Snow Fall
01 March 2006
by Nate Hansen

The snow fell softly and silently, the cloud cover caught Lord Sun's light and diffused it across the whole sky. The land seemed to glow.

The light shuffle of slippered feet brought Nikana's gaze to the green robed figure approaching him. Nikana looked back out on the garden landscape.

Seppun Hikaru stood next to his younger brother glancing around at their surroundings. No one appeared to be near the gazebo. The two brothers looked out at the snow seemingly unaware of each other.

"Congratulations on your upcoming marriage, Nikana." Hikaru finally ended the silence.

"Thank you, Hikaru." Nikana gave a small nod in response. "How was the journey from Toshi Ranbo?"

"It went as one would expect – very busy attending to the security of the Emperor. Whenever he moves out into the open it gives us more pause than usual. Were you at Toshi Ranbo you certainly would have been invited as part of the retinue this year."

Nikana cocked an eyebrow as he looked over at Hikaru trying to discern his thoughts. While an adequate courtier Hikaru had never used subtlety and methodical manipulation of conversation when dealing with Nikana. "You have never had difficulty speaking your mind to me. If anything could be said about us it is that we have not shrunk from being blunt with one another. I'm curious about what gives you such pause now. Why did you ask to meet me out here?"

"I have to admit that upon hearing of your travels into the Shadowlands I was not surprised. What did surprise me was Doji Kurohito-sama suggesting to the Emperor that our family honor be restored because of it."

"You are welcome brother," Nikana interjected quickly, smiling slightly.

Hikaru sighed and continued, "After the Emperor, may he live forever, decreed our honor restored I noticed an immediate change in how I was dealt with by others – particularly by the other Imperial families. I was no longer the grandson of a coward. No one dare put aside the word of the Emperor. Out in the open anyway. Behind my back and in the corners of the Imperial court some whispered about what really happened."

Nikana's smile evaporated into a glare.

"Isawa Takako seems to have asked Kurohito-sama to petition the Emperor on our behalf and he felt inclined to respect her desire. No doubt because of what you and your companions accomplished beyond the Wall."

"What are you saying brother," Nikana asked cooly, unconsciously standing taller so he towered over Hikaru.

"Please hear out all that I have to say, it won't be easy for you to listen to but I ask that you let me finish." Hikaru waited for Nikana's nod. "Officially we have again ascended to our rightful place but Isawa Takako's actions have also made things more difficult for us."

"San." Nikana interrupted, the corner of his lip curling up.

"This is important Nikana."

"I'm sure it is, but you will refer to Isawa Takako-sama with respect. We owe her a great debt."

"Very well. Takako-san has created several dilemmas for us." Hikaru paused to stare at Nikana. Nikana's scowl disappeared and he seemed calm once again. "Our honor was restored too quickly and it will be difficult for some to adjust to the deference our family must now be given. We needed to maneuver ourselves into a more favorable position before the disgrace of our grandfather was set aside, so as to avoid conflict."

"Who has taken it into their hearts to sidestep the Emperor's will?" A fire began to light Nikana's eyes as he ran his palm along the hilt of his wakizashi.

Hikaru eyed Nikana again, easily sensing his darkening mood. "Don't be rash Nikana. Confrontation and steel are not the answers for this – we're not facing Oni." Nikana's glare deepened and Hikaru looked away.

"I am not a fool, Hikaru. I know the balance of steel and silk."

"Good. I have more to say. Your courage and success in the Shadowlands is praiseworthy and was perhaps sufficient to restore our family name but a large political favor was also involved. Just as our grandfather's shame was public so to should have the entire matter of our name being cleansed."

"Perhaps I am not the one who needs reminding of the power of subtlety."

"Yes, Nikana, I am aware that the Empire lives and breathes by favors and the honor of upholding agreements but now there are those who will question in there hearts how deserving we are of the Emperor's gift."

"Are you finished brother?" Nikana asked calmly.

Hikaru stared out over the garden, seemingly deep in thought. "I am."

"It is still unclear to me why you've told me all of this but before you answer that I will say my peace. Takako-sama's request of Kurohito-sama was a maneuver of subtlety but it was also a bold decision for her. It was also the right one. You have always admonished me to take the calculated and careful path in my quest to restore our family name. But this stems from cowardice."

Hikaru's gaze snapped to Nikana, a look of shock on his face at the insult leveled at him.

Nikana continued, "The life of a courtier demands careful consideration and cautious action to confront the dangers that lie in their path. For the bushi action must be swift and decisive, anything else is weakness."

Hikaru's features smoothed out again into contemplation as Nikana continued.

"Takako-sama is wise and I am sure you will come to trust her as I have. She also has the heart of a warrior. She struck at the heart of the obstacle that stood in her way. The warrior who waits to make the ideal cut will never move. This is what I accomplished in the Shadowlands – I showed my heart would not fail in the face of fear and that my sword and spirit were sharp enough cut down the enemies of the Empire. Given time, those who chafe at our restored status will come to see that it is the will of Heaven."

Hikaru stood there silently, his eyes following the swirling patterns the snow made as the wind tossed it. "It seems you did understand why I brought this matter to you. I will be continue to be patient. All I ask of you is that you be wary here. Do not ever lose your calm and watch for the hidden blade. Do not take anything at face value – the first manipulation is always one of emotion and purpose."

"I thank you for your wisdom brother." Nikana nodded to Hikaru and Hikaru nodded in return.

They made their way back to the castle proper in silence, the wind and snow erasing all trace of their passage.