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]

[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.