Day 12 - Golden Sun Plain

The Plains of the Sun shine brightly beneath the blood-red sky, catching the scarlet light on hanging heads of golden grain. It is a peaceful place, a land of learning and scholarly pursuits, but it was once a battleground.

Now, the Asahina have restored their delicate peace, living in their libraries and uncovering the secrets of the stars. To them, she is more than an enigma. She is a source of unknown knowledge and a bastion of belief.

Tampako bows, his robes covering the slow stiffness in aged joints.

"Hitomi-sama," he whispers, hands clasped. "You are most welcome here."

She returns his formality, glancing beyond him in an unguarded moment to see the young woman at his side. Her name is Tsukiyoka, and although she carries no sword, the fires in her eyes burn like a winter's sun. Where Tampako is delicate, she is firm. His gentle hands are mimicked by her movements, but her motions are more assured, less hesitant. Something has changed in the halls of the Asahina?a change not wrought by Shadow or by the battle Hitomi prepares to fight.

Exchanging mild pleasantries with the daimyo, Hitomi walks through the library's arched doorways and listens to his tales of the carvings on the ancient walls. The other students, afraid of their visitor, turn their heads to the ground and look away. Their fear is apparent as they move restlessly in their pale blue robes. Yet they stand once more, and their eyes know strength as well as concern.

Behind all their peace and scholarship, the Asahina have learned the ways of war. They would never be the same. Hitomi glances again at the students, understanding their nature at last.

They would be the source of change.

Source: posted to www.wizards.com/l5r on 2/2/00