she awaited Fumiko's opinion, anticipation clear on her face, if a little dramatic. Though neither choice could be wrong, Sumiko nodded along in agreement once the decision was made like she'd expected that outcome all along.

"Excellent choice as always, Fumi-chan," she said, sounding quite pleased. Sumiko gently replaced the green garment, then held the purple close to her and spun in place as though she were dancing with a partner. "Purple, mysterious, noble and spiritual. Specifically, this is hashita-iro. The color is made from murasaki plants, and the threads woven silk. Aah, I'd love to try my hand at weaving something myself some time!"

Sumiko slowed her turns, the motion transforming into a soft swaying. She smiled at her friend. "I was thinking the scale pattern might be a little direct, but it always goes over well with the crowd."

Without further ado she carefully laid the kimono on the table, and went to rummage for a suitable cover to carry it in. The hastily cleaned up room was gradually returning to a more familiar state as Sumiko opened a sliding closet and pulled things out. Boxes to sort through, hangers removed, examined, and lightly tossed to the side. Eventually one cover seemed to satisfy her, and she began wrapping the kimono in it. When Fumiko brought up asking for some extra help, all the white haired woman thought at first was, good idea! 'Many hands make light work,' or so the saying went didn't it? Before Sumiko could say as much, Fumiko went on. The more excuses she made, the faster Sumiko's expression morphed into a knowing grin. When she turned back to the young Takamori, the poor girl could see a hint of mischief in Sumiko's eyes.

"That's the only reason, I'm sure," she said, her voice light and teasing. Did their little Fumiko have a crush? She'd have a lot of competition, apparently a lot of the village girls had a thing for Tsubasa. Some of the village boys too. Sumiko let out a goodnatured laugh at her friend's flustered words, scooping one of the crates of supplies off of the ground and depositing it into Fumiko's hands. "It's not a bad idea though. Everything is ready to move, we just have to move it!"

Of course between bundles of cloth, parchments, paints, brushes, and everything else that Sumiko deemed necessary, it would be easier said than done. Sumiko herself stood with her hands on her hips in the midst of the middle of it all with a can-do grin. That smile had promised many things, and this morning it promised to get everything delivery on time.

"Well, almost everything. I need to gather up the matched hair pieces, but that won't take long."

Her smile was still in place when she turned away again, diving into the drawer of a little vanity. It was a dark wooden thing, not the typical make of Heiseina's craftsmen, and the little scratches here and there proved it was put to good use.

"You can go ahead if you want. I wouldn't want to get in the way of you and strong, handsome Tsubasa-san," she giggled over her shoulder. If the young man agreed to help out then they'd make short work of moving everything, but if not it was no big deal - there had been years when Sumiko carried everything to and fro by herself, so she was confident it would get done with time to spare. Although, she would be lying if she said she didn't appreciate the help.

Ah ha! she raised an arm in triumph, a shimmering hair piece held between her fingers. The rest of the accessories would follow soon enough.

"You know Fumi-chan, you should show off a little more," the younger Hayashi sister said suddenly. Her eyes were still focused on her search, though her grin had melted to something a little softer. "Perform in the festivals sometime. I'm sure you would do great."

Her gaze flickered over to Fumiko. "It would draw you some attention too. You know, catch the eye of a certain someone!"
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Tsubasa couldn't help but frown at Keiko's statement. She said it so nonchalantly, too. He supposed it was something she had gotten used to long ago; unfortunately, their village didn't look kindly to outsiders. He remembered being more curious than anything, never really understanding the hesitation coming from the adults. But it wasn't any of his business. Her statement on considering selling did bring a smile to his face as the thought danced around his mind. Moriyama was pretty competitive.

At the mention of the fence, he had fruit in his mouth as he looked at it. He chewed faster, licking his lips as he moved over to the already finished pieces. "Tetsu says there's always work to be done. Though this time, some animals have been getting into the crops and that can't really wait," He explained. "I guess the wooden fences kept getting knocked down, so reinforcing them should do the trick!"

He dropped his gaze to what he was working on when she came in, wondering if she wanted to know about that, too. "This one's a table, though," He said. "Takamori said he needed something sturdier than others, so there that is."

Taking the chance to gobble up the rest of the orange, he let out a sigh of happiness. "Delicious," He commented happily, pushing himself away from the bench. "How about you, Kei-chan? Are you looking forward to the festival?"
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Hidden 9 mos ago Post by Asura
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Asura bitch you almost got blood on my timbs

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SEIMEI KEIKO
tags - @Hero



"Of course there's always work to be done. The only other smith in the village is a lush." Keiko responded in her usual matter-of-factly manner, regardless of how uncouth it was to insult a man while dallying on his property. It wasn't like the old man was around to defend himself if he could even manage it at such an early, hangover-laden hour. As she greedily deposited the last few wedges of her orange into her mouth, the girl dismounted from the workbench she had claimed as a seat, making her way over to the table Tsubasa had just finished before her unexpected arrival. She poked at it with a toe, as if to test the strength of the structure with such a minimal use of force.

"Wonder what the old man is doing that requires such a sturdy table. Or who, I guess. Never know with old lechers," She mused conspiratorially as she chewed, although she couldn't quite follow the train of thought too far. Instead, her musings were interrupted by Tsubasa inflicting a wound of his own upon her pride. An unknowing redress for her teasing, perhaps. She swallowed down the remnants of her carefully cultivated treat before peering up at the taller male.

"Nope. I never do. I never have anyone to go with, so I usually spend most of the festival back at the tower, waiting for it to end so everything goes back to normal," Despite the sorrowful tale she told, she remained indifferent as ever in tone and expression, "I'm not even sure what people get up to for most of it if I'm honest. I guess it must be pretty enjoyable... but I wouldn't know."

She made just a few steps forward, pushing herself up onto her very tiptoes to get more on level with Tsubasa. Only then did the slightest glimpse of mischief start to shine through her big brown eyes.

"Unless that was your way of asking whether or not I'd be interested in going to the festival with you. Is that why you ask? Did you want to take me? Huh? Did you? Did you really?"
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Hidden 9 mos ago Post by Kuro
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Kuro u're mom

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Coming to a slow canter, Takara brought her horse around and towards the direction Haruhi was heading. With a smile on her face, she had Masaru follow along beside the girl so the two of them could converse.

"Luckily for you, it isn't me asking. My chichi sent me to put in our request for a resupply after the festival. Lots of hungry folks out there not named me around this time, you know."

Indeed, the week leading up to the Dance of the Serpent had always been rough on the Crane's Roost. Many village folk would flock there to celebrate through day and night, and in turn were often hungry for a home-cooked meal from the Hayashis. Although their hungry appetites weren't an unusual sight at the Crane's Roost, a week's worth of constant celebration was enough to put a sizeable dent in the inn's resources. There was usually enough supply to stay open by the end of festivities, but regardless it was still a good idea to ensure they weren't going to run completely dry by putting in their next restock order ahead of time.

"It'd be our usual order." Takara continued. Letting go of the reins temporarily, she began to count off vegetable names with her hands. "Hakusai, daikon, satoimo..."

After she had named a few examples, Takara turned her attention back to the road ahead of them. The village wasn't that far off from where they were currently, but horseback would certainly be faster than by foot regardless.

"Want a ride into town?" She asked, grabbing Masaru's reins in one hand. The other was outstretched towards Haruhi, ready to help lift the girl onto the horse if she so desired. "Just make sure you hold on tight to me if you do. We wouldn't want you falling off and bruising your behind, now would we?"

Takara playfully winked at Haruhi, hoping she would accept her offer.

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Interactions: Haruhi @Lemons
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Hidden 9 mos ago Post by Hero
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Hero Sincerest of Knights

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Huh, now that Keiko mentioned it, Tsubasa supposed he never did see her around whenever the festivities popped up. He always assumed that she was busy or that there was work to be done; he remembered the many, many times that Tetsu would suddenly unload a bunch of last-minute orders on him, and sometimes that resulted in him missing out on a majority of the fun. She seemed entirely indifferent to it, the complete opposite of his own lament anytime he'd been so caught up in his work that it was too late to do anything meaningful.

At the very least she didn't linger on the subject for too long, though he wasn't expecting her next comment. The barrage of questions caught him a little off guard, eyes widening just a touch as she even went so far as to approach him. Wait, why didn't he consider asking her? Clearly that was the way to go! It was a good idea, he could wrap up what he was doing and they'd be on their way in no time!

But even as the thought crossed his mind, he scratched the back of his head with a small frown on his face. "Um, no, that wasn't why, but--well, actually, I would like to go with you. If you'll have me, of course," He dropped his hand as he spoke, deciding he would get that out of the way. "We can go see everyone's hard work, get something to eat, enjoy the shows that get put on, and of course the main attraction."

He paused for a moment. "...But I mean, even if I wasn't around, there's nothing wrong with going on your own, too. I've had to do it a few times myself. You're still a part of the village, and that means you get to have as much fun as everyone else, too, you know."
Hidden 9 mos ago Post by webboysurf
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webboysurf Live, Laugh, Love

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As the screeching echoed throughout the valley, Kenichi perked up from his state of half-sleep. He was sitting with his back up against the wall of his room, next to his workbench. His eyes rose to the window, squinting as the rays of light from the early morning sun pierced his gaze. He raised a hand to wipe the sleep from his eyes as he regained his wits. He shifted his left leg from it's position folded under himself, and a familiar sensation returned: stiff, searing pain. His right leg was extended out straight in front of him: a poor choice, as Kenichi could feel his knee was locked in place. Great, another bad leg day. Running purely on routine, the doctor's apprentice reached up towards the table, his hand sliding awkwardly along the wood until he felt a a metal box. His fingers slipped between the metal and wood to lift the box, and lowered it down into his lap. He flipped open the latch with his other hand and slowly opened the lid. The box was filled with a dozen vials of an orange liquid resting in wooden holders. Kenichi reached in and quickly plucked one of the vials, removing the cork from the end as he could feel the pain intensifying the more he shifted around. He knocked back his medicine, and grunted as he managed to stomach the bitter taste. He hadn't quite figured out a way to fix the taste without compromising it's effectiveness. Turmeric was far too overpowering.

After a few moments, Kenichi reached up and used the desk to slowly rise to his feet. He grunted as he bent his right knee slightly to do so, the pain manageable but still rather agonizing. But the apprentice had work to do. He reached out and grabbed his cane, using it propel him around the desk and towards his satchel. He used one hand to sit it upright and rifle inside, checking to make sure he had a spare vial of his pain reliever tucked into a sewn in pocket. Resting in a pocket beside it was a vial with a small pouch of some fragrant substance. He nodded as he was satisfied with his bag's contents, and quickly closed the flap of his bag. Kenichi walked stiffly towards a chair in the corner of his room that he used to lay out his days clothes, and quickly got to work changing.

He greeted his family for breakfast, but he wasn't particularly hungry. He wasn't much for eating at the start of the day, especially in the past couple years. The bitter taste of spice lingered in the back of his throat, and the last thing he wanted was a full stomach if he felt nauseous in an hour. He had a cup of tea with honey and ginger to help soothe his stomach, before fetching his cane once more and heading for the front door. His mother walked over to him, licking her palm and trying to fix Kenichi's hair as she spoke. "You prepared another batch of medicinal tea leaves. Is that for Sengo or Takamori? Are they sick?"

Kenichi lifted his left hand up to push away the feeble attempt at fixing his hair, shaking his head and speaking softly. "Ummm... No, no they are in good health. I think. No, I'm just... Ummm..." He closed his eyes for a moment and let out a slow exhale, centering himself as he constructed his words visually in his imagination. "I am going to deliver this to Lady Oyuki. It should last for some time, and I had the spare materials."

Hanako carefully observed her son's stoic face, before giving a slow nod and a knowing smirk. "Be careful on the stairs. And be sure to thank her for her work." She leaned in to give her son a kiss on the forehead before he spun around, shoveling a handful of roasted soybeans from a bowl near the door into his satchel as he disembarked from his home. The cold air hit Kenichi's face and nearly sucked out his breath in an instant. He grit his teeth and did his best to bare the cold as it went down his windpipe like pins and needles. He shivered slightly as he reached up with his left hand to pull his jacket collar closer to cover his face. He walked forward, letting his cane help to support his right leg whenever he had to place his weight on it. Kenichi's left hand reached into his satchel, pulling out a handful of roasted soybeans and scattering them in accordance with tradition. After all, it was best to keep the things lurking in the shadows distracted and satisfied.

Kenichi was so focused on watching his steps as he wandered his way through town that he hadn't noticed that he was already passing a rather steep set of stairs cut into the hillside on the edge of the village. He turned his gaze over his shoulder in an acknowledgement of his journey to get there, before his eyes were drawn back upwards to the shrine. Kenichi gripped his cane firm as he lifted his left leg up onto the first step, slowly beginning the climb to the top. With each step he would bring his left foot up and use it to help propel his right foot up to meet it.

It was slow and arduous. His right leg ached, his nerves and muscles tensing up the more he climbed. Despite the cold, sweat trickled down from Kenichi's brow and stung his eyes. Each step became an increasingly difficult hurdle, forcing Kenichi to take longer pauses between the steps. Of course, it wasn't just the pain and stiffness causing hesitation. He could swear he was seeing things moving in the corners of his eyes. The creatures and Yokai of the land, perhaps. Or a trick of the mind. Regardless, Kenichi found himself about two thirds of the way up the steps and unable to go any further. His breathing had quickened its pace, an ever shifting cloud of moisture coming from his lips as his eyes were turned towards the shrine. He hung his head for a moment to conserve energy, his eyes falling on the satchel at his side.

He could do this another day. She was probably busy.

The doctor's apprentice took a moment to turn himself around slowly, watching his footsteps as he did so, before turning his gaze towards the descent proper. Resting a few steps below Kenichi was a black short hair cat, sitting where Kenichi had walked through perhaps only a minute before. He stared at the cat in confusion, wondering how he hadn't noticed it before. Perhaps it had been following him closely, or he had been too focused on his own walking that he hadn't noticed a cat on the side of the path. Regardless, as soon as Kenichi and the cat locked eyes, it began standing up on it's hind legs, keeping it's eyes locked firmly on Kenichi as it spoke in a high-pitched squawking.

"Nya."

Kenichi jumped back in fright, his right heel catching the lip of the step behind him and causing him to grow unsteady. He tried to use his cane to help catch his balance, but it was a lost cause. The young man fell back on his ass, subconsciously pushing his left elbow out to help catch himself. Unfortunately, his elbow met the corner of another step, and he let go of his cane to clutch at his funny bone. He let out a pained moan, closing his eyes and wishing beyond all hope that the spirit had its fill and was gone. While Kenichi couldn't keep his volume down, he did his best to keep from swearing in pain and frustration. And so it was the doctor's apprentice found himself curled up on the steps leading to the shrine, with the mysterious bakeneko nowhere to be seen.
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