He nodded, “The strength of the empire rests in the strength of its people. Whatever comes, I know that we together can defeat it. It gives me hope for the days ahead.”

"Well, speaking as someone who's only seen twelve winters, I certainly hope so!"

She didn't sound worried

He nodded affirmatively, “Good. Keep that hope.”

"My generation will do our job, just so yours buys us time."

That seemed to be more teasing.

Kakita nodded affirmatively, “See to it that you are ready when the time is yours.”

"Well, my sister has some mystical destiny she's pursuing, my little brother's... too early to say, but... I guess I'll keep it all organized for them."

“Fulfill your role, whatever it may be… Do it with your whole soul. That is all that will ever matter.” He replied.

"Oh, I may have no magical knack, and I may have little interest in swordplay, but rest assured... my day will come."

He simply nodded in affirmation.

Phi sighed, and settled deeper into the water.

She had evidently said her bit for the time being.

Kakita sat quietly in the warm water… letting it relax the damaged muscles in his arm.

Rei quietly arrived and entered the water. She bowed politely and sat down, leaning back to savor the warmth. It had been a very strange day and she had only been awake for a few hours.

Kakita nodded a greeting, “Lady Rei. A pleasant afternoon to you… It’s been an eventful day.”

"Yes, it has." she nodded. "By all accounts, you did very well this morning. I wish I had been there."

“We we’re all where we needed to be.” He said in a comforting tone.

“I was successful today. We cut through the deception. But there is still much more to be done.”

"Very much." she agreed. "The infiltration of the Crane aside, the implications of what the Harbinger said pose a great danger to everyone. Much will need to be done in a sort amount of time to prepare ourselves."

He nodded, "I am always at your service to do whatever must be done my Lady."

"That is greatly appreciated." she nodded. "But, I know your quest is not over. You still have your sister to find."

He nodded solemnly.

"The first step is completed, however... Now at the very least... there is a place for her to return safely. With Hadananzi gone she can return to our people if she still..." There was a hint of sadness in the tone but from what cause was difficult to tell.

Phi made like a hole in the air, soaking all of this up.

She was absolutely going to write her little factual account, but there was also a frickin' SWEET tragic and romantic thing that the Bat as a Clan seemed so good at going on, and nothing said she couldn't write a little something else, a bit less serious...