Nakahama

Haruhi had packed carefully for the planned edge of the jungle meet up with Kitsune Kiyoshi

She had a picnic basket full of tasty treats easy to eat while kneeling on a blanket. And she had remembered the blanket.

She had recording equipment and her holo-slate and a manual sketch pad.

She had one of her avi-drones, the robin, mostly to show it off. It wasn't a bird that typically intimidated other birds, but she still planned to stow it, when they got into the serious bird searching.

He'd found that gorgeous bird here yesterday!

In truth, this was both bird watching and Kitsune-watching. He had such a way with animals. If she could learn a bit of his way, perhaps it would be easier to find and study the birds of Nakahama.

She was dressed in an old-fashioned kimono, the fabric was as light as the shade of blue. Gauze-like. Ethereal.

The hot weather and clear skies were surely a blessing for finding birds out in the open, and not under cover!

Kiyoshi didn't appear to carry much. He had his densai and a holorecorder. He was wearing loose fitting attire, light greens and browns, suitable for the humid weather. The Detective had loped along behind them, occasionally scrambling up a tree to look around.

"Detective, don't go far. We don't want to startle anything."

The primate was still moving about, but he stayed closer and moved slower.

"You have such an insight for animals. Is there anything you recommend to increase the chances that we run across a bird?"

"I'd love to find another hachietto! Ah the shape and colors were exquisite!"

"Patience is important. You want to take your time, remain calm, and move slowly. That's especially important once you spot a bird. Try not to stare and don't move directly towards them..you want the bird to grow accustomed to your presence." He looked around as the walked. "That's true of most animals, really. But, birds can be particularly skittish."

"I packed a picnic for us. Hopefully I correctly guessed the foods that Detective likes best, also. Let's see if I can find a bird and get the recordings first. But if you get hungry and would like a break, just let me know."

She tried to move slowly, and be mostly quiet.

They had time.

Oh, fortunes, let them find a bird!

"Fruits. Mangoes are really good. He does like bread. He doesn't care much for sweets, but,he's developed a taste for gummies." Kiyoshi said. "Have you always had an interest in birds Kakita-san?"

She smiled. "I have fruit and bread, though I didn't think of mangoes or gummies. I'll remember that for next time."

"I first grew fond of birds in pictures. My father is a calligrapher and ink painter. Sumi-e. He did many paintings of birds and flowers. They were hung all over our home."

"His gifts for me growing up were ink paintings of birds, and then a songbird of my own!"

She smiled, thinking back.

"I definitely got the love from him. He was no naturalist. He painted mostly from memory and pictorial references, from the comfort of our home. He had a big book - a sort of encyclopedia of bird sketches that had been passed down in his family. Lots of different birds, beautifully painted in watercolors."

"Thst sounds beautiful." He smiled. "Thete were always animals around when I was a child. They were my friends. I barely spoke to other children. But, that was normal for me and my connection to animals and spirits was celebrated and encouraged."

Kitsune Kiyoshi wrote: Fri Nov 07, 2025 8:59 pm "Thst sounds beautiful." He smiled. "Thete were always animals around when I was a child. They were my friends. I barely spoke to other children. But, that was normal for me and my connection to animals and spirits was celebrated and encouraged."

She smiled.

"I can relate to that. Not being surrounded by animal friends, but feeling a distance from other children. I had my art to work on, practice, practice, practice."

"I'm glad you found encouragement for what is such a beautiful talent in you."

"Where did you grow up? I was on Pale Blossom."

"Inari's Cradle." He answered. "It's a farming world for the Lion. They allowed the Fox to settle there, after leaving the Mantis. It has forests which were suitable for our needs, and we could advise their farmers and help them improve their production."

Interesting.

"Oh, I imagine your skills with animals are helpful for farm animals also. Did you do that kind of work also yourself?"

"Did they hold auditions for the show on Inari's Cradle? How did you first find out about the opportunity? Were your parents glad for you to pursue it?"

"I spent most of my time with forest creatures. And, avoiding my herbology classes."

She laughed.

"Herbology not your favorite?"

"At the Kakita Academy, you can choose between the courtier track and the computer use track. I made the decision to learn programming solely to avoid having my mother as a sensei. But look how useful it has proven to be!"

"Ah, should you meet her, don't tell her that. I pray she never realizes."

"It will be our secret." He assured her. "Herbalogy wasn't that bad, but it hasn't been of much use in my current life. Had I gone into pharmaceuticals, it might have beendifferent. "

She nodded.

"Animals, rather than plants. The Academy certainly reinforced the importance of specialization. One task practiced to perfection above other all others. But there is also a practicality in it."

"In the generations above a given class, there is a vocalist, a dancer, a calligrapher. Direct competition is not always ... welcome. But there is always the chance to specialize further. One particular dance. The color of the ink, rather than the stroke of the brush. Composing lines of music including birdsong."

"Very true, especially if you study something you have a passion for. I've learned to act, sing and dance. But, the Detective and other animals remain important to me."

Hearing his name, the Detective climbed up onto Koyoshi's shoulder.

Deeper into the jungle, the sounds of birds can be heard. It is also very dark, and more sinister sounds can be heard. There is only a very basic dirt path. It is up to the samurai if they wish to proceed further...

(GMs note: Please read the location description. This is a very dangerous area! If you'd like to relocate safely to Namigashira Bay for some safe picnicking and bird watching in this same time slot, you have one-time GM permission to do so. Otherwise, let me know if you wish to proceed)

Haruhi recorded the sounds. She looked down the dirt path. There were birds that direction! She could hear them. So tempting. But it was decidedly dark. Sinister sounds.

"Hmmm... Maybe we should return with some big strong guard types. Like that Bayushi Hinata. And some of those Unicorn ladies look like they could slay a dragon single-handed."

"What do you think?"

"Do you want to try a safer spot? Maybe the edge of the jungle along Namigashira Bay?"

"It is more dangerous with just the three of us. And, this is further in than I ventured yesterday." He nodded. "Let's withdraw. We can still have our picnic and you can show me some of your work."