[x] Relax and observe the koi.
The chill wind bites at you as you sit, looking at the pond and the fish within. That breeze makes a faint whistling noise as it tumbles through the mountain, a soft keening on the edge of hearing that helps clear some of the fog from your mind. You're not sure how long you focus on that sound as you gaze at the koi, appreciating their forms as they dart through the water.
You idly note that it is remarkably frigid despite winter being almost half a year away. It is a far cry from your own lands, so warm and humid even in the most biting cold. You're too tired to care much for it, but it is surprising the koi are as active as they seem in such weather. Perhaps the water is warmed like the hot springs from yesterday?
The simple splendor of this place, so high in the world yet holding a pocket of vibrant color, helps to soothe your tired thoughts. You can see why Yasuki Goro was taking his ease within this garden. The peace of this place overcomes all your worries with a slow but overwhelming gentleness, leaving you with a sense of contentment.
A sudden whimsy strikes you, and with a smile you open your mouth to speak.
"Swimming in summer.
Circles in the water soothe,
Swimming in my mind."
It is a good poem, mentioning summer and connecting it to the fish you are observing. Even one of the Crane would have to admit to its charm. Your smile widens, and you decide to try your hand at another haiku.
"Shimmering silver.
A quick flash of golden scales,
Gone from my sight soon."
That was evocative, focusing on the splendor of the koi. It is not connected with any season, but the fish make fine subjects for the poem. Perhaps it is your fatigue, or the peace you feel within this garden, but you are having some good fortune crafting haiku. You open your mouth to try for another…
And the sound of applause interrupts before you can begin. You turn around to see Togashi Kohaku standing near the entrance to the castle. He smiles at you and bows, something you respond to by rising and doing likewise. A quick glance shows the shadows of the trees have moved, marking the journey of the sun. Just how long have you been sitting here, enjoying the serenity of the garden?
"Please, Hiruma-san, do not stop on my account," he says as he approaches the pond. "I was enjoying your poetry, and you seemed to have another ready to come forth."
"If you wish, Togashi-san," you reply, shifting your feet ever so slightly. This is… Well, there's a big difference reciting poetry to oneself and having an audience. But you'll not be so rude as to deny the man's request. You are, after all, a guest among the Dragon.
"Jewels of color,
Studied with silent laughter,
Do steady the sword."
"Another fine poem," Kohaku says. He sits down on one of the rocks near yours, and you return to your seat so as not to loom over him. "If you would permit, Hiruma-san, I would like to try my own hand at it."
"Please, by all means," you respond. "I would enjoy that greatly."
"Pondering koi.
A scintillating splendor,
Within the stillness."
"A fine haiku, Togashi-san," you say, nodding in appreciation.
It truly is, and you mean your words without a trace of flattery. That was a winding poem, at first focusing on the koi and then moving on to the pond they live in. The shift was subtle yet quick, implying that the beauty of the koi could only truly be appreciated in the expanse of the pond. Perhaps it is a metaphor? You wouldn't be terribly surprised, considering the Dragon.
"My thanks, Hiruma-san," Kohaku replies. "It touches on something near and dear to my heart."
"Oh? I hope I do not pry, Togashi-san, but could you tell me what that is?" you motion to the pond. "Unless you mean the koi."
"No, Hiruma-san, though they are quite lovely," Kohaku answers. "I mean stillness. Peace… Peace is something I appreciate very much." He takes a deep breath, folding his hands into his lap and leaning forward to better look at the pond. "And I fear it will be leaving my home all too soon."
[] Ask what Kohaku means.
[] Stay silent.
[] Write in.
