In the Cold Pale Dawn [Closed RP]

[Saiko]

[Closed except to Saiko and Sojiro.]

The first light of dawn shone weakly through the clouds over the stables of Kyuden Otomo, the chill night air hanging heavy over the awakening of the Winter Court. A few people were up and about, preparing for any early morning departures or arrivals, but one man was there who had been for quite some time.

He wore thick, heavy black riding robes under his worn black and green armor, the lacquer weathered and chipped with age and use, a black helmet wrought in a simple dragon's maw on his head, though the mempo was missing. All but his eyes were covered by his winter attire, even his mouth covered by thick black fabric. His pale green eyes burned with a cold purpose as he strapped the last of his gear to the back of the horse he had acquired, a well-bred chestnut gaijin steed that belonged to an Otomo who owed him quite a few favors

As Saiko sent the aide he had awoken to assist him in his preparations to leave off, he lit one of his tobacco rolls, one of the few material things that still brought him pleasure, he adjusted his daisho at his side and breathed in the smoke combined with the cold morning air, preparing himself for a very long journey...

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro walked out to the stables. After the night he had, he was in need of something to clear his head, and a morning ride sounded like a great idea. He smiled softly as he remembered Mai, wondering if she was already rubbing off on him. He missed her, and he worried about her.

Saddling up Shadowshine, he was surprised to find Saiko in the stables as well, preparing for what appeared to be a long trip.

"It is entirely too early for either of us to be awake, Saiko-san. Aren't we both supposed to be hung over right now?"

[Saiko]

He saw his cousin walk into the stable's courtyard, and a short smile crossed his face."Ahh, Sojiro-san, somehow I knew you would manage to find me before I escaped this viper's nest." He gave a wink and a slight grin, but neither quite met his eyes. He seemed distant as he pulled deeply on his tobacco roll once more.

"As to your question, I find it very difficult to actually acquire a hangover any more, and sleep doesn't find me that often either. And I could ask the same question to you, old friend. It was quite a night we had." He stretches, and offers the roll to Sojiro. "What brings you to the stables at this frigid hour?"

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro snatches the roll from Saiko's hand like a starving man offered a rice ball.

"You have to teach me how to make these, or at least where to get them. I'm just about out, and lately...." he grinned, "let's just say that I've had reason to enjoy them. Frequently."

"But as to your question, I decided that a morning ride might clear my head a bit. The viper's nest is not very helpful for clear thinking. So where are you off to?"

[Saiko]

Another smile passed Saiko's face at this, and his classic mischievous twinkle appeared in his eye. "I figured that might be happening. Unfortunately, I'm bound to secrecy as to their origin, but..." He reached into one of the packs on his horse and produced a black bamboo box, smooth and devoid of any symbols, though it was tied closed with a piece of dark green silk. He handed it to Sojiro, the strong aroma of the tobacco filling the cold winter air. "You smoke too much, old friend," he said with a wink.

"As to my destination, I am not exactly sure. I may head to the battlefield at Swift Sword and meet with Tamori Koichi-dono, or I may return to my home, and make the journey to the High House of Light. I just feel the need to wander, and it's best I follow such things." His face is pained for a moment, a shadow behind his eyes as he speaks of his home.

[Kakita Sojiro]

Sojiro accepted the gift with a grin. There was no need to go into the refusals game that annoyed them both.

"Well then Saiko-san, perhaps it is best for you to answer that call to wonder. I know that a large part of you needs it from time to time. Just be careful that this trip doesn't turn out like the last one. I'd prefer that the next time I see you is not in an infirmary somewhere." His eyes twinkled with humor.

"If your travels take you either to Tsuma or south towards the Kakita holdings, know that you are welcome to stay at my residences, even if I am not there. The servants have been made well aware that you are welcome any time."

"Stay safe and good travels, old friend."

[Saiko]

He nodded at his old friend, appreciating the lack of an inquiry, as well as the wishes to his health. "And you as well, old friend. Hopefully the next time I see you, it will be in better times... for both of us." He walked over to mount his horse, and stopped, looking back. "Sojiro-san..."

For the first time, his eyes seemed to thaw, going back to their normal emerald for just a moment, as true compassion passed his face. "I'm happy you found her. You deserve happiness again, sensei." With that, he climbed upon his horse, wheeled around towards the now open gates, and rode into the dawn mist, never once looking back...

[Kakita Sojiro]

For a second Sojiro's smile disappeared. He looked down and nodded before he spoke.

"Thank you, Saiko-san. Those words mean a lot to me. I just hope she's ok."

He looked back up at his student, cousin and friend, a different sort of smile on his face. Less sarcastic, more genuine.

"Take care. Now, I had best let you leave before the vipers find you and drag you back in. Or before they find me for that matter."

The two old friends rode out together, each enjoying the tobacco that Saiko always seemed to have. Once outside of the city, no words were exchanged. A simple look, a mutual grin, and they each set off in opposite directions...

... but the fortunes have a funny way of seeing to it that these two men always end up at the same place when it matters.