The Day of Thunder

Ayako nodded. "I've seen Shinsei before, when he visited our lands," she said. "He seems very wise. I know he's been gathering people to come here ... the revered teacher must have some kind of plan to help with what's happening."

"It's said he has deep knowledge of the enemy. And about fate." Otaku reflects for a long moment before adding, "I'm concerned with the first one, less with the other."

Ayako nodded again. "I hope he can give us something to use against the ... enemy," she said. "I'm just glad it looks like so many clans have sent people to help."

"I think that's the Crab camp just ahead," Ayako said, her eyes straining to make out the shape of tents in the fog. "I should report in and call it a night."

"Time to set the watch and bed down." Otaku nods and lets Tsubame have his head; glimpsing the light of campfires through the screening trees, the horse sees visions of dinner and a nice roll in the grass and puts on some speed.

"That's not our camp," Otaku murmurs to him, with some humor. "It's not far, though," she adds over her shoulder to Ayako. "With the Lion and others, a few fields over."

"I'm sure you'd be welcome, if you want to come by sometime," Ayako offered, as she slipped off the horse and turned towards the Crab camp. "Thanks for helping me find the way back!"

"And the same to you," Otaku returns, waving a hand as she turns Tsubabme toward 'home' and Ayako heads off to her own camp. "Safe roads till then."