The Day of Thunder

With everyone working together, things are down to refining by the late afternoon. Smoothing wood, replacing old or moldy thatch, and generally making the houses better than new.

The kids in town have moved on to playing tag.

Ai arrived ready to do work, she pulled back her sleeves and put her long white hair in twin buns. It was time to get down to business and defeat the Huns? I mean build the homes.

Yukara was still there, still working. She found it liberating to just get out and do something.

Seeing the Crane, she was somewhat surprised, the woman had seemed more... artistic, than to carry logs about.

Clearly, Yukara needed to adjust her expectations.

"Glad to see you here, Nanzi-Sanma. I am certain you will help to inspire the workforce."

"That is kind to say, for they are inspiring me with their resilience," she said warmly as she helped with lifting and heavy work.

"Indeed, it is amazing the will of life to continue."

Yukara was hauling bundles over her shoulder, relying on her legs to make up for the missing arm strength. "I am curious - does your training often include such heavy work? I struck you as one better versed in finesse."

“While not the norm, physical ability is still prized among the Crane, but a soldier no matter the field still needs a strong arm,” she said warmly.

“But honestly for this kind of work one just needs the will to do labor.”

"You are correct in that." Yukara chuckled. "It is... refreshing... to build something. To have something worthwhile to show when your labor is done."

As opposed to a field of dismembered and cooling corpses.

"As samurai we called to better the Realm, this is our Duty," she replied warmly. "I am just glad that we are aiding these people and bettering their lives."

"I had heard it was a duty to defend, though I suppose this could also be a part of that."

Yukara gestured at the rooves. "Protection from the elements is arguably a form of defense."

"Parents defend their children, is this any different?" she responded with a smile. "Not all things are so literal."

"Hmm."

Yukara sighed.

"I guess I am still learning what is literal and what is... artistic, you might say."

Hoisting a wooden plank, she began to carry it across the field. "Sometimes the two seem to blend together."

"You had that little contact with people?" She asked.

"With people who lived this modern life? Yes."

Yukara sighed, setting down the plank for a moment. "I met many people scrabbling for scraps. People fighting and killing for the castoffs of civilized folks. It has been my duty to protect those I can... and cull those beyond saving. Construction was not my... experience. Neither was art."

"Maybe you should experience a little more of the civilized world, it might give you appreciation of what you are fighting for," she responded.

"I hope to, when all is done."

Yukara smiled faintly. "Now that I know how much there is to see."

"It is an expansive realm, many parts still unexplored if that is your wont," she responded.