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]

[There's a nagging pang in his shoulder, shooting up to his torso each time he steps through the soft soil lining the mountain side. It's not particularly painful, but it remains with him even after he stalked out out of the shrine grounds and left a bristling Soramaru behind. He's getting stronger every day- and Tenka isn't ready to admit that soon, Soramaru will be able to hold on his own.

So of course, instead of being mature and congratulating Soramaru on landing a hit on him, he dropped him like a rock and ran off with his nose in the air. These young ones needed to respect their tutors, didn't they?!

But now, judging by the scent of moisture in the air and the softness of the ground under his sandals, Tenka realizes he's gone too far east. He's at the edge of Shiga, he thinks, or at least the outer edge where there are less villages and more roads leading out of the prefecture.

It would be here where he'd encounter a spirit- which is what he thinks is in front of him. A handsome person, out here alone? That's his job.]

They say spirits enjoy walking on empty roadsides. If you're looking for one, I'm afraid it's still a bit towards your right!

[He braces his fan against his chest, smiling widely.] Or am I mistaken?