All humor is gone from the Spirit speaker's face. "True. I will also be carrying the warning to all I can as I travel."

"Be ready for trouble in case warnings are too late..."

"Mmm. True enough. Thoughts on how to proceed, other than just to destroy, or try to, the affected ones?"

"We know this filth is contagious once it gets a foothold. I'd suggest fire after the fact. Just in case."

"As happened earlier today. Did anyone gather the workers of the House, to interrogate them? See if the Filth had transferred?"

"I believe the Consort's family and the Chiyo have charge of that. I would be very surprised if everyone working there is still drawing breath... Of far greater concern to me is anyone who slipped out ahead of the purge. I intend to have the roads checked for any... strays."

"One benefit of all the snow - easier to track any, ah, strays."

"And it will slow them down. So. I hope we can make a clean sweep."

"Well, I will leave that to your office. I think that is everything, unless there's something else I need to know, or you want me to pass on?"

"It's all I can think of for the time being..."

Sora chuckled.

"It should be more than enough."

"Then, till my next visit..."

He rose, preparing to take his

/exit, unless stopped.

"Carry the Fortunes."

Sora bowed as his old friend hit the road.

I don't think any of us are truly ready. How can we be?

So he took his time in closing his office up and heading to bed.

His dreams hadn't been troubled, but...

But I'll need to talk to Soryu as soon as he wakes up.

[/Scene]