Granite under Willow [D9, EN]

[Isawa Kyosei]

"So, perhaps see if I can get some of the Crane Steel, and take it up to them, summer-fall? Seems a worthy start."

[Jiyo Sora]

"If nothing else, it will help reassure them that the need to pull together is more than just words spoken in Court."

[Isawa Kyosei]

"And, they'll associate it with me, and with the Imperials. Yes, a worthy start." With a plan for the year ahead, he felt once more on an even keel.

"In more personal news... have you a desire to consider Soryu for training? Apparently he has your gift of sight, which I didn't know."

[Jiyo Sora]

"Oh yeah. He's got an eye like mine."

Sora frowned.

"Poor kid. He had a nightmare that matched my vision before Court really got rolling. I... didn't suggest him for training mostly because I'm not sure he'd understand what was being talked about."

[Isawa Kyosei]

"While not ready for the full training, there are things that can be taught at his age. For one, teaching him meditation is a good idea."

[Jiyo Sora]

"Oh, well ahead of you there. I took him to Nozomi's little event. He seemed to take to it."

[Isawa Kyosei]

"Another is to expose him to the elements. Not just physical versions, though you can try that, but also the philosophical versions - fast thinking events for fire, or a forge. For Water, sailing, of even a Koi pond. For Air - honestly, I'm not too sure. Climbing trees, or standing at the tops of ravines, maybe? I preferred the bottoms of ravines, the earth solid beneath my feet. Something where he can do the same thing, apparently monotonous, but really training him in patience, for Earth."

[Jiyo Sora]

"We can give it a try. I'd like it if he didn't have to carry a sword like I do."

[Isawa Kyosei]

"mmm. I would suggest training with a knife. It is the tool of my trade, after all, and knowing more about how to use it is good, as well, as he grows, whether he has the Spirit speaking gift or not."

[Jiyo Sora]

"I was also going to look into the way the Bat do it. Just for the sake of versatility."

[Isawa Kyosei]

"Oh? I didn't realize they do it any other way. How do they do it?"

[Jiyo Sora]

"I've seen 'em call upon the kami without spilling blood."

[Isawa Kyosei]

"I have been able to do that, but only to commune with the Earth spirits. Can they do much more?"

[Jiyo Sora]

"That's what I'm looking into... although I admit, it's a bit like speaking Nezumi. I can grasp the basics, but little more."

[Isawa Kyosei]

"With the jade mine I found directions to, seems I know where to head for the next year."

[Jiyo Sora]

"Yes, well, we seem to have filled your calendar pretty thoroughly, haven't we?"

[Isawa Kyosei]

With a shrug, "I am of the Earth. A steady path is preferred."

[Jiyo Sora]

"Even when the road promises to be a bumpy one?"

[Isawa Kyosei]

A small smile. "What do you know of what the earth is like under the ground? I assure you, a few bumps is not a problem."

[Jiyo Sora]

"Good thing. I get the feeling the next few years are going to be rough."