Dark Edge Village

The village had not suddenly become a center of culture and entertainment in the week Fukawa had been here. Instead, she walked the streets to clear her head a bit. At least moving kept her from thinking about her problems too deeply.

Kemuri was enjoying the evening air himself. He was not looking for anything specific or going anywhere in particular. He was just wandering arbitrarily, seeing where fate would take him.

"Good evening, Doji-sama." he bowed, as his path crossed with the Crane's.

The Crane stopped and bowed to the Unicorn in polite fashion.

"Shinjo-san. I am Doji Fukawa, it is an honor to meet you." she offered as polite introduction.

"Shinjo Kemuri." he responded. "I hope your stay with us has been pleasant."

Fukawa nodded.

"Yes. Your clan have been excellent hosts I've found." she offers. "Would you care to join me for a stroll this evening, Shinjo-san? I find good company improves every experience."

"I agree completely." he nodded. "A pleasant walk with good conversation would be very welcome."

Fukawa nodded, joining the Shinjo.


"How has Shinjo-san found the miai thus far?" she asked, as it was a fairly popular topic.

"Informative." he smiled. "I've learned about the Empire. I've met many good people. It's been a very good experience."

"How have you found it?"

Fukawa nodded.

"Much the same. Even if you haven't been gone for hundreds of years, it's always fascinating to see samurai from other clans and see what they are up to. Normally, that's a privilege one has during winter court, not in the summer."

"Winter." He said the word with a hint of amusement. "Winter should be interesting."

Fukawa nods.

"I think it shall be." she agrees. "Iuchi Donga-Ha laments the things one can do in the Winter, but I'm sure there will be quite a few conversations about the Unicorn throughout court season."

"I am sure you are right, Doji-sama." He nodded. "But, I was referring to the snow. It's been a long time since I was able to enjoy snow."

The Crane looks at the Unicorn curiously.


"When did you last enjoy snow, Shinjo-san?" she asks, curiously.

"When I was a child." he answered. "I don't even recall where we were, what land we were in. It was in the early years of our journey home."

Fukawa nods.


"Ah that makes sense." she agrees. "I suppose it depends if you marry into another clan which clan it is, but even the clans in the southern part of the Empire get snow yearly. You'd have to marry into the Mantis to miss it entirely."