[D9, LM] The stare that could strip lacquer

[Doji Arai]

Court, court, court. This is such a different environment than Arai is used to. She can name numerous things that annoy her and even more that have been distasteful, at best. She herself had to... Anything goes when duty demands it. It was for the Empire, not Doji Noriko or the Crane.

The duelist breaths in and out as she tries to find her center in a quiet spot of the courtyard. Seated in a perfect seiza, she meditates.

[Cearnach]

A bird is perched on the wall.

Just one.

It chirps pleasantly.

The air feels unseasonably warm.

A second bird alights on the wall next to the first.

They chirp together.

Just two.

Chirping.

[Doji Arai]

Breath in, breath out.

Focus is the key.

Breath in, breath out.

Arai opens her eyes. It's impossible to focus in this place. Even the quietest place has... birds.

[Cearnach]

The birds look at each other as a third bird, and then a fourth, and a fifth, gather on the wall.

Then, in unison, they take flight! Winging about the courtyard, they settle in a ring around Arai.

*Croawk!* says the first bird, as it looks up at Arai from its position directly in front of her.

Then it turns its head, opens its beak, and says "I know where you are, Ishimoto."

The second bird fluffs its wings *Croawk!* "I know what you've done!" *Crrrr-cheep!*

The third bird flaps up to land on Arai's shoulder. *Crrr-crick!* "I will tell her."

The fourth bird digs into the ground and pulls up a worm. Eats it. Message sent.

The fifth bird flaps twice and lands on the ground. *Roawk!* *Roawk!* "Run!"

And then all five birds take flight, circle once, and fly to the east.

[Doji Arai]

Arai is at a loss of words. "Hey, don't go!" She raises to her feet. "What have I done? Explain yourselves!"

Of course, nothing can be expected from birds, but birds that speak? As they take their leave, the Doji scratches her head. Who could have send these birds? A priest? A trickster spirit? Could themselves be just that? Trickster spirits?

And what's this awful thing that she has apparently done. She heard the rumors this morning. This thrice cursed Matsu that dares call herself Terror. She chuckles. There's no fear in her heart. If Matsu Reiko wants revenge, she can meet Arai's blade and may the best swordswoman win. But this son of hers? She has never heard of him, let along kill him.

She looks around her to see where the birds flew to or if anyone might be watching this.