The winter chill came in like a roar of a lion; fierce and merciless. For the toudan who were not used to such climates, or any really, it was a harrowing experience. To add fuel to their frigid fire (in this case, lack thereof), the citadel seemed to have ran out of wood. Though some of the sword men would like to differ and offered to take the building apart, their beloved saniwa had desperately declined.
Nearly a week into their wintry blowout, the swords were bundled up and were usually found huddled together for warmth; even those who wished to be left alone. Shouts of “I will freeze alone and I will die alone!” from a certain uchigatana were silenced by Tsurumaru Kuninaga and Shokudaikiri Mitsutada.
Giggling footsteps padded behind him as they made their way down the chilling halls of the citadel. Scarlet optics looked out into the frozen scenery before him. They were thankful for the lack of snow thus far, but Yamabushi couldn’t be sure how long they could hold such luck. A prayer would be said this afternoon to try and ward off any ill weather.
The shoji door slid open with a slight thud. Squealing children ran into the young woman’s quarters while he closed the door behind them. The saniwa looked up at him with mild confusion drawn on her pale face. Mauve tinted lips curved into an appreciative smile while her cyan nipped fingertips reached out for the tea and snacks. The tachi was glad to see that she was still in good spirits despite the strange coloring that afflicted her natural hue.
But, even if it seemed she was doing well, Yamabushi could not help but have his chest hallowed out in worry and concern for the frail little thing. Human bodies were quite delicate after all. He had seen enough to know how climate could weather their constitution. His teachings told him the inappropriateness of touching the body of a female, but...that was with misguided intent in mind, right? Surely, this altruistic deed would not be something sinful for a servant of Buddha.
He had seen the loss of his master first hand. Yamabushi did not want his current master, a small young girl who barely had any time on this Earth, to befall a fate such as death. Without any further hesitation, the tachi sat himself behind the saniwa. Hardened muscles bundled in cloth encircled Inoue Mana from behind. Yamabushi pulled the chilled form closer to him, he could feel her shivering against him. He would offer her all of his warmth, all of his body to help her fight against the chilling frost.
He had sworn loyalty to Inoue Mana, the saniwa. Yamabushi Kunihiro would protect the young woman from anything. From the smallest of insecurities to the largest of foes. A soft smile graced his features as she relaxed her form against his.
“Kakakaka! That’s good, Aruji-dono! Please allow this humble servant of Buddha to be of use to you in anyway!”