7 ❀ Spring Citadel

[konnosuke]

— ❀ HANAMI (DAY) The gray gives way to bright blue skies and the sun shines with anew warmth. Before you get too comfortable, a cool breeze blows you don't seem to mind because spring is undoubtedly here. You look out at the cherry trees, watching them bud and waiting for the weather to warm up until you wake up one morning and find the garden in full bloom. Considered one of the most beautiful times of the year, you only have about a week to enjoy the blossoms before they scatter to the wind. — ❀ HANAMI (NIGHT) The sun falls and night comes. The air is cool— cold, even— and you bundle up. Do you regret putting away your winter clothes and blankets? The night is quiet and the moon is high in the sky. Viewing the cherry blossoms at night is an experience within itself. Do you appreciate the beauty or reflect on the quiet? While the day is for rambunctious drinking and shenanigans, the night is for pouring a cup and sipping thoughtfully. — ❀ SEASON OF BEGINNINGS Spring is the season of beginnings, where everything starts new and the world comes to life. You are born from the fire and come into the world with your self-introduction all ready to go. When it's all said and done, you finally take a look at your surroundings and… yup. This is it. Maybe the citadel is a little run down and needs some TLC or maybe it's well established and bustling with life and activity. This is where you're meant to be now so make yourself at home. — ❀ SPRING CLEANING It's time to open up those windows and get some fresh air inside! With all of the snow gone, take out the laundry and beat the futons. That drafty storage room you put off cleaning all winter is finally bearable if you ignore the months of dust. While cleaning the storage, you might feel a tickle in your nose (or is that the spring flowers triggering… What was the word? Allergies?). You might also stumble upon some particularly old artifacts from generations past such as, An old kimono with a familiar design. Maybe it stirs up memories or a sense of melancholy. Your heart is heavy like the layers of kimono. You might even start crying suddenly. An antique mirror with a large crack The moment you touch it, the crack seems to grow and the glass shatters. From this point on, you seem to be plagued with mini misfortunes— you cut your finger, you stub your toe, you slip during sword practice, and a horse sneezes in your face. A traditional doll with messy hair and a missing shoe piece. When you decide to go somewhere that requires shoes like the garden or stables, your left shoe is always missing… An oni mask with a broken horn. At night, you are plagued with nightmares that wake you. You haven't been able to sleep well. A beautiful set of cups for tea or sake. Drinking from them makes everything taste particularly wonderful. In fact, it tastes so good, your spirits lighten and your heart feels warm. You're in a really good mood for the next few hours. Wildcard. Feel free to make up other items with side effects! The above are just some examples. — ❀ INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS History is broad and events in the past can ripple, causing greater effects felt beyond Japan. Other nations of the world have been working to protect their histories but they can only accomplish so much on their own. Eventually, to protect the world's history, the world must work together. Sages from other nations arrive or spirits from abroad might be loaned out to help specific tasks or for a limited time. We have guests at this citadel! (Or maybe you're the guest?) Time to make a good first impression!