The Day of Thunder

The villagers are out in the farmland in force toward, working together to clean up and repair the houses damaged in the fire. The mood is cheerful and upbeat, almost itself festival-like. Several people are watching the kids as they run around and play not far away. They seem to have taken a shine to the newcomers, and are pretending to be samurai.

Yukara, finally rested, albeit by virtue of exhaustion keeping her asleep despite her dreams, decided to stretch herself a little. She had already been mended by a variety of magics, and so the woman put herself to work hauling, holding, and hammering, as directed by those in charge.

It was a chance to learn her balance and co-ordination anew. She did not plan to waste it, so she worked up a sweat, engaged in this simple, honest labor.

For once she might repair and rebuild, rather than simply destroy.

Yoshitsune Ayako was there, as well; having seen the farmhouses burn, she wanted to have a hand in raising them up again. Ayako's skills as a carpenter were nothing to write home about, but she cheerfully hauled timber and bales of thatch, as needed.

Naraku had arrived earlier to help in any way he could. He knew he wouldn't be of much help in physical trials but he could still do something about putting his half decent head into helping the people.

He decided to prepare an Hiruma winter specialty. Salted meat, trip and congealed blood stewed over low fire with cabbage and leeks to be poached in the meat juices. The food was a staple in their hunting trips, given the availability of the ingredients, and the stew had been seasoned with some of Naraku's herbs. Nothing poisonous.

He would give a plate to any that wished.

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D5 MA | Stew for morale | Void for rank | TN 20 (1 CR for taste) | 5k4 ⇒ 27 (TN: 20)

Hiruma Naraku wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 08, 2023 9:16 pm

He would give a plate to any that wished.

Despite being well-aware of Naraku's reputation as a poison master, Ayako trustingly accepted a plate.

"Thanks, Hiruma-san," she said. "Wow, this stew really hits the spot."

Yoshitsune Ayako wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 08, 2023 9:37 pm

Despite being well-aware of Naraku's reputation as a poison master, Ayako trustingly accepted a plate.

"Thanks, Hiruma-san," she said. "Wow, this stew really hits the spot."

He smiled warmly when the Yoshitsune complimented his cooking.

"Hiruma specialty. You basically get weaned on this when you're growing up. My father's companions used to call it the "Anygo" stew originally because apparently, when you're out scouting, anything goes into the pot."

He laughs at the recollection, before looking at Ayako.

"And you? How are you faring? Yesterday," he shakes his head. "You did well Yoshitsune-san. I'm glad you look well."

Sora turned up.

He was crap as a carpenter, and not exactly ornamental, but he was strong and steady, which came in handy for moving materials, the old former Hikaru shuttling back and forth in the blustery winds without missing a stride.

After finishing her stew, Ayako returned to the construction project. Working with the villagers and other samurai, the young Crab helped set two wooden posts, then a horizontal beam connecting the tops of those posts.

Ayako's wounds from the previous day seemed to be largely healed, not slowing her efforts at all. She wiped sweat from her forehead, then started to place side girders that would form the structure for the farmhouse being rebuilt.