Tori ni Tobu Sora (D7 LM)

[Doji Dojihime]

She beamed and said, "There is nothing more sacred than the happiness of our children. We grow up all too quickly and find the world is... a much different place than we realized. I pray they can hold onto their innocence for as long as they can."

[Kakita]

Kakita simply watched the exchange politely.

[Jiyo Sora]

She beamed and said, "There is nothing more sacred than the happiness of our children. We grow up all too quickly and find the world is... a much different place than we realized. I pray they can hold onto their innocence for as long as they can."

"It will erode all too soon, Doji-san, but I am grateful for your help in preserving it for a bit longer."
He chuckled.

"Soryu's been quite keen on animals of late- he's fascinated by a certain young Ki-Rin and her otters. I think he's trying his hand at courtship, as a matter of fact."

[Doji Dojihime]

"Perhaps he might succeed," she said warmly.

[Jiyo Sora]

"At seven years of age? His charm would rival your father's."

He grinned.

[Doji Dojihime]

"At seven years of age? His charm would rival your father's."

He grinned.

"Then I fear for the Unicorn, and every potential suitor within a league of this place," she joked.

"Though the charm of Jiyo-san is well known, he seems well regarded by so many. My cousin speaks highly of you. Do you not agree, Kakita-san?"

[Kakita]

Kakita nodded, “A hero of the rescue of Lord Hisomu and a loyal vassal trusted by the emperor himself.”

[Jiyo Sora]

"Ah, nothing to do with charm, and everything to do with perseverance..."

[Doji Dojihime]

"I do not see much of a difference, it still draws people to you," she replied.

[Kakita]

Kakita nodded at the princess’s words.

[Jiyo Sora]

"Well, ordinarily this is where I would self-deprecate some more, but since I try not to undercut perceptions of the Emperor's judgement, I will simply note that it took the patience and wisdom of the Son of Heaven to transform a distrustful, angry, unkempt tribesman from the Spine of the world into someone commanding any respect. Much of the perseverance involved was his, not mine."

[Doji Dojihime]

"Then he saw something worth molding," she said sweetly.

[Kakita]

Kakita paused and only politely nodded his head.

Pray that I don’t become an old man who feels compelled to argue with everything people say that vary in the slightest from my worldview.

[Jiyo Sora]

"Then he saw something worth molding," she said sweetly.

"Which just goes to show the scope of vision in play."

Sora half-smiled.

"He saw more than most, myself most definitely included. To have been trusted with the safety of his children was... I can honestly say, the first time that honor was offered was the single greatest shock of my life. But a transformative shock, all the same. But enough about me- with respect, Doji-san, I find myself blisteringly uninteresting at the best of times. And whatever heroism may lie in my past is of less interest to me than the heroics your generation will achieve in the future."

[Kakita]

Kakita nodded politely and began looking down the path towards the castle subtly.

“The heavens and their chosen vessel have greater perspective than we. If we do our part, whatever it may be… then we too can carry on this great legacy.”

[Doji Dojihime]

She bowed to the two and continued on her way.

/exit

[Kakita]

Kakita watched the daughter of Doji leave… quietly harboring hope in his heart that one day they could be friends…

He let out the slightest of sighs as she left.

“Tomorrow all shall be known… and yes… I will trust Destiny.” He said without looking over towards the older man.

[Jiyo Sora]

"Just make sure you're ready to face it."

He shook his head as he watched Dojihime go.

"Pride there. I hope they can bend instead of breaking if you prove us right."

[Kakita]

“There’s Honor there.” He replied simply as Dojihime’s silhouette traveled further and further away.

“Believe.”

[Jiyo Sora]

"Honor's a tricky thing, Kakita-san. Still. In this specific case, I believe you may be right."