Heavenfall

"If it's only rocks and trees, we'll be lucky, I think."

"Quite lucky indeed." He sighed softly, clearly not optimistic. "A weary journey at the best, I am certain?"

"It certainly seems that way."

Sora glanced back up at the bird on his head.

"Oi, Karasu, I'm probably going to walk away soon. Plan accordingly."

Karasu resumed his typical perch on Shinsei's shoulder, and began preening himself. The bird had straightened as much of Sora's hair as it was able, and felt proud of itself for it.

Shinsei, for his part, smiled warmly, trying not to laugh at the results of the crow's tampering, then offered a light bow. "If you need further guidance in the future, please feel free to consult me again."

"Be careful, I may take you up on that... and if you ever need a kid watched, an adult put in the dirt, or someone profoundly irritated, feel free call upon my services."

"I'll bear that in mind, though I don't have any children, that's the second offer I've received about putting people in the dirt today, and Karasu is quite proficient at irritating people as is. But I'll keep the various offers in mind. May the kami guide your steps, Jiyo Sora."

"May that bird of yours not crap on your head, Shinsei."

He offered the sage a bow, and then took his leave.

[/Exit Sora, Pursued by Crow-vibes]

Shinsei glanced at Karasu, then back at Sora as he left. "Tell me you didn't..."

"Caw..."

/ scene