windspeaks

[advance]

[ on the outskirts of shiga one might find the beginnings of a small textile industry– one that’s just gaining traction, with small, rural but hardworking shops. the trade has gone fairly unnoticed by most, but after hearing faint rumors of such business on his way to tokyo, hanbei had to see for himself.

—and on the outskirts of shiga, currently, one might find the very same takenaka hanbei, aiding the few others he’s with out of a ditch their too-big carriage toppled into.

lucky for him, hanbei is swift enough to have climbed his way out before the carriage collapsed into its now permanent spot in the sticky dirt. he may be confined indoors most of his life now, but his body and skills are still very able.

still– someone is stuck. not fatally so, to their fortune, but the group is still a ways away from the nearest densely populated area– and, though hanbei is strong, he can’t possibly lift the carriage even just a bit. he also can’t free the horses trapped by their reins, and stuck in the mud. ] Goodness... these new carriages certainly are too top-heavy. We’ll need to replace them.

[ to himself, as he decides to draw back and observe instead.

he pauses, then speaks down to the men just a bit below him. ] I’m going for help, then. Be sure not to exhaust yourselves. [ and so he goes. ]

Comments

[snapfan]

[As he stretches his arms out away from his person he glances over to the groups and sees their evident relief, their calm and laughter as the worst case scenario slowly becomes a thought of the past. Tenka smiles– that's what he likes to see, smiles all around.

And apparently Takenaka-san thinks so too, Tenka muses with another stretch.] Pff, repay me? I'll have you know I thrive on compliments well enough. [Because he IS impressive, right? Tenka chuckles and produces his fan from the folds of his sleeves.] After all, the esteemed head of our ancient shrine should—


[Tenka's hand drops his fan, surges to his shoulder and clamps down hard as he goes still.] Nn.

[Flickers of pain and discomfort wrinkle his brow, so subtle and brief one might think he was unaware of it. the passing of it comes and goes like a breeze, and eventually his smile returns, albeit small and humble.] ...Hah.

It seems even I know when to push my limits! But what matters now is the job is done, hm?

[advance]

[ of course, hanbei is just about to swiftly insist tenka come up with some way, but stops short when the fan clacks to the ground.

... he pushed himself, huh? did he know this would happen? if so, why would he bother helping them all on his own?

it seems only natural that such a display of physical capability would cause this. hanbei feels less sympathetic and more curious about tenka's circumstances, but he's not about to be impolite. ]

Yes, well, with your help I've managed to avoid quite literally sinking a huge investment today, Kumou-kun. [ he eyes the line of tenka's shoulder pointedly. ] ... If you've strained yourself, I can refer you to a doctor in the city. [ he stresses, clearly implying that the doctors here are probably not up to the task. and, ] Free of charge, of course.

[snapfan]

[Ahh, Tenka almost feels the need to mourn the brief elation that had gripped him right before the pain had spiked up. At least now, he notes, the men are in more refreshed in their spirits, and are more likely to trek the journey back to where Takenaka-san resides for the time being. He thinks back to his own home, wonders what Soramaru and Chuutarou are doing...

but that word shakes Tenka from his musings, and has him pulling an even wider smile.] ...You really are interesting, Takenaka-san!

Doctors and their nagging don't come cheap these days, you know. [He would definitely know, after all. Tenka bends his knees to retrieve his fan, taking his time as he rises back and straightens.] As much as I appreciate the offer, I already have a fellow who regularly stops by the shrine. Hah, I can't imagine the bill he'd slap me with if he ever found me rendezvousing with another practitioner!

... [After a second, the young man suddenly sombers, his smile faint and perhaps a little regretful.] But do believe my word, when I say it is appreciated. Perhaps when I've thought of a way you can repay me, you can come visit my shrine to see it finally done.

Or, [And his fan snaps open, showy and flashy once again.] I could visit you, Takenaka-san. Would your fellow mind terribly, you think?

[advance]

[ while he certainly is grateful to tenka, and has no intention to go back on his word to repay the favor, hanbei doesn't quite like the idea of this debt not being repaid on his own terms. his sense of proper custom and generosity only stretch as far as he can keep a close, watchful eye on it.

and as unfortunate as it is, he's not swayed by that flashy smile. ]

... My fellow? [ does he mean hideyoshi. what...

well, first: ] I'm afraid that's much too vague for me, Kumou-kun. [ he offers as gently and yet resolutely as one can manage. ] I won't be able to do anything about it if you cannot make up your mind until a month for now, for instance.

You and I are both very busy, I imagine. [ and he really doesn't like the idea of one having to drop in on the other when tenka finally does decide to cash it in. ] I'll be in the next city over for a week before I return home. Please consider taking advantage of my offer before then.